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Exclusive Content from Pakistan
Exclusive Content from Pakistan
Popular actor Maria Malik recently took to Instagram to express heartfelt gratitude toward her co-star Sami Khan. Sharing exclusive behind-the-scenes (BTS) pictures from their ongoing drama ‘Shikwa’, Malik gave fans a glimpse into the challenges of shooting the elaborate wedding sequence.
The photos showcased the vibrant on-screen wedding of Sania (Maria Malik) and Zaroon (Sami Khan), with Malik stunning in a heavily embellished bridal lehenga.
In the caption, Maria Malik revealed an intriguing detail about her bridal outfit, saying,
“This lehenga is literally 15kg heavy. It was really difficult for me to handle it and move around in it.”
She credited Sami Khan for his constant support during the shoot, writing,
“Thanks to my co-actor @sami_khan.official who helped me a lot.”
Malik also extended her appreciation to the drama’s director, M. Danish Behlim, for beautifully capturing the intense scenes.
Apart from Malik and Khan, the ensemble cast of ‘Shikwa’ includes talents like Asim Mehmood and Yashma Gill in key roles. Seasoned actors such as Atiqa Odho, Javed Sheikh, Nida Mumtaz, Usman Peerzada, Seemi Pasha, Saife Hasan, and Salma Zafar also add depth to the story with their stellar performances.
The serial is produced by Abdullah Seja under the banner of iDream Entertainment and is directed by emerging talent M. Danish Behlim, while Nadia Ahmed has penned the emotional narrative.
‘Shikwa’, described as a compelling tale of love, betrayal, and resilience, is broadcast from Monday to Friday at 9 p.m. exclusively on ARY Digital.
The National Stadium Karachi witnessed a thrilling encounter as Karachi Kings edged past Peshawar Zalmi by two wickets in a nail-biting finish during the 11th match of the Pakistan Super League Season 10.
Chasing a modest 148, Karachi Kings faced an early jolt when Tim Seifert fell for a golden duck on the very first delivery bowled by Luke Wood. The English pacer then struck again in the third over, dismissing James Vince (11), as Kings slipped to a shaky start.
David Warner and Saad Baig added a few crucial runs, but Baig departed for nine. Warner held his ground, anchoring the innings while wickets kept falling around him. Contributions from Irfan Khan (10) and Mohammad Nabi (14) kept the scoreboard ticking.
Warner eventually departed in the 17th over, having played a captain’s knock of 60 off 47 balls, leaving Karachi needing stability in the final overs. Khushdil Shah’s composed 23 not out steered the side home with just three balls remaining.
Put in to bat, Zalmi’s top order failed to capitalize. Saim Ayub departed early for 4, while Tom Kohler-Cadmore added just 7 runs. Skipper Babar Azam top-scored with 46, forming a brief partnership with Mohammad Haris (21).
Despite late fireworks from *Alzarri Joseph (24 off 13)**, Peshawar Zalmi managed only 147/8 in 20 overs.
With this victory, Karachi Kings climb to third on the points table, whereas Peshawar Zalmi remain fifth with just one win so far.
Lahore, Pakistan – Xiaomi introduces Xiaomi Pad 7 Series, featuring Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro and Xiaomi Pad 7. These tablets redefine productivity and entertainment, catering to professionals and everyday users. Xiaomi Pad 7 Series is an AI-powered productivity tablet designed to empower users seeking efficient productivity and seamless multitasking. Both models share a striking 11.2-inch 3.2K crystal-clear display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, adaptive HDR, and TÜV Rheinland certifications for superior visual comfort. The display supports a refresh rate of up to 144Hz, ensuring smooth visuals for work and entertainment. With a high pixel density of 345 ppi, the display delivers razor-sharp text and vibrant images. Studio-grade color calibration ensures accurate and lifelike colors, while the wide color gamut supports 68 billion colors for enhanced realism. They’re also lightweight, weighing in at just 500g and 6.18mm thin.¹ Quad speakers with Dolby Atmos® provide immersive audio, while Xiaomi HyperOS 2 takes productivity to the next level with Xiaomi HyperAI and Xiaomi HyperConnect.
