MR News

OKARA: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced empowering Al-Qadir University’s students with laptops, scholarships and e-bikes, as Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have been convicted in the £190m Al-Qadir Trust case on Friday. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif launched the “CM Honhaar Scholarship” in the Okara division, handing over cheques to the students and unveiling brand new Core i7 laptops for the students. CM Maryam announced the construction of a medical college, girls’ hostel and underpass in Okara. A total of 1,438 students of the division will receive Honhaar scholarships worth more than Rs72.9 million and many more students from other universities like Sahiwal University, the University of Okara, and the University of Veterinary Animal Sciences also benefit. She said, “The people should have direct access to public office holders. The talented students are getting scholarships without any discrimination. I thank Allah Almighty for granting me t...

Actor Justin Baldoni has filed a $400 million lawsuit against Hollywood couple Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, accusing them of civil extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy. Baldoni alleges that the couple sought to hijack his upcoming film, It Ends With Us, by fabricating allegations of sexual misconduct. The 179-page complaint, filed by Baldoni against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and others mentions a “megastar friend” believed to be Taylor Swift, according to court documents. “This is a case about two of the most powerful stars in the world deploying their enormous power to steal an entire film right out of the hands of its director and production studio.” Justin Baldoni also claims that Taylor Swift and Reynolds pressured him into accepting Lively’s script rewrites, which conflicted with his vision for the movie, particularly a pivotal rooftop scene. The ongoing feud reportedly began in December 2024 when Lively accused Baldoni, his company CEO Jamey Heath, and ...

STOCKHOLM: Swedish table tennis players Emil Ohlsson and Fredrik Nilsson have shattered the Guinness world record for the longest table tennis rally. Known as the Spin Duo Emil Ohlsson and Fredrik Nilsson set a new record which lasted an astonishing 13 hours, 37 minutes and 6 seconds. The record-breaking feat took place at Slice Malmö, a ping-pong bar in Malmo, Sweden. Both players underwent intense physical and mental training over four months which ultimately paid off. They lobbed the ball back and forth without a single break, fueled by determination and cheered on by friends and family who celebrated at the finish. The players even managed to eat while keeping the ball in play, showcasing their unwavering focus and multitasking skills. The record-breaking rally was closely monitored by technical support to ensure that it met the strict criteria of being continuous with no breaks between passes. When Ohlsson and Nilsson surpassed the previous record, held by two players from...

LAHORE: The Punjab Home Department has introduced a digital system for managing arms licenses, enabling citizens to apply for and modify their licenses online. This initiative aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and convenience in the process. Previously, citizens had to physically visit the Home Department to make changes or modifications to their arms licenses. However, with the new online facility, license holders can now submit applications for changes in category, number of bullets, and other modifications from the comfort of their own homes. The online system, developed in collaboration with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), allows citizens to manage tasks such as license transfer, renewal, and issuance of duplicate licenses digitally. This eliminates the need for in-person visits, saving time and effort for applicants. Key Features of the Digital System: Online Applications: Citizens can apply for new arms licenses or modify existing ones onl...

Netflix has dropped the trailer for its upcoming anime film, The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep, based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s short story, A Little Sacrifice. The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep takes inspiration from Sapkowski’s world but presents it with a fresh visual style, where characters have strikingly perfect, almost “superhero-like” appearances. In The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep trailer, Geralt of Rivia, the famous monster hunter, stands out with a more emotional portrayal than usual. His animated face looks closer to Henry Cavill, who played Geralt in Netflix’s live-action The Witcher series, though fans may notice differences from the grittier, less polished Geralt in Sapkowski’s books. The English voice cast features familiar names. Doug Cockle, the voice of Geralt in The Witcher video games, reprises his role, adding a nostalgic touch for fans of the games. Joey Batey, who played Jaskier in the live-action series, is also back to voice the animated version of the bard. In...

