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Momina Iqbal’s mehndi celebrations go viral on social media

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Momina Iqbal

KARACHI: Pakistani actress Momina Iqbal has captured widespread attention on social media as pictures and videos from her wedding festivities, particularly her mehndi ceremony, continue to go viral among fans.

The actress shared glimpses of her mehndi celebrations on social media, where she appeared in a traditional and elegant bridal look.

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For the occasion, Momina Iqbal wore a golden katan silk lehenga adorned with delicate tone-on-tone embroidery, which was widely praised by fans.

Her husband, Hamza Habib, was seen wearing a black sherwani with golden embellishments. The couple also posed together in matching traditional shawls featuring colorful embroidery, adding to the visual charm of the event.

Momina Iqbal also shared a heartfelt message for her husband on social media, writing “My Hamza” in a brief but affectionate post, which quickly attracted congratulatory messages from fans and fellow celebrities.

For the mehndi event, she chose a rust-colored lehenga choli enhanced with gold zardozi and tila work, paired with a purple dupatta that further elevated her bridal look. Traditional jewelry, henna-adorned hands, and gold bangles completed her appearance, giving her a classic Pakistani bridal aesthetic.

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Despite recent controversy in the lead-up to her wedding, the actress has now begun her wedding celebrations in a joyful atmosphere. Fans have been actively congratulating the newlywed couple, while social media users continue to praise Momina Iqbal’s bridal style, with her photos and videos receiving thousands of likes and shares.

Nadia Khan calls online sacrifice experience a “Stylish Qurbani”

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Nadia Khan

KARACHI: Actress and television host Nadia Khan has described her experience of performing online Qurbani this year as a “stylish sacrifice,” saying she received neatly packed portions of meat instead of traditional arrangements.

Speaking on a private television morning show, Nadia Khan said that due to restrictions in her residential society, where animal slaughter is not permitted, she opted for an online sacrifice service.

“I received packages, but they weren’t pink-themed packages they were meat packages,” she said humorously, adding that she previously lived in a society where designated tents were set up for Qurbani.

She explained that the service provider informed her in advance that hides and certain portions such as head and offal would not be delivered, but approximately 15 kilograms of neatly packaged meat would be sent directly to her home.

Nadia Khan said the arrangement made the entire process convenient, noting that she only had to receive the packages rather than manage the traditional sacrifice process.

“This year my Qurbani was truly stylish because I just had to receive the parcels,” she added, describing the experience as smooth and well-organized.

ICC approves pink ball trial in Test cricket to combat bad light

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ICC approves

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council has approved a trial allowing the use of pink balls in Test matches to help reduce interruptions caused by poor light, the sport’s governing body announced on Monday.

Under the new initiative, teams will be permitted to use a pink ball in Test matches, subject to prior agreement between both sides, when bad light is anticipated. The move aims to maximize playing time, as the traditional red ball used in Tests can become difficult to see in fading daylight.

Pink balls are already used in day-night Test matches played under floodlights, while white balls commonly used in limited-overs cricket have not proven durable enough for the longer format.

The decision was approved during an ICC Board meeting in Ahmedabad, India. ICC Chairman Jay Shah said the discussions reflected the organization’s commitment to improving governance, administration and the global growth of cricket.

The ICC also approved further research into lighting technology for match officials and venues in an effort to reduce the amount of playing time lost due to poor visibility.

In another significant change, the board allowed head coaches or designated team staff members to enter the field during drinks breaks in One-Day Internationals (ODIs). Previously, only substitute players were permitted to deliver messages to players during those intervals.

The governing body also amended playing conditions for Twenty20 Internationals, reducing the innings break from 20 minutes to 15 minutes in an effort to streamline match schedules.

Additionally, on-field umpires will now have access to Hawk-Eye technology data to help identify and assess potentially illegal bowling actions during matches, strengthening the ICC’s efforts to tackle suspect bowling actions and maintain the integrity of the game.

Iran suspends indirect contacts with US amid escalating Israel-Hezbollah tensions

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Iran suspends

TEHRAN: Iran has reportedly suspended indirect diplomatic communications with the United States as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East, according to a report carried by a news agency affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The report said Iran’s negotiating team has halted the exchange of messages with Washington through mediators, signaling a further deterioration in diplomatic engagement between the two countries.

