Ahad Raza Mir’s Shocking Take: ‘Romance is the ONLY Thing that Sells’

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Jan 30, 2025

Ahad Raza Mir’s Shocking Take: 'Romance is the ONLY Thing that Sells'

Ahad Raza Mir is now a household name in the Pakistani entertainment industry. With his charm, talent and versatility, he has won the hearts of millions. But what’s the secret to his success? He recently dropped a bombshell that everyone is talking about.

Ahad Raza Mir’s Conversation with Maliha Rehman

In a candid chat with Maliha Rehman, Ahad was questioned about the secret behind the success of Pakistani dramas. His answer was romance. According to him, romance sells at the ultimate level in dramas, and here’s why.

Ahad believes that romance is the universal language that speaks to all people, irrespective of age, gender, or culture. People love to watch romance because it takes them into a world of fantasy, which they desire to have in their daily lives.

Watch Here:

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A post shared by Maliha Rehman (@maliharehman1)

Ahad’s Personal Love for Romance

The interesting thing is that Ahad himself is a romantic person and he confessed that he loves all kinds of romantic stories. For him, a love story is not just entertainment; it’s all about reaching the audience at a deeper level.

Why Audiences Can’t Resist Romantic Stories

Romantic dramas create a warm fuzzy feeling in the hearts of the viewers. These dramas provide comfort and predictability, which is why viewers always come back for more of it. Ahad explained, ”Even though we know what’s going to be the end, we love people to get together.”

The Success of Romance in Pakistani Dramas

From Humsafar to Zindagi Gulzar Hai, romance dramas have always scored the highest ratings. According to Ahad, people can identify with these stories much better because of their cultural influence and relatability.

As far as romance is concerned, Ahad believes that it will continue dominating the drama industry. He particularly highlighted the role of chemistry between the actors, which might give some romance drama a predictable ending.

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‘Running Man’ Statue to be Installed at Gaddafi Stadium

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Yousuf Yaseen

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Jan 30, 2025

‘Running Man’ Statue to Be Installed at Gaddafi Stadium

A monumental 25-foot high, two-ton iron statue of a ‘running man’ is set to be installed at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The Punjab Government has commissioned this striking sculpture as part of the stadium’s renovation efforts.

The statue of a sprinting cricketer will be installed near the Nishtar Park Sports Complex, complete with illumination. It was finished in just 18 days and is set to be a major attraction.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finalised the schedule for the Champions Trophy’s opening ceremony and promotional events. The first event will be held at Gaddafi Stadium on February 7, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as the expected chief guest. Another event at National Bank Stadium, Karachi, on February 11 will see President Asif Ali Zardari in attendance.

The grand opening ceremony is scheduled for February 16 at Hazoori Bagh, Lahore, where top government officials, legendary cricketers and ICC representatives will mark the beginning of the highly anticipated eight-team tournament. The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 will take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Meta to Pay $25m to Settle Trump Lawsuit over Ban

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Usman Kashmirwala

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Jan 30, 2025

Meta to Pay $25m to Settle Trump Lawsuit over Ban

The recent $25 million settlement between Meta and Donald Trump regarding his lawsuit against the 2021 ban on his social media accounts has revived the debate over the influence and power of tech giants in politics. Although there is no admission of wrongdoing in the settlement, the timing and implications of it raise questions over Meta’s strategic manoeuvring ahead of the U.S. presidential elections.

A Legal Battle with Political Undertones

Trump’s lawsuit over his suspension on Facebook and Instagram following the Capitol riots of January 6 would be symbolic of the fight ongoing between politicians and social media giants. Meta had, in fact, banned Trump for two years and cited the reason as a risk of incitement. But by 2024, it un-banned all his accounts again, raising lots of speculations about the intent, given his resurgence as a presidential candidate.

Meta to pay $25M to settle Trump censorship lawsuit — Source: Yahoo

As per reports, $22 million of the settlement will go towards funding Trump’s presidential library and the rest of the money will cover legal fees and other plaintiffs involved in the case. This is a rare occurrence where a tech giant is financially settling a political figure, although Meta does not comment on whether this act would mark a new era for content moderation policies.

Trump and Zuckerberg’s Cooling Off

Trump has had a complicated relationship with Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg. Once a vocal critic of Facebook, Trump went as far as labelling it “anti-Trump” and an “enemy of the people.” However, following his election victory, signs of reconciliation emerged, with Zuckerberg making an appearance at Mar-a-Lago and later attending Trump’s inauguration. This seeming shift suggests that Meta may be looking to position itself more favourably with political leadership, an effort that could have implications for its future regulatory landscape.

