Latest news with #Butt
Express Tribune
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan hockey captain calls for relocation of 2025 Asia Cup from India
Listen to article Pakistan hockey team captain Imad Shakeel Butt has called for the relocation of the upcoming Men's Hockey Asia Cup 2025 from India, citing escalating political tensions between the two countries. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, he emphasised the importance of the tournament, which acts as a qualifier for the 2026 Hockey World Cup. 'The Asia Cup is crucial for us as it's a World Cup qualifying event. Given the current political situation between Pakistan and India, we believe the venue should be reconsidered,' he said. He added that Pakistan's final decision regarding participation would be in line with instructions from the federal government. The 12th edition of the Men's Hockey Asia Cup is scheduled to take place in Rajgir, India, from 27 August to 7 September 2025, under the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF). However, concerns over the event's credibility have emerged amid unconfirmed reports suggesting Indian authorities may be planning to exclude Pakistan from the tournament. The issue has intensified in the wake of the Pahalgam incident, which has reportedly resulted in visa denials for the Pakistani squad, putting their participation in jeopardy. Neither the Indian government nor the AHF has issued an official statement on the matter. Meanwhile, the Pakistan team is focusing on its preparations for the upcoming FIH Nations Cup. A strong showing could earn them promotion to the prestigious Pro League. 'Our focus will be sharp from the first match. The players are motivated, and we aim to deliver positive results,' Butt said.
Express Tribune
25-05-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
14 perish as massive storms pummel Punjab
As hail hammers down, a man scrambles to protect his car, mirroring scenes from the last tempest that left citizens in Islamabad counting heavy losses. PHOTO: ONLINE Listen to article Nature unleashed its wrath on Saturday as a sudden onslaught of storms and fierce winds tore through several cities, leaving at least 14 dead and over 92 injured in Punjab alone. The violent weather threw daily life into chaos, grounding flights, snapping power lines and prompting rain emergencies across multiple urban centres. According to a report issued by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab, the fatalities occurred in Rawalpindi (1), Jhelum (2), Sheikhupura (1), Nankana Sahib (1), Lahore (3), Layyah (1), Jhang (1) and Sialkot (1), mostly due to the collapse of dilapidated structures and falling debris. Multiple mud houses were also damaged in storm-hit areas, the PDMA confirmed. Rescue operations were ramped up across Punjab, with Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed directing all commissioners, deputy commissioners, and rescue agencies, including Rescue 1122, to remain on high alert. "Affected families will receive financial compensation under the Punjab government's policy," PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said, adding that all district emergency operation centres and the provincial control room have been activated for round-the-clock monitoring. Kathia urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during bad weather, stay clear of power poles and hanging wires and ensure children do not venture near damaged buildings. "During lightning and storm activity, stay indoors and off rooftops," he advised. In case of emergencies, citizens were urged to contact PDMA via helpline 1129. Flight disruptions The storm severely impacted flight operations at Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport. Several flights were either delayed, diverted, or cancelled due to strong winds and low visibility. A Karachi-bound private airline flight was rerouted to Multan, while flights arriving from Skardu (PK-454) and Guangzhou (CZ-6037) were cancelled. Another incoming flight from Karachi (9P-84) returned to its point of origin mid-air. Flights departing for Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur experienced delays, while three domestic flights to Karachi were also held up. However, as weather conditions improved later in the day, air traffic resumed. Air traffic controllers cleared both domestic and international flights for landing and takeoff. LESCO alert In the wake of the severe storm, Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) declared a red alert across its network. Field teams were dispatched to restore electricity in affected areas. "The storm caused significant stress on the grid," LESCO CEO Engineer Muhammad Ramzan Butt said. Butt was present at the control room alongside GM Operations Ijaz Bhatti and senior engineers. Materials were dispatched from stores to aid repair work, and Butt vowed to remain in the control room until power was restored to the last affected consumer. Meanwhile, the Motorway Police reported intense storms and overcast skies across sections of M-4, M-5 and the National Highway. Light showers and strong winds were reported from Pindi Bhattian to Abdul Hakeem and from Multan to Rahim Yar Khan. Similar conditions were seen from Lahore to Chichawatni and onward to Lodhran. Authorities urged motorists to drive cautiously, maintain safe distances between vehicles and avoid speeding. A special public awareness campaign on safe driving during storms is currently being run by the Motorway Police in Central Region. K-P Similarly, the PDMA in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa issued an alert forecasting rain and thunderstorms in most districts, including Chitral, Swat, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Kohat and Waziristan. The inclement weather is expected to continue intermittently through Sunday (today). Authorities have been instructed to remain vigilant, ensure the availability of machinery for debris clearance, and issue safety advisories in local languages. Farmers have been advised to factor in weather conditions while planning activities, and tourists have been urged to check updates before traveling. The PDMA helpline 1700 remains active for public assistance. In Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the storm marked a dramatic end to an extended heatwave. By late morning, dark clouds engulfed the skies and strong winds swept through the twin cities, followed by heavy rain and hailstorms. Temperatures dropped significantly, and power outages were reported in several areas. A rain emergency was declared in Rawalpindi to manage the aftermath.