According to the report, the decision was taken in response to intensified Israeli military operations in Lebanon and Gaza, which Tehran has strongly condemned.

Sources cited in the report said Iran has made it clear that no talks or indirect communications with the United States will resume unless Israeli military actions in Lebanon and Gaza are halted.

Iranian officials also argued that attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon are exacerbating already heightened regional tensions and pose a threat to stability in the Middle East.

The report further claimed that Tehran views the recent military actions as a violation of an alleged ceasefire understanding reached with the United States on April 8.

There was no immediate official response from either the United States or Israel regarding the reported suspension of indirect contacts or Iran’s claims.

The development comes amid growing uncertainty over regional security and ongoing efforts by international mediators to prevent a wider escalation of conflict across the Middle East.

Oil prices surge as Iran warns Beirut strikes violate ceasefire understanding

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Oil prices surge

TEHRAN: Global oil markets faced renewed uncertainty after crude prices climbed sharply amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and warnings from Iran that Israeli military actions in Lebanon could undermine a broader ceasefire arrangement.

During trading, Brent crude rose above $97 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) surpassed $94 per barrel, reflecting growing concerns over regional stability and potential disruptions to energy supplies.

The increase came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly ordered airstrikes on alleged Hezbollah positions in Lebanon’s capital, Beirut.

Iran condemned the strikes, describing them as a violation of the ceasefire framework that Tehran says applies across multiple regional fronts.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that a breach on any front would be considered a violation of the entire ceasefire arrangement.

“Any violation on one front will be regarded as a violation of the ceasefire on all fronts,” Araghchi said, adding that the United States and Israel would bear responsibility for the consequences of any such breach.

He further asserted that Lebanon was included in the ceasefire understanding involving Iran and the United States, and that military strikes on Beirut should therefore be viewed as a violation of the agreement.

The remarks underscore growing disagreements over the scope and interpretation of the reported ceasefire arrangement, as concerns mount over the possibility of a wider regional conflict.

Pakistan’s auto sector enters new era of investment and innovation

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Pakistan’s auto sector

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s automobile sector is witnessing a new phase of investment, innovation and industrial expansion driven by policy facilitation and structural reforms, according to industry and official statements.

Since the establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council, targeted measures have been introduced to promote investment in the auto industry, streamline policy support, and encourage industrial development across the sector.

Officials said that the Electric Vehicle (EV) policy introduced with the facilitation of SIFC has emerged as a key milestone, driving innovation and modernization in Pakistan’s automotive landscape over the past three years.

The improved business environment has helped restore investor confidence, positioning Pakistan as an increasingly attractive market for global automobile manufacturers and technology providers.

Several international automotive brands, including BYD, GAC, Changan, Denza, Omoda and Jaecoo, are expanding their presence in Pakistan and introducing new-generation vehicles and electric mobility technologies in the local market.

Industry observers also point to strategic partnerships, such as between Lucky Motor Corporation and Guangzhou Automobile Group, as evidence of growing international confidence in Pakistan’s auto sector.

With an estimated production capacity of around 500,000 units annually, Pakistan’s auto industry is seen as capable of meeting both domestic demand and supporting export potential.

Under ongoing reforms supported by SIFC, efforts are also underway to integrate Pakistan into the global automotive value chain through new auto policies and a refurbishment export model.

Officials said the sector is gradually transitioning from traditional manufacturing to advanced, environmentally friendly mobility solutions, with increasing focus on electric vehicles, local production and technological advancement.c

Pakistan sets Rs. 4,264b development budget for next fiscal year

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Pakistan sets

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s total development budget for the upcoming fiscal year has been estimated at Rs. 4,264 billion, according to official budget documents, outlining allocations for federal and provincial development programmes across the country.

The documents show that the federal government’s development programme stands at Rs. 1,126 billion, while the combined size of provincial development initiatives has been projected at Rs. 3,138 billion.

Among the provinces, Punjab is expected to spend Rs. 1,450 billion on its development programme. Of this amount, Rs. 1,306 billion will be generated from domestic resources, while Rs144 billion is proposed under foreign assistance.

Sindh’s Annual Development Programme has been set at Rs. 816 billion, including Rs. 520 billion from local resources and Rs. 296 billion in foreign assistance.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s development programme is proposed at Rs. 564 billion, with Rs. 377 billion allocated from provincial resources and Rs187 billion expected through foreign assistance.

