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Jacob Elordi honors teenage promise, brings mom to 2026 Oscars

Jacob Elordi honors

Los Angeles: Jacob Elordi fulfilled a promise he made as a teenager by bringing his mother, Melissa, as his date to the 2026 Academy Awards on Sunday night.

The 28-year-old Euphoria star, nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role as The Creature in Frankenstein, arrived at the Dolby Theatre in a classic Bottega Veneta suit. Melissa Elordi accompanied him in a striking black gown adorned with red and blue sequined flowers.

Elordi had shared the story behind the promise during a January appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. “I promised her when I was 15 that I would take her. So, I have to honour that,” he explained, recalling his mother’s unwavering support and his father’s cautious skepticism about whether the plan would come to fruition.

Although Sean Penn won the Best Supporting Actor award, Frankenstein secured Oscars for Best Costume Design, Best Makeup & Hairstyling, and Best Production Design.

For Elordi, however, the night was defined not by awards but by the heartfelt moment of walking the red carpet with the woman who believed in him from the very beginning.

Late Sidhu Moose Wala set to appear as AI in tour including Pakistan

Late Sidhu Moose

New Delhi: Three years after the tragic death of Sidhu Moose Wala, his team has announced an upcoming AI-powered tour, titled “Signed to God.” The announcement was made via the late singer’s official Instagram account.

According to media reports, the global tour will feature a digital representation of Moose Wala, created using artificial intelligence.

This AI version of the singer will perform in multiple countries, including the United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, India, United Kingdom, Australia, and Pakistan.

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A post shared by Sidhu Moosewala (ਮੂਸੇ ਆਲਾ) (@sidhu_moosewala)

The announcement has sparked excitement among fans in Pakistan and across the globe, who have expressed joy on social media over the opportunity to experience Moose Wala’s performances once again, albeit virtually.

Sidhu Moose Wala was tragically killed in May 2022 in Punjab, India, by individuals associated with the gang of Lawrence Bishnoi. His death is widely regarded as a landmark and highly reported event in the history of Indian music.

Timothée Chalamet teases ‘Dune: Part Three’ ahead of December release

Timothée Chalamet

Los Angeles: Timothée Chalamet is giving fans a glimpse of his next big project despite a recent Oscars setback. The three-time Oscar nominee shared an exciting update on social media this week regarding Dune: Part Three.

Chalamet posted a character poster showing an older, battle-worn Paul Atreides. The close-up image depicts his face aged 15–20 years to reflect the story’s 17-year time jump from the previous film.

Bruises and facial scars—including a prominent mark across the bridge of his nose—highlight the character’s trials, while his glowing blue eyes emphasize his deep connection to Arrakis and his role as the Fremen leader.

The poster features the tagline “THE EPIC CONCLUSION” over Chalamet’s face, with the official Dune: Part Three logo at the bottom and the release date noted in the corner. Sharing the image, Chalamet wrote, “DUN3 TRAILER TOMORROW.”

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A post shared by Timothée Chalamet (@tchalamet)

This poster is part of a series released by Warner Bros. to promote the film ahead of its theatrical release on December 18, 2026. Directed by Denis Villeneuve and adapted from Dune Messiah, the third installment follows Paul, now Emperor Muad’Dib, as he grapples with the consequences of his rise to power and the devastating impact of his “Holy War.”

Chalamet has described the film as the trilogy’s “eeriest” and most “intense” chapter, noting it will be his final performance as Paul Atreides.

Controversial anti-Muslim film ‘The Kerala Story 2’ sparks outcry again

Controversial anti-Muslim

New Delhi: The Kerala Story 2 has once again ignited controversy in India over its anti-Muslim content. Following the release of the first film, the latest installment has drawn criticism from mainstream media and Bollywood for promoting Hindutva narratives.

The trailer reportedly features scenes portraying Muslims negatively, and reports suggest that during a related event, participants took a pledge to socially and economically boycott Muslims.

The first film, The Kerala Story, had faced severe criticism and protests, with many calling it propaganda aimed at fostering communal divisions.

Social media reactions to the sequel have been similarly strong, with critics accusing the film of attempting to deepen societal divides and spread misinformation.

Fakhar Zaman breaks silence on fitness criticism

Fakhar Zaman breaks

KARACHI: Cricketer Fakhar Zaman has addressed recent comments about his fitness, responding to criticism from former cricketer Abdur Rauf Khan on social media.

In a post, Zaman acknowledged that he was not at 100% fitness for 50-over cricket but emphasized that he had cleared his fitness test on March 15 before participating in the National T20 tournament.

He also agreed with former cricketer Aaqib Javed, stating that his remarks regarding Zaman’s readiness were accurate.

Earlier, Abdul Rauf had shared a picture of Zaman in the field, questioning the selection committee’s decisions and sparking discussions about the opener’s fitness.

KSE-100 surges over 1,000 points on strong early trading

KSE-100 surges

KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange opened strongly on the third trading day of the week, as bullish momentum drove the benchmark KSE-100 Index sharply higher.

In early trading, the index jumped by 1,018 points, reclaiming the key psychological level of 151,000. At the time of reporting, the KSE-100 was trading at 151,034 points.

The surge follows the previous session’s close at 150,016 points, reflecting renewed investor confidence and active buying interest in the market.

Meanwhile, Asian markets showed mixed trends amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 posted a nearly 3 percent gain, while Malaysia’s stock market advanced over 1.5 percent.

Conversely, Thailand’s market recorded a modest 1 percent rise, and China’s Shanghai Composite Index slipped slightly. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index also experienced minor losses during trading.