Meta agrees to pay Trump $25 mn to settle account ban lawsuit — News — The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News — Source: Guardian Angel

Meta’s Bigger AI Plans

Even while the Trump settlement gets headlines, Meta has stirred controversy by throwing down the biggest gauntlet to the tech sector yet – an eye-popping $65 billion in artificial intelligence. Competition heats up with AI Chinese platforms, DeepSeek for instance, prompting Zuckerberg to drive Meta further toward open-source development. Zuckerberg maintains that opening access to free tools in AI would be what the US needs to position itself better at the pinnacle of this field, however, critics do not agree about whether it would make good dollars and cents.

The settlements, AI investment and shifts in policy are all leading in one direction: Meta’s persistent drive for power—be it in politics, business, or technology. Closer to 2024’s U.S. elections, big tech and government will increasingly meet at the point of Meta.

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US Woman in Karachi Gets Unexpected Marriage Proposal

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Yousuf Yaseen

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Jan 30, 2025

US Woman in Karachi Gets Unexpected Marriage Proposal

A US Woman, Onya Andrew Robinson, who arrived in Pakistan to marry her Karachi teenage lover, has got a marriage proposal from a matchmaker lady. The lady shared that the proposal was from an overseas Pakistani named Faisal.

She also criticised the 19-year-old boy for ”ditching” Onya Andrew and also held the woman responsible for the mess. The US woman has become a headache for the authorities, as she is staying in the parking lot of the residential building in Karachi’s Garden area, where her lover resides.

To ensure security, Karachi police have deployed two female cops for the security of the American woman. The Karachi police authorities will continue negotiations with Onya Andrew Robinson this morning to convince her to go home.

Onya has refused all alternatives offered by the authorities, including a separate accommodation, insisting that she will only stay in the parking area because she believes her ”relatives” are there.

Meanwhile, residential flat’s union told media that the situation has created unnecessary chaos, with residents gathering out of curiosity to see the American woman.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

From Facebook Intern to TikTok CEO: Shou Zi Chew’s Journey to Rival Mark Zuckerberg

By

Usman Kashmirwala

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Jan 30, 2025

A decade ago, Shou Zi Chew was just another ambitious student trying to make his mark in the tech industry. He landed a summer internship at a promising social media company—Facebook—during his MBA at Harvard Business School. Little did Mark Zuckerberg know, the intern he hired would one day become the CEO of his fiercest competitor: TikTok.

A Global Career Path

Chew is a Singapore-born who, after his time in Silicon Valley, travelled many miles. He spent a year at Facebook but then went to London, Singapore and Hong Kong before coming to Beijing. In 2015, he joined Chinese technology giant Xiaomi as its Chief Financial Officer, contributing to the success of taking it public in 2018. His experience across global markets and finance was very well-suited for his next big leap.

From facebook intern to fierce rival: TikTok ceo's journey - Asaase Radio — Source: Assase Radio

The TikTok Takeover

In 2021 Chew joined ByteDance, the mother company of TikTok, and began his tenure as a Chief Financial Officer. However, at the end of that year, he became TikTok’s CEO directly in contention with Zuckerberg’s Meta Empire.

However, its journey to remarkable success wasn’t exactly certain; Mark Zuckerberg once attempted to influence its direction. In 2016, Meta, at the time known as Facebook, sought to acquire Musical.ly, an app through which many American teens lip-synced their way into each other’s lives. Instead, ByteDance snapped it up in 2017 for $800 million and later integrated it into TikTok, propelling it into the pinnacle of social media.

Meta’s Failing Counterattack

Meta responded with the launch of its own TikTok rival, Lasso, in 2018; it failed and was shut down in 2020. It wasn’t even able to reproduce such success through Instagram in the form of short-form videos (Reels) or even on Facebook.

TikTok's CEO among least trusted executives in the US - but he's fighting back — Source: IOL

The Battle Continues

As U.S. lawmakers consider TikTok bans as a national security measure, its most prominent critics include Zuckerberg himself. He recently expressed concerns about the ties with China and suggested that it risked compromising data and free speech. However, Chew stands strong, arguing against the claims concerning the operations and place of the platform in global tech.

The Future of TikTok and Chew’s Leadership

From intern to industry disruptor, Shou Zi Chew’s journey highlights how quickly power shifts in the tech world. The battle between TikTok and Meta is far from over, and Chew is proving to be a formidable opponent.

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Is Canadian Prime Minister Contender Ruby Dhalla a Bollywood Star?

By

Usman Kashmirwala

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Jan 30, 2025

Is Canadian Prime Minister Contender Ruby Dhalla a Bollywood Star?

