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Actress Meera throws challenge to Gen Z performers

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Actress Meera

KARACHI: Veteran Pakistani actress Meera has challenged Generation Z actors, saying the younger generation cannot compete with senior stars of the Pakistani film industry.

Speaking during a podcast appearance, Meera openly discussed her professional career, memorable films and her upcoming movie projects.

Responding to a question about her favorite co-stars, the actress recalled fond memories of working with Babar Ali in the film Khoey Ho Tum Kahan, saying they shared many fun moments during filming.

She also mentioned the film Inteha, recalling her experience working alongside Samina Peerzada, Usman Peerzada, Zeeshan Sikandar and Humayun Saeed.

Meera said Inteha was her first film with Humayun Saeed and remains one of her memorable projects.

Addressing Gen Z performers, the actress said they should watch her film Psycho and try to make a better movie if they believe they can compete.

“Gen Z cannot compete with Meera,” she said, adding, “Compete with Meera and Shaan Shahid. I would like them to challenge us, and we would enjoy competing with them.”

Achakzai calls for equal share of resources for all provinces

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Achakzai calls

CHAMAN: Opposition Leader in the National Assembly and chief of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, said on Friday that Pakistan cannot achieve progress without ensuring equal distribution of resources and powers among all four provinces.

Addressing a public gathering at Government Model School Ground in Chaman, Achakzai said the only solution to the country’s political and administrative challenges lies in restoring the spirit of the 1973 Constitution and recognizing the elected parliament as the sole source of authority.

He stressed that Afghanistan must respect Pakistan’s sovereignty, adding that both neighboring countries are closely linked and dependent on each other.

Achakzai said war is not the solution to regional issues and emphasized that dialogue and negotiations are the only path toward peace and development in the region.

The veteran politician also called for the establishment of trade free zones in border areas and urged tax relief measures to strengthen the economic condition of tribal communities.

He further stated that all nationalities in Pakistan must be granted equal rights, warning that the country cannot move forward unless all provinces receive a fair share in resources and decision-making powers.

PTI KP President Junaid Akbar detained, expelled from GB

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PTI KP President

GILGIT: Police detained Junaid Akbar and several of his associates before expelling them from Gilgit-Baltistan over alleged violations of the election code of conduct, officials said on Friday.

According to police authorities, Junaid Akbar and his companions were taken into custody from the Henzel area of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Reacting to the development, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan condemned the action, saying detaining Junaid Akbar and preventing him from participating in the election campaign was unacceptable.

Barrister Gohar said restricting political campaigning before elections amounts to pre-poll rigging and warned that denying political space in Gilgit-Baltistan would harm democratic values.

Meanwhile, PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram termed the move “political victimization,” alleging that keeping PTI leaders away from the election campaign was an attempt to suppress political freedom and influence public opinion ahead of the polls.

He urged the Speaker of the National Assembly to intervene in the matter and claimed efforts were being made to create a one-sided political field in Gilgit-Baltistan.

However, Gilgit-Baltistan Interior Minister Sajid Ali Baig defended the action, saying Junaid Akbar and his associates violated the election code of conduct.

In an interview, the minister said the PTI leader reached Jaglot without prior permission and addressed a rally despite being instructed to obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC).

He added that Junaid Akbar also organized a rally in Gilgit without authorization and was taken into custody along with his associates while traveling toward Ghizer.

The minister maintained that the PTI leader was expelled from Gilgit-Baltistan for violating election rules and warned that action would be taken against anyone breaching the code of conduct without discrimination.

President Zardari vows support for establishment

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President Zardari

MORO: President Asif Ali Zardari said on Friday that all institutions and political forces must work together to strengthen the country and support the establishment.

Addressing party workers in Moro, Zardari said Pakistan had taught India a lesson during a week-long conflict, claiming that India “came to its senses” after its aircraft were shot down.

He also criticized the Indian government, alleging that atrocities against Muslims in India are not highlighted in the media and accusing New Delhi of lacking the ability to make rational decisions.

The president said Pakistan’s defense strategy guarantees peace and stability in the region and reiterated that collective efforts are needed to strengthen both the state and national institutions.

“We will all work together to strengthen the hands of the establishment and make the country stronger,” Zardari said during his address.

PM Shehbaz announces reduction of Rs22 in petrol, diesel prices each

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PM Shehbaz

LAHORE: The federal government on Friday decided to reduce petrol and diesel prices by Rs 22 per litre each.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said that providing relief to the public was among his top priorities. The premier had promised the nation that relief would be provided to the public as soon as there was a room to do so.

 That promise had now been fulfilled exactly as stated and served as a gift to the public on the third day of Eid-ul-Azha.

It is pertinent to mention that last week, relief was also provided to the public through reductions in petrol and diesel prices.

 Even under the most difficult circumstances, the federal government continued providing relief to the people and offered fuel subsidies for public and goods transport, as well as for motorcycle and rickshaw users.

At a time when people in other countries in the region were standing in queues to obtain petrol, timely measures taken by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ensured that petrol and diesel remained available to the public in Pakistan.

During the worst global oil crisis, despite rising international oil prices, the PM prevented increases in domestic fuel prices by providing subsidies of over Rs 130, thereby continuing to deliver relief to the public.

US, Iran agree to 60-day framework for ceasefire extension and nuclear talks

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US

WASHINGTON/TEHRAN: US and Iranian negotiators have reportedly agreed to a 60-day memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at extending a ceasefire and launching formal talks on Iran’s nuclear programme, according to US news website Axios citing sources.

