Hasan Piker and Ethan Klein debate goes viral after feud and Content Nuke fallout
Prominent online personalities Hasan Piker and Ethan Klein faced off in a fiery live debate on May 2, 2025, drawing widespread attention from fans and commentators alike. The event marked a major escalation in their ongoing public dispute, which has been brewing since their professional fallout in 2023.
The two previously co-hosted the left-leaning Leftovers podcast until it ended in October 2023. Their relationship soured over political disagreements and public statements, leading to a series of critical videos. Klein released a "Content Nuke" video aimed at Piker, prompting a sharp rebuttal from Piker via a "Content Cop" collaboration with YouTuber iDubbbz.
The debate, streamed live across both their platforms, was triggered by lingering tensions over those videos. At one point, Klein accused Piker of being embarrassed by parts of the Content Cop, suggesting he downplayed his role. Piker defended himself, saying his involvement was consistent with past collaborations.
Viewers quickly weighed in on social media, with reactions split. Some praised Piker's composure and clarity, while others sided with Klein, highlighting what they saw as stronger counterpoints. The exchange dominated conversations on Reddit and Twitter, where users dissected everything from debate tactics to tone.
This confrontation highlights the new dynamics of digital creator culture, where personal disputes and professional disagreements increasingly play out in public arenas and become content in their own right. As streamers and podcasters continue to blur the line between persona and platform, debates like this underscore both the reach and the risks of influencer-driven discourse.
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Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
Govt to import sugar after exports
Listen to article In a paradoxical move, the government on Thursday decided to import 750,000 metric tonnes of sugar after having already exported nearly the same quantity during the current fiscal year — a move that has driven domestic prices sharply higher, benefitting sugar millers. The move has raised questions over the rationale behind the government's earlier approval of sugar exports, which critics warned would hurt domestic supply and inflate prices. The new plan includes submitting a policy for the import of 250,000 metric tonnes of raw sugar to the cabinet for approval, while 500,000 metric tonnes of refined sugar have already received in-principle approval, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar announced via X (formerly Twitter) after chairing his second meeting on the issue in three days. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the country exported 765,734 metric tonnes of sugar between July and May this fiscal year, earning Rs114 billion. This marks a 2,200% increase in sugar exports compared to the same period last year. Exporting first and then deciding to import has sparked concerns over the government's contradictory policies and the disadvantageous position imposed on consumers. After exports, domestic sugar prices hit a record Rs190 per kilogram — Rs50 higher than the pre-export price. A Ministry of National Food Security official claimed that there were sufficient stocks and imports are only being considered to lower prices. As of the latest PBS weekly bulletin, sugar was priced between Rs170 and Rs190 per kilogram across the country. In March, the government had fixed the retail price of sugar at Rs164 per kilogram — 13% higher than the cap set during the export approval period — allowing millers to enjoy windfall gains in both local and export markets. Dar's committee had negotiated the ex-factory and retail prices of sugar with the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA), which has previously been accused of cartel-like behaviour by the nation's antitrust watchdog — the Competition Commission of Pakistan. Despite the agreed rates, the government failed to ensure stable retail prices. Dar added on Thursday that the Ministry of National Food Security has been instructed to seek the Economic Coordination Committee's (ECC) formal approval for the sugar imports. Currently, the deputy prime minister is making key economic decisions that are later presented to formal forums for ratification. On Wednesday, Dar also announced a downward revision of the proposed sales tax on solar panel imports — from 18% to 10% — for the upcoming fiscal year, diverging from the initial budgetary proposal. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, meanwhile, is engaged in trade negotiations with the United States — normally the responsibility of the commerce ministry. The sugar import decision followed a high-level meeting attended by the Minister for National Food Security, Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) Tariq Bajwa, officials from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Ministry of Industries and Production, PSMA, and provincial representatives. Dar reiterated the government's commitment to balancing the interests of both consumers and producers, stressing the importance of making essential commodities affordable and widely available. According to PSMA's presentation at the meeting, average monthly sugar consumption last year was 533,000 metric tonnes, with a total annual consumption of 6.4 million tonnes. In the first half of this fiscal year, monthly consumption showed a negligible increase of 0.003% to 535,016 metric tonnes, totalling 3.5 million tonnes so far. PSMA claims current sugar stocks stand at 2.8 million tonnes — enough to meet demand until November 21 even at the compressed consumption level of 535,000 metric tonnes per month. However, the government's decision to import 750,000 tonnes suggests that either the shortage is more acute than reported or consumption is higher than projected. Experts had earlier opposed the government's decision to export sugar, fearing that it would jeopardise supply and raise prices for the entire population to benefit a small group of industrialists. The government's control over sugar trade also contradicts its recently adopted free-market agricultural policies. "Export and import decisions should be left to farmers and market forces, not to selective millers with political influence," said Usama Mela, a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNA, during a National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance meeting this week. The PSMA, whose members are direct beneficiaries of the export, also recommended curbing sugar smuggling to neighbouring countries and proposed a tolling policy for importing raw sugar to manage stock shortages. PSMA also suggested starting the crushing season from November 1 — a proposal that is largely seen as symbolic and may be an attempt to deflect the criticism over the export of sugar. The PSMA stated in the meeting that without duties and taxes the cost of imported sugar was Rs153 per kilogram, which is still Rs37 per kilogram cheaper than the local price bonanza. The millers claimed that the country produced 5.9 million metric tonnes of sugar this year, which was 14% or nearly 1 million tonnes less than the previous crushing season.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