Ruby Dhalla, the Indian-origin Canadian politician currently in the fray for the leadership of the Liberal Party and the position of Prime Minister, has had a career full of unexpected turns. While many know her as a former Member of Parliament and a political trailblaser, few may remember that she once had aspirations in Bollywood.

Bollywood Expereince

Before entering the realm of Canadian politics, Dhalla acted in a Hindi-language film called Kyon? Kis Liye?, released in 2003. It was a low-budget film, loosely based on the murder trial of Hamilton serial killer Sukhwinder Dhillon. The film was directed by Vinod Talwar. Dhalla played the role of a police officer, marking her brief foray into the entertainment industry.

However, this was only the start of controversy. Within a few months of winning her seat in Canada’s House of Commons in 2004, Dhalla tried to get the DVD released in stores cancelled. She claimed that the photoshoot images promoting the film had been manipulated. The filmmakers disagreed and producer Charanjit Sihra commented that Dhalla had always dreamed of being a Bollywood star and went along with the film.

Political Emergence and Crisis

Dhalla was first elected as Member of Parliament for Brampton—Springdale in 2004, becoming one of the first women of Indian origin to become a member of the Canadian Parliament. She won again in 2006 and 2008 but lost the seat in 2011.

Beyond politics, Dhalla also had an interesting personal and professional journey. She was the runner-up in the Miss India Canada pageant in 1993. As a model she worked with several prominent brands. She is also a hotelier.

The Road to Prime Ministership

At the age of 50, Dhalla is now seeking a new legacy by running for the leadership of the Liberal Party. If she succeeds, she will become Canada’s first woman of colour to hold the office of prime minister. However, stiff competition lies ahead of her. Persons of high-profile, including former finance minister Chrystia Freeland and former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney are also contenders.

Whether her past in the Bollywood industry will come back to haunt her remains to be seen. However, Dhalla’s journey from acting to politics may witness her reinventing herself. As she takes this new challenge forward, Canadians will anxiously wait to witness her make history once more.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for latest news and updates

American Woman Refused to Return Home after Failed Relationship

By

Amber Zaidi

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Jan 30, 2025

American Woman Refused To Return Home After Failed Relationship

An American woman Onijah Andrew Robinson, travelled to Karachi for love but refused to return to the US after her relationship failed. She became distraught when her 19-year-old partner, Nidal Memon, was unable to marry her due to his family’s disapproval. Robinson arrived in Pakistan on 11 October after meeting Memon through social media.

An NGO assisted Robinson with financial support and a return ticket after her visa expired, but she refused to board the plane when it was time to leave.

Qatar Airways flight QR 611 to New York via Doha experienced a 36-minute delay due to situation. She first declined immigration process and later refused to board the aircraft, sources said.

After months of struggle in Karachi, Robinson was turned over to airport police upon the expiration of her visa. Before the scheduled departure, she was admitted to the airport emergency clinic due to flu-cough issues.

US Consulate’s Team Met Airport Authorities

During talks with airport officials, the US Consulate team stated that its aim was to convince Robinson to return home. However, they stressed that they could not force her to leave if she did not want to go.

Later, the authorities disclosed that Robinson declined assistance from US Consulate’s team and left the airport in a taxi to an anonymous location.

“I am going to my husband,” she told the police at the airport. According to airport authorities, she has a 15-day permit to leave the airport.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates

Inflation Hits 80-Month Low in December 2024

By

Yousuf Yaseen

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Jan 30, 2025

Inflation Hits 80-Month Low in December 2024

The Ministry of Finance has stated that the inflation rate in December dropped to its lowest level in 80 months. The statistics released by the Ministry of Finance show that the inflation rate for the first six months of the fiscal year 2024 stood at 7.2%, compared to 28.8% last year.

In December 2024, the inflation rate was recorded at 4.1%, marking the lowest level in 80 months. The report highlights that the stability of the exchange rate, fiscal discipline and improved supply chains have played a significant role in reducing inflation. Furthermore, the government’s strict actions against illegal foreign exchange companies, smuggling and hoarding have had a positive impact on the economy.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) has shown a continuous decline in the last four weeks of January 2025. In the week ending January 23, 2025, the SPI recorded a 0.77% decrease.

The data further revealed that of the 51 items, 12 saw a decrease in prices, 14 experienced price increases, while 25 items remained stable. The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) had taken notice of the extraordinary increase in the prices of pulses and chicken in November. Following government actions, the price of chickpeas decreased by Rs52.5 per kg, while the price of moong dal dropped by Rs37.4 per kg.

