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Newsdesk

Pakistani sufi singer Sanam Marvi reveals concert fee

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Pakistani sufi Singer

Renowned Pakistani folk and Sufi singer Sanam Marvi recently disclosed that she charges up to Rs 2.5 million for a single concert.

She made the revelation during an appearance on a private TV program, where she also spoke about her career journey and personal life struggles.

Sanam Marvi shared that she began working at a very young age to support her siblings, as her family faced financial hardships. She recounted that her family moved to Hyderabad when she was four years old.

Reflecting on her early career, she revealed that her first payment was Rs 27,000—a significant sum at the time. With that money, she purchased essential household items such as a fridge, TV, and bed for her mother, marking an important milestone for her family.

Sanam Marvi further explained that she now performs at concerts and wedding events, earning fees that could even afford her a new Alto car per performance.

Her disclosure highlights both her journey from humble beginnings and her current success as one of Pakistan’s leading folk singers.

Lahore emerges as the world’s most polluted city

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Lahore emerges

LAHORE: The Air quality in Lahore remains critically poor, placing the city at the top of global pollution rankings.

According to environmental monitoring websites, Lahore recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 484, surpassing New Delhi, which recorded an AQI of 289.

Within Lahore, Wahga emerged as the most polluted area, registering an alarming AQI of 814. Other areas also recorded hazardous levels, including DHA at 768, Civil Secretariat at 695, and FC College at 686.

Additional areas affected include Allama Iqbal Town with an AQI of 678, Ravi Road at 667, and DHA Phase 8 at 615, highlighting the widespread air pollution across the city.

Other major cities in Punjab, including Gujranwala, Sialkot, Faisalabad, and Multan, have also been listed among the most polluted urban centers in the country, reflecting a growing environmental and public health concern.

Authorities and environmental experts urge residents to limit outdoor activities, wear protective masks, and take necessary precautions to mitigate the health risks associated with hazardous air pollution.

Multiple deaths reported as bus carrying Indian Umrah pilgrims collides with Oil Tanker

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Multiple deaths

Madina: A tragic accident occurred on Monday morning when a bus carrying Indian Umrah pilgrims collided with an oil tanker while traveling from Mecca to Madina, resulting in multiple fatalities, according to Arab media reports.

The bus, carrying 42 passengers from Hyderabad in the Indian state of Telangana, included women and children.

Following the collision, both vehicles caught fire, raising serious concerns about casualties. Saudi authorities are reportedly conducting rescue and emergency operations at the site.

Indian politician Asaduddin Owaisi, speaking to the media, stated that preliminary information suggests 41 passengers may have lost their lives in the accident. However, Saudi officials have not yet released an official statement regarding the death toll.

Authorities continue rescue operations, and further details regarding the incident and casualties are awaited.

Pakistan Shaheens dominate India as Maaz shines with bat and ball

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Pakistan Shaheens

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Shaheens continued their dominant form in the Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025, registering a commanding eight-wicket victory over India A in their second Group B fixture at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha.

All-rounder Maaz Sadaqat led the way for Shaheens with a brilliant unbeaten 79 off 31 balls and impressive bowling figures of 2-12 in three overs, earning his successive Player of the Match award. The left-handed opener’s innings featured seven fours and four sixes, while he also contributed with his left-arm spin, taking two crucial wickets including a wicket-maiden over.

Maaz put on a blazing 55-run opening partnership with Mohammad Naeem (14, 10b, 1×4, 1×6), giving Pakistan a rapid start in the Powerplay. His aggressive approach included a 20-run seventh over, featuring two sixes off Naman Dhir, as Shaheens inched closer to their target of 137 with the required run rate dropping below five.

The young Peshawar-born batter’s dominance ensured Pakistan reached 137-2 in just 13.2 overs, losing only Yasir Khan among the top order. Mohammad Faiq (16 not out, 14b, 1×4, 1×6) remained unbeaten alongside Maaz, finishing the match with a six and helping Pakistan Shaheens remain unbeaten in the tournament so far, with their last group fixture against UAE scheduled for Tuesday.

Earlier, India A were restricted to 136 all out in 19 overs, thanks to disciplined bowling from Shahid Aziz (3-24), Maaz Sadaqat (2-12), and Saad Masood (2-31). Despite a strong start, India A collapsed from 91-2 to 136 all out, with key wickets falling to Sufyan, Shahid Aziz, Maaz, and Saad Masood. Top scorers Vaibhav Suryavanshi (45, 28b, 5×4s, 3×6s) and Naman Dhir (35, 20b, 6×4s, 1×6) could not convert their starts, as Pakistan’s bowlers kept the pressure consistent.

Following the win, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi called the victory a “proud moment for the nation” and lauded the Shaheens’ fearless and dominant performance. He also congratulated the team on their clean sweep against Sri Lanka in the recent ODI series, praising the players, coaches, and management for their dedication and commitment.

Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori and Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah also extended their congratulations to the team, recognizing their stellar performances and contribution to Pakistan cricket.

Scores in brief:

India A: 136 all out, 19 overs (Vaibhav Suryavanshi 45, Naman Dhir 35; Shahid Aziz 3-24, Maaz Sadaqat 2-12, Saad Masood 2-31)

Pakistan Shaheens: 137-2, 13.2 overs (Maaz Sadaqat 79 not out)

This victory keeps Pakistan Shaheens unbeaten and firmly in contention for the Rising Star Asia Cup 2025 semi-finals.

Punjab extends Section 144 for 7 more days across province

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Punjab extends

Lahore: The Punjab government has extended the implementation of Section 144 across the province for an additional seven days.

The Punjab Home Department issued a notification announcing that the restrictions will remain in place until Saturday, November 22.

