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 Saba Qamar faces social media backlash over bold styling in new drama

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 Saba Qamar

KARACHI: Renowned and fashion-forward Pakistani actor Saba Qamar, widely admired for her powerful portrayals of complex and serious characters, has once again found herself in the spotlight — this time for her wardrobe choices.

Over the years, Saba has earned critical acclaim for her performances in hit dramas such as Pani Jaisa Pyar, Baaghi, Besharam, Cheekh, Digest Writer, Sangat, Fraud, Sar-e-Raah and Tumhare Husn Ke Naam. Currently, she is receiving praise for her strong performances in Case No. 9 and Pamaal, while her role in the newly aired drama Muamma has also attracted significant attention.

However, Saba’s appearance in Muamma has sparked controversy on social media, with viewers reacting strongly to what many described as an unusually bold outfit worn by the actor in the show.

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Adding to the debate, images from her recent photoshoot — featuring Saba in a modern, form-fitting gown — have gone viral across digital platforms.

Social media users have shared mixed opinions, with some criticizing the styling as inconsistent with the family-oriented nature of Pakistani television, while others questioned the role of broadcasters and regulatory authorities.

Several commentators stressed that actors should maintain grace and defined boundaries in their on-screen attire, whereas others emphasized the distinction between personal fashion choices and professional screen appearances.

40 killed in explosion at luxury ski resort bar in Switzerland

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40 killed

At least 40 people have been killed after a powerful explosion ripped through a bar at a luxury ski resort in Switzerland, foreign media reported.

According to Swiss police, the blast occurred at a bar in the upscale Crans-Montana ski resort, triggering a massive fire inside the premises.

Police officials told an international news agency that several people were killed and injured in the incident, though they initially refrained from confirming exact casualty figures or the cause of the explosion.

Later, Italy’s foreign ministry, citing Swiss police, said that around 40 people were killed in the blast. The Swiss police commissioner also confirmed that nearly 100 people were injured in the ensuing fire, with many reported to be in critical condition.

Swiss authorities said some of the victims were foreign nationals, adding that the incident is not being treated as a terrorist attack.

Police said the explosion occurred at around 1:30 am between Wednesday and Thursday night, at a time when a large number of people were gathered at the bar to celebrate New Year’s Eve at the popular ski resort.

BYD sets new global EV sales record in 2025, overtakes Tesla

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BYD sets

Chinese automaker BYD has set a new global record for electric vehicle (EV) sales in 2025, selling a total of 2.26 million units worldwide, the company said in a statement.

The milestone marks the highest annual EV sales ever achieved by a single manufacturer and places BYD ahead of US rival Tesla for the first time on a yearly basis.

Tesla had reported sales of 1.22 million electric vehicles by the end of September 2025, with its full-year results expected to be released on Friday.

According to a foreign news agency, BYD disclosed the sales figures in a statement submitted to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

The report noted that while BYD and other Chinese automakers face steep tariffs in the United States, the company’s sales continue to grow strongly across Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

It is worth noting that in 2024, Tesla narrowly outperformed BYD, selling 1.79 million electric vehicles during the year, compared to BYD’s 1.76 million units.

Bloomberg confirms sharp decline in inflation, policy stability in Pakistan

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Bloomberg confirms

A leading US publication Bloomberg has confirmed a significant improvement in inflation and greater policy stability in Pakistan, citing recent economic data and policy measures.

In its latest review on Pakistan, Bloomberg reported that price stability and economic management are improving, with inflation easing to 5.6 percent in December, lower than market expectations and down from 6.1 percent in November.

The report noted that pressure on food prices has declined, with food inflation limited to 3.24 percent.

According to Bloomberg, better food availability has helped stabilize markets and provided visible relief to the public. Inflation coming in below market estimates has boosted confidence and reinforced the credibility of the government’s policy direction.

The report highlighted that the State Bank of Pakistan, taking account of improving stability, has reduced the policy rate to its lowest level in nearly three years. A 50 basis points cut in interest rates was seen as a clear signal that inflationary pressures are now manageable.

Bloomberg said lower interest rates are expected to make financing more favorable for businesses and investors, supporting economic activity.

