BREAKING NEWS
US-Iran talks second round reportedly expected in Pakistan, claims US media • Shaheen Bhatt announces engagement to Ishaan Mehra • Iran signals naval readiness as tensions rise with US over maritime restrictions • Field Marshal Asim Munir concludes 3-day official visit to Iran • HIV cases surge in Islamabad, raising public health concerns • Pakistan stocks rally as KSE-100 posts strong weekly gains amid improved sentiment • Iran restores tight control over Strait of Hormuz, blames US blockade • PSL 11 points table heats up after 26 matches as playoff race intensifies • Moeen Ali explains why he chose PSL over IPL • US President Trump hints at ‘surprise’ on Iran deal • Shah Rukh Khan reacts to academy clip, says he feels like king • Few issues remain in US-Iran talks, Says Ishaq Dar at Antalya Forum • US–Iran talks continue on 3-page plan to end conflict • Pakistani film “Psycho” set for worldwide release on Eid-ul-Adha 2026 • Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Love & War’ set for January 2027 release
Advertise with us >

Newsdesk

Jaideep Ahlawat joins ‘Drishyam 3’ as shooting resumes

by
Jaideep Ahlawat

The much-anticipated third installment of the popular thriller franchise Drishyam has received a major boost with the entry of a new actor, adding fresh excitement for fans eagerly awaiting the film’s release.

Following the success of Drishyam and Drishyam 2, viewers have been anxiously looking forward to Drishyam 3. The film’s gripping mystery, layered storytelling, and edge-of-the-seat suspense have made it one of Bollywood’s most loved family thrillers.

After a brief pause, the shooting schedule of Drishyam 3 is set to resume and will now move from Mumbai to Goa. The cast will begin filming in Goa from January 8 and continue until the end of February.

The entire lead cast will be part of this schedule, including Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, and Rajat Kapoor. With this phase of shooting, the story is expected to take a thrilling new turn, especially with the inclusion of acclaimed actor Jaideep Ahlawat.

Known for his intense performances and strong screen presence, Jaideep Ahlawat’s addition is expected to bring an unexpected and powerful new dimension to the Drishyam universe. All cast members are once again set to elevate the family thriller with their compelling performances.

At the heart of Drishyam 3 remains the central question: Will Vijay Salgaonkar once again outsmart the law and the system, or will the secrets of his past finally catch up with him, leading to unimaginable consequences?

Fans are expected to get their answers on Drishyam Day, which is likely to fall on October 2, 2026.

Controversy as Shafqat Amanat Ali stars in romantic video

by
Controversy as Shafqat Amanat

ISLAMABAD: Renowned Pakistani classical, ghazal, and playback singer Shafqat Amanat Ali, whose soulful voice is admired in both Pakistan and India, is set to release a cover version of Malika-e-Tarannum Noor Jehan’s iconic ghazal Pehli Si Mohabbat.

Shafqat Amanat Ali rose to widespread fame with popular songs including Mathwa, Khamaj, Akhiyan, Jiya Na Jaye, and Teri Jhuki Nazar. Most recently, he earned praise for his performance at Bridal Couture Week, where he captivated audiences with his song Aankhon Ke Saagar.

The upcoming romantic track features Shafqat Amanat Ali alongside celebrated Pakistani film star Resham in lead roles. The song is scheduled to be released on December 31, with its teaser already shared on social media by Resham.

However, the singer has come under public scrutiny for portraying a romantic lead in the music video. Several fans have argued that the role should have been assigned to a professional actor, while others have labeled the video as inappropriate or disappointing. Some social media users also made sarcastic comments referencing the singer’s age.

Despite the criticism surrounding his on-screen appearance, the song itself continues to draw attention, with many listeners expressing anticipation for Shafqat Amanat Ali’s musical interpretation of the timeless ghazal.

Pakistan and UAE leaders discuss strategic, regional collaboration

by
Pakistan and UAE

Rahim Yar Khan: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, at Sheikh Zayed Palace, Rahim Yar Khan.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, SAPM Tariq Fatemi and other senior officials.

During their warm and cordial meeting, the two leaders carried forward discussions from their recent meeting in Islamabad on 26 December, 2025, when His Highness paid his first official visit to Pakistan as President of UAE.

The Prime Minister reiterated his firm resolve to elevate the longstanding, brotherly ties between Pakistan and the UAE into a strategic, mutually beneficial, economic partnership.

