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Newsdesk

Trump takes credit for averting Indo-Pak war, claims 8 jets downed

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Trump takes

MIAMI: US President Donald Trump has asserted that eight aircraft were shot down during the Pakistan-India conflict, a claim that has reignited debate over the scale of hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

Addressing a business forum in Miami, Trump said he had read in some newspapers that seven or eight planes were downed during the war. “One newspaper reported that seven aircraft were shot down, another mentioned losses on one side — I won’t name them, most of them give fake news,” he remarked.

Trump went on to assert that, in reality, eight aircraft were downed during the conflict between the two nuclear-armed nations.

He once again took credit for mediating peace, claiming that the war between Pakistan and India was halted “with the help of tariffs.”

Zardari, Guterres stress need for peace in South Asia and justice for Palestine

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Zardari

DOHA: President Asif Ali Zardari met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres in Doha to discuss pressing global challenges, regional peace initiatives, and strategies for sustainable development.

President Zardari praised Guterres for his global leadership and for the UN’s continued support to Pakistan.

He stressed the need for a just resolution of the Kashmir dispute, emphasizing that sustainable peace in South Asia is only possible when the Kashmiri people are granted their right to self-determination.

Referring to the Doha Declaration, the President described it as a positive step toward global commitment to poverty alleviation and social development.

He also highlighted the success of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) as a model for promoting social inclusion and economic empowerment.

President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s full support for the UN’s central role in advancing global peace, justice, and prosperity, and underlined Pakistan’s active participation in UN peacekeeping missions around the world.

Secretary-General Guterres commended Pakistan’s contributions to international peace and expressed solidarity with Pakistan in its fight against terrorism. He also reiterated his support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders.

Javeria Saud says ‘perfect-looking’ couples often face hidden marital issues

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Javeria Saud

KARACHI: Renowned Pakistani actress and television host Javeria Saud has said that couples who appear to have “perfect” marriages are often the ones struggling with hidden relationship issues.

Speaking on a morning show recently, Javeria Saud discussed the topic of husbands’ infidelity and the misconceptions people have about ideal relationships.

She said that in real life — unlike in dramas — if a couple seems flawless and a husband appears to be overly caring and attentive, it can sometimes indicate that “he is involved in an extramarital relationship.”

Explaining her point, the actress added, “Such men tend to overcompensate to avoid suspicion. They buy gifts, act extra sweet, and try to make their wives feel secure.”

Sharing a lighthearted personal example, Javeria remarked, “If my husband Saud suddenly becomes too nice to me, I immediately ask him if he needs something or if there’s something going on. Later, I find out it’s usually about the kids or some small favor.”

Aurangzeb highlights Google’s interest in turning Pakistan into export hub

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Aurangzeb

KARACHI: Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced that Google intends to develop Pakistan as an export hub, a move that underscores increasing global confidence in the country’s economic potential and digital growth prospects..

Speaking at the Future Summit in Karachi, the finance minister said Pakistan’s economy is moving in the right direction, with a renewed focus on production-led and sustainable growth. “The private sector plays a crucial role in driving economic progress. Our goal is to make Pakistan an export-oriented economy, with particular focus on the IT and maritime sectors,” he added.

Aurangzeb noted that international rating agencies have acknowledged Pakistan’s improving economic indicators, highlighting macroeconomic stability and a 9 percent rise in corporate profits.

He further said that efforts to broaden the tax base have resulted in an increase of 900,000 new filers. “Digitization will bring transparency to the economy, and countries like Egypt have expressed interest in learning from Pakistan’s FBR reforms,” he remarked.

The finance minister emphasized that structural reforms are essential for sustainable economic growth. He added that Pakistan will continue to build an ecosystem to leverage global diplomatic successes, promote AI-driven development, and tap into the vast potential of the blue economy.

Aurangzeb also disclosed that the government has decided to privatize 24 state-owned enterprises, with the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) expected to be completed before the end of this year.

Ghazala Hashmi makes history as Virginia’s first Muslim Lieutenant Governor

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Ghazala Hashmi

Democrat Ghazala Hashmi has achieved a landmark victory in Virginia, becoming the state’s first-ever Muslim and South Asian American to be elected as Lieutenant Governor, marking a significant moment in the state’s political and cultural history.

According to U.S. media reports, the 61-year-old Democrat defeated her Republican opponent, John Reid, securing more than 55% of the vote compared to Reid’s 44%.

