saudi crown prince
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Saudi Crown Prince receives PM Shehbaz Sharif in M…

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was received by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at Al-Safa Palace in Makkah on Friday, where the two leaders commenced high-level bilateral talks aimed at further strengthening Pakistan-Saudi Arabia strategic ties.

The Prime Minister is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, and Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif.

The meeting is expected to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations, with discussions focusing on defence and security cooperation, trade and investment, regional developments, and ways to deepen the longstanding strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

The talks come amid heightened regional diplomatic activity and underscore the close coordination between Islamabad and Riyadh on key geopolitical and economic issues.

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    AJK sets August 24 polling for eight reserved seat…

    The Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has issued the schedule for elections to eight reserved seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly. According to the schedule, candidates will submit their nomination papers on August 20. The nomination process will be completed under the supervision of the Election Commission. The final list of candidates will be issued on August 23. The list will contain the names of candidates who qualify to contest the reserved-seat elections. Polling will be held on August 24. The voting will take place inside the AJK Legislative Assembly. The eight reserved seats cover different categories. Five seats have been reserved for women. One seat is allocated to Ulema and Mashaikh. Another seat has been reserved for overseas Kashmiris. The remaining one seat is for a technocrat. The Election Commission has announced the schedule to ensure that the election process is completed within the prescribed timeframe. Candidates and concerned political parties will have to complete the nomination process according to the announced dates. The reserved seats are part of the AJK Legislative Assembly’s overall composition. The upcoming polling will fill the eight seats allocated to these specific categories.

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    Zainab Raja makes serious allegations about Tamasha

    Tamasha has become one of Pakistan’s most popular reality television shows since its launch on ARY Digital in 2022. Based on the format of Big Brother, the show brings celebrities and public figures together under one roof, where they compete in a variety of tasks while dealing with interpersonal conflicts, alliances and eliminations. After four successful seasons between 2022 and 2025, the fifth season is currently attracting considerable attention from viewers. The ongoing season has introduced several contestants who have quickly gained popularity among fans. Babrik Shah, Zee Khan, Laila, Samia Hijab and Esra are among the contestants who have emerged as prominent players this year. Tamasha Season 4, which aired last year, also received widespread attention. The season featured contestants including Saif Ali Khan, Muslim, Ommy, Zainab Raja, Kanwal Farooq and Yaseen. Zainab Raja, in particular, became known for her strong presence and performance during the competition. Following her appearance on the show, Zainab has remained active on social media, regularly sharing videos, opinions and updates with her followers. In a series of recent Instagram stories, she made several serious allegations concerning the reality show and claimed that certain aspects of the competition were not as they appeared on television. Zainab alleged that Tamasha was scripted and claimed that winners could be decided before the conclusion of a season. She also accused the show of providing preferential treatment to certain contestants. Among her most notable claims, Zainab alleged that one of the popular male contestants had been married and had two children while presenting himself as unmarried during his participation in the show. She claimed that contestants inside the house were aware of his marital status and that he eventually became one of the Top 5 contestants. However, she did not publicly name the contestant in her statements. Zainab also claimed that her comments about the show being scripted were edited from the broadcast. According to her, she directly told host Adnan Siddiqui, “Scripted hai aapka show,” but alleged that viewers were shown only her facial expressions while her actual response was removed from the final episode. She further claimed that contestants were not permitted to reveal certain details about what happened behind the scenes. The former contestant also raised questions about promotional activities surrounding the show. She claimed that public relations campaigns were carried out for contestants who eventually won or performed strongly in different seasons. Zainab suggested that software operators could be consulted to determine which contestants received promotional support and argued that several participants had benefited from such campaigns. Another issue she highlighted concerned the treatment of male contestants inside the house. Zainab alleged that male participants were permitted to leave the house to offer Friday prayers and were also given opportunities to communicate with their families through phone calls. She described what she considered differences in privileges as unfair treatment. Zainab’s allegations have generated discussion among fans of the reality show. However, the claims remain allegations made by the former contestant, and there has been no independent confirmation of the specific accusations mentioned in her social media posts. Tamasha continues to attract strong public interest, with viewers closely following the contestants, their relationships and the developments taking place inside the house.

