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Pakistan’s ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’ set for landmark release in China

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Pakistan

Pakistan and China have taken a significant step in strengthening cultural ties, as the blockbuster film The Legend of Maula Jatt is set to be released in China on May 21.

The announcement was made by director Bilal Lashari, who shared the news alongside a Chinese-dubbed trailer of the film, marking a major milestone for Pakistani cinema.

This is the first time a major Pakistani film has secured a prominent place in China’s limited foreign film market, reflecting growing interest in cross-border cultural exchange between the two countries.

Released in 2022, The Legend of Maula Jatt is widely regarded as Pakistan’s most expensive and highest-grossing film to date. The movie achieved significant international success, earning millions of dollars worldwide and gaining recognition beyond South Asia.

The upcoming Chinese release is being seen as an important development for Pakistan’s film industry, potentially opening doors for wider distribution of Pakistani cinema in global markets.

Tabu speaks out on ageism and challenges faced by women in Bollywood

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Tabu speaks out

Indian actress Tabu has openly discussed the difficulties women face in the Indian film industry, highlighting how age often becomes a greater focus than talent in Bollywood.

The 54-year-old acclaimed actress, known for her powerful performances, shared in a recent interview that actresses are frequently judged more on their age than their abilities.

She noted that people tend to be overly concerned about an actress’s age, often reminding them of it unnecessarily, as if they are not already aware of it themselves.

“Age does not increase overnight; it is a daily experience,” Tabu remarked, emphasizing the constant scrutiny women face regarding aging in the industry.

She further pointed out that women in the industry are often advised to be diplomatic in conversations and professional dealings.

However, she personally prefers honesty, stating that if she does not like a script or project, she directly expresses her opinion instead of making excuses.

Tabu also revealed that she is often encouraged to decline projects by citing scheduling conflicts rather than giving honest feedback, but she chooses transparency instead.

Her recent film Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has already been released, and she is now preparing for her upcoming project, Naga Chaitanya Akkineni’s 100th film King 100, which explores the struggles of women in Bollywood and the industry’s rigid standards.

Man lifted 40 feet into air by tin roof during deadly UP storm

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Man lifted 40

LUCKNOW, India: A dramatic video showing a man being lifted into the air while clinging to a tin roof during a deadly storm in northern India has gone viral on social media.

According to Indian media reports, the incident occurred in the village of Bamiyana in Bareilly district during a powerful storm that swept across Uttar Pradesh.

The man, identified as Nanne Miyan, was trying to secure the metal roof when strong winds tore the structure from its base. He was reportedly holding onto a rope attached to the roof in an attempt to stay safe, but the gusts were so intense that the entire structure was lifted into the air.

Witnesses said the scene resembled something out of a movie. In the widely shared video, the man can be seen rising several feet above the ground before crashing down with the roof.

Nanne Miyan told local media that he was carried approximately 30 to 40 feet into the air before falling. He suffered multiple fractures and was taken to a hospital, where he remains under treatment.

A powerful storm accompanied by heavy rain and lightning has killed at least 90 people in India’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, with authorities warning that the death toll could increase further.

According to media reports, dozens of others were injured as severe weather swept across several districts, causing widespread destruction.

Indian officials said strong winds uprooted trees, toppled electricity poles and billboards, and led to the collapse of several houses.

The worst-affected areas include Fatehpur, Bareilly, Prayagraj, and Bhadohi, where rescue and relief operations are underway.

The India Meteorological Department has issued further alerts for adverse weather conditions, including strong winds and hailstorms. Authorities have advised residents to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary.

How Marco Rubio reached Beijing despite ban

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How Marco Rubio

BEIJING: In a diplomatic twist that has drawn widespread attention, China reportedly used a technical change in the Chinese rendering of Marco Rubio’s name to allow him to accompany US President Donald Trump on a high-level visit to Beijing despite existing Chinese sanctions against him.

Trump arrived in the Chinese capital with a senior delegation and received a warm welcome from Chinese officials.

Rubio, a longtime critic of China, has faced sanctions from Beijing over statements and actions he took as a U.S. senator, particularly concerning China’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims and human rights issues.