The report said US President Donald Trump has not yet given final approval to the agreement.

According to Axios, the proposed MoU would mark the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since the start of the conflict. However, officials cautioned that more detailed and intensive negotiations would still be required to reach a final deal on Iran’s nuclear programme.

US officials said most terms had been agreed by Tuesday, but both sides were awaiting approval from their respective leaderships.

Officials added that the Iranian side later informed negotiators that they had received the necessary approval and were ready to sign, although Tehran has not officially confirmed this.

US negotiators briefed President Trump on the details, but he did not immediately approve the deal. A US official said the president had asked for several days to review the proposal.

Under the reported framework, the agreement would ensure uninterrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, with no tolls or harassment of commercial shipping. Iran would also be required to remove all naval mines from the strait within 30 days.

The MoU would reportedly include commitments from Iran not to pursue nuclear weapons, while both sides would engage in discussions on Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and uranium enrichment activities.

The US would also reportedly commit to discussing partial sanctions relief and the release of frozen Iranian funds during the negotiation period, along with mechanisms for the delivery of essential goods and humanitarian aid to Iran.

Pakistan marks 28 years of nuclear tests on Youm-e-Takbeer

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Pakistan Marks

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday marked the 28th anniversary of its nuclear tests, celebrated as Youm-e-Takbeer, commemorating the country’s declaration as a nuclear power on May 28, 1998 in Chaghai, Balochistan.

In his message on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to former leaders Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, as well as scientists Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan and Dr Samar Mubarakmand.

The prime minister said Pakistan’s nuclear capability serves as a strong deterrent, adding that without it, the country could have faced greater external threats. He said the nuclear umbrella and armed forces remain a key barrier against aggression.

Shehbaz Sharif also claimed that India staged a “false flag” operation in Pahalgam, which he said was countered through national unity and the efforts of the armed forces. He praised the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir for professional excellence.

He further alleged that the Afghan regime had facilitated hostile agendas, and accused adversaries of supporting proxy groups following their failure.

He reiterated that Pakistan’s armed forces remain fully prepared to defend the country with modern capabilities.

Separately, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the Chief of Army Staff, the Air Chief and the Naval Chief extended congratulations to the nation, saying Youm-e-Takbeer reflects a historic achievement that turned Pakistan into a declared nuclear power.

According to ISPR, the day restored strategic balance in South Asia and symbolizes national unity, resilience and sovereignty. It added that Pakistan’s defence capability is a “national trust” built through the sacrifices of scientists, engineers, armed forces and the public.

The military’s media wing said the achievement stands as a guarantee of regional stability and effective defence, while the nation reaffirmed its commitment to a strong and prosperous Pakistan.

Medical graduates who became film stars

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Medical graduates

KARACHI: Several actresses in the entertainment industry achieved notable academic success before stepping into the world of acting.

Some of them earned medical degrees such as MBBS, while others specialized in demanding fields like dentistry. Their dedication, discipline, and hard work allowed them to stand out in education before later making a mark in film and television.

These journeys highlight that success in showbiz is not only driven by talent but also by strong educational backgrounds and perseverance.

Many of these actresses initially aspired to become doctors, but later transitioned into the entertainment industry. Among them are Sai Pallavi, Sreeleela, Manushi Chhillar, Shreya Sharma, Meenakshi Chaudhary, and Aditi Govitrikar.

Today, these actresses enjoy massive popularity and serve as inspiration for young people, showing that combining education with passion can lead to success in any field.

Marriage Rumours of Bilal Abbas Khan and Durefishan Saleem resurface

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Marriage Rumours

KARACHI: Rumours regarding the alleged marriage of Pakistani actor Bilal Abbas Khan and actress Dur-e-Fishan Saleem have once again surfaced on social media, sparking excitement among fans.

The speculation gained momentum after the 30-year-old Bilal Abbas shared Instagram stories from Makkah.

Several Instagram pages claimed that both actors were in Makkah for Hajj and may have already tied the knot.

The rumours spread rapidly over the weekend, with fan pages and social media accounts widely sharing claims that the couple had been spotted in Saudi Arabia.

Some posts even suggested that Bilal Abbas and Durefishan Saleem had already performed Nikah, although neither actor has issued any confirmation or response regarding the claims.

This is not the first time such speculation has emerged. In 2025, similar rumours circulated about the two actors, which were previously dismissed by Durefishan Saleem, who said she prefers to respond to such claims by staying silent.

Nadia Khan sparks debate over children watching sacrifice rituals on Eid

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Nadia Khan

LAHORE: Pakistani actress and host Nadia Khan has once again become the subject of social media debate following her recent remarks regarding Eid-ul-Azha practices.

During Eid celebrations, when Muslims around the world perform animal sacrifice as part of the tradition of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.), Nadia Khan suggested that parents should avoid exposing young children to the process.

She said that watching animals being slaughtered at a young age could make children insensitive toward animals, and therefore parents should exercise caution.

Following her statement, social media users were divided into two groups, with some supporting her viewpoint and agreeing that children’s psychological well-being should be considered.

One user shared an anecdote claiming that a child, after witnessing a sacrifice, once attempted to imitate the act during play.

However, many users strongly criticized Nadia Khan’s remarks, arguing that Eid-ul-Adha is deeply rooted in the religious story of the great sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) and Prophet Ismail (A.S.), and should be understood in its religious context.