Xiaomi HyperAI boosts productivity with intelligent tools like AI Writing for text composition, AI Speech Recognition¹², and AI Art with Mi Canvas¹². Additionally, AI Calculator14 offers innovative problem-solving capabilities, leveraging AI to handle complex calculations easily. Empowered by Xiaomi HyperOS 2, Xiaomi HyperConnect offers a refreshed, intuitive experience, enabling effortless cross-device integration. Using NFC Sharing, you can easily access Xiaomi Share which allows instant file transfers and device pairing by simply tapping devices together, and Home screen+ 2.0 which lets you access up to 2 smartphone apps directly from Xiaomi Pad 7 Series. Combined cameras enhances presentations and creative workflows by allowing cameras of your smartphone and tablet to be activated simultaneously within an app. This functionality is perfect for delivering dynamic, multi-angle video content. Xiaomi Pad 7 Series also features workstation mode, transforming the tablet into a desktop-like interface, offering floating windows, adjustable app sizes, and effortless multitasking for professional-grade efficiency. Together, these features make Xiaomi Pad 7 Series a powerful tool for productivity and creativity.
Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro takes performance to the next level with the Snapdragon® 8s Gen 3 Mobile Platform, delivering seamless multitasking and efficiency. Its 32MP AON front camera and 50MP rear camera enable professional-grade photography and videography. Unique to Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro, Wi-Fi 7 ensures lightning-fast connectivity, and the side fingerprint sensor enhances security. The 8850mAh battery supports 67W HyperCharge, achieving a full charge in just 79 minutes. Its sleek aluminum unibody design blends durability with sophistication, making it the ultimate choice for professionals. Additionally, Xiaomi Pad 7 is designed for those seeking a balance of work and play. It comes with 13MP rear camera for high-quality photos and 8MP front camera for clear video calls and selfies. Powered by the Snapdragon® 7+ Gen 3 Mobile Platform, it delivers reliable performance for multitasking and entertainment. Xiaomi Pad 7 features Wi-Fi 6E for efficient connectivity and 45W turbo charging, ensuring a full charge in just over 103 minutes.
Both Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro and Xiaomi Pad 7 are complemented by a range of thoughtfully designed accessories that offer professionals and everyday users the tools to elevate their productivity and creativity. Xiaomi Pad 7 / 7 Pro Focus Keyboard enhances usability with backlit keys, adjustable angles, and a comfortable typing experience. Xiaomi Focus Pen,which now comes in a new white color option, offers ms-level low latency and 8192 pressure levels, making it the perfect tool for note-taking, sketching, and precision tasks. Protective Xiaomi Pad 7 / 7 Pro Cover provides durability and style, ensuring the devices remain secure and pristine during daily use.
Market Availability
Xiaomi PAD 7 & 7 Pro is available online at Mistore, Xiaomi Sale, Daraz & CoreCart. Xiaomi’s distributors are: Airlink, Tech Sirat, Phonezo, Coretech, Mobicell and Smartlink.
Xiaomi PAD 7 & 7 Pro are available in one variant each.
Xiaomi PAD 7 (8+256 GB) is PKR 124,999.
Xiaomi PAD 7 Pro ( 12+512 GB) is PKR 165,999.
Device Specifications
Specifications | Xiaomi PAD 7 | Xiaomi PAD 7 Pro |
Size | 11.2” | 11.2” |
Rear Camera | 13 MP | 50 MP |
Front Camera | 8MP, 105° FOV | 32MP always on camera new, 98° FOV |
Battery | 8850 mAh(typ) | 8850 mAh (typ) |
Performance | Snapdragon 7 + Gen 3 new | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 new |
About Xiaomi Corporation
Xiaomi Corporation was founded in April 2010 and listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on July 9, 2018 (1810. HK). Xiaomi is a consumer electronics and smart manufacturing company with smartphones and smart hardware connected by an IoT platform at its core.With an equal emphasis on innovation and quality, Xiaomi continuously pursues high-quality user experience and operational efficiency. The company relentlessly builds amazing products with honest prices to let everyone in the world enjoy a better life through innovative technology.