The price of chicken decreased by Rs20.1 per kg, and the price of a 20 kg flour bag dropped by Rs1022.2. In the last four weeks, there was a significant reduction in the prices of tomatoes, potatoes, pulses, eggs and LPG.

According to the latest figures released by the Federal Bureau of Statistics, the government’s policy measures, administrative actions and relief steps have effectively helped control inflationary pressures.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Cricket’s Dirty Secret: The Growing Payment Crisis in Franchise Leagues

By

Huzaifa Gaba

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Jan 30, 2025

cricket-growing-payment-crisis-in-franchise-leagues

Imagine signing a contract, giving your best on the field, and then waiting endlessly to get paid. Sounds frustrating, right? Well, that’s the harsh reality for many cricketers playing in franchise cricket leagues worldwide.

Late payments have become an ugly trend in cricket’s booming franchise circuit. From the Abu Dhabi T10 to the Cayman Max60, multiple leagues have been flagged for not paying players on time. The issue has gotten so bad that the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) is now calling for urgent reforms.

Players Left Hanging – Again and Again

Cricketers, especially those playing outside the top-tier leagues, often face delays or non-payment of their salaries. Just this week, the Bangladesh Cricket Board took action against a franchise for failing to pay overseas players.

According to the WCA, out of 53 men’s and women’s franchise leagues they track, a shocking 17 have reported payment issues.

Tom Moffat, WCA’s chief executive, didn’t hold back. “Late and non-payment is a persistent issue… and it’s not getting better,” he told ESPNcricinfo.

The main problem? Cricket lacks a global system to resolve these disputes. Unlike football, where FIFA has a Dispute Resolution Chamber, cricket relies on domestic boards to handle these issues. Unfortunately, that often leads to no real consequences for defaulting franchises.

Broken Promises and Big Names at Risk

One player agent summed it up perfectly:

“Some of these tournaments have no fear of ramifications. They sign big names, promise huge contracts, pay a small percentage to get them on the flight, and then never pay them another penny.”

That’s the brutal truth. Some leagues lure players in with big money offers, only to delay or completely avoid paying them later.

One of the best solutions being discussed is centralized payments. Here’s how it would work:

Franchises deposit the full wage bill into an escrow account before the season starts.
The league distributes salaries directly to players instead of leaving it to the franchises.

This would eliminate excuses like “the franchise hasn’t paid us yet” and ensure players get paid on time.

The T10 Problem – A Repeat Offender?

While the T10 format has gained popularity, it has also become a hotspot for payment disputes.

Take the Abu Dhabi T10, for example. Reports suggest that some players from the November 2023 season are still waiting for their payments. The league claims these are just “isolated incidents,” but players know better.

Then there’s the Cayman Max60 League, which launched in August 2023. Even months later, 10% of player wages remain unpaid. The league admitted to “significant issues” and delayed its second season from March to May.

What Needs to Change?

The WCA has been pushing for the ICC to step in and introduce global protections. The proposal? A system like FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber, where players can report unpaid wages and get a fair resolution.

For now, though, the ICC remains hands-off, saying domestic franchise leagues are the responsibility of individual cricket boards. But is that really working? Clearly not.

If cricket wants to remain a truly global sport, it must protect its players. No cricketer, whether retired or active, should have to chase payments after fulfilling their contract.

It’s time for real action.

The ICC must create an enforcement mechanism for sanctioned leagues.
Leagues should be forced to use escrow accounts to guarantee payments.
Players need a clear pathway to report issues and get justice.

Until then, the franchise circuit will remain a wild west, where players gamble not just with their skills but also with their earnings.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Analysing the 26th Amendment

By

Warsha Kashif

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Jan 30, 2025

Unfolding in Pakistan is an intense discussion concerning proposed constitutional amendments. The amendments seek, allegedly, to submit the judiciary to direct control by the political executive. The ensuing confrontation between government and opposition is fiery because the proposals that are described in the “Constitutional Package” proposed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government are yet to garner opposition support, and these proposals have become the butt of vehement criticism by the opposition parties.

What Are the Proposed Amendments?

The proposed government package would reportedly contain amendments in excess of 50, focusing significantly on the judiciary. The creation of a new Federal Constitutional Court is one such major proposal, to be set beside the Supreme Court. This new court’s functional responsibility will lie in hearing cases that interpret constitutional clauses.

Other key proposals involve raising the retirement age for judges in the Constitutional Court to 68, as opposed to the current 65. The amendments also suggest limiting a judge’s term in the Constitutional Court to a maximum of three years, while other judges do not have term limits.