The easing of inflation has sent a positive signal for the investment climate, reducing uncertainty in the economy.

The publication further noted that lower inflation is improving purchasing power and increasing the likelihood of relief for consumers.

December’s figures indicate that the impact of policy measures is beginning to materialize, while the continued downward trend in inflation points toward medium-term economic stability and stronger governance.

Pakistan welcomes 2026 with colorful fireworks and festivities

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Pakistan welcomes 2026

KARACHI: The Pakistan ushered in the New Year 2026 with vibrant celebrations, dazzling lights, and fireworks. The first country to welcome the New Year was New Zealand, where at midnight, Auckland’s Sky Tower illuminated the night sky with spectacular pyrotechnics.

Australia followed with a grand display over Sydney Harbour Bridge, attracting thousands of people to celebrate the start of the year.

Across Asia, countries marked the New Year in both traditional and modern styles. Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour hosted impressive fireworks, Taipei Tower in Taiwan lit up with colorful displays, and Bangkok celebrated along the Chao Phraya River.

In Japan, traditional temple bells rang as citizens gathered at Tokodai-ji and other shrines to offer prayers for the year ahead. China celebrated with cultural performances, including a traditional drum show at the Great Wall’s Juyongguan section, drawing large crowds of residents and tourists.

Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur saw a stunning fireworks display at the Petronas Twin Towers, filling the sky with colors as citizens celebrated with joy and hope.

In Pakistan, major cities including Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, Hyderabad, and Faisalabad hosted grand fireworks at midnight. Karachi’s iconic landmarks lit up the night, while special events were organized at Bahria Town Karachi and Centaurus Mall in Islamabad.

Despite some restrictions, large crowds gathered, exchanging greetings and celebrating the arrival of 2026, with sporadic reports of celebratory gunfire in certain areas.

People across Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, South Asia, and around the globe welcomed the New Year with wishes for peace, prosperity, and hope for a better year ahead.

FIFA chief lauds Arshad Nadeem’s achievements in javelin throw

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FIFA chief lauds

KARACHI: Pakistani javelin star Arshad Nadeem held a cordial meeting with International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) President Gianni Infantino in Dubai during the Global Sports Summit.

During the meeting, Infantino inquired about Nadeem’s javelin throwing achievements.

In response, Arshad Nadeem shared that his best throw was 92 meters, but he aims to break his own record.

Infantino expressed his best wishes for the athlete’s future endeavors and the two took pictures together.

Interestingly, Gianni Infantino was already aware of Nadeem’s accomplishments, which pleasantly surprised the Pakistani javelin thrower.

Earlier, Arshad Nadeem added another milestone to his illustrious career after receiving the Global Breakthrough Athlete Award at the Global Sports Summit in Dubai, marking a historic moment for Pakistan athletics on the international stage.

The prestigious award was presented by Sheikh Mansoor bin Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, son of the Ruler of Dubai, in recognition of Arshad Nadeem’s outstanding performances and his rise as one of the world’s leading javelin throwers.

Federal Information Atta Tarar congratulated Arshad Nadeem on his success.

Australian investor emerges as potential buyer for two new PSL teams

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Australian investor

LAHORE: An Australian investor, Hamza M. Chaudhry, has expressed interest in purchasing two new franchises for the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Speaking at a program organized by the Sports Journalists Association of Lahore, Chaudhry clarified that he would be bidding individually, not as part of a consortium. He emphasized that the draft system is a fair method for player selection, ensuring equal opportunities for all teams.

Chaudhry, who hails from Lahore, expressed particular interest in the Sialkot and Faisalabad franchises. “We will try to acquire a team and further promote cricket. I have returned to my homeland to contribute to Pakistan’s economy,” he said.

He added that he envisions the PSL as a world-class league and intends to play his part in achieving that goal. “We will do our best to make the team win. Even if we are not successful, our passion for sports will continue,” he noted.

Having previously been involved in sports activities in Australia and England, Chaudhry said his team would conduct talent hunts across all proposed cities. “I have been a fan of Lahore Qalandars and now we aim to discover new talent. Our expert team has been working on this for the past one and a half months, and we will manage the team professionally once acquired,” he concluded.