Hamilton Spectator
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
The Gasman cometh
A household name in Canadian comedy will be right here in Lethbridge next week for two very special events. Brent Butt, stand-up comedy icon and the visionary behind Corner Gas, the most successful sitcom in Canadian history, is making his first stop at the Yates Memorial Theatre this Sunday (May 25). He'll be performing alongside his good friend and fellow comedian, Charlie Demers, to raise awareness and funds for students facing food insecurity through the University of Lethbridge Food for Thought initiative. 'I was naively unaware that [food insecurity] was even an issue,' Butt told the Herald. 'Some people are just barely getting by in their education, and as someone who likes to eat, food security should be the last thing anybody has to worry about. It really does seem to me to be the sign of a population in decline when some people don't have food to eat. So, I was keen to participate in the show.' A small number of tickets are still available through the Arena website. The show starts at 7 p.m. on Sunday. Butt will also be walking the stage at the U of L spring convocation on May 30. The university chose him for an honorary Doctor of Laws in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Canadian culture over the last 35 years. 'Laughter is incredibly important in our lives, and I think we are realizing that more every day. Brent's devotion to his comedic craft, willingness to share with others in the comedy community and unwavering commitment to his rural roots and Canadian culture says a lot about the kind of person he is,' says Terry Whitehead, U of L chancellor. This will be Butt's first honourary degree. He joked that it's tremendously flattering, but he wouldn't be surprised if it were also his last. Butt says stand-up comedy has been his dream since he was 12-years old. Now looking back on his career, there are plenty of significant turning points that lead to where he is today. 'I really look at the first time I stepped on stage in a professional environment, at a club for strangers who had paid money to hear comedy. That was in February of 1988,' Butt recalled. 'Then the first time I performed at Just for Laughs about four years in. That's a milestone for any comedian, especially Canadian comedians at the time because it was our sole outlet to be seen by anybody outside the country. Then the opportunity to do Corner Gas. That was the big one; that was very life changing.' Butt created, wrote and starred in Corner Gas across the span of six seasons from 2004 to 2009. The show averaged 1.2 million viewers per episode and collected a number of awards. He now utilizes his well-earned platform to promote and mentor growing comedians and the comedy community as a whole. Butt will be giving a short speech during the graduation ceremony. He says he plans to use the time to offer a message of inspiration, not only to the new graduates, but their supporters, as well. 'You really should pursue what makes you happy,' he says. 'The notion of pursuing something for security reasons is kind of silly because you can never anticipate security. At least try and chase down something that you're passionate about, that you love doing, because – in a perfect world – you're going to be doing it for the rest of your life. 'Too many teachers, professors, parents, and people like that squash the dreams of other people. Don't be that person. Be there for guidance, be there for encouragement, but don't be a roadblock. You're not doing anybody any favours, despite how it might feel.' Moving forward, Butt says performing stand-up comedy will always be part of his life. He's also releasing his first comedy album this spring, writing a second novel and working on a new television script that he hopes to shop around to networks soon. However, it doesn't appear that his new title of Dr. Butt will be appearing in the credits. 'With the last name that I have, you always have to be careful. It definitely gives proctology vibes. I don't think that will ever be in my introduction.' Butt is joined by writer David Robertson, former U of L Chancellor Charlie Weaselhead, conductor Kirk Muspratt and local advocates Bernadine and Toby Boulet who will also be receiving honorary degrees from the U of L this year.
Express Tribune
20-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Retailers threaten sugar sale halt amid price hike
As the wholesale price of sugar has witnessed a continuous hike, the Grocery Merchants Association has announced that if the Punjab government and local administration fail to reduce the ex-mill wholesale price of sugar, all grocery retailers across Punjab will stop selling sugar from next week. Sugar prices in the open market have surged by Rs20 per kg, reaching Rs180 per kg. Speaking to The Express Tribune, the association's president, Saleem Parvez Butt, said that the government has fixed the official retail price of sugar at Rs164 per kg, but sugar is now being supplied by mills at a wholesale rate of Rs174 per kg. He explained that additional costs, including loading, unloading, transportation, shopping bags, and wastage, amount to approximately Rs10 per kg. This means that purchasing sugar at Rs174 per kg and selling it at Rs164 per kg is financially unfeasible for retailers. Butt further added that the Rawalpindi Division and Islamabad District do not produce sugar and have no sugar mills of their own. Local dealers procure sugar from other regions where mills are located. With the new budget approaching, if prices remain unchecked, sugar could reach Rs200 per kg. The Central Grocery Association of Punjab has issued a clear warning to both the federal and provincial governments that if they continue to pressure retailers instead of controlling the sugar mill mafia and enforcing the official ex-mill rates, then millions of retailers across Punjab will suspend sugar sales entirely.
Express Tribune
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Buzz cut and no chill
On Monday, Pakistani actor Naeema Butt shared an Instagram story featuring a doctored photo of her getting her head shaved. The gesture, according to the post, was a tribute to "the people who lost their lives in Pakistan." The original post, shared by an Indian troll read: "Naeema Butt sacrificing her long hair to support the people who lost their lives in Pakistan. PS – she can do this for real." The meme showed Butt with tears in her eyes, holding a chunk of her cut hair, while a man used clippers to shave the rest. The image was particularly jarring given that the actor's long, sleek hair has been the talk of town ever since she played the suave antagonist Rubab in the Hania Aamir and Fahad Mustafa-starrer Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum. In response, Butt added a caption directly addressing the ill attempt at humour. Her reply read: "Wow, look at you man. I'm happy to sacrifice anything for my people and my country, Pakistan. But you guys sacrificed your souls to darkness, harming innocent lives. Your path is destructive; mine is for the greater good." The story was shared widely on social media platforms, with users noting Butt's calm but firm tone. On social media, fans praised Butt's gesture and response. One user commented, "Thank you and appreciated." Another wrote, "What a slap across their faces!" Many also appeared to be confused regarding the image, and what the purpose of such an act could be until other users clarified that it is fake. Deepfakes have become a serious concern in South Asia's entertainment industry, as manipulated clips of popular dramas circulate widely on social media. In March, actor Faysal Quraishi warned about AI-generated videos disrupting narrative integrity, citing audience confusion over fabricated scenes. Viral clips falsely depicting intimate moments between actors in Ishq Murshid and Jaan Nisar sparked outrage and regulatory scrutiny, despite being proven fake.