Another significant suggestion is that the president, on the advice of the prime minister, would appoint the chief justice of the Constitutional Court. Currently, the Judicial Commission handles the appointment of Supreme Court judges.

In addition, the government plans to revise a 2022 Supreme Court ruling, which said that legislators cannot vote against their party line. The proposed changes would allow lawmakers to vote independently of their party’s instructions.

Challenges in Parliament

For the amendments to pass, the government needs a two-thirds majority in both houses of parliament. The National Assembly has 336 seats, while the Senate has 96. To secure approval, the government needs 224 votes in the National Assembly and 64 votes in the Senate.

However, the government currently has only 214 votes in the National Assembly. Even with the support of the Jamiat Ulema–e–Islam–Fazal (JUI-F) party, it would still fall short by two votes. In the Senate, the government has 57 votes but needs at least seven more to secure a majority.

Opposition’s Stance

The opposition, primarily led by Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, has strongly opposed the proposed amendments. PTI leaders argue that the changes would undermine the independence of the judiciary.

Sayed Zulfi Bukhari, a PTI leader, said the delay in presenting the amendments to parliament shows the government lacks the votes to push them through.

What Do the Experts Say?

Experts warn that the proposed amendments could significantly shift the balance of power between Pakistan’s executive and judiciary. Analyst Ahmed Ijaz described constitutional amendments as a “serious task” that requires careful consideration, something he believes is lacking in this debate.

Benazir Shah, another analyst, raised concerns about the timing of the amendments, particularly with the upcoming retirement of the chief justice. Shah suggested that the amendments could allow the government to manipulate the judicial appointment process or block the next chief justice’s appointment.

Shah also pointed out that the proposed Constitutional Court would have authority over cases traditionally handled by the Supreme Court. These cases could include decisions on banning political parties or issues between federal and provincial governments.

Impact on the Military and Judiciary

Interestingly, while the amendments aim to reduce the power of the Supreme Court, they may strengthen the military’s influence.

The ongoing argument about changes to Pakistan’s constitution has sparked concerns over the judiciary’s future and how power is shared among the executive, courts and military. Rival parties claim the government is weakening the courts’ freedom making these changes a likely source of conflict in Pakistani politics for a long time to come.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Trump Signs Laken Riley Act, Granting Pre-Trail Detention of Illegal Immigrants

By

Amber Zaidi

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Jan 30, 2025

Trump Signs Laken Riley Act, Granting Pre-Trail Detention Of Illegal Immigrants

United States President Donald Trump signed his first piece of legislation, the Laken Riley Act, which allows for the pre-trial detention of illegal migrants charged with theft, burglary, or shoplifting. The bill which garnered bipartisan support in both House and Senate, was signed on Wednesday.

Trump stated that the new law mandates the Department of Homeland Security to detain individuals arrested for serious crimes such as theft, assault, or murder.

The law allows state governments to sue the federal government for immediate action if a future administration fails to enforce immigration laws, a situation Trump claimed occurred previously. Named after Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student killed by an illegal immigrant from Venezuela, the act marks a significant step in Trump’s border security efforts.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates

Sarfaraz Ahmed Returns to Action for Pakistan Champions in WCL 2024

By

Web Desk

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Jan 30, 2025

sarfaraz-ahmed-refutes-rumours-of-leaving-pakistan-wcl-retirement

Sarfaraz Ahmed is back! The former Pakistan captain is set to make his highly anticipated return to limited-overs cricket as he joins Pakistan Champions for the second edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL).

The wicketkeeper-batter’s participation was confirmed with a social media post by the official Pakistan Champions handle. The team made it official with an electrifying video, captioned: “CAPTAIN. LEADER. LEGEND! Sarfaraz Ahmed is bringing his winning mentality to Pakistan Champions for WCL Season 2.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pakistan Champions 🇵🇰 (@wclpakistanchampions)

WCL: Where Legends Battle Again

The World Championship of Legends is a premier T20 tournament featuring retired and non-contracted cricket greats from across the globe. After a thrilling first season, the second edition is set to bring even more excitement when it kicks off on July 18.

Sarfaraz’s inclusion is a massive boost for Pakistan Champions. At 37, he still has plenty to offer, not just as a player but as a leader. After all, he was the mastermind behind Pakistan’s historic 2017 Champions Trophy victory, where the team demolished India in the final by 180 runs.

