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Newsdesk

Iranian Intelligence Minister martyred in Israeli strike, Tehran confirms

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Iranian Intelligence Minister


TEHRAN: Iranian authorities have confirmed that Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib was martyred in an Israeli strike.

According to Iranian media, the minister was martyred during attacks carried out by Israel a day earlier. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also confirmed his death following the strike.

Earlier, the Israeli military had announced that it had targeted Iran’s intelligence chief in an overnight operation.

Meanwhile, strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran are reportedly ongoing. In the latest developments, the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant was also targeted.

Iranian officials stated that a projectile landed within the vicinity of the facility, but the plant remained unharmed and no staff members were injured.

Authorities further said that International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been informed about the incident.

Shaheen Shah Afridi hosts Iftar dinner for Lahore Qalandars players

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Shaheen Shah Afridi


ISLAMABAD: Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi hosted an Iftar dinner for his team, Lahore Qalandars, at his residence in Islamabad.

The gathering was attended by team owner Sameen Rana, along with all local squad members. Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza and members of the team management were also present at the event.

The team had recently been participating in a three-day conditioning camp in Islamabad. However, the final day of the camp was disrupted due to rain in the city.

According to team sources, members of the Lahore Qalandars squad are scheduled to regroup in Lahore on March 23.

Pakistan will not allow violence or misuse of religion, says Field Marshal Asim Munir

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Pakistan will not allow


RAWALPINDI: Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has stated that violence will not be tolerated in Pakistan and religious sentiments must not be exploited to incite unrest.

According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Field Marshal Munir made these remarks during a meeting with Shia scholars in Rawalpindi, where discussions focused on national security and inter-provincial harmony.

He emphasized that religious scholars play a vital role in promoting unity, tolerance, and national cohesion. He urged them to actively counter misinformation and sectarian narratives that could destabilize society.

The army chief reiterated that Pakistan is open to dialogue, but stressed that terrorist elements must first be handed over. He also called on the Afghan Taliban to ensure that their territory is not used for terrorist activities against Pakistan.

“Pakistan will not tolerate the use of Afghan soil for attacks against it,” he said, adding that terrorists and their hideouts would be targeted wherever they are found.

The scholars present at the meeting strongly condemned violence and expressed full support for Pakistan’s security institutions in maintaining peace and stability.

Field Marshal Munir also reaffirmed the military’s resolve to eliminate terrorism completely, referencing ongoing efforts under Operation Ghazab-Lil-Haq.

Severe storm in Karachi leaves 19 dead, dozens injured

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Severe storm

KARACHI-
At least 19 people were killed and several others injured as strong winds accompanied by heavy rain swept across multiple areas of Karachi, causing widespread damage and disruption.

According to reports, intense rainfall and gusty winds affected neighborhoods including North Nazimabad, North Karachi, Surjani Town, FB Area, Saddar, and Clifton. Similar weather conditions were also recorded in Cantt, Railway Colony, Delhi Colony, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulshan-e-Jamal, and Garden.

The storm was accompanied by thunder and lightning, while power outages were reported in various parts of the city shortly after the rain began. Areas such as Moinabad Alamgir Society, Shadman Town 14-A, parts of Gulshan-e-Iqbal, DHA Phases I and II, Akhtar Colony, Kashmir Colony, and North Karachi experienced prolonged electricity suspensions.

The Meteorological Department recorded wind speeds of up to 90 km/h on Shahrah-e-Faisal and 97 km/h in Mauripur, indicating the severity of the storm.

Fallen trees and billboards caused major traffic disruptions across the city. In Clifton, a tree collapsed near the Driving License Branch, trapping two individuals underneath. In Mohammad Ali Society, a billboard fell on Tipu Sultan Road due to strong winds.

The most tragic incident occurred near Moach Goth in Baldia, where a wall collapse claimed 13 lives and left three others injured. Rescue teams transported the victims to nearby hospitals and continued search operations amid fears that more individuals may be trapped under the debris.

Officials stated that the collapsed structure was not a residential building. Initial reports suggested that the victims had taken shelter there due to the rain.

In separate incidents, a man and a woman were killed when a wall collapsed in Quaidabad’s Majeed Colony, while one person was injured. Another fatality was reported in Malir after a lightning strike. In Korangi, a woman died when a roof collapsed, and another man lost his life after a tree fell on him in Korangi No. 5.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah took notice of the Moach Goth incident and directed authorities to expedite rescue efforts.

Sindh Interior Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab visited the site and instructed officials to ensure immediate medical assistance for the injured and swift recovery of those trapped.

The Meteorological Department stated that no further rain is expected tonight; however, more बारिश is likely after noon tomorrow, with chances of thunderstorms, heavy downpours in isolated areas, and possible hailstorms. Light rain is also المتوقع on the first day of Eid, while another spell of rain may affect Karachi and other parts of Sindh between March 24 and 27.

From Arts School to Oscars: Michael B. Jordan’s heartwarming throwback

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From Arts School to Oscars

Los Angeles: Right after Michael B. Jordan picked up his 2026 Oscar, fans were treated to a feel-good story from his past. Musician Adam Melchor shared a nostalgic memory that revealed the Hollywood star’s humble beginnings.

Melchor recalled tagging along with his dad, then a vice principal at a Newark arts school, where he met a teen who “sort of took me under his wing.” Jordan played basketball with him and spent time walking around the campus, leaving a lasting impression.

