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Newsdesk

Javier Bardem voices support for Palestine at Oscars

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Javier Bardem

Spanish actor Javier Bardem raised a pro-Palestine slogan during the Academy Awards ceremony, drawing attention to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

During his remarks, Bardem strongly criticized Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, saying the world was once again witnessing what he described as an illegal war launched on the basis of another false narrative to topple a government.

Several artists at the Oscars also wore badges supporting “Artists for Ceasefire,” expressing solidarity with calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

The gesture by multiple celebrities highlighted growing voices within the entertainment industry advocating for an end to the violence and urging peace in the region.

Rabia Anum opens up about marriage proposal from popular Ramadan host

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Rabia Anum opens

Renowned Pakistani TV host Rabia Anum has confirmed that a well-known Ramadan transmission host once proposed to her before her marriage.

During a recent interview, the host asked Rabia Anum about the proposal. She initially appeared surprised and remarked that it was the first time someone had asked her this question on a show.

After appreciating the interviewer’s research, Rabia acknowledged that the incident had indeed occurred in the past.

She explained that the television host had actually approached her family with a marriage proposal. However, she chose not to go into further details about the matter.

Rabia Anum said she declined the proposal due to personal reasons, and her family also decided not to proceed with it, which is why the marriage never took place.

She also made it clear during the show that she would not reveal the name of the host who had proposed to her.

Pakistan releases footage of strikes on Kandahar Airfield oil sites

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Pakistan releases

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s armed forces are continuing Operation Ghazab-Lil-Haq in response to alleged provocations from Afghanistan, security sources said.

According to the sources, videos have been released showing strikes carried out by the Pakistan Army on oil dump sites at Kandahar Airfield during the night of March 12 and 13.

The footage reportedly shows clear scenes before and after the attacks, with the targeted oil storage facilities appearing to be destroyed following the strikes.

Security officials claimed the oil storage sites were being used by the Afghan Taliban and militant groups to support their operations.

Sources added that actions under Operation Ghazab-Lil-Haq will continue until the mission objectives are achieved.

Donald Trump claims global support to keep Strait of Hormuz open

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Donald Trump

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has warned of continued military action around the Strait of Hormuz, saying several countries could join the United States in efforts to keep the vital shipping route open.

In a statement shared on social media, Trump repeated his claim that Iran’s military capabilities had been significantly weakened but cautioned that Tehran could still launch limited attacks, including drone strikes or missile attacks in or near the Strait of Hormuz.

He also alleged that Iran could lay naval mines in the area, posing risks to international shipping.

Trump expressed hope that countries including China, France, Japan, South Korea and United Kingdom would send naval vessels to help maintain security in the waterway.

He further said that the United States would continue heavy bombardment along coastal areas near the strait and target Iranian boats and vessels if necessary, adding that Washington aims to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and free for global navigation.

Babar, Fakhar ruled out of Bangladesh series due to injuries: Aqib Javed

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Babar

LAHORE: Pakistan cricket selection committee member Aqib Javed has said that Babar Azam will miss the upcoming Bangladesh series due to injury, while Fakhar Zaman is also currently unfit.

Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Aqib Javed said the team had high expectations from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup but failed to perform as expected.

He noted that Pakistan’s record against India national cricket team now stands at 8-0 in their favor in recent World Cup encounters, adding that if the India match is set aside, Pakistan only lost one game in the tournament.

“A match was washed out due to rain and we ended up missing the semi-finals. After that people start saying everything is finished and demand sweeping changes,” he said.

Aqib Javed added that both Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman are injured and will not be part of the series against Bangladesh national cricket team. He said an investigation will be conducted to determine how two key players suffered injuries immediately after the World Cup.

“We need to find out whether they sustained these injuries during the event,” he stated.

He further said that Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman and Salman Mirza are not currently fit to play and questioned whether they would have been able to participate even if the team had reached the final.

Aqib Javed emphasized that the responsibility for selecting the playing XI rests with the captain and the coach. “We have no desire to sit here and decide the final eleven. The playing XI should be the decision of the captain and coach since they manage the players on the field,” he said.

The former fast bowler also stressed that every stakeholder must take responsibility, adding that frequent changes after every defeat are not a solution.

“We keep saying after every event that there should be scrutiny and everyone should be replaced — the chairman, selectors and the captain. But constant changes are not the answer,” he said.

He noted that Pakistan cricket’s development has not progressed as it should have since the 2009 ICC World Twenty20 victory.

Selection committee member Misbah-ul-Haq said the focus is on identifying the players Pakistan needs for different conditions and formats.

He added that while mistakes can occur in leadership roles, they are part of the game and the aim is always to contribute positively whenever given the opportunity.