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    Pakistan’s IT exports hit record $4.6 billio…

    KARACHI: Pakistan’s information technology (IT) sector achieved a historic milestone in the fiscal year 2025-26, with IT and IT-enabled services (ITeS) exports reaching a record $4.6 billion, marking an impressive 21 percent increase from the previous year’s $3.81 billion. Although the sector narrowly missed the government’s $5 billion export target, the achievement reinforces Pakistan’s position as one of the country’s fastest-growing export industries and strengthens its long-term goal of reaching $10 billion in IT exports by FY2028-29. Industry experts believe the strong performance reflects the steady expansion of Pakistan’s digital economy, driven by a growing pool of skilled professionals, rising demand for remote services, improved internet infrastructure and favourable tax incentives. However, they also caution that the sector must overcome structural challenges and shift towards innovation-led growth to sustain momentum. Pakistan is home to more than 600,000 IT professionals and freelancers, alongside tens of thousands of registered software and IT-enabled services companies operating from major technology hubs in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. Secondary cities such as Faisalabad, Sialkot and Sukkur are also emerging as important contributors to the country’s digital workforce. Software development, business process outsourcing (BPO), enterprise technology services, call centres and freelancing remain the backbone of Pakistan’s IT exports. Meanwhile, demand for advanced services including artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, cloud computing, automation and digital consulting is expanding rapidly as global businesses seek specialised technology solutions. The United States continues to be Pakistan’s largest export destination for IT services, followed by the United Kingdom, the Gulf region, Europe, Canada and several Asian markets. Experts say significant opportunities remain untapped in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Africa and Central Asia, particularly in high-value technology sectors. Industry leaders stress that Pakistan must diversify both its export markets and service offerings. They argue that relying mainly on traditional software development and low-cost outsourcing will limit future growth, while greater investment in AI-powered solutions, enterprise software, cybersecurity and digital transformation services can significantly increase export earnings. Freelancers have also emerged as a major force in Pakistan’s digital economy, contributing an estimated $1.1 billion, or roughly a quarter of total IT exports, during FY2025-26. Online platforms have enabled thousands of professionals to access global clients, creating new employment opportunities and boosting foreign exchange inflows. Beyond export revenues, the sector continues to generate employment, with thousands of technical positions available across the country. The expansion of remote work has also increased opportunities for women and professionals living outside major urban centres. Experts believe the next phase of growth depends on moving beyond providing outsourced services to creating globally competitive technology products and intellectual property. They argue that Pakistan must position itself as a producer of innovation rather than simply a destination for low-cost software development. The country’s AI ambitions are also gaining momentum. Under the National AI Policy 2025, Pakistan plans to establish AI centres of excellence, launch dedicated funding programmes, expand public-sector AI adoption and train around one million people in AI-related skills by 2030. New AI hubs are also being developed to support startups and accelerate innovation. International partnerships are expected to play a key role in this transformation. Pakistan has strengthened technology cooperation with China through joint AI and IT initiatives and recently became a founding member of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO). At the same time, interest from the United States has grown, with American investors pledging more than $20 million for Pakistan’s technology sector during a recent investment conference. Connectivity has also improved through expanded submarine cable capacity, cross-border fibre links and stronger cloud infrastructure, making it easier for local companies to deliver digital services worldwide. Despite the progress, industry stakeholders warn that policy uncertainty, foreign exchange restrictions, internet disruptions, energy costs, weak intellectual property protection and limited access to global payment systems continue to hinder faster growth. They believe addressing these challenges while promoting innovation and AI-driven technologies will be essential if Pakistan hopes to transform its record-breaking IT industry into a global technology powerhouse.

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    Johnny Depp unveils new look as Scrooge for upcomi…

    Johnny Depp has officially unveiled his dramatic transformation into Ebenezer Scrooge, giving fans their first look at his highly anticipated new film, Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol. The veteran actor appears almost unrecognizable in the role, sporting a weathered Victorian look complete with gray facial hair, bushy eyebrows, a top hat, a long overcoat, and a walking cane. The striking makeover has already generated excitement among movie lovers eager to see Depp return to a major studio production.  The first trailer introduces Ebenezer as a darker and more atmospheric adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless novel A Christmas Carol. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ti West, who is best known for his horror films, the movie blends classic storytelling with supernatural suspense. Instead of presenting a traditional holiday tale, the film leans into the eerie encounters between Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, promising a fresh take on the beloved story.  Depp recently surprised fans by appearing in full Scrooge costume during San Diego Comic-Con, where he stayed in character while greeting the audience. The actor playfully interacted with fans and cosplayers dressed as some of his most iconic characters, including Captain Jack Sparrow, Edward Scissorhands, and Willy Wonka. His theatrical entrance added to the buzz surrounding the film and highlighted his commitment to the role.  The upcoming movie also boasts an impressive supporting cast. Andrea Riseborough portrays the Ghost of Christmas Past, while legendary actor Ian McKellen takes on the role of Jacob Marley. Rupert Grint stars as Bob Cratchit, with Daisy Ridley and Sam Claflin also joining the ensemble. Together, the cast aims to breathe new life into one of literature’s most enduring holiday classics.  For Depp, Ebenezer represents an important milestone in his career. It marks his first leading role in a major Hollywood studio film in several years and showcases his signature ability to disappear into eccentric and complex characters. Throughout his career, Depp has earned praise for memorable performances in films such as Edward Scissorhands, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. His portrayal of Scrooge continues that tradition of transformative acting.  Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 13, 2026. With its haunting visuals, star-studded cast, and a darker interpretation of Dickens’ classic tale, the film is already shaping up to be one of the year’s most talked-about releases. Fans will soon discover whether Johnny Depp’s haunting version of Ebenezer Scrooge becomes another unforgettable performance in his celebrated career. 