He stressed upon the need for both sides to actively pursue enhancement in bilateral trade through a quantum jump which will bring it to the desired level.

The two leaders also discussed ways to enhance cooperation in a wide range of areas including IT, energy, mining & minerals, as well as defence cooperation.

While expressing his great admiration for the UAE’s remarkable progress under His Highness’ dynamic and visionary leadership, the Prime Minister thanked the UAE President for his patronage and commitment to foster stronger ties between the two countries.

He also appreciated the UAE for hosting 2.1 million Pakistanis, who were playing an important role in strengthening ties between both countries.

 In addition to bilateral cooperation, the two leaders also exchanged views on a variety of subjects.

The meeting capped off a year of extensive leadership-level engagements between Pakistan and the UAE.

Pakistan, ADB sign $304.5m agreements for climate resilience projects

by
Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed agreements for two projects worth $304.5 million, aimed at strengthening climate resilience and addressing the impacts of climate change.

According to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the agreements include the $180.5 million Sindh Coastal Resilience Sector Project and the $124 million Punjab Climate-Resilient Agricultural Mechanization Project.

The agreements were signed by Secretary of Economic Affairs Muhammad Humair Kareem, ADB Country Director Emma Fan, along with representatives of the Sindh and Punjab governments.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Muhammad Humair Kareem said that ADB will provide $140 million in loans and $0.5 million in technical grants for the Sindh Coastal Resilience Project.

He added that the project will directly benefit the districts of Thatta, Sujawal, and Badin, helping protect coastal communities from climate-related risks.

He further stated that the Punjab Climate-Resilient Project will enhance agricultural productivity and environmental resilience across 30 districts of Punjab.

For this project, ADB will provide $120 million in loans and $4 million in grants, while the Punjab government will contribute $5 million. The initiative will improve small farmers’ access to climate-smart agricultural machinery.

ADB Country Director Emma Fan said that the Sindh Coastal Resilience Project will play a key role in safeguarding coastal populations from climate change-induced hazards.

She added that the Punjab Agricultural Mechanization Project represents an important step toward modernizing agriculture and reducing emissions.

The signing of these agreements reflects Pakistan’s continued collaboration with ADB to promote sustainable development and climate resilience across the country.

Iran warns of strict response to any US attack after Trump’s threats

by
Iran warns

Tehran: Iran has warned that it will respond forcefully to any potential attack following renewed threats by US President Donald Trump.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that Tehran’s response to any act of aggression would be “very severe.” In a statement posted on X, he stressed that Iran would react strongly to any illegitimate aggression.

Iran’s parliament also reaffirmed the country’s right to self-defense. Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf said Iran does not need permission from anyone to defend itself, warning that the Iranian nation’s response to any adventurism would be unpredictable.

The strong statements come after Donald Trump, during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said he would support renewed attacks on Iran if it resumes its nuclear program.

Speaking to reporters in Florida after the meeting, Trump claimed that Iran was attempting to rebuild its nuclear facilities and said that immediate strikes should be carried out if Tehran continued nuclear construction.

Trump further stated that if Iran rebuilds its nuclear program, “we will have to take it down,” escalating rhetoric amid already heightened regional tensions.

PSX hits record high as KSE-100 crosses 174,000 points

by
PSX hits record high

KARACHI:  The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) reached a historic milestone as the benchmark KSE-100 Index climbed to an all-time high during intraday trading.

During the session, the KSE-100 Index crossed the 174,000-point level for the first time in history, reflecting strong investor confidence.

The market opened on a positive note at the start of the business week, with the index gaining momentum throughout the session and at one point rising more than 1,411 points above 174,000.

By the close of trading, the KSE-100 Index settled at 173,896 points, registering a net gain of 1,495 points.

Trading activity remained robust, with around 850 million shares changing hands, valued at approximately Rs42 billion. Market capitalization increased by Rs125 billion to reach Rs19,590 billion.

According to economic analysts, positive developments related to key institutions, including the Fauji Foundation, and other favorable economic indicators contributed to the strong bullish trend in the stock market.

Actor Zarar Khan announces marriage, shares Nikkah photos

by
Actor Zarar Khan

KARACHI: Rising Pakistani actor Zarar Khan has shared joyful news with fans, announcing the beginning of a new chapter in his personal life as he tied the knot.

Photos posted by the actor on social media quickly went viral, drawing widespread attention and an outpouring of congratulatory messages from fans and fellow showbiz personalities.