For Balochistan, the Annual Development Programme is projected at Rs. 308 billion, including Rs. 275 billion from local resources and Rs33 billion in foreign assistance.

Overall, the combined provincial development spending from domestic resources has reached Rs2,478 billion, while foreign assistance for provincial projects is estimated at Rs660 billion, according to the documents.

Faisal Qureshi makes surprising remarks about Saba Qamar

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Faisal Qureshi

KARACHI: Senior actor Faisal Qureshi has made an interesting revelation about fellow actress Saba Qamar, praising her talent while highlighting her extreme dedication to her roles.

Speaking during a private television program, Faisal Qureshi discussed various actors in the industry and specifically commended Saba Qamar for her exceptional acting skills.

He said that Saba Qamar is one of the finest performers in the industry but added that she becomes so deeply immersed in her characters during shooting that it sometimes makes co-actors uneasy.

According to Faisal Qureshi, her intense approach to acting is so powerful that it creates a highly realistic atmosphere on set. He further remarked that due to this level of emotional involvement in her roles, Saba Qamar has reportedly experienced minor heart-related health issues in the past.

The actor added that he often advised her to remain calm during shoots and noted that she is highly professional, frequently arriving on set ahead of schedule.

Saba Qamar is widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s most versatile actresses, known for her powerful performances across television and film.

Hania Aamir named to Forbes 30 under 30 Asia 2026 list

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Hania Aamir

KARACHI: Actress Hania Aamir has achieved another major milestone after being included in the prestigious Forbes 30 under 30 Asia 2026 list in the Entertainment and Sports category.

Published annually by Forbes, the list recognizes outstanding individuals under the age of 30 from across Asia who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. This year, Pakistani filmmaker Saman Kamran was also named among the honorees.

Over the past decade, Hania Aamir has emerged as one of Pakistan’s leading television stars. Recently, she became the most-followed Pakistani woman on Instagram, surpassing 20 million followers, further highlighting her growing popularity at home and abroad.

Among her recent successes is the blockbuster drama series Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum. She is also set to appear in Pakistan’s first Netflix original series, Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo. In addition to her acting career, Hania serves as a National Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women in Pakistan.

Meanwhile, filmmaker Saman Kamran earned recognition for her work focusing on social and environmental issues. Her short film The Bed She Made was the only Pakistani film selected for the Boson International Short Film Festival, where it highlighted the challenges of climate change and reproductive health in Pakistan. She has also worked as an assistant director on the film Umro Ayyar: A New Beginning.

Last year, no Pakistani representative appeared in Forbes’ entertainment category. However, Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem secured a place on the list due to his exceptional achievements in sports.

Several other Pakistanis have previously been featured in the Forbes 30 Under 30 rankings, including filmmaker Bushra Sultan, entrepreneur Zain Ahmad, artist Misha Japanwala, and singer Momina Mustehsan.

Hania Aamir’s inclusion in the globally recognized list is being widely celebrated by fans and industry figures, marking another significant achievement in her rapidly growing career.

Actress Mamiya Shah Jaffar reveals battle with serious illness

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Actress Mamiya

KARACHI: Emerging actress Mamiya Shah Jaffar has opened up about a difficult period in her life, revealing that she battled a serious illness that required prolonged medical treatment and affected her professional commitments.

Speaking during a special Eid transmission on a private television channel, Mamiya discussed the challenges she faced while working on her upcoming film Love The Sun. She said the project took nearly three years to complete due to her involvement in other ventures as well as ongoing health issues.

The actress disclosed that she became seriously ill during that period and had to undergo regular treatment. According to Mamiya, she was prescribed medications similar to those used in cancer treatment, making the experience physically and emotionally demanding.

She further revealed that it took around eight months for her to make a full recovery. During that time, following doctors’ advice and continuing treatment became a central part of her daily life.

Mamiya said she is now fully healthy and has resumed her professional activities. She emphasized the importance of timely medical care, noting that the condition she faced required prompt and proper treatment.

The actress also encouraged people not to ignore health concerns and to seek medical attention as soon as symptoms arise.

Following her revelation, fans and members of the entertainment industry praised her courage and resilience, while many expressed happiness over her recovery and return to work.