During his captaincy, Pakistan dominated T20 cricket, winning 11 consecutive series. Teams like West Indies, Australia, New Zealand, England, and Zimbabwe all fell victim to his leadership. His experience will be crucial for Pakistan Champions as they chase the WCL title.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Zong 4G and Waste Hero Champion Sustainability Empowering Communities Through Green Innovation

By

Sania Saeed

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Jan 30, 2025

Islamabad, Pakistan – January 30, 2025 – Zong 4G, Pakistan’s leading connectivity provider, partnered with Waste Hero to organize a series of impactful activities focused on waste management and eco-friendly practices. This collaboration underscores Zong 4G’s commitment to environmental sustainability through green and low-carbon initiatives.

Key activities included an interactive session at Excellence College, where 75 students learned about waste segregation and recycling, fostering eco-conscious habits among youth. This was followed by a workshop with NICAT in Rawalpindi, where over 50 professionals and entrepreneurs explored innovative electronic waste management solutions.

Building on this momentum, an awareness drive was held at Zong’s headquarters, where employees took part in discussions and activities focused on e-waste disposal. The campaign concluded with a clean-up hike at Margalla Trail 5 in Islamabad, where volunteers removed 7kg of waste, highlighting the importance of preserving natural spaces.

“Through these events, we’ve witnessed the power of collective action in driving sustainability,” said Andleeb Aslam, Zong 4G’s spokesperson. “At Zong, we aim to do more than just connect people. We strive to connect them with a sense of purpose and responsibility toward our planet. Together, we can lead the way to a greener, healthier Pakistan.”

Zong 4G continues to lead by integrating environmentally responsible practices into its operations, promoting waste reduction, recycling, and conservation efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and foster a culture of environmental responsibility.

Champions Trophy: Gaddafi Stadium’s New ‘Running Man’ Statue to Welcome Fans

By

Web Desk

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Jan 30, 2025

champions-trophy-gaddafi-stadium-running-man-statue

Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium is getting a brand-new attraction just in time for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025—a massive 25-foot-high iron statue of a ‘running man’!

This two-ton iron masterpiece, designed to capture the energy and motion of a cricketer in full sprint, will be installed near the Nishtar Park Sports Complex at the stadium’s entrance.

The Punjab government has taken this initiative as part of an ongoing renovation project to revamp Gaddafi Stadium before the much-awaited tournament. The best part? The entire structure was completed in just 18 days!

To make it even more spectacular, the statue will be illuminated with different colored lights, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere of the Champions Trophy. Imagine walking into the stadium under glowing lights, with this striking sculpture symbolizing the passion and energy of cricket!

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also locked in plans for a grand opening ceremony and promotional events. Here’s what’s lined up:

February 7 – The first major event at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expected to attend.
February 11 – Celebrations shift to the National Bank Stadium, Karachi, with President Asif Ali Zardari as the likely guest.
February 16 – The main opening ceremony at Hazoori Bagh, Lahore, featuring top government officials, legendary cricketers, and ICC representatives.

With the Champions Trophy kicking off on February 19, Pakistan is leaving no stone unturned to make this tournament unforgettable. From stadium upgrades to grand celebrations, everything is coming together for a spectacular cricketing event.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

UFC Confirms Instagram Hack after Suspicious Crypto Post

By

Yousuf Yaseen

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Jan 30, 2025

UFC Confirms Instagram Hack After Suspicious Crypto Post

The UFC’s official Instagram account was hacked on Wednesday evening, with a strange post promoting a new cryptocurrency coin. A UFC official quickly confirmed that the post was not legitimate.

The UFC’s Instagram account was compromised on Wednesday evening, displaying a bizarre post promoting a new cryptocurrency coin. The post, which read, “UFC fans have been waiting, and the moment is here. Get ready to own the legacy. Precision. Strength. All in one coin. #UFC #UnleashTheFight,” also included a crypto wallet address.

The post remained live for over 30 minutes before being taken down. In addition to the main post, an Instagram Story was uploaded that linked to a website where the fraudulent cryptocurrency could allegedly be purchased. This portion of the hack has also since been removed.

The UFC’s social media team is working to secure the account and prevent further fraudulent activity. Cryptocurrency scams have been a growing issue, with Americans losing more than $5.6 billion to such scams in 2023 alone.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin (BTC), the world’s largest cryptocurrency, recently reached an all-time high of $109,026.02 following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of plans to establish a U.S. Bitcoin strategic reserve.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Nestlé Pakistan Wins Top Climate Champion Award at the 1st OICCI Climate Excellence Awards

By

Sania Saeed

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Jan 30, 2025

Nestle — Nestlé Pakistan said, “We are committed to be a force for good, and our efforts underscores our commitment to sustainability.