The plot twist? That teen was none other than Michael B. Jordan. Melchor only realized the connection later after seeing Jordan in the film Hardball. “The kid that I wound up hanging out with was Michael B. Jordan. So, you know, I was asking my dad a million questions about him afterwards,” he said.

Melchor also noted that Jordan faced some challenges back then, with his dad recalling, “Some of the kids give him a hard time, because they’re pretty jealous.”

Fast forward to today, and that energy has clearly shifted. Fans remember Jordan’s viral response: “Oh yeah, I was the corny kid, right?”

Melchor ended his post with a heartfelt message: “So A., congratulations to Michael B. Jordan, B., be careful who you make fun of in high school, and C., if you’re ever around Michael and you’re seeing this, I’m so down to play basketball again.”

The takeaway? Kindness goes a long way—you never know who’s headed for an Oscar.

Jacob Elordi honors teenage promise, brings mom to 2026 Oscars

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Jacob Elordi honors

Los Angeles: Jacob Elordi fulfilled a promise he made as a teenager by bringing his mother, Melissa, as his date to the 2026 Academy Awards on Sunday night.

The 28-year-old Euphoria star, nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role as The Creature in Frankenstein, arrived at the Dolby Theatre in a classic Bottega Veneta suit. Melissa Elordi accompanied him in a striking black gown adorned with red and blue sequined flowers.

Elordi had shared the story behind the promise during a January appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. “I promised her when I was 15 that I would take her. So, I have to honour that,” he explained, recalling his mother’s unwavering support and his father’s cautious skepticism about whether the plan would come to fruition.

Although Sean Penn won the Best Supporting Actor award, Frankenstein secured Oscars for Best Costume Design, Best Makeup & Hairstyling, and Best Production Design.

For Elordi, however, the night was defined not by awards but by the heartfelt moment of walking the red carpet with the woman who believed in him from the very beginning.

Late Sidhu Moose Wala set to appear as AI in tour including Pakistan

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Late Sidhu Moose

New Delhi: Three years after the tragic death of Sidhu Moose Wala, his team has announced an upcoming AI-powered tour, titled “Signed to God.” The announcement was made via the late singer’s official Instagram account.

According to media reports, the global tour will feature a digital representation of Moose Wala, created using artificial intelligence.

This AI version of the singer will perform in multiple countries, including the United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, India, United Kingdom, Australia, and Pakistan.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sidhu Moosewala (ਮੂਸੇ ਆਲਾ) (@sidhu_moosewala)

The announcement has sparked excitement among fans in Pakistan and across the globe, who have expressed joy on social media over the opportunity to experience Moose Wala’s performances once again, albeit virtually.

Sidhu Moose Wala was tragically killed in May 2022 in Punjab, India, by individuals associated with the gang of Lawrence Bishnoi. His death is widely regarded as a landmark and highly reported event in the history of Indian music.

Timothée Chalamet teases ‘Dune: Part Three’ ahead of December release

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Timothée Chalamet

Los Angeles: Timothée Chalamet is giving fans a glimpse of his next big project despite a recent Oscars setback. The three-time Oscar nominee shared an exciting update on social media this week regarding Dune: Part Three.

Chalamet posted a character poster showing an older, battle-worn Paul Atreides. The close-up image depicts his face aged 15–20 years to reflect the story’s 17-year time jump from the previous film.

Bruises and facial scars—including a prominent mark across the bridge of his nose—highlight the character’s trials, while his glowing blue eyes emphasize his deep connection to Arrakis and his role as the Fremen leader.

The poster features the tagline “THE EPIC CONCLUSION” over Chalamet’s face, with the official Dune: Part Three logo at the bottom and the release date noted in the corner. Sharing the image, Chalamet wrote, “DUN3 TRAILER TOMORROW.”

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A post shared by Timothée Chalamet (@tchalamet)

This poster is part of a series released by Warner Bros. to promote the film ahead of its theatrical release on December 18, 2026. Directed by Denis Villeneuve and adapted from Dune Messiah, the third installment follows Paul, now Emperor Muad’Dib, as he grapples with the consequences of his rise to power and the devastating impact of his “Holy War.”

Chalamet has described the film as the trilogy’s “eeriest” and most “intense” chapter, noting it will be his final performance as Paul Atreides.

Controversial anti-Muslim film ‘The Kerala Story 2’ sparks outcry again

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Controversial anti-Muslim

New Delhi: The Kerala Story 2 has once again ignited controversy in India over its anti-Muslim content. Following the release of the first film, the latest installment has drawn criticism from mainstream media and Bollywood for promoting Hindutva narratives.

The trailer reportedly features scenes portraying Muslims negatively, and reports suggest that during a related event, participants took a pledge to socially and economically boycott Muslims.

The first film, The Kerala Story, had faced severe criticism and protests, with many calling it propaganda aimed at fostering communal divisions.

Social media reactions to the sequel have been similarly strong, with critics accusing the film of attempting to deepen societal divides and spread misinformation.

Fakhar Zaman breaks silence on fitness criticism

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Fakhar Zaman breaks

KARACHI: Cricketer Fakhar Zaman has addressed recent comments about his fitness, responding to criticism from former cricketer Abdur Rauf Khan on social media.

In a post, Zaman acknowledged that he was not at 100% fitness for 50-over cricket but emphasized that he had cleared his fitness test on March 15 before participating in the National T20 tournament.

He also agreed with former cricketer Aaqib Javed, stating that his remarks regarding Zaman’s readiness were accurate.

Earlier, Abdul Rauf had shared a picture of Zaman in the field, questioning the selection committee’s decisions and sparking discussions about the opener’s fitness.