PHC questions DC's TikTok activity
The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has sought a response from the Director of the Performance Management and Reforms Unit (PMRU) over a petition challenging the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Swabi's act of sharing a video from an event at Women University Swabi on social media platform TikTok. A division bench comprising Justice Syed Arshad Ali and Justice Dr. Khurshid Iqbal heard the petition filed by Advocate Muhammad Hamdan on Thursday. The petitioner informed the court that the DC attended multiple events, recorded videos, and shared them on his personal TikTok account instead of an official government platform. He argued that while the government permits the use of platforms like Facebook and Twitter for official communication, the use of TikTok by public officials is unauthorized and raises serious privacy concerns — particularly when such content features individuals without their consent. Justice Arshad Ali inquired where the TikTok video was filmed. The court was told that the DC recorded the video during a ceremony at Women University Swabi and uploaded it from his personal account. The video included footage of female students, allegedly shared without their permission. Advocate Hamdan further argued that public officials are only permitted to share content through official government websites or verified accounts. At this point, Justice Arshad Ali questioned whether any departmental representative was present, to which the Additional Advocate General responded that none were in attendance. Expressing concern, Justice Arshad Ali remarked, "What is going on here? These officers have created pages for self-promotion. This isn't for official useit's personal branding on social media." Following a brief recess, the Deputy Director of PMRU appeared before the court. Justice Arshad Ali asked him whether PMRU had issued any notification allowing such social media accounts and questioned the basis upon which every officer had started their own pages and was sharing all kinds of content. The court directed PMRU to frame clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and submit a detailed report within 10 days. Justice Arshad Ali also cited a recent case where a District Police Officer used inappropriate language regarding civil judges on social media, emphasizing the need for regulation. "The purpose of these accounts should be strictly official," he stressed. "We are monitoring everything. Videos featuring university students should not be shared online." The hearing was adjourned until July 10, with clear instructions for PMRU to submit its report before the next session.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Former Israeli deputy defence minister threatens Pakistan's nuclear programme
Listen to article Former Israeli Deputy Minister of Defence and Labour Party Central Committee member, Meir Masri, has threatened Pakistan's nuclear programme in a social media post. Masri, who wrote in Arabic, and Urdu, posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying, 'After Iran's campaign, we may seek to dismantle Pakistan's nuclear programme.' بعد حملة إيران، قد نسعى إلى تفكيك النووي الباكستاني. — Meir Masri | מאיר מסרי (@MeirMasri) June 18, 2025 Masri currently holds no official government post but retains influence within Israeli political and strategic circles as a member of the Labour Party's senior leadership. He further went on to say, "Pakistan is not far from Iran. Your understanding is sufficient." باكستان لا تبعد كثيراً عن إيران. وفهمكم كفاية. پاکستان ایران سے زیادہ دور نہیں ہے۔ آپ کی سمجھ کافی ہے۔ — Meir Masri | מאיר מסרי (@MeirMasri) June 15, 2025 Social media users were quick to respond, with many rallying behind Pakistan and condemning Meir Masri's remarks. Do discuss with Captain Lutz before any such plan, he will definitely help you with the strategy 😎🇵🇰 — Pakistan Strategic Forum (@ForumStrategic) June 19, 2025 Some pointed out that such threats only strengthen Pakistan's resolve and national unity. Others reminded Masri of Pakistan's nuclear deterrent and past diplomatic restraint. Lol, you didn't dared to run a mission Phantom Flight back in when we didn't had nukes and now we have so keep day dreaming! — Usman Ghani (@THistorians) June 18, 2025 On Monday, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar issued a stern warning to Israel amid rising regional tensions. 'Our message is very clear for Israel: Dare not look at Pakistan,' he said, emphasising that the country remains on high alert and has the strength and resolve to respond decisively to any aggression. Dar also recalled the national unity shown by Pakistanis during previous escalations with India, affirming that the nation would remain united in defending its sovereignty. Read: DPM rebukes fake news claiming Pakistan plans nuclear strike on Israel These remarks came amid swirling rumours on social media claiming Pakistan threatened to launch a nuclear strike on Israel in retaliation for any attack on Iran—claims the government categorically denied. Meanwhile, Iranian missile strikes caused heavy damage across central and southern Israel, including a direct hit near Soroka Medical Centre in Be'er Sheva. Israel confirmed incoming attacks in multiple locations and responded with airstrikes targeting Iran's Khondab nuclear facility, raising fears of a wider regional escalation. Iranian state media reported that the Khondab heavy-water reactor had been evacuated before the Israeli strike, with no radiation risk detected. In Holon near Tel Aviv, a missile strike seriously injured one person and wounded over two dozen others as a residential building collapsed.