According to diplomatic sources, rather than formally lifting the sanctions, Chinese authorities adopted a different Chinese transliteration of Rubio’s name. The move allowed him to enter the country while leaving the original sanctions technically in place.

The workaround meant Rubio was effectively able to travel under an alternate Chinese rendering of his name, preserving both China’s sanctions policy and the protocol required for a major diplomatic visit.

Two diplomats told media  that because the earlier Chinese spelling of Rubio’s name appeared on the sanctions list, using a different transliteration created sufficient diplomatic flexibility.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy said the sanctions were tied to Rubio’s actions as a senator and did not apply in the same way to his current role as secretary of state.

Multiple Chinese transliterations for foreign names are not unusual. Trump himself is commonly referred to by more than one Chinese rendering in official and popular usage.

The episode highlights the creative diplomatic measures governments sometimes employ to balance political positions with practical statecraft.

Iran accuses UAE of direct involvement in anti-Iran activities: FM Araghchi

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Iran accuses

TEHRAN: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused the United Arab Emirates of being directly involved in anti-Iran activities, urging Abu Dhabi to review its regional policy.

Addressing a BRICS forum, the Iranian foreign minister said Iran deliberately avoided naming the UAE for the sake of unity, but claimed that when attacks against Iran began, the UAE did not even issue a condemnation.

He further said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had visited the UAE during the Iran conflict and met with the Emirati president, according to a statement issued by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office.

Araghchi called for an end to what he described as “US bullying,” saying it should be consigned to the “dustbin of history.” He stressed that resistance against US pressure was not a new war but a long-standing reality faced by several nations in different forms.

He added that the time had come for countries to move forward collectively, saying that such coercive practices deserved to be discarded by history. He noted that nations are now closer than ever and cannot ignore what he described as a shared and dangerous challenge.

Araghchi also stated that declining powers may go to any extent to delay their downfall.

Meanwhile, the UAE has denied reports regarding a visit by the Israeli prime minister during the Iran conflict, rejecting claims of such a meeting with the Emirati president.

Pinky alleges regular payments made to police for protection

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Pinky alleges

KARACHI: A woman arrested on charges of drug trafficking, identified as Anmol alias Pinky, has made serious allegations during interrogation, claiming that a police officer repeatedly detained her brother but released him after allegedly taking bribes.

According to initial investigative reports, the suspect has reportedly revealed that she was involved in the sale of narcotics worth over Rs 20 million per month in Karachi.

The interrogation further revealed that two mobile SIMs used by the accused were registered under the names of “Afzal” and “Sabira Bibi.”

Anmol alias Pinky also claimed that she allegedly paid monthly bribes amounting to hundreds of thousands of rupees to police personnel at multiple police stations, and that one officer took a total bribe of around Rs 10 million after detaining her riders.

She further stated during questioning that cocaine was being sold at rates between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000 per gram, with detailed information about the drug supply chain now emerging during the investigation.

The accused also alleged that pressure from a police official became so intense that there were even discussions about planning his killing, including the possible use of hired assassins.

She added that intercity bus services were used to transport narcotics from Lahore, and after her identity card was blocked, a bank account was allegedly opened in the name of an individual identified as Samir.

According to initial findings, transactions related to drug money were reportedly conducted through mobile applications and multiple bank accounts, including one allegedly opened under the name of Zeeshan.

Anmol alias Pinky further stated that her former husband’s brothers work as lawyers and that narcotics were allegedly stored in their chambers to avoid police detection.

Authorities are continuing further investigation into the case.

Bangladesh’s Nahid Rana wins ICC player of the month award

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Bangladesh’s Nahid

DUBAI: Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana, who impressed with a standout performance against Pakistan in the first Test match, has been named the ICC Player of the Month for April.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the monthly award, recognizing Rana’s exceptional bowling displays in recent international fixtures.

According to details, the young pacer delivered a brilliant performance in the ODI series against New Zealand in April, taking eight wickets in three matches and playing a key role in his team’s success.

Rana had earlier also showcased his talent during the ODI series against Pakistan in March, where he once again claimed eight wickets, establishing himself as a rising force in international cricket.

This marks the first time Nahid Rana has won the ICC Player of the Month award. He has also become only the second male cricketer from Bangladesh to achieve this honor after Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

It is worth noting that Rana produced a match-winning spell in the second innings of the first Test against Pakistan, turning what appeared to be a drawn contest into a memorable victory for Bangladesh.