Hashmi, who announced her bid for Lieutenant Governor in 2024, had been seen as a strong contender throughout the campaign. In the Democratic primary held in June, she won decisively, defeating all five of her opponents to secure her party’s nomination.

A seasoned politician, Hashmi previously made history as the first Muslim and South Asian American elected to the Virginia State Senate.

Her political journey began in 2019, when she unseated Republican Senator Glen Sturtevant in the 10th District. She was re-elected in 2023 from the 15th District, winning over 60% of the vote against Republican candidate Hayden Fisher.

Born in Hyderabad, India, in 1964, Ghazala Hashmi moved to the United States with her mother and elder brother at the age of four, while her father was completing his PhD in International Relations. She earned her undergraduate degree from Georgia Southern University and a PhD in American Literature from Emory University in Atlanta.

Hashmi and her husband, Azhar—who hails from Pakistan—settled in Richmond in 1991, where she spent over three decades as a professor. The couple has two daughters.

As a state senator, Hashmi has been a vocal advocate for education, environmental protection, gun control, affordable housing, and healthcare reform. She also introduced the Right to Contraception Act, which passed both chambers of the legislature but was later vetoed by Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin.

Inspired by the Trump administration’s travel ban on citizens from Muslim-majority countries, Hashmi entered politics to fight for equality and representation. Her historic win marks a significant milestone for inclusivity in Virginia’s political landscape.

A lifelong educator and avid reader, Hashmi once said she had dreamed of becoming a professor since the age of twelve. Today, she stands as a trailblazer for women, immigrants, and minorities in American politics.

Hamza Ali Abbasi opens up about surviving life-threatening illness in childhood

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Hamza Ali Abbasi

KARACHI: Pakistani actor Hamza Ali Abbasi has opened up about a serious illness he faced during childhood, revealing that he suffered from a severe kidney condition known as nephritis.

Clips from a recent interview of the actor have gone viral on social media, in which Hamza confirmed that he was diagnosed with the disease as a child. “It was a very strange and painful time,” he recalled. “I was around eight or twelve years old when I went through intense suffering. In this disease, your kidneys start to fail without any clear reason.”

Sharing the emotional experience, Hamza said that his mother prayed fervently for his recovery. “My mother spread out the prayer mat and cried before Allah,” he said. “Alhamdulillah, I was blessed with complete healing.”

During the interview, Hamza also shared that he had once promised his mother that if he passed the CSS exam, he would not pursue a government job. “I passed with good marks,” he said. “I even trained and joined the police department for a while, but my passion was acting, and eventually, I convinced my mother to let me follow my dream.”

Hamza Ali Abbasi, known for his powerful performances and outspoken nature, continues to inspire fans with his honesty and resilience both on and off screen.

Zaharan Mamdani becomes first Muslim to lead New York City

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Zaharan Mamdani

NEW YORK: Signaling a major shift in the city’s political landscape, Zaharan Mamdani, a Democratic candidate of South Asian descent, has been elected as the new Mayor of New York City — the first Muslim to ever hold this office..

Mamdani defeated independent candidate and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, despite the latter receiving backing from US President Donald Trump. According to official results, Mamdani secured 49.6% of the vote, while Cuomo garnered 41.6%.

Voter turnout remained strong across the city, with more than 1.7 million New Yorkers casting their ballots in the highly anticipated mayoral race.

Known for his outspoken support of Palestinian rights, Mamdani has often criticized Israel’s policies and international silence on human rights violations. During his campaign, he stated that if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — wanted by the International Court of Justice — visited New York, “he would be arrested.”

Mamdani’s victory marks a new chapter in New York politics, symbolizing the city’s growing diversity and the rise of progressive voices within the Democratic Party.

On the other hand, the Democratic Party has achieved significant success in the latest U.S. state elections, securing key victories in Virginia and New Jersey, according to American media reports.

In Virginia, Democrats celebrated a historic win as Abigail Spanberger was elected the state’s first female governor, following the conclusion of polling on Tuesday. Exit polls confirmed Spanberger’s victory, marking a major milestone for the party.

Democratic candidate Ghazala Hashmi also made history in Virginia, becoming the state’s first Muslim and Indian-American lieutenant governor. Hashmi, who previously served two terms as a state senator, was already recognized as the first Muslim and South Asian woman elected to the Virginia Senate.

