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Newsdesk

Rumours swirl over Hania Aamir’s voice in Asim Azhar’s latest song

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Rumours swirl

KARACHI: Speculation is growing on social media that actress Hania Aamir may have lent her voice to a line in singer Asim Azhar’s newly released track “Aarzoo,” which is currently trending online.

Asim Azhar recently released his new song “Aarzoo,” featuring collaborations with Khan, Madhur Xo and Noor. The track has quickly gained traction on social media platforms, drawing widespread attention from fans.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZIeiKXucwQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=e0395424-394a-4d17-89c2-544b54ae4a6e

Following a video shared by Azhar on Instagram, users began speculating that the popular line “phir se bolo” in the song might feature Hania Aamir’s voice.

The claims have sparked debate across social media, with users sharing reactions and tagging the actress in posts, although no official confirmation has been made regarding her involvement.

The rumours continue to circulate online as fans analyse the track and engage in discussions about the possible collaboration.

Fazila Qazi opens up about marriage terms with Qaiser Nizamani

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Fazila Qazi

KARACHI: Veteran actress Fazila Qazi has revealed that she set specific conditions before marrying her husband Qaiser Nizamani, speaking about her personal life in a recent interview.

During the conversation, Fazila Qazi discussed her career in showbiz and her family life, sharing details about the arrangements she made prior to marriage.

She said she had told her husband that she would not work extensively after marriage, and if she did work, she would spend her earnings on herself. She added that household expenses and the financial responsibilities of raising children would be handled by her husband.

The actress further shared that she later took on cooking responsibilities at home, saying she enjoys preparing meals for her family. She noted that her mother’s cooking skills influenced her own, adding that her children and husband now prefer home-cooked meals.

Fazila Qazi said she finds happiness in seeing her family enjoy meals together, describing it as a form of love and care within the household.

Mahira Khan talks about life after leading lady roles

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Mahira Khan

KARACHI: Pakistani superstar Mahira Khan says she is fully enjoying her current phase of life and is not worried about a time when she may no longer be offered leading heroine roles.

Speaking at a cultural and literary event in Dubai during a special session titled “From Story to Character,” Mahira Khan discussed her career, public admiration and evolving roles in the entertainment industry.

The actress said she deeply values both success and the love she receives from fans, adding that her connection with audiences remains important to her.

Khan noted that while she appreciates public support, she is also aware that fame and success are not permanent, which is why she continues to focus on her work.

She said she is confident and content with her current stage of life, adding that she is not concerned about the eventual transition away from traditional heroine roles. Instead, she believes that phase is approaching and she is comfortable with it.

The actor also urged directors and producers to cast her in diverse and unconventional roles rather than limiting her to traditional heroine characters, so she can showcase new dimensions of her acting talent.

KMC plans new entertainment tax on hotels, marriage halls and hospitality sector

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KMC plans

KARACHI: The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) is preparing to introduce a new “entertainment tax” targeting hotels, guest houses, lodges, marriage halls, marquees, marriage lawns, Airbnbs and banquet facilities, officials said.

Under the proposed plan, a 1% tax will be levied on bills generated by these establishments. The initiative is expected to be included in the KMC’s upcoming budget for the next fiscal year.

According to officials, the proposal is aimed at strengthening the financial position of the city’s tourism and municipal services sector and improving service delivery.

KMC Municipal Commissioner Abrar Jafar has invited public feedback on the proposed tax, with a hearing on objections scheduled for June 10 at the KMC office.

He said the new tax item titled “Entertainment Tax – City Tourism and Hospitality” along with its bylaws is being incorporated under the existing tax framework.

The commissioner noted that under the Sindh Local Government Act 2013, KMC is empowered to impose taxes, fees and tolls.

Meanwhile, sources said opposition members in the City Council  including Jamaat-e-Islami, PTI and others  have begun consultations on the proposal and are expected to present their stance soon.

However, officials suggest that even if the opposition rejects the plan, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), holding a majority in the council, may push the legislation through, paving the way for its implementation in the next fiscal year.

ChatGPT sets global record as it crosses 1 billion users

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ChatGPT sets

WASHINGTON: Artificial intelligence-powered chatbot ChatGPT has set a global record for rapid user growth, reaching 1 billion users worldwide within just three years of its launch, according to reports.

Since its introduction in November 2022, ChatGPT has been used by hundreds of millions of users globally, driving a surge in demand for artificial intelligence-based tools and prompting major technology companies to accelerate development in the AI sector.

The milestone makes ChatGPT one of the fastest-growing digital platforms in history, surpassing major social media applications in the speed of user adoption.

By comparison, TikTok took 5.1 years to reach 1 billion users, Instagram required 7.7 years, YouTube reached the milestone in 8.1 years, and Facebook took 8.7 years.

According to a Reuters report, ChatGPT reached the 1 billion-user mark in May 2026.

Data from Sensor Tower indicates that rival AI chatbot Claude is also gaining traction, with around 56 million monthly active users. However, ChatGPT continues to dominate the AI chatbot market, with strong year-on-year growth.

Experts say the rapid rise of ChatGPT highlights how AI assistants are becoming deeply integrated into daily life, increasingly used for writing, planning, coding, research and other productivity tasks.

The development underscores the growing role of artificial intelligence tools in reshaping global technology trends and digital communication.

Govt announces fixed tax scheme for small shopkeepers

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Govt announces

ISLAMABAD: The government has announced a fixed tax scheme for small shopkeepers aimed at simplifying the tax system and improving compliance, officials said on Friday.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, speaking at a press conference, said the initiative has been introduced in consultation with small traders and on their demand, adding that taxpayers seek greater ease in tax procedures.

Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani said the scheme will apply to shopkeepers with annual sales of Rs 20 crore or less.

He said participating traders will submit sales details through a one-page form. A minimum payment of Rs 25,000 in cash will be required, while an additional 1% tax will be applied based on turnover. The scheme includes a fixed 1% tax component, and any previously deducted withholding tax will be adjustable.

Kayani said the initiative has been developed in consultation with trader associations and will be open to all shopkeepers willing to participate by submitting the prescribed form.

He added that businesses enrolled in the scheme will be issued a plate by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), displaying the shop’s name, owner details and other information.

The scheme will be available to both filers and non-filers, he said.

According to Kayani, eligibility requires that participants’ tax payment should not be less than the previous year’s level. Shopkeepers joining the scheme will also be exempt from the point-of-sale (POS) system requirement.

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.