Lahore, Pakistan – 15th April, 2025 – Xiaomi has unveiled Redmi A5, seamlessly blending an extensive array of generous upgrades that make advanced smartphone features accessible to a broader audience. With a refreshed design, a significantly improved camera, and a larger display, Redmi A5 transforms the essentials into an experience that feels effortlessly refined, crafted for those who value both practicality and aesthetics in their everyday smartphone.
Redmi A5 introduces a sleek new design, elevating its visual appeal with a stylish flat frame and an enhanced camera deco with an all-new metallic-feel surround. This smartphone comes in sophisticated color options, each evoking a distinct sense of character. Midnight Black¹ and Sandy Gold feature a matte, smudge-resistant finish that offers a timeless, understated elegance. Lake Green and Ocean Blue take inspiration from nature, their veined patterns reminiscent of ripples on a tranquil body of water. With its slim 8.26mm body, Redmi A5 balances modern elegance with a comfortable grip.
Complementing the display, Redmi A5 introduces a substantial leap in camera capabilities through its powerful 32MP AI dual camera, allowing users to capture moments with remarkable clarity. With a larger sensor that takes in 18% more light⁴ than the previous generation, night photography stands out with improved detail, delivering brighter, clearer shots in low-light settings. The camera keeps photos crisp and vivid even when confronted with challenging backlit settings. Turning to the front, the upgraded 8MP selfie camera delivers natural-looking portraits with fresh detail. At the same time, the soft-light ring, achieved from the display’s illumination, allows users to take well-lit selfies even in dim environments. Thanks to these thoughtful innovations, Redmi A5 makes capturing and preserving memories effortless, whether a scenic view or a fleeting moment.
Market Availability
Redmi A5 is now available online at Mistore, Xiaomi Sale, Daraz & CoreCart. Xiaomi’s distributors are: Airlink, Tech Sirat, Phonezo, Coretech, Mobicell and Smartlink.
Redmi A5 is available in 2 variants, 4+64 GB & 4+128 GB. Prices are 22,999 & 26,999 in their respective order.
Device Specifications
Specifications | Redmi A5 |
Display | 6.88” large screen display |
Rear Camera | 32 MP |
Front Camera | 8 MP |
Battery | 5200mAh (typ) |
Performance | UNISOC T7250 processor |
Color | Midnight Black, Lake Green, Ocean Blue & Sandy Gold |
About Xiaomi Corporation
Xiaomi Corporation was founded in April 2010 and listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on July 9, 2018 (1810. HK). Xiaomi is a consumer electronics and smart manufacturing company with smartphones and smart hardware connected by an IoT platform at its core.With an equal emphasis on innovation and quality, Xiaomi continuously pursues high-quality user experience and operational efficiency. The company relentlessly builds amazing products with honest prices to let everyone in the world enjoy a better life through innovative technology.
The atmosphere at the Pak-China Friendship Centre in Islamabad was charged with anticipation. This was not just another launch event—it was the beginning of a movement. On 26th March, 2025, The Digital Youth Hub (DYH) was officially unveiled, promising to transform the way young Pakistanis access opportunities for education, employment, and personal growth.
The hall was filled with students, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and global leaders, including beneficiaries of the Prime Minister’s loan and laptop schemes, diplomats, industry experts, and representatives from leading organizations like UNICEF and the United Nations. The energy was electric. This was more than the launch of an app; it was the launch of a vision for a digitally empowered future.
Rana Mashood, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, opened the event with a powerful speech, tracing Pakistan’s journey from its inception to this new digital era. He recalled how Allama Iqbal had dreamed of Pakistan, how the Lahore Resolution set its foundation, and how independence was its completion. Now, he declared, the time had come for “tameel”—the practical realization of that vision through digital innovation. “Takhleeq hui, takmeel hui, aur ab tameel ka waqt hai,” he urged, calling on the youth to seize the opportunities before them.