Trump slams NATO as allies reject US call for support on Iran

Trump slams NATO

Washington: US President Donald Trump has reacted strongly after several allied nations declined requests for support amid escalating tensions involving Iran.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump asserted that the United States does not require assistance from its allies.

“As the president of a powerful country like the United States, I want to make it clear that we do not need anyone’s help,” he said.

However, Trump sharply criticized the NATO, calling its position a “foolish mistake” and stating that the alliance should have been present in the region during this critical time.

Responding to remarks by Emmanuel Macron, who ruled out participation in any operation to secure the Strait of Hormuz, Trump suggested that the French president may soon leave office.

Trump also named Japan, Australia, and South Korea, saying that while many nations agreed with U.S. actions toward Iran, they failed to support Washington when it mattered most.

Earlier, several countries—including the United Kingdom, France, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and China—had declined Trump’s request to assist in operations related to the Strait of Hormuz.

Pakistan offers to mediate between Iran and US amid rising tensions

Pakistan offers

Islamabad : Pakistan has offered to mediate between Iran and the United States in an effort to ease escalating regional tensions, according to Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar.

Speaking to Arab media, Tarar strongly condemned recent attacks on Iran and reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Gulf countries.

He emphasized that Pakistan is willing to play an active role in de-escalation efforts and facilitate dialogue between Tehran and Washington.

“Pakistan is ready to mediate between Iran and the United States to reduce tensions,” Tarar said, adding that the country has previously played a constructive role in resolving international disputes through diplomacy.

Addressing regional security concerns, Tarar rejected allegations by the Afghan Taliban accusing Pakistan of targeting a hospital in Afghanistan.

He described the claims as baseless, stating that the Pakistan Army has not targeted civilian populations and that its operations have been focused solely on terrorist hideouts.

He further noted that misinformation campaigns have previously been attributed to the Afghan Taliban, reiterating Pakistan’s stance against terrorism.

In an earlier interview , Tarar said the Afghan Taliban regime must decide whether it stands with terrorists or with Pakistan. He added that many terrorist networks operating in Pakistan have links to bases in Afghanistan.

Pakistan maintains that its security operations are aimed at dismantling militant infrastructure and eliminating threats posed by cross-border terrorism.

Senior Iranian official Ali Larijani reportedly killed in attack

Senior Iranian official

Tehran : Iranian media has reported that Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, was killed in an alleged attack attributed to the United States and Israel.

According to official Iranian sources, Larijani’s death has been confirmed, with reports also stating that his son, Morteza Larijani, was killed in the same incident.

State affiliated media outlets claim that the attack took place in eastern Tehran, where Larijani had reportedly been visiting his daughter at the time.

A statement shared on Larijani’s official social media account expressed the news in religious terms, saying: “A servant of God has returned to God.” The message further addressed the Iranian people, Muslims worldwide, and “free people of the world,” announcing that “one of God’s servants has been martyred.”

There has been no immediate confirmation or response from U.S. or Israeli officials regarding these claims.

Further details have emerged following reports of the death of Ali Larijani, a senior Iranian official, who was allegedly targeted in a strike claimed by Israel.

Prior to the reported attack, a handwritten message was shared on Larijani’s social media account, paying tribute to those martyred. Iranian sources later confirmed his death, describing it as a significant loss to the country’s leadership.

The Israeli military had earlier claimed responsibility for targeting Larijani at a location in Tehran, stating that Gholam Reza Soleimani, commander of Iran’s Basij internal security force, was also killed in the same strike.

Experts warn that the development could have serious implications for regional stability. Sultan Barakat, Senior Professor of Public Policy at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, said Larijani’s death is likely to make diplomatic efforts to resolve ongoing tensions more difficult and prolonged.

According to Barakat, the incident may strengthen hardline elements within Iran’s political system, pushing the prospect of a negotiated settlement further out of reach.

Biography of Ali Larijani

Ali Larijani was born in Najaf and rose to prominence after joining Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Over the decades, he became one of the most influential figures in Iran’s political, legislative, and foreign policy spheres.

At 67, Larijani was considered a key figure in post-revolution Iranian politics and a member of a powerful religious and political family. He maintained close ties with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, and was regarded as a trusted advisor on security matters.

Larijani also played a significant role during the Iran–Iraq War and held multiple high-ranking government positions. He served as Speaker of the Iranian Parliament (Majlis) for 12 years and was previously Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator.

Known for his conservative yet relatively pragmatic stance, Larijani remained an influential figure in Iran’s domestic and international policymaking until his reported death.

PM Shehbaz tasks IB to monitor government austerity drive

PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has assigned the Intelligence Bureau (IB) the task of overseeing the implementation of the government’s austerity campaign.

According to an official notification, the IB will monitor compliance with the austerity measures across federal ministries, divisions, and autonomous institutions.

The notification further stated that the bureau will also supervise the implementation of the austerity campaign in the secretariats of the National Assembly of Pakistan and the Senate of Pakistan.

Under the directive, the IB will submit weekly reports on the progress of the government’s austerity measures to the prime minister and the relevant committee.

The prime minister has instructed authorities to ensure 100 percent implementation of the national austerity campaign.

Earlier, while chairing a meeting to review relief measures for the public, Shehbaz Sharif said that economic stability and public relief remain the government’s top priorities.

He added that due to timely decisions by the government, the country currently has an adequate supply of petroleum products, while nationwide measures to promote savings and austerity have already been implemented and further steps are underway.