Nestlé Pakistan’s efforts towards climate action, sustainability, renewable energy, and regenerative agriculture were recognized at the 1st OICCI Climate Excellence Awards, as it won the top Climate Champion Award, held during the two-day 3rd Pakistan Climate Conference 2025.

Chief guest at the conference Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, emphasised the importance of climate change and urged organizations to step forward and play a greater role with the government to mitigate this challenge. Acknowledging Nestlé’s role, the chief minister said, “While visiting the conference stalls I was glad to see how organisations like Nestlé are already supporting efficient irrigation technologies like drip irrigation in regenerative agriculture practices.”

Jason Avanceña Chief Executive Officer, Nestlé Pakistan said, “We are committed to be a force for good, and our efforts underscores our commitment to sustainability and creating shared value for the people of Pakistan, as we take significant strides towards a cleaner environment and a more sustainable future.”

Speaking at the event, OICCI Secretary-General M. Abdul Aleem said, “The 3rd Pakistan Climate Conference has underscored the urgency of climate action and the pivotal role businesses must play in driving sustainable solutions. Our first OICCI Climate Excellence Awards have recognized industry leaders who have set a benchmark for environmental responsibility.”

Nestlé, as part of its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with its 2050 Net Zero commitments, as well as the Pakistan government’s UN climate change pledge, earlier invested PKR 2 billion in renewable power and sustainability initiatives, operationalizing two 2.5 and 2.6 MW solar power plants, and a biomass boiler. Nestlé announced its commitment to reduce its emissions versus 2018 by 20% by 2025, 50% by 2030, and reach Net Zero by 2050, in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13 and 15.

No Opening Ceremony for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

By

Yousuf Yaseen

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Jan 30, 2025

No Opening Ceremony for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 may begin without the usual opening ceremony or captains’ press conference, following a revised arrival schedule of the participating teams.

This year, the English and Australian cricket teams will arrive in Pakistan closer to the tournament’s start. Sources from the ICC confirmed that England and Australia will arrive in Pakistan after their tours.

England is scheduled to conclude its tour of India by February 12, while Australia will finish its series in Sri Lanka on February 14.

As a result, both teams have withdrawn from the warm-up matches, a decision consistent with previous ICC events. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) did plan an opening ceremony, but it was cancelled due to logistical issues with the teams’ arrival schedules.

The PCB clarified that while the event was not officially confirmed, it was always considered a possibility. Despite cancelling the opening ceremony and press conference, the PCB is focused on organising an alternative event to celebrate hosting the ICC Champions Trophy for the first time in 29 years.

The first match of the tournament, between Pakistan and New Zealand, is scheduled for February 19 in Karachi. A celebration for fans will be organised ahead of the match to highlight the excitement surrounding the event.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Early Leaks Give a Sneak Peek at the iPhone SE 4

By

Warsha Kashif

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Jan 30, 2025

Early Leaks Give a Sneak Peek at the iPhone SE 4

Leaked images and a video have given us a glimpse of Apple’s upcoming iPhone SE 4. The new design looks like a significant update for this popular budget-friendly model.

New Design Features

The leaked photos and video, shared by a known leaker on X, show two dummy units of the SE 4. These units come in black and white, with a single rear camera. The video gives us a better look at the front and back of the devices. Notably, it reveals several design changes.

One of the most noticeable changes is the USB-C port at the bottom of the phone. This would be a shift from Apple’s usual Lightning port. Additionally, there’s no Home button and the screen now has a simple notch at the top, replacing the previous design with a more advanced Dynamic Island.

What’s Inside the SE 4?

The leaker, Majin Bu, confirmed that the SE 4 will have a notch, rather than the Dynamic Island seen in newer iPhone models. Bu also mentioned that the SE 4 might be released in early April 2025, making it Apple’s first major release of the year.

In addition to this, Bu revealed that the SE 4 would come with a few premium features. These include an OLED display, offering better colour and contrast, and an action button above the volume controls. This would be a nice upgrade from the previous models.

Possible Name Change?

In another post, Bu suggested that the phone might be branded as the iPhone 16E instead of the iPhone SE 4. However, there are no further details on why Apple might choose a new name for the device.

Why the SE 4 Could be a Game Changer

The iPhone SE 4 is expected to take budget iPhones to a new level with features like Face ID, an OLED display and a USB-C port. This new version could reel in even more customers looking for an affordable iPhone with updated features.