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    Aamir Khan exits Ashneer Grover biopic amid creative differences

    Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has reportedly stepped down from the highly anticipated biographical drama based on the life of controversial entrepreneur and Shark Tank India judge Ashneer Grover, citing creative differences with director Rahul Mody. ​The project, which gained considerable traction in industry circles earlier this year, was set to feature Khan taking on the role of the outspoken BharatPe co-founder. Khan, known for his meticulous approach to character development, was reportedly fascinated by the Indian startup ecosystem and had spent significant time developing the script to align with his creative vision. However, fundamental disagreements regarding the narrative direction eventually led Khan and director Rahul Mody to part ways before production could commence. ​Despite the departure of its leading star, the project remains active and on track. Director Rahul Mody and actor Shraddha Kapoor—who is attached to the project both as a co-producer and as the female lead playing Grover’s wife, Madhuri Jain Grover—are continuing with the production. The team has reportedly initiated conversations with two to three top, relatively younger actors to take over the title role of Ashneer Grover. ​The upcoming film aims to chronicle Grover’s rapid rise within the corporate startup sphere, his tenure on television, and the high-profile legal controversies that followed his exit from BharatPe. Khan, meanwhile, remains occupied with a busy slate of projects, including his upcoming period drama with director Ashutosh Gowariker and the anticipated sequel to 3 Idiots.

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    Shahnawaz Zaidi opens up about love, loss, remarriage

    Renowned Pakistani poet, painter, professor and actor Shahnawaz Zaidi recently appeared as a guest on Good Morning Pakistan, where he spoke openly about his personal life, his first marriage, the loss of his wife and his decision to marry again. Zaidi, who began his teaching career at Punjab University and later served as a professor in Nairobi, has made significant contributions to literature, education and the arts. He has also been honored with the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz. He is the brother of renowned actor Sheheryar Zaidi and has appeared in several popular dramas, including Nashtar, Pamaal, Case No. 9 and Khushboo Mein Basay Khat. During the show, Zaidi reflected on his first marriage, describing it as a love marriage that lasted 37 years. He revealed that he had hoped to celebrate his golden jubilee with his wife but sadly, that dream could not come true. Speaking about how their relationship began, Zaidi said he was only 24 when he got married. He described himself as a poetic person who fell in love instantly and saw no reason to delay the marriage. However, the relationship faced opposition from both families because of differences involving sect, language and family backgrounds. According to Zaidi, his wife’s father had already chosen another man for her and was initially unwilling to reconsider his decision. Although Zaidi’s family was relatively modern, they too had reservations about his choice. Eventually, however, they accepted his decision. Zaidi also recalled that his wife had once called him in tears and told him that she was diabetic and that he should carefully consider marrying her. Her mother also suffered from diabetes. Despite the concerns, the couple went ahead with their marriage and eventually built a family together. The couple had six children, although Zaidi revealed that the first two pregnancies ended in abortion. Later, he received a job opportunity in Nairobi, and the couple moved there. He described their eight years in Nairobi as a blessing, explaining that the pleasant weather, excellent healthcare facilities and quality medical care his wife received made the experience particularly meaningful. Zaidi said his wife spent considerable time in hospitals during her pregnancies, but she received excellent care. He viewed their relocation to Nairobi as a blessing in disguise because all of their children were eventually born there. The veteran artist also spoke candidly about the difficult period following his wife’s death. He revealed that he had never planned to marry again and used to dismiss the idea of a second marriage. However, four years after his first wife passed away, he began experiencing a profound sense of detachment from life. He admitted that although he continued working and remained involved in various activities, he felt mentally lost and was falling apart emotionally. During this challenging period, he eventually began considering the possibility of remarriage. Zaidi said there was initially no one in his life, but he later met an Iranian woman who was considerably younger than him. Although he initially tried to avoid the idea of marriage, their relationship developed naturally and they eventually fell in love. He revealed that they have now been married for 10 years. Looking back, Zaidi said his second marriage was something he had never expected, but life ultimately took him in a direction he had not planned. His candid conversation offered viewers a deeply personal look into his experiences with love, marriage, loss, family and finding companionship again later in life.

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