Images shared on Instagram revealed that Zarar Khan solemnized his nikkah with businesswoman Momal Khan on December 28, 2025. Accompanying the pictures, the actor added a lighthearted caption that read: “Who said you can’t win a girl’s heart by cooking?”—a line that amused his followers.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zarrar Khan (@zarrarkhaann)

The nikkah ceremony was held in a simple and private setting. Zarar Khan was seen wearing a white shalwar kameez with a matching waistcoat, while the bride, Momal Khan, opted for an elegant pistachio-colored outfit featuring delicate golden embroidery, sequins, zari, and intricate detailing.

Zarar Khan belongs to a Pashtun family and began his career in modeling and digital content creation. He gained popularity through cooking videos on Instagram before transitioning into acting. Prior to entering the entertainment industry full-time, he also worked a regular job, which he later left to pursue his passion.

His wife, Momal Khan, is a successful entrepreneur. She is the founder of a consultancy and immigration firm and also serves as the co-founder of a clothing brand.

The wedding announcement and photos continue to trend on social media, with fans and celebrities alike extending warm wishes and prayers to the newly married couple.

Cristiano Ronaldo wins Middle East’s best player award again

by
Cristiano Ronaldo

Dubai: Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo has won the Middle East’s Best Player award for the third consecutive year, reaffirming his dominance in the region’s football scene.

Ronaldo clinched the honor at the 2025 Globe Soccer Awards, held in Dubai on December 27. The 40-year-old forward used the occasion to reiterate his strong determination to reach the historic milestone of 1,000 career goals.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ronaldo said he wants to continue playing at the highest level, win more trophies, and achieve the 1,000-goal mark. “You know my goal. I want to keep playing, win more trophies, and reach 1,000 goals. I will get there, God willing, if I stay injury-free,” he said.

Following his recent two-goal performance for Al-Nassr against Al-Akhdoud, Ronaldo’s career tally has now reached 956 goals, leaving him just 44 goals away from the unprecedented 1,000-goal landmark—an achievement no footballer has officially accomplished to date.

Ronaldo’s latest accolade further cements his legacy as one of the greatest players in football history and highlights his continued impact even in the later stages of his illustrious career.

Pakistan voices concern over atrocities against minorities in India

by
Pakistan voices concern

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed serious concern over what it described as ongoing atrocities against minorities in India, condemning recent incidents of violence and discrimination.

In a statement issued by the Foreign Office spokesperson, Pakistan strongly condemned acts of vandalism and violence against Christian individuals during Christmas celebrations. The statement also denounced violence against Muslims, calling it a grave violation of fundamental human rights.

The Foreign Office urged the international community to take notice of what it termed serious violations of minority rights in India and called for concrete action to ensure the protection of basic rights of vulnerable and marginalized communities.

The spokesperson further stated that a state-backed campaign against Muslims is continuing in India, expressing concern over the demolition of Muslim homes.

Reference was also made to attempts to shield perpetrators in the Mohammad Akhlaq lynching case, noting that such incidents have deepened fear and insecurity among Muslim communities in the country.

Pakistan reiterated its call for accountability and respect for international human rights obligations, urging India to safeguard the rights and dignity of all minorities.

Russia accuses Ukraine of drone attack on President Putin’s official residence

by
Russia accuses Ukraine

Russia has accused Ukraine of attempting to attack the official residence of President Vladimir Putin, escalating tensions amid ongoing discussions about possible peace negotiations.

According to a news agency, Russian authorities claimed that Ukraine targeted President Putin’s residence in the Novgorod region. It was not reported whether President Putin was present at the residence at the time of the alleged attack.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Ukraine attempted to strike the residence using long-range drones, claiming that 91 drones were launched between December 28 and 29. Lavrov said all the drones were intercepted and shot down by Russian air defense systems.

Describing the alleged attack as “state terrorism,” Lavrov warned that Ukraine’s “irresponsible actions” would be met with a response.

He added that the incident occurred during a period of potential peace talks, noting that Russia would reassess its position on negotiations, though it would not withdraw from the peace process entirely.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected Russia’s claims, calling the allegations false. He accused Moscow of attempting to sabotage peace efforts and using such accusations to justify attacks on Ukrainian government facilities.

Zelensky further urged the United States to respond to what he described as Russia’s threats and pressure tactics, warning against efforts to undermine diplomatic solutions to the conflict.