The momentum continued as key stakeholders, including representatives from NetSol and the Bank of Punjab, expressed their commitment to supporting this transformative initiative. Sharmeela Rasool of UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited emphasized Pakistan’s greatest strength its youth. With the right opportunities, she asserted, they could drive the nation to unparalleled success. Mohamed Yahya of the UN echoed this sentiment, praising the collaboration between the UN and the Pakistani government as a step toward sustainable development and empowerment.
Dr. Naveed Sherwani, Chairman and CEO of RapidSilicon, captured the essence of the initiative in a single phrase: “This is the digital democracy of opportunity.” He underscored the reality that youth can either be a country’s greatest asset or its greatest liability, depending on the skills they acquire. Digital Youth Hub, he explained, was designed to ensure that every young Pakistani, regardless of background, had access to the tools and resources they needed to succeed.
Then came the moment that defined the event. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took the stage, his words resonating with conviction and urgency. He did not just speak about the app—he made a commitment. A commitment to fight for the education, training, and employment of Pakistan’s youth, to break free from cycles of debt and dependency, and to build a self-sustaining, prosperous nation.
“Mein aap se wada karta hoon,” he declared, “ke apki taleem, apki training, aur apke izzatdar rozgaar ke liye, chahe woh Pakistan mein ho ya bahar, mein apni jaan laraonga.” His message
was clear: the future of Pakistan rested in the hands of its youth, and their dedication and resilience would determine the country’s trajectory. He invoked the words of Allama Iqbal, urging them to embrace challenges head-on: “Tamanna aabroo ki hai agar gulzar-e-hasti mein, toh kaanton mein ulajh kar zindagi karne ki khoo kar le.”
He went on to emphasize that this initiative was not just about launching an app—it was about delivering real, tangible change. He promised that Digital Youth Hub would not be a symbolic gesture but a functional platform with the resources and institutional backing needed to drive progress. “This will not remain just a namayishi (symbolic) thing. I will make sure that, with Allah’s blessing and the cooperation of the provinces, the necessary resources are provided to empower our youth.”
As his words echoed through the hall, the energy in the room intensified. This was more than an address; it was a call to action.
The event concluded with attendees exploring interactive booths, engaging in discussions, and networking with professionals and influencers. Thousands more joined online from across the world—India, France, the Middle East, and beyond—underscoring the global significance of this initiative.
As the audience departed, their expressions revealed more than just excitement. They reflected hope. A belief that they were on the brink of something transformative. The Digital Youth Hub is not just an app; it is a bridge between ambition and achievement, a tool designed to equip Pakistan’s youth with the means to shape their own future.
The revolution has begun. Now, it is up to Pakistan’s youth to seize it.
On January 10, 2024, the cryptocurrency industry reached a pivotal milestone. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved 11 Spot Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), a move long-awaited by the global crypto community. Key financial giants—BlackRock, Grayscale, and Fidelity—were among those granted listings, signaling mainstream financial acceptance of Bitcoin.
These ETFs enable traditional investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin without owning the actual asset. It’s a crucial development in bridging the divide between traditional finance and decentralized assets. Many believed this milestone would usher in a stable upward trajectory for Bitcoin and the broader crypto market.
Riding on the wave of the ETF approvals, Bitcoin prices surged, eventually crossing the symbolic $100,000 mark—a first in the cryptocurrency’s history. But this price rally wasn’t driven by technical innovation alone. Political developments—particularly Donald Trump’s return to the White House—played a significant role.
Trump’s administration took a visibly pro-crypto stance, even revealing the creation of a U.S. “Crypto Reserve,” which allegedly holds $200,000 in Bitcoin. These announcements, coupled with his tariff-driven economic nationalism and deregulation promises, energized crypto bulls worldwide.
However, optimism was short-lived. In early March, a confluence of negative catalysts hit the market. The first was inflation. Despite expectations, U.S. consumer price data showed continued inflationary pressure, weakening investor confidence.
Then came the biggest shock: the long-awaited Mt. Gox settlement. The defunct Japanese exchange began repaying creditors, releasing large volumes of Bitcoin into circulation. This sudden influx led to a dramatic sell-off, plunging Bitcoin below $80,000 on March 11.
The broader crypto market echoed the crash. Ethereum, Cardano, and Solana also saw losses, while XRP and Dogecoin managed minor gains in the immediate aftermath.