The trailer for The Alto Knights, the latest Mafia drama starring Robert De Niro, has officially dropped, and it’s already causing a stir among fans and film enthusiasts. The film The Alto Knights, directed by Barry Levinson and written by Goodfellas scribe Nicholas Pileggi, marks Robert De Niro’s return to the world of organised crime. A realm he’s made iconic with roles like Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II, Al Capone in The Untouchables, and James Conway in Goodfellas. In The Alto Knights, Robert De Niro takes on a truly unique challenge: playing both of the central characters, notorious crime bosses Vito Genovese and Frank Costello. Set in 1950s New York, the film chronicles their once-close friendship, which unravels due to jealousy and betrayal. This eventually leads to the infamous moment in 1957 when Genovese orders a hit on Costello, a pivotal event in Mafia history. The newly released The Alto Knights trailer gives viewers a glimpse of the intense drama to come. ...

Famous Indian film director and screenwriter Ram Gopal Varma has sparked a storm on social media following the claims about Game Changer’s box office collection. The big-budget film, starring Ram Charan and Kiara Advani, hit theatres on January 10.” The movie Game Changer, directed by S Shankar, was expected to perform well at the box office, especially given the recent success of South Indian films. While Game Changer did not manage to make the same explosive start as Pushpa 2: The Rule, it still garnered an average response in its opening days. As of the latest reports, the film has earned approximately INR96.15 crore in India. However, its worldwide earnings have raised eyebrows, especially after the film’s makers claimed an opening day collection of INR186 crore worldwide. This statement quickly attracted criticism from trade experts, who accused the filmmakers of inflating the numbers. According to trade site Sacnilk.com, Ram Charan’s movie earned around INR80 crore on its ope...

The draws for the Rs750 Prize Bond in Pakistan for 2025 will be conducted on four dates throughout the year 2025. The first draw is scheduled for January 15, followed by April, July, and October. Prize bonds are widely regarded as a secure and rewarding investment, with regular draws held under government oversight to maintain trust and fairness in the system. Participants are encouraged to stay informed about upcoming draws and their results to maximize their chances of winning. 750 Prize Bond Draw Winners 2025 Winners of Rs750 Prize Bond balloting is slated for October 15, 2024, in Karachi office of National Savings Division. Prizes Amount Number of Prizes First Prize Rs1,500,000 1 Second Prize Rs500,000 3 Third Prize Rs9,300 1,696   Prize Bond draws are managed by National Savings, and winners can claim their prizes from designated branches. This system provides a secure investment with the potential for significant rewards. Prize Bond ...

JEDDAH: Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Chaudhry Salik Hussain and Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah on Monday officially signed the annual Hajj agreement 2025 between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Under the agreement, 179,210 Pakistani pilgrims will perform Hajj this year. The agreement includes a commitment to provide the best possible facilities for Pakistani pilgrims, who will be offered special accommodation in Mina at reduced rates. The Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umra Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan al-Rabiah assured to provide all possible support for better facilities for Pakistani pilgrims. Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain will also participate in a four-day international Hajj conference and expo organized by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj in Jeddah, where additional agreements will be made with institutions and companies responsible for providing facilities to pilgrims. In Addition, to make the Hajj journey more accessible, easier, an...

A surprising encounter between Pakistani cricket legend Shoaib Akhtar and Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor at the opening ceremony of the International League T20 (ILT20) in the UAE has gone viral on social media. The ceremony, which took place last night, featured performances by Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Hegde, Sonam Bajwa, and others. Shoaib Akhtar took to Instagram to share a video of his interaction with Shahid Kapoor, describing it as “lovely.” The video shows the two exchanging warm smiles and engaging in a brief conversation, with Harbhajan Singh also joining in. The trio were seen chatting and laughing together, with Shahid Kapoor patting Harbhajan Singh on the shoulder and shaking hands with Shoaib Akhtar. Shoaib Akhtar captioned the video, “Lovely running into @shahidkapoor at @ilt20official . #allinforcricket #entertheepic #KabirSingh @harbhajan3.” The video has been widely shared and viewed on social media.   View this post on Instagram ...

KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) announced the Gaza Million march on Sunday, January 12, at Sea View to express solidarity with Palestinians who are facing oppression by Israel. The Gaza March will begin from Nishan-e-Pakistan in the evening and JI chief Karachi chapter Munem Zafar appealed to all Karachiites to attend and stand united with the people of Gaza. While reviewing preparations for the Gaza March, Munem Zafar said that Gaza is facing genocide and siege, with more than 85 per cent of the territory destroyed by Israel with the help of International forces. He emphasized that being the land of Prophets and the first Qibla, Palestine is sacred for Muslims and its freedom is a matter of faith and belief for the entire Ummah. Meanwhile, The United Nations said that over 46,000 Palestinians have been killed there since October 2023, most of them women and children. Pope Francis on Thursday stepped up his recent criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, calling the humanit...

QUETTA: The integration of Levies Force into the police system in Gwadar and Lasbela has been successfully completed, ARY News reported quoting the Balochistan government. According to reports, Balochistan government spokesperson Shahiq Rind stated that this merger will strengthen the law enforcement framework, leading to more effective policing and improved coordination between institutions. He further added that this initiative marks a significant step forward in ensuring public safety and security in the region. The spokesperson expressed confidence that the merger will contribute positively to enhancing peace and order across Balochistan. Read More: Balochistan CM announce depoliticising of police, Levies force Back in July 2024, Balochistan Chief Minister (CM) Mir Sarfraz Bugti announced the complete depoliticising of the police and levies force and to make them capable of ensuring the protection of citizens and the writ of the law across the province. He directed the IG Po...

PIA’s first flight to Paris PK 749 landed safely at CDG Airport Paris, after a gap of more than four years, ARY News reported. The passengers, officials of PIA and Aviation and crew members were warmly received at the airport by Charge d’Affairs Ms. Huzefa Khanum along with Pakistani diaspora. Charge d’ Affairs while welcoming all said that this is the best gift for overseas Pakistanis by the government. The resumption of flights will further strengthen relations between Pakistan, France and European Union through promotion of trade, tourism, business and people-to-people exchanges. Speaking at the occasion AVM Amir Hayat CEO PIA said that PIA will operate flights twice a week to Paris from Islamabad – every Friday and Sunday, providing direct air connectivity between Pakistan and France. https://arynews.tv/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/WhatsApp-Video-2025-01-10-at-11.45.09-PM.mp4 He highlighted that the first direct flight between Pakistan and France started in 1966. The Represent...

Mandy Moore has hit back at criticism after sharing a GoFundMe link to support her brother-in-law and his wife following the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. The “ This Is Us” actress, responding to the backlash, told critics to “Kindly F Off.” Mandy Moore and her husband, musician Taylor Goldsmith, lost much of their home in Altadena to the fires. Taylor’s brother, Griffin Goldsmith—also a member of the band Dawes—saw his nearby home destroyed. Griffin and his wife, Kit, are expecting their first baby in just a few weeks. On January 9, Mandy Moore posted a GoFundMe link asking for support. She wrote: “Yesterday, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Griff & Kit, lost their home and everything they own in the Eaton Fire. With their baby due in weeks, they need our help more than ever. “Griff is a touring musician who also lost his entire set of drums and percussion instruments, which he depends on for his career. It’s all overwhelming. Many people have asked how they can help...

In a terrifying incident, an elderly woman narrowly escaped death while a train passed over her. A video went viral on social media showing a miraculous escape from death as a speeding train passed over a woman while she was lying on the railway tracks. As the train approached, the panicked bystanders shouted, urging her to stay still. The woman, lying flat between the tracks, remains motionless. The train eventually passes over her, and she emerges unharmed, which is just incredible. Onlookers are visibly shaken but also relieved, and they can be heard chanting in gratitude for the woman’s survival. According to reports, the incident took place in India. The reason behind is not yet known but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with reckless behaviour near railway tracks. Meanwhile In a separate incident, a video of the terrifying incident was shared on social media, showing a woman barely hit by a bus while attempting to cross the road. A video re...