In New Jersey, Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill won the gubernatorial race, defeating Republican challenger and former state legislator Jack Ciattarelli.

Meanwhile, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Pakistani-born Mussab Ali is contesting the mayoral election. Born in Lahore, Ali moved to Jersey City with his parents in 2000. Following the 9/11 attacks, his family faced severe discrimination — his father lost his job, and his mother, a teacher, was targeted for wearing a hijab.

American media also reported that in Atlanta, Andre Dickens has been re-elected as mayor for a second term.

The results from Virginia and New Jersey are being viewed as a strong endorsement of Democratic leadership ahead of next year’s national elections, with several of the party’s rising stars breaking new ground in state politics.

Zaharan Mamdani vows to eliminate Islamophobia after historic win

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Zaharan Mamdani

NEW YORK: Zaharan Mamdani made history by becoming New York City’s first Muslim mayor, marking a milestone moment in American politics. In his victory address, Mamdani said the election was proof that “hope is still alive” and emphasized that “there is no room for Islamophobia in New York.”

Addressing his supporters after the landmark win, Mayor-elect Mamdani said, “Today’s election has shown that hope still lives on. Fear has lost, and hope has won. We have ended the era of dynastic politics in New York. This city is yours, democracy is yours, and the future is in our hands.”

Expressing gratitude to the people of New York, Mamdani said, “The people have voted for change. I want to thank the taxi drivers, nurses, and the entire working class — this city belongs to you. We have entered a new era of leadership. I am deeply grateful to the more than one thousand volunteers who participated in this campaign — this victory was possible because of you.”

The newly elected mayor pledged to fight for justice and equality, saying, “Thank you for giving me the opportunity to prove myself. We will fight for you because we are one of you. Security and justice will be provided for all — your struggle is our struggle.”

Reaffirming his stance against discrimination, Mamdani stated, “There is no place for Islamophobia in New York. I am a Muslim and a Democratic Socialist. Starting January 1, 2026, we will build a city government that works for everyone.”

In a pointed message to former U.S. President Donald Trump, Mamdani said, “Donald Trump, I know you’re watching. I have four words for you: Turn the volume up.”

He further added, “We will stand with labor unions for workers’ rights. Immigrants built and strengthened this city, and we will end the culture of corruption where billionaires like Trump evade taxes. Together, we will make New York a city that truly serves its people.”

Rain and snowfall alert issued for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

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Rain and snowfall

PESHAWAR: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a weather alert, warning of rain and snowfall in various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa starting Tuesday.

According to the PDMA, intermittent rainfall and snowfall are expected across different districts of the province until November 5. Local administrations have been directed to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures in advance.

The PDMA has also warned of landslides in regions such as Abbottabad, Dir, Swat, Chitral, and Kohistan.

Heavy rainfall is anticipated in cities including Peshawar, Mardan, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan, which may cause damage to weak structures, power lines, and signboards.

The PDMA has urged citizens to take necessary precautions, while district administrations have been instructed to improve drainage systems.

Actor Zahid Ahmed issues clarification after backlash over podcast remarks

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Actor Zahid Ahmed

KARACHI: Pakistani actor Zahid Ahmed has issued a clarification on social media following backlash over his recent controversial remarks, saying that his words were taken out of context.

The controversy began after Zahid’s comments in a podcast went viral, where he appeared to use harsh language about social media and digital creators.

In a clarification video posted on Instagram, Zahid explained that his statement was misunderstood.

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A post shared by Zahid Ahmed (@zahid.ahmed.official)

“I was talking about content makers on social media, not digital creators,” he said. “I wrongly called them people destined for hell — that was my mistake. I spoke in the heat of the moment and regret saying that because it’s not my place to judge anyone’s fate.”

Pakistani actor Zahid Ahmed has said that only Allah has the authority to judge people, adding that he wanted to correct his statement because many young people look up to him and he did not wish to send a wrong message about religion.

“I wanted to clarify my words because many youngsters are influenced by me,” Zahid said in his video message. “It is Allah’s job to decide anyone’s fate, not mine.”

His clarification drew mixed reactions on social media.

Many users praised Zahid for showing humility and courage by admitting his mistake, calling it a sign of maturity.

However, others mocked his change of stance, sarcastically commenting that “Zahid Ahmed’s software has been updated,” implying that he altered his statement in response to public backlash.