Pakistan’s nuclear programme a permanent defence asset, says PM

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Pakistan’s nuclear

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan’s nuclear programme will remain a permanent defence asset of the country, paying rich tribute to all heroes who contributed to making Pakistan a nuclear power.

Addressing a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad, the prime minister stated that Pakistan’s nuclear capability is an enduring pillar of national defence.

 He noted that the nation observed the anniversary of “Maarka-e-Haq” on May 10 with great dignity and unity, adding that divine blessings had granted Pakistan victory, honour, and dignity as a result of national cohesion and solidarity.

The prime minister emphasized that the entire nation stood united during the historic moment, while the armed forces delivered a strong response to the enemy that would be remembered for generations. He said that as May 28 approaches, history will continue to honour this significant day, reaffirming that Pakistan’s nuclear programme will always remain a cornerstone of national security.

He reiterated that Pakistan’s nuclear policy is based on defence and deterrence rather than aggression, which is why the world recognizes Pakistan as a responsible nuclear power.

Paying tribute to scientists, political leadership, institutions, and governments involved in the programme, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Zulfikar Ali Bhutto laid its foundation, while his leader Nawaz Sharif brought it to completion. He also saluted all national heroes associated with this achievement.

The prime minister said that after achieving nuclear capability, Pakistan must now move towards becoming an economic power, adding that the government is working day and night as a team and results are gradually becoming visible.

He described the journey as long and challenging, noting that nations that persevere through difficulties ultimately succeed.

He further stated that ongoing regional conflicts have affected economies across the region, though Pakistan’s situation has remained comparatively stable.

He added that unlike other countries, Pakistan did not face severe shortages, and collective efforts helped manage the situation effectively.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to Railway employee Liaquat, who sacrificed his life while stopping a terrorist, calling him a national hero.

He said that the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces, security personnel, law enforcement agencies, and civilians in the fight against terrorism are unmatched in history.

A prayer (Fateha) was also offered for the martyrs during the federal cabinet meeting.

Fateh-4 ground-launched cruise missile successfully tested, says ISPR

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Fateh-4

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has successfully conducted a test of the locally developed Fateh-4 ground-launched cruise missile, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The ISPR stated that the Fateh-4 missile is equipped with a highly advanced navigational aid system and represents a significant advancement in indigenous defence technology.

According to the military’s media wing, the Fateh-4 has the capability to engage targets with high precision over long distances, enhancing Pakistan’s strategic strike capability.

Senior officers of the Army Rocket Force Command observed the missile test, the ISPR added.

The statement further said that the President of Pakistan, the Prime Minister, the Chief of Defence Forces, and the chiefs of the Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy praised the successful launch of the Fateh-4 missile.

Major among five soldiers martyred as 7 terrorists killed in Balochistan IBO

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Major among

RAWALPINDI: Seven terrorists were killed while five Pakistan Army personnel, including a major, embraced martyrdom during an intelligence-based operation in the Nosham area of Barkhan district of Balochistan province.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR),  security forces conducted a successful operation against militants when they came under fire from terrorists linked to the group referred to as “Fitna al-Hindustan.”

In swift retaliatory action, security forces eliminated seven terrorists. A large quantity of Indian-origin weapons and explosives was also recovered from their possession, according to the military’s statement.

During the intense exchange of fire, five Pakistan Army personnel, including Major Tauseef Ahmed Bhatti, embraced martyrdom.

The martyred soldiers also included Naik Fida Hussain and three other personnel Sepoy Zakir Hussain, Sepoy Sohail Ahmed, and Sepoy Muhammad Ayaz.

The ISPR said Major Tauseef Ahmed Bhatti, aged 31 and hailing from Pakpattan district, led from the front during the operation.

A clearance and search operation is currently underway in the area, while security forces have vowed to continue operations until the complete elimination of terrorism.

The statement reaffirmed that under the national counterterrorism framework “Azm-e-Istehkam,” operations against terrorism will be further intensified.

It added that the sacrifices of security forces are a matter of national pride, and the martyrs will always be remembered for defending the homeland.