Pakistan’s official Oscar entry “Hunden” could not compete amid documentation glitches

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Pakistan’s official Oscar

Pakistan’s 98th Academy Awards selection saw the historic Burushaski-language film “Hunden” being officially chosen by the country’s Oscars selection committee. However, due to documentation and administrative complications, the film could not make it to the international stage.

Director Karamat Ali revealed that the selection committee informed him via email that Hunden had been designated as Pakistan’s official entry.

Following this, the team submitted all required documents through the Academy’s official online portal. Later, they received another email stating that the documents were incomplete.

The team promptly resubmitted everything, but instead of a confirmation, they were informed that the film could not be accepted as Pakistan’s official entry due to incomplete documentation.

Karamat Ali further stated that the Academy mistakenly sent an email regarding another film, Palestine 36, claiming its documents were incomplete. Pakistani Oscars selection committee chairman Mohammad Ali Naqvi (Mo Naqvi) clarified to the Academy team that Hunden was the officially selected film. Despite Mo Naqvi maintaining consistent communication and the Academy acknowledging the error, the nomination issue remained unresolved.

Under Academy rules, any film must be commercially released in its home country for at least seven consecutive days between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025, and at least 50% of the dialogue must be in a non-English language. Director Karamat Ali confirmed that all required documents for Hunden were submitted before the deadline of October 1, 2025.

Despite not making it to the Oscars, Karamat Ali expressed pride in the film’s selection, saying, “We are happy that our film was chosen to represent Pakistan, and we consider that achievement a success.”

Hunden is based on a folk tale from Hunza and is Pakistan’s first film in the Burushaski language. It emphasizes the harmony between nature and human life. This year, due to documentary and administrative challenges, no Pakistani film was officially submitted for the Oscars.

Prominent figures from arts, politics, sports and media passed away in 2025

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Prominent figures

KARACHI: The year 2025 witnessed the loss of several prominent personalities from Pakistan’s arts, politics, sports and media sectors, leaving a lasting impact on their respective fields.

In the political arena, senior leaders Irfan Siddiqui, Mian Manzoor Wattoo, Mian Muhammad Azhar and Agha Siraj Durrani passed away during the year.

Renowned economist and the country’s first female Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Dr Shamshad Akhtar, also died in 2025, marking a significant loss for the financial and academic community.

Among other notable figures, respected intellectual Dr Arifa Syeda Zahra and acclaimed poet Tajammul Kaleem also passed away this year.

The television and film industry mourned the loss of veteran actress Ayesha Khan, along with Humaira Asghar, Humaira Abid Ali, and child star Umar Shah.

Additionally, celebrated artists Anwar Ali, Javed Kodu and Lucky Dear also left the world of entertainment forever.

In the world of sports, former international cricket umpire Khizar Hayat passed away, drawing tributes from the cricketing fraternity.

These losses marked a somber chapter in 2025, as the nation bid farewell to individuals who made enduring contributions to public life, culture, and sports.

World welcomes 2026 with hopes of peace, stability and prosperity

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World welcomes 2026

The New Year 2026 has begun across several countries around the world, with people celebrating amid hopes for peace, stability and prosperity.

In New Zealand, spectacular fireworks lit up the sky over Auckland as the iconic Sky Tower became the center of New Year celebrations. A large number of citizens gathered around the tower to witness the dazzling display as the country rang in the new year.

Australia also welcomed 2026 with grand celebrations. In Sydney, a breathtaking fireworks show illuminated the Sydney Harbour, while hundreds of people gathered along the coastline to celebrate the arrival of the new year.

Across the globe, countries marked the occasion with traditional and modern festivities. In South Korea, the new year was welcomed by ringing a traditional bronze bell, symbolizing hope and renewal. In the United Arab Emirates, a spectacular fireworks display was planned at Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, one of the world’s tallest buildings.

Major global cities including New York, London and Paris are also set to host large-scale New Year celebrations, attracting millions of spectators.

In Beijing, a New Year tea party featured a traditional opera performance. Addressing the event, Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that China would move forward with more proactive macroeconomic policies in 2026.

The celebrations reflected a shared global spirit of optimism as nations step into the new year with renewed aspirations for progress and harmony.