KSE-100 index falls 3,630 points in weekly trade amid bearish trend

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KSE-100 index

KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange witnessed a negative trend during the past trading week, with the benchmark index posting a sharp decline.

During the week, the KSE-100 Index dropped by 3,630 points, closing at 153,866 points compared to 157,496 points at the end of the previous week.

The market lost four psychological levels over the course of the week, reflecting persistent selling pressure.

Out of the five trading sessions, the market remained bearish for four days, while only one day ended with gains.

During weekly trading, the index touched a high of 158,624 points, while the lowest level recorded during the week was 144,119 points.

Meanwhile, the market capitalization declined by Rs369 billion during the five-day trading period, bringing the total market capitalization down to Rs17,329 billion.

Trading activity remained significant, with around 2.25 billion shares changing hands in deals worth Rs132 billion during the week.

Pakistan cricketer Salman Ali Agha penalized for code of conduct breach

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Pakistan cricketer

DHAKA: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued a warning to Pakistani batter Salman Ali Agha following his reaction to a controversial run-out in the second One Day International (ODI) against Bangladesh national cricket team. The ICC has also added one de-merit point to his record.

According to the ICC, Salman Ali Agha was found in violation of Level One of the ICC Code of Conduct, specifically Article 2.2, which relates to inappropriate conduct involving cricket equipment, clothing, or ground facilities during an international match.

The incident occurred at the Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium in Dhaka, where Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz controversially ran out Salman at the non-striker’s end. In response, Salman expressed visible anger as he walked off the field.

The ICC confirmed that Salman Ali Agha has acknowledged his mistake.

Former Pakistani cricketers Ramiz Raja and Hammad Hafeez criticized Mehidy Hasan’s actions on social media, calling them unsporting and against the spirit of cricket.

China urges Pakistan and Afghanistan to pursue ceasefire

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China

BEIJING: China has called on Pakistan and Afghanistan to move toward an immediate ceasefire and resolve their differences through dialogue.

According to a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke via telephone with Afghan counterpart Amir Khan Muttaqi.

Wang highlighted that China’s Special Envoy for Afghan Affairs is actively engaged in mediation efforts between the two countries.

The Chinese minister expressed hope that both Pakistan and Afghanistan would exercise restraint and avoid escalating tensions.

The spokesperson added that China has urged both sides to hold bilateral talks promptly and emphasized the importance of dialogue to resolve disputes.

China reaffirmed its commitment to continue playing an active role in reducing tensions between the two nations.

Dania Shah’s husband Hakeem Shehzad in spotlight over fifth marriage

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Dania Shah’s husband

MULTAN: A well-known herbal practitioner from Multan, Hakeem Shehzad, also known as “Loha Paar,” has once again made headlines following reports of his fifth marriage.

According to reports, Hakeem Shehzad—who previously drew public attention after marrying Dania Shah—the former wife of late TV host Aamir Liaquat Hussain—has allegedly married a ninth-grade student.

Reports indicate that Shehzad has been in the news in the past as well due to his multiple marriages. A few years ago, his marriage to Dania Shah attracted widespread media coverage, and the couple reportedly has a son together.

Sources claim that Shehzad has now married five times in total. His first wife has passed away, while he is currently said to have four wives.

Following the circulation of images and information about the latest marriage on social media, users have begun debating the issue. Many people have criticized the reported marriage to a young girl, while others have raised questions regarding its legal and social implications.

So far, no official statement has been issued by Hakeem Shehzad regarding the matter.

Veteran actor Anil Kapoor declines cameo role in ‘Dhurandhar 2’

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Veteran actor Anil

MUMBAI: Veteran Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor has revealed that he declined a cameo role in the sequel of the upcoming film Dhurandhar 2, calling it a missed opportunity on his part.

The 69-year-old actor said he was approached by filmmaker Aditya Dhar for a brief appearance in the film, which is reportedly based on the gang wars of Lyari in Karachi.

Speaking to Indian media, Kapoor said he liked the offer but had to turn it down due to scheduling conflicts.

“Aditya Dhar came to me for Dhurandhar 2 and wanted me to do a small cameo in the film. I liked the proposal, but I couldn’t do it because I had already committed my dates to another filmmaker,” he said.

Kapoor emphasized that professional integrity and honoring commitments have been key to his career. “What I am today is because of my professional honesty and keeping my promises. Talent alone does not make you successful,” he added.

He also described the decision as his own loss but expressed hope that he and Dhar would collaborate in the future.

Following his remarks, speculation has surfaced on social media regarding the role he might have played in the sequel.

Some fans believe he was offered the mysterious character of “Bade Sahib,” while rumors suggest that Emraan Hashmi could be cast in the role instead. However, the filmmakers have not made any official announcement yet.