KARACHI: The police continue their search for the seven-year-old madrassa student, Sarim, who went missing from the North Nazimabad area about 48 hours ago, ARY News reported on Thursday. The whereabouts of Sarim remained unknown and despite extensive efforts, there has been no sign of the missing child. The father of the child received some suspicious calls and messages from unknown numbers, with some demanding the online transfer of money and one caller asking for the child’s picture. He sent a picture to that number which went switched off. Police have traced the unknown numbers operating from various cities in Punjab and Balochistan, but all those don’t appear to be connected to the case. Police also conducted a search operation in the apartment and surrounding areas, but so far, no clues have turned up. The police have expressed the possibility that Sarim might have gone with an acquaintance as no evidence of resistance or noise has not been found. The family also noted tha...

Star Indian batter Virat Kohli hit a new low in the ICC Test batting rankings following his poor run in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. The right-handed batter holds the record for achieving the highest-ever rating by an Indian in Test cricket when he achieved a rating of 937 points in 2018. Virat Kohli remained the top batter in Test format for around 13 months and dropped to the second spot in the ICC Test rankings in 2019. In the latter years, he continued to drop lower in the Test ranking, touching the lowest point of his career after nearly 12 years following the series against Australia. After missing the home Test series against England in 2024 followed by a dismal outing in Bangladesh and New Zealand home series last year, Virat Kohli dropped to 22nd in the ICC Test rankings, his lowest since 2014. Read more: Ex-Aussie cricketer says Kohli became Boland’s ‘bunny’ during BGT The first rankings update in 2025 has now seen the Indian batter dropp...

KAGHAN: At least two persons on Wednesday lost lives in a devastating incident, due to a gas cylinder leakage in Paras Kaghan, ARY News reported.  According to eyewitness, the incident that occurred late at night resulted from an unnoticed gas leak. The powerful blast caused significant damage to the property, leaving no chance for rescue teams and locals to save the victims. Nazeer Shah, the owner of the well-known Bismillah Hotel in Paras, and his wife lost their lives in the tragic incident and have left the local community in mourning, with many calling for urgent action to prevent such incidents in the future. The Hazara Division has witnessed a series of similar tragedies in recent years, underscoring a persistent issue with faulty gas cylinders and inadequate safety awareness. In 2023, a gas cylinder explosion in Mansehra claimed the lives of three family members and injured four others. Similarly, a 2022 incident in Abbottabad resulted in two deaths and severe burns to...

NEW YORK: A New York appellate court on Tuesday denied President-elect Donald Trump’s bid to halt sentencing set for Friday for his conviction on criminal charges stemming from hush money paid to a porn star. Associate Justice Ellen Gesmer of the Appellate Division, a mid-level state appeals court, made the decision after holding a hearing on Donald Trump’s last-ditch effort to block the trial judge’s ruling on Monday to proceed with the sentencing, scheduled for 10 days before his inauguration. In his Monday ruling, Justice Juan Merchan rejected a request from Trump’s lawyers to delay the sentencing while they appealed two of the judge’s previous rulings upholding the Manhattan jury’s May guilty verdict on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. The judge called Trump’s delay request mostly “a repetition of the arguments he has raised numerous times in the past.” In scheduling Trump’s sentencing for Friday, Merchan said he was not inclined to send Trump to prison. The jud...

KARACHI: The Karachi Police have arrested a key operative of the Lyari gang war, identified as Daniyal alias Dani Pathan, from the Kalakot area, ARY News reported. According to DIG South Asad Raza, the arrested suspect, Daniyal, is involved in serious crimes like extortion, terrorism, and multiple murders. His gang spread fear in areas including Pak Colony, Nazimabad, Lasbela, Soldier Bazaar, and Old Golimar. Daniyal was also engaged in drug trafficking alongside notorious groups led by Riayasat Jadgal, Kashif Dada, and Sajid Majid. According to DIG Raza, he provided weapons and resources to criminals like Ali Dada, Rehmat, Abid, and Waseem Joji. Investigations reveal that the suspect obtain firearms online from Peshawar and was wanted for six murder cases and other serious crimes. DIG South stated that Daniyal, in collaboration with his uncle, killed a citizen in Golimar four years ago. In another case, he murdered a vegetable vendor during a shootout with Pak Colony police. He a...