Under the notification, all public gatherings—including protests, rallies, processions, sit-ins, and meetings—are prohibited. Section 144 also restricts the assembly of four or more people at public places.

A spokesperson clarified that the display of any type of weapons, use of loudspeakers, and dissemination of provocative, hateful, or sectarian material is completely banned. Loudspeakers may only be used for the call to prayer (Azaan) and Friday sermons.

According to the Home Department, this decision was taken for the establishment of law and order, protection of human lives and property.

The spokesman said that the ban will not apply to wedding ceremonies, funerals and burials, while officers and officials on official duties and courts are exempted from the ban.

According to the spokesman, in view of the security threats, processions and sit-ins can be a soft target for terrorists, miscreants can take advantage of the public protest to carry out anti-state activities.

“I Won’t Be the Father My Dad Was”: Usman Mukhtar shares bitter memories

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Usman Mukhtar

KARACHI: Renowned Pakistani actor Usman Mukhtar has opened up about his childhood and the challenges he faced with his father, saying he is determined not to repeat the same mistakes with his own daughter.

In a recent interview, Usman reflected on his bitter childhood memories, explaining, “I will not be the kind of father my father was. His behavior towards me was very strict. Maybe he thought it was right, but for me, it wasn’t.”

He shared that his father’s approach had a deep impact on him, which now motivates him to be a better parent. “The way he treated me, I don’t want to treat my daughter the same way. That experience has made me want to be a better father for her,” he said.

Usman added that the experiences of childhood significantly shape a person’s life. “If my father hadn’t been the way he was, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I think differently for my daughter; I care for her deeply,” he explained.

Showing his hands-on approach, the actor shared a humorous anecdote, calling himself a “worried father.” He revealed that even before his daughter’s birth, he visited the doctor’s clinic to learn about the vaccinations and medical care she would need, emphasizing his dedication to her wellbeing.

Saudi Arabia imposes ban on severely ill pilgrims for Hajj 2026

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Saudi Arabia

ISLAMABAD: Saudi authorities have announced a strict ban on severely ill individuals from performing Hajj 2026, introducing new medical compliance measures for incoming pilgrims.

Under the updated policy, severely ill pilgrims will be deported, and the cost of their return will be borne by the pilgrims themselves.

According to sources in Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, action will also be taken against doctors who issue fitness certificates to unfit pilgrims.

The Ministry further clarified that, in line with guidelines issued by the Saudi Ministry of Health, individuals with kidney diseases, including patients undergoing dialysis, will not be allowed to perform Hajj in 2026.

The Saudi Ministry of Health has also restricted Hajj for patients suffering from advanced-stage heart, lung, and liver diseases, particularly those unable to endure physical exertion.

Mohammad Rizwan reaches major milestone with 100 ODI appearances

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Mohammad Rizwan

KARACHI: Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan achieved a significant career milestone on Sunday as he completed 100 One-Day International (ODI) matches.

Before the start of the third and final ODI against Sri Lanka, a special ceremony was held on the field to honour Rizwan’s achievement. Head coach Mike Hesson praised the cricketer’s contributions, saying Rizwan has “always brought energy to the ground” and highlighted his strong passion for representing Pakistan.

On the occasion, pacer Naseem Shah presented Rizwan with a commemorative cap marking his 100th ODI appearance, while teammates congratulated him on reaching the landmark.

Rizwan has scored 2,921 runs in his 100 ODI matches so far.

Portugal qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026 after crushing Armenia

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Portugal qualify

Portugal secured their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a commanding 9–1 victory over Armenia, despite the absence of star forward Cristiano Ronaldo. The emphatic win also ensured Portugal finished at the top of their qualifying Group F.

Bruno Fernandes and João Neves were the standout performers, each scoring a hat-trick to lead Portugal to direct qualification for the World Cup.

The triumph came just days after Portugal suffered a 0–2 defeat to Ireland on Thursday, a match in which captain Cristiano Ronaldo was shown a red card and subsequently suspended, ruling him out of the Armenia clash.

Reacting to the team’s qualification, Ronaldo celebrated the achievement on social media, writing: “We are in the World Cup! Vamos Portugal!”

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, featuring an expanded lineup of 48 teams.

With this qualification, Portugal have booked their place in the World Cup for the ninth time overall and the seventh consecutive edition.

Sunny Deol recalls struggles of father Dharmendra in Bollywood’s early days

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Sunny Deol

MUMBAI: Bollywood actor Sunny Deol has shared a touching revelation about his legendary father, Dharmendra, revealing that in the early days of his career, his father often had no money even for basic necessities like buying clothes.

In a recent interview, Sunny spoke about Dharmendra’s struggles in the film industry alongside renowned actor-director Manoj Kumar.

He recalled that both started their careers around the same time, with a strong bond between the two. “As a child, we always saw them together,” Sunny said.

Sunny further explained that Dharmendra once shared how, in the early years, he and Manoj Kumar would sometimes be without money. “My father would have nothing in his pocket. Manoj Ji would occasionally have some money and would say, ‘Come on Dharm, let’s buy two shirts,'” Sunny shared.

He added, “There was a beautiful bond between them back then, and I feel that was a beautiful time that can never come back.”

Manoj Kumar, a beloved figure in the Indian film industry, passed away this year at the age of 87.

Dharmendra’s Death Rumors

Recently, several major Indian media outlets, reported false news about Dharmendra’s death, which was later refuted by his family. The misleading reports sparked outrage, particularly from the Deol family.

Sunny Deol was visibly upset when he confronted reporters outside his home, using strong language and questioning the media’s lack of empathy. “Do you have parents, children in your house? If you do, why are you posting such videos? Don’t you have any shame?” he asked, expressing his anger at the sensationalized reporting.