While Bitcoin has often been compared to gold—a hedge against inflation and market uncertainty—its recent behavior challenges that view. Analysts now suggest that Bitcoin’s correlation with traditional equity indices, especially the tech-heavy NASDAQ, is growing stronger.
This shift complicates its role in a diversified portfolio. Moreover, Trump’s wavering stance on further crypto investments—favoring the use of government-seized assets over fresh market purchases—casts doubt over continued institutional support.
Despite March’s volatility, some analysts maintain a long-term bullish outlook. Bitcoin remains a scarce asset with a capped supply, decentralized nature, and increasing mainstream adoption. However, in the short term, market corrections and macroeconomic pressure are likely to persist.
Investors eyeing Bitcoin should monitor geopolitical developments, central bank policy, and further ETF inflows. As with all financial assets, timing and strategy will be key in navigating what could be one of the most volatile chapters in Bitcoin’s history.
A group of local sellers has formally lodged a complaint against the international e-commerce platform Temu, urging the Competition Commission of Pakistan to investigate the company for alleged anti-competitive behaviour and violations of consumer rights.
The complaint, submitted to the Office of Fair Trade (OFT) at the Pakistan Stock Exchange by independent sellers who allege that Temu’s operations in Pakistan are harming local businesses and misleading consumers.
Temu entered the Pakistani market just a few months ago and has since launched an aggressive advertising campaign, saturating digital platforms with promotional content. According to the complainants, this flood of online advertisements—many of which promote steep discounts and seemingly risk-free purchases—has contributed to a rapid rise in customer interest while simultaneously disadvantaging local businesses that cannot compete with Temu’s pricing and marketing scale.
Among the key grievances outlined in the document is Temu’s use of misleading promotional tactics, including the recycling of identical or nearly identical customer reviews across different product listings. The complainants argue that such practices compromise the authenticity of the platform and erode consumer trust. The complaint also highlights restricted payment options, noting that Temu only accepts debit and credit cards, while excluding cash-on-delivery (COD)—a popular payment method in Pakistan. This limitation, they argue, alienates a significant portion of Pakistani consumers who either lack access to banking services or prefer to pay in cash.
Furthermore, the complainants raise concerns over the lack of a return address or local customer care center, making it difficult for customers to return or exchange faulty or incorrect products. The absence of proper channels for redressal, they claim, violates basic consumer protection norms. Another central issue in the complaint is Temu’s pricing strategy, which the sellers describe as predatory. By offering goods at prices significantly lower than those of domestic competitors, Temu is allegedly distorting market competition and threatening the viability of small local businesses.
Lastly, the document calls attention to deceptive mobile app marketing practices, where customers are allegedly misled by discount-oriented mini-games that create a false sense of urgency or reward, pressuring them to download the Temu app under potentially false pretences.
The complainants have called on the Competition Commission of Pakistan to initiate an investigation and enforce compliance with relevant advertising, consumer protection, and competition regulations. They argue that immediate action is necessary to safeguard local commerce, uphold fair trade, and protect Pakistani consumers from exploitative digital retail practices.
As Pakistan’s e-commerce landscape continues to evolve rapidly, the complaint may serve as an indicator of the challenges posed by overseas e-commerce platforms. Its outcome could shape the standards for fair competition and consumer protection in the country and signal the readiness of regulatory institutions to address emerging pressures in a swiftly changing market.
Pakistani film and television star Ahmed Ali Akbar has officially confirmed his marriage to model and social media influencer Maham Batool.
With Pakistan’s wedding season in full swing, the actor is now among the many celebrities who have tied the knot in early 2025.
On Thursday night, Ahmed Ali Akbar took to Instagram to share his first official wedding post, confirming his marriage with Maham Batool.
Along with the pictures, he expressed gratitude and love for his wife, writing:
“My Heart My life, My peace My home.”
However, he also made a special request to the media and social media users, urging them not to share images or videos from their wedding without consent.
“Any photographs or videos from our wedding shared online violate our privacy. We do not consent to the publication or posting of any images or footage from our events,” he added.
