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Usman Peerzada opens up about national awards selection process

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Usman Peerzada

KARACHI: Veteran Pakistani actor Usman Peerzada has expressed disappointment over the country’s national awards system, saying he now prays not to receive a state honor.

Speaking during a recent podcast appearance, Peerzada discussed his career, the arts industry and government recognition of artists.

The senior actor said his family has established a strong legacy in Pakistan’s entertainment industry. His wife, Samina Peerzada, was recently awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, while his father and brother had also received state honors in the past.

Despite his long and successful career, Peerzada said he has never been selected for a major national award and questioned why his contributions had been overlooked.

“Now I pray that I do not receive such an award,” he said, adding that questions are often raised about personal connections and influence behind the selection process.

His remarks sparked mixed reactions on social media, with many users praising his contributions to Pakistan’s entertainment industry and calling him deserving of national recognition.

Salman Khan’s Instagram account briefly disappears, fans panic online

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Salman Khan’

MUMBAI: Bollywood superstar Salman Khan briefly disappeared from Instagram, triggering panic and speculation among millions of fans on social media.

Users attempting to access the actor’s profile were shown a blank page with the label “Instagram User” instead of his account name, prompting rumors that the account may have been hacked, deleted or temporarily suspended.

Within minutes, screenshots and posts about the issue began circulating widely on X, formerly known as Twitter, as fans questioned the sudden disappearance of the account.

However, approximately 30 minutes later, Salman Khan’s Instagram profile was restored without any official explanation from the actor or his team.

The incident attracted significant attention because Khan has more than 72 million followers on Instagram and remains highly active on social media.

After the account was restored, the actor shared multiple posts expressing frustration over the constant presence of paparazzi.

Bollywood Industry Body bans Ranveer Singh amid ‘Don 3’ dispute

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Bollywood Industry Body

MUMBAI: A dispute surrounding the upcoming Bollywood film Don 3 has escalated into a major industry controversy after the Federation of Western India Cine Employees imposed a non-cooperation directive against actor Ranveer Singh.

During a press conference, the federation said no production house should work with Singh until he resolves an alleged financial dispute involving filmmaker Farhan Akhtar and his company Excel Entertainment.

According to the federation, the dispute centers on claims that Singh withdrew from “Don 3” at the last moment despite reportedly signing a three-film agreement, causing estimated losses of 450 million Indian rupees ($5.4 million) in pre-production expenses.

Producers have demanded that Singh accept responsibility for the costs, while mediation efforts by the federation reportedly failed.

Singh has maintained that the matter should be resolved through an “appropriate legal forum.”

Federation officials said the film industry functions like a family and sudden exits from major projects can disrupt the entire production ecosystem. Chief adviser Ashoke Pandit warned that strict action would continue in similar cases.

Following the announcement, Singh’s representatives released a statement saying the actor respects the film industry and everyone associated with the “Don” franchise.

According to the statement, Singh deliberately remained silent throughout the controversy because he believes professional matters should be handled with dignity and mutual respect.

The federation, however, said multiple notices had been sent to the actor without sufficient cooperation, leading to the issuance of the non-cooperation directive.

The Don franchise previously featured Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role, while Singh had been announced as the new lead for “Don 3” in 2023 before the dispute intensified.

Mitchell Marsh misses Pakistan ODI series due to injury

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Mitchell Marsh

SYDNEY: Australia captain Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the upcoming one-day international series against Pakistan due to an ankle injury, Cricket Australia confirmed on Tuesday.

Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis will take over the captaincy duties for the visiting side during the series.

The three-match ODI series between Pakistan national cricket team and Australia is scheduled to begin on May 30 in Rawalpindi, with the remaining matches set for June 2 and June 4 in Lahore.

According to Cricket Australia, Marsh missed the final match for Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League due to the injury.

Officials said Marsh will remain in Perth for treatment and further medical assessment, with his availability for the upcoming white-ball tour of Bangladesh to be decided later.

Cricket Australia said Inglis will lead the side in Marsh’s absence as the team prepares for the tour of Pakistan.