Overall, the iPhone SE 4 looks set to bring some major design and tech upgrades. With a likely release in early 2025, it will appeal to those who want a more affordable iPhone with modern features.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

EasyPaisa to Lead Pakistan’s Fintech Revolution, Backed by Telenor and AliPay

By

Amber Zaidi

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Jan 30, 2025

EasyPaisa To Lead Pakistan’s Fintech Revolution, Backed By Telenor and AliPay

On January 28, 2025, Easypaisa became Pakistan’s first digital retail bank to receive approval for digital banking from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Backed by Telenor, a key telecommunications company in Pakistan and Alipay (Ant Financial) from China, Easypaisa is positioned to drive the fintech revolution and digital transformation in the country.

Pakistan’s First Digital Retail Bank

In a recent statement, Irfan Wahab Khan, CEO of Telenor, expressed his pride in this landmark achievement, stating, “Easypaisa has transformed into Pakistan’s first digital retail bank!” He further noted, “The transition from an innovative fintech to a comprehensive digital bank signifies a new phase in our mission for financial inclusion.”

Easypaisa, which began as a visionary concept has developed into a profitable entity, managing 9% of Pakistan’s GDP. With 50 million users and one in four adults in Pakistan owning an Easypaisa account, the company has built one of the largest financial networks in the country. He extended his gratitude to the State Bank of Pakistan and other stakeholders for their insightful guidance.

Read More: The Rise Of Fintechs In Pakistan

“To our dedicated teams who facilitated transactions worth PKR 9.5 trillion in 2024 alone—your dedication to excellence has made this achievement possible,” Wahab further expressed his gratitude.

Douglas Feagin, a Director on the Board of Easypaisa Digital Bank, President of Ant International and Senior Vice President of Ant Group, remarked, “Easypaisa’s transformation into a digital bank represents a pivotal moment in the landscape of financial services in Pakistan.”

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates

Disney+: ‘Friendly Neighbourhood Spider-Man’ Brings a Fresh Spin

By

Warsha Kashif

-

Jan 30, 2025

Disney+: 'Friendly Neighbourhood Spider-Man' Brings a Fresh Spin

For more than 60 years, Spider-Man has been one of the most adored superhero characters of all time. Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, Peter Parker has been featured in comic books, animated TV shows, blockbuster movies and even Oscar-winning animated features. Disney+ now offers a new take on the friendly neighbourhood hero called “Your Friendly Neighbourhood Spider-Man.” This in some ways redefines Peter’s early years with a nostalgic yet contemporary lens for today’s teen audience.

The Story Begins in Queens

The show starts in Queens, New York, where 15-year-old Peter Parker (voiced by Hudson Thames) is thrilled about his first day at Midtown High. But things go sideways when a terrifying monster attacks students right in front of him. Amid the chaos, Peter gets bitten by a radioactive spider, changing his life forever.

Months later, Peter starts at a new school, Bales High, after Midtown gets destroyed in the attack. He juggles friendships with best friend Nico Minoru (Grace Song), his crush Pearl Pangan (Cathy Ang) and popular quarterback Lonnie Lincoln (Eugene Byrd). Meanwhile, he’s secretly embracing his role as Spider-Man, swinging across NYC in a DIY costume. But balancing a hero’s life and friendships isn’t easy.

Balancing Power and Responsibility

Peter longs for a mentor, so when Norman Osborn (Colman Domingo), CEO of Oscorp, takes an interest in him, it feels like a dream. However, Peter soon realises Osborn has his own hidden motives. This creates major tension—should he trust the businessman or follow his morals?

Meanwhile, the city is in trouble. Big Don (Ettore “Big E” Ewen) and his 110th Street gang are causing chaos in Harlem. Plus, ex-Oscorp scientist Otto Octavius (Hugh Dancy) is creating dangerous weapons that criminals are using. With these threats rising, Spider-Man has his hands full.

Retro Vibes, Modern Storytelling

The animation, under the direction of Leo Romero and Polygon Pictures, features a mix of 2D and 3D styles to give it an old yet fresh look. The art style pays homage to ’90s cartoons and vintage comic books, visually setting it apart from any animated series. Retro fans of “Spider-Man: The Animated Series” and “The Spectacular Spider-Man” will love this.

The show also delivers big Marvel fan moments. Appearances from Daredevil (Charlie Cox) and Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio) add extra excitement—especially since both will star in the upcoming Disney+ series “Daredevil: Born Again.”

A Must-Watch for Spidey Fans

“Your Friendly Neighbourhood Spider-Man” offers lots of action and heartfelt moments while hiding several Easter eggs. Jeff Trammell and his team focus on Peter Parker but also on the world around him. It offers just the right balance of everything Spider-Man fans adore and knows how to appeal to new audiences as well.

The first two episodes drop on Disney+ on Jan. 29, with new episodes airing every Wednesday. Don’t miss out—this is one web you’ll want to get caught in!

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.