Rumors about the couple’s wedding first surfaced earlier this month when Maham Batool was seen accompanying Ahmed Ali Akbar at the baby shower of actress Mariyam Nafees.
Shortly after, videos and photos from their Qawwali night celebration surfaced online, fueling speculation about their relationship.
Now that the couple has made their wedding official, thousands of fans and fellow celebrities have extended their heartfelt congratulations, showering them with blessings and well wishes.
Pakistan’s aviation industry is set to welcome another private airline, Air Karachi, which has applied for a Regular Public Transport (RPT) license from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA).
As per PCAA sources, the airline’s application is under review, and final approval will come from the federal government. Once granted, Air Karachi will begin operations across major cities.
The business community of Karachi has played a significant role in the airline’s formation. Hanif Gohar, a well-known businessman, announced that Air Karachi is being launched with an initial investment of Rs. 5 billion, with multiple shareholders contributing Rs. 50 million each.
Prominent business figures involved in the venture include:
Air Karachi is not the only airline looking to enter Pakistan’s growing domestic aviation market. In September last year, Jet Green, Q Airways, and Go Green Air applied for operational licenses. Additionally, Air Indus, Q Aviation, and Liberty Air have expressed their intent to either resume operations or begin new services.
Officials at PCAA view this trend as positive for Pakistan’s aviation industry, believing that increased competition will enhance services and benefit passengers across the country.
In an unexpected and highly exciting move, Faysal Qureshi, one of the most revered and versatile stars of the Pakistani drama industry, is set to join AAN TV, the emerging television channel that has been making waves with its fresh and captivating content. The news has sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, sparking rumors and speculation about what role the actor will take on this new platform. But what could this all mean for the future of Pakistani television?
Faysal Qureshi, who has an illustrious career spanning decades, has won the hearts of millions with his impeccable performances in hit drama serials. From emotional roles to intense action-packed characters, Faysal has done it all. His presence in any drama has always been a recipe for success, and now, his association with AAN TV has left fans eagerly guessing about what’s next. However, the specifics of his role at the channel have not yet been revealed, adding a layer of mystery and curiosity to the announcement.
What Could Faysal Be Joining AAN TV For?
Speculation is rife about the nature of Faysal Qureshi’s involvement with AAN TV. Some believe that he may be returning to his roots with an acting project, while others are wondering if he is taking on a new role behind the scenes. Could Faysal be stepping into the shoes of a host for a groundbreaking new show? Or is he perhaps gearing up for an innovative production venture, producing something that will elevate the channel’s entertainment offering to new heights?
AAN TV, with its rapidly growing viewership, has already earned a reputation for producing innovative, engaging, and quality content. It has been a channel that has showcased fresh talent, new storytelling approaches, and a rich mix of genres. If Faysal is indeed joining the channel, his collaboration could be a game-changer, marking a new chapter in his already storied career and adding a powerhouse personality to AAN TV’s lineup.
An Opportunity for Growth and Innovation
The collaboration between Faysal Qureshi and AAN TV is more than just a typical TV deal—it represents an exciting opportunity for both the actor and the channel to explore new horizons. Faysal’s creative vision, combined with AAN TV’s ambitious goals, could lead to a new wave of groundbreaking dramas, reality shows, or even interactive TV formats that push the boundaries of traditional entertainment in Pakistan.
Faysal’s ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level makes him an ideal candidate for any project that aims to resonate with viewers. Whether it’s through an intense drama, a heartwarming reality series, or a talk show that brings together the biggest stars of the entertainment world, his involvement is bound to raise expectations and generate excitement.
Conclusion: The Countdown Begins
The announcement of Faysal Qureshi’s collaboration with AAN TV has set the stage for an intriguing new chapter in Pakistani television. While the details are still under wraps, one thing is certain: this move is set to have a significant impact on both the channel’s programming and the broader entertainment landscape. Fans and industry insiders alike are eagerly awaiting the big reveal, and as the days pass, the anticipation only grows. Will it be a drama series, a game show, or something entirely new? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—this partnership is bound to keep us on the edge of our seats.
Stay tuned, because something big is about to unfold!