Trump summons key Cabinet meeting at Camp David amid rising US-Iran tensions

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Trump summons

WASHINGTON:US President Donald Trump has called an important Cabinet meeting at Camp David amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, sparking renewed political debate in Washington.

According to U.S. media reports, the meeting is expected to focus on the ongoing conflict with Iran, the American economy and the government’s crackdown on fraud and corruption-related activities.

However, reports also suggested that severe weather conditions could potentially affect or delay the gathering.

Sources said all Cabinet members are expected to attend, including outgoing Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who has recently played a key role in discussions surrounding U.S. policy toward Iran.

During a recent hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Gabbard was asked whether she had warned the president about the possible consequences of U.S. actions against Iran, including concerns over a potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

She responded cautiously, saying intelligence agencies are not responsible for declaring whether a threat is immediate.

Tensions have intensified following recent U.S. operations involving Iran, while the administration is facing mounting pressure from Congress and other political circles.

Several senators are seeking clarification on the intelligence assessments that formed the basis for decisions related to strikes against Iran.

Political analysts say the Camp David meeting is likely to go beyond military and security concerns and may also address oil prices, inflation, domestic political pressures and public concerns ahead of upcoming midterm elections.

Ferrari launches first fully electric vehicle ‘Luce’

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Ferrari launches

ROME: Luxury sports car maker Ferrari has unveiled its first fully electric vehicle, the “Luce,” marking a major shift for the brand as global automakers reassess their electric vehicle strategies amid weakening demand.

The company said the new model, whose name means “light” in Italian, comes at a time when several rivals are re-evaluating their EV plans due to slowing market demand.

The four-door “Luce” is being described as Ferrari’s first five-seater in its history. Its design reportedly involves collaboration with Jony Ive and his creative firm LoveFrom.

Unlike Ferrari’s traditional sports car styling, the Luce features a more spacious, glass-heavy design. Its interior combines leather, glass and anodized aluminum, while retaining physical buttons alongside digital controls instead of a fully touchscreen-based system.

Performance-wise, the vehicle includes four electric motors—one for each wheel—producing more than 1,000 horsepower combined. The company says it can exceed speeds of 310 km/h and travel over 500 kilometers on a single charge.

Despite being fully electric, Ferrari has incorporated systems to simulate engine-like vibrations and driving feedback inside the cabin to preserve its traditional driving feel.

The luxury EV offers 600 liters of boot space and advanced technology features. It is priced at approximately 550,000 euros ($640,000).

Ferrari Chief Executive Officer Benedetto Vigna said the project represents five years of development work, with deliveries expected to begin in the final quarter of 2026.

Pakistani celebrities perform Hajj 2026, share spiritual journey with fans

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Pakistani celebrities

LAHORE: A large number of Pakistani showbiz personalities have been blessed with the opportunity to perform Hajj in 2026, joining millions of Muslims from around the world in the annual pilgrimage to Makkah.

As in previous years, several actors, television hosts, journalists and social media influencers from Pakistan are currently in the holy land, sharing glimpses of their spiritual journey with fans on social media.

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory once in a lifetime for every financially and physically able Muslim. Pilgrims from across the globe gather in Makkah to express devotion and humility before God.

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A post shared by Fakhr Alam (@falamb3)

Among the prominent personalities performing Hajj this year is television, Former cricketers Wasim Akram and Misbah-ul-Haq were also seen performing the pilgrimage, sharing reflective moments with their companions.

Television host Waseem Badami, who shared moments from his pilgrimage on social media that were widely appreciated by fans.

Senior journalist and anchor Farah Iqrar also posted spiritual pictures from the holy sites, receiving prayers and good wishes from followers.

Social media couple Zulqarnain Sikandar and Kanwal Aftab are also among those performing Hajj this year, sharing images and videos from Makkah.

Comedian and host Tabish Hashmi also posted pictures from the holy journey, while actress Tooba Anwar shared her spiritual experiences during Hajj.

Singer Humayun Alamgir also shared photographs from the sacred sites.

