Sharmila Tagore reportedly praised Shahzad Nawaz’s villain role in Dr Bahu, saying she hated the character but loved his performance. The message was shared via filmmaker Mehreen Jabbar.
Abrar Ul Haq took a humorous dig at Iqrar Ul Hassan, saying if someone can manage three wives, they can manage the public too. The comment came during a TV appearance and quickly went viral.
NATIONALThe federal government has set Rs290 per dollar as the benchmark exchange rate for FY2026-27 budget estimates and external payments. The rate will be used for foreign loans, debt servicing, defence imports and development financing.
NATIONALPakistan has renewed its request for Saudi Arabia to set up a $10 billion oil refinery at Gwadar as port activity rises. Islamabad is also seeking Saudi investment in LNG, LPG and strategic oil reserve projects.
NATIONALPCJCCI has welcomed the $1.12 billion coal-based fertiliser plant under CPEC, calling it a boost for agriculture and industry. The chamber said the project could reduce reliance on imported inputs and improve fertiliser supply for farmers.
EntertainmentQuentin Tarantino has criticised modern Hollywood in an essay for Sight & Sound, saying the industry has become a 'flavourless sausage factory'. He said recent films often fail to match the ambition and enjoyment he once found in cinema.
CITYPolice Constable Muhammad Zahir, injured in a grenade attack on the Se-ra Khawra check post on February 27, died in hospital on Thursday. His funeral was held in Peshawar with official honours.
NATIONALThe Balochistan government has announced education reforms including co-education in primary schools, ending compulsory uniforms and replacing mats with desks and chairs. The package also includes double shifts, new classrooms and salary increases for NCHD teachers.
NATIONALFBATI has asked the government to introduce a separate tax regime for SMEs and large industries in the upcoming budget. It also proposed export support, cheaper financing, lower energy charges and tax incentives for new small businesses.
NATIONALPunjab has extended cinema operating hours to 11pm, reversing earlier restrictions tied to austerity measures. The move follows concerns raised by Fahad Mustafa and others over the impact on film releases and evening audiences.
Business representatives have urged the government not to place fresh tax pressure on industry and the public in the next budget. They called for widening the tax base, lowering business costs and supporting exports, agriculture and investment.
NATIONALFour police officers were abducted in Gwadar near the Pak-Iran border, police said. Officials said the men went missing after intercepting a vehicle carrying Afghan nationals allegedly trying to enter Pakistan illegally.