Actress Dur-e-Fishan Saleem and actor Bilal Abbas Khan also trended on social media after their Hajj pictures went viral.

Religious scholar Qasim Ali Shah is also among those performing Hajj this year.

Each year, Pakistani public figures share their spiritual experiences from Hajj, with fans widely engaging in prayers and well-wishes on social media platforms.

Actress Mominah Iqbal secretly gets married

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Actress Mominah Iqbal

LAHORE: Close associate of an actress, Hamza Habib, has confirmed that he married Mominah Iqbal two days ago, saying the couple is now legally husband and wife and no longer engaged.

Speaking to the media outside the Lahore High Court during a hearing, Habib said, “Alhamdulillah, our nikah has taken place. Mominah Iqbal is now my legal wife,” adding that he would take all possible steps to protect her dignity and safety.

Separately, the Lahore High Court granted protective bail to Habib until June 1 and directed him to approach the relevant trial court. Police in Jhang have registered a case against him over allegations of issuing threats to a man identified as Saqib Chadhar.

Outside the court, Habib described the case as politically motivated and baseless, alleging he was being pressured. He further claimed that Chadhar had contacted him and offered financial incentives in exchange for separating from Mominah Iqbal.

Habib also expressed strong emotions about his marriage, referring to his wife in affectionate terms, a statement that quickly circulated on social media and prompted mixed reactions and congratulatory messages from fans.

Marco Rubio says Iran deal could take days as US launches fresh strikes

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Marco Rubio

US Sectary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that a possible agreement with Iran could take several more days to finalize, as negotiations continue in Qatar amid rising regional tensions.

Speaking to reporters in the Indian city of Jaipur, Rubio said discussions with Iranian officials were ongoing and both sides were continuing talks over the language and key points of an initial framework document.

Rubio said President Donald Trump wants an agreement but stressed that any deal must serve U.S. interests.

He also emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open because of its critical role in global trade and energy shipments.

Meanwhile, the United States Central Command claimed American forces carried out new strikes in southern Iran targeting missile-launch sites and boats allegedly involved in laying naval mines.

According to U.S. officials, the operations were conducted in defense of American troops and targeted locations reportedly linked to attempts to place mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian state media reported explosions near Bandar Abbas, though Iranian authorities have neither confirmed nor denied the U.S. claims.

At the same time, a new round of negotiations between Iranian negotiators and other officials is underway in Doha.

Reports said discussions are focusing on the Strait of Hormuz, an extension of the ceasefire, Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles and the release of frozen Iranian funds.

Injustice and ungratefulness lead to loss of blessings, says Hajj sermon

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Injustice and

MAKKAH, Saudi Arabia: The Imam of Masjid-e-Nabawi, Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Hudhaifi, delivered the annual Hajj sermon at Masjid Namirah, calling on Muslims to worship none but Allah, uphold piety, and fear only Allah.

Addressing millions of pilgrims gathered in the Plain of Arafat, the imam stressed the importance of patience during hardship, saying that Allah has promised great reward for those who remain steadfast.

He said adherence to monotheism (Tawheed) is an essential part of faith and reaffirmed that Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) is the final messenger of Allah.

The sermon emphasized gratitude to Allah, urging believers to make use of His blessings and warning that past nations lost divine favors due to injustice and ingratitude.

The imam also urged Muslims to speak truthfully, avoid falsehood, establish regular prayers, and remain engaged in worship and remembrance of God.

He said the relationship between a believer and Allah is the source of salvation and called on pilgrims to remain united and avoid any form of conflict that could harm the unity of the Muslim community.

Pilgrims were instructed to perform Hajj rituals in the best possible manner, with prayers for forgiveness and acceptance of their deeds.

He further reminded worshippers that Allah alone answers prayers and forgives sins, praying for guidance and mercy for the Muslim world.

Millions of pilgrims listened to the sermon in Arafat, where special prayers were also offered for the Muslim Ummah. After the sermon, Dhuhr and Asr prayers were performed together at Masjid Namirah.