Blaze News - Pakistan

For the older men and women in power, it's over. The young generation isn't buying any of what you're trying to sell to them. No matter how many talks and seminars you arrange in schools and colleges, trying to promoting patriotism, it isn't working. Patriotism comes naturally, when there is equal opportunity, sound infrastructure and efficient mechanisms in place. When you provide your people with basic necessities and ensure people get their rights, you won't have to go to schools and colleges to tell students that they are supposed to love their country, they already will nonetheless. Young minds, the Gen Z, the alphas, they know exactly what is happening and despite your consistent efforts of trying to 'sell' your views of patriotism to them, they are seeing right through it. Thanks to the internet, thanks to whatever little education we have left, despite your best efforts of keeping the masses as illiterate as possible, you have failed. You have failed...

Celebrations marked the beginning of 2026 across Pakistan as people welcomed the New Year with fireworks, music and public gatherings in major cities following festivities around the world. In Karachi, the country’s largest city, the Sindh Governor House hosted a spectacular New Year’s celebration, attracting thousands of citizens, including women, youth, and children of all ages. The event featured the longest fireworks display ever recorded at the venue. The ceremony began with a recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthem and patriotic slogans of “Pakistan Zindabad”, energizing the crowd. In a video address, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori reflected on 2025, calling it a year of military, diplomatic, and economic achievements for Pakistan. He highlighted that Pakistan remained in the global spotlight throughout the year and praised the U-19 cricket team for defeating India in the recent Asia Cup final, calling it a gift to the nation that would be remembered for life...

People around the world toasted the end of 2025, bidding farewell to one of the hottest years on record, packed with Trump tariffs, a Gaza truce and vain hopes for peace in Ukraine. New Year celebrations took on a sombre tone in Sydney as revellers held a minute of silence for victims of the Bondi Beach shooting before fireworks lit up the harbour city at the stroke of midnight. Heavily armed police patrolled among hundreds of thousands of people lining the Sydney shore barely two weeks after a father and son allegedly opened fire on a Jewish festival at Bondi Beach, killing 15 people in Australia's deadliest mass shooting for almost 30 years. Dancers perform on stage as people celebrate the New Year 2026 at the Juyongguan Great Wall, Beijing, on January 1, 2026. Photo: AFP Parties paused for a minute of silence an hour before midnight Wednesday, with the famed Sydney Harbour Bridge bathed in white light to symbolise peace. "Right now, the joy that we usually feel at the start...

Pakistani and Afghan traders have initiated formal negotiations with a special focus on restoring bilateral trade, as part of efforts to ease months-long tensions and ensure continuity of cross-border commerce. The meeting, held via video link, was jointly organised by the Khyber Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI). According to a statement issued by the Khyber Chamber, authorities on both sides had formally allowed the business community to engage in dialogue, a move welcomed by participants as a positive step towards regional stability and trade continuity. The Pakistani side was led by Patron-in-Chief of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), SM Tanveer, while the Afghan delegation was headed by ACCI Chairman Syed Karim Hashmi. Participants agreed that negotiations would continue and the concerns and demands of traders of both countries would be conveyed to the relevant authorities. It was also...

India's defence acquisition council (DAC) has cleared proposals worth 790 billion rupees ($8.78 billion) to buy radars, radios, automatic take-off landing recording systems and other equipment for its army, navy and air force, the defence ministry said on Monday. Chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the DAC meeting granted the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for a range of capability-enhancing equipment, including radars, radios, loiter munitions, anti-drone systems, precision rockets, aircraft simulators, and maritime surveillance tools. New weapons systems for Army Indian media sources said that, Indian Army will acquire loiter munition systems for precision artillery strikes, low-level lightweight radars to detect small UAVs, long-range guided rocket ammunition for the Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System, and the Integrated Drone Detection & Interdiction System (IDD&IS) Mk-II to protect critical military sites. Officials said these upgrades will enhance battlefield ...

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab inaugurated the newly renovated Reptile House, lion enclosure, a pedestrian bridge and other recreational facilities at the Karachi Zoo on Sunday. Speaking to journalists during the inauguration, the mayor said that while one group opposed the culling of stray dogs, public safety concerns could not be ignored. He said the Sindh government had introduced a dog-neutering policy at the request of animal welfare activists, but it failed to deliver the desired results. “Whatever decision the City Council takes regarding stray dogs will be implemented,” he added. Wahab said a balanced, middle-path solution was needed to address the stray dog issue, as the metropolis faced competing demands from animal welfare activists and parents whose children had been mauled by canines. Turning to developments at the Karachi Zoo, the mayor said the facility, also known as Gandhi Garden, was a valuable asset for the city and was being transformed into a modern, safe and nature-f...

The Pakistan Cricket Board has shortlisted 10 bidders for the sale of two new HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise teams, who will now participate in the auction, scheduled for January 8. According to a PCB statement, posted on X, the PCB Bid Committee has successfully completed the technical evaluation of proposals, submitted by interested parties, for the sale of the two new HBL PSL franchises. A total of 12 proposals were received from bidders from across the globe and were scrutinised by the PCB Bid Committee, the statement said. Read: Shaheen Afridi suffers injury scare in BBL Following a thorough and transparent evaluation process, the PCB Bid Committee qualified 10 bidders who met the technical criteria and have now advanced to the second stage, it added. These 10 technically qualified bidders will proceed to participate in the auction scheduled for January 08, 2026, at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad. At the auction, the successful bidders will have the right...

Despite strict restrictions imposed by the district administration, the Kite Association has announced that Basant will be celebrated in Rawalpindi on February 12 and 13. Association representatives stated that if Basant can be celebrated conditionally in Lahore, it can also be held in Rawalpindi, adding that the city is not a no-go area for Basant lovers. Kite Association Chairman Haji Iqbal and Secretary Muhammad Tayyab said, February 12 would be observed as Basant Night, beginning after Maghrib prayers and continuing until midnight. During this time, only white kites would be flown, slogans of 'Bo Kata' would be raised, rooftop barbecues would be held, and firecrackers and aerial firing would also take place. They claimed that chemical and metallic strings would be banned. They further said that February 13 would be marked as a full 'Basant Day', starting after Friday prayers and continuing until sunset. Kite flying would take place from rooftops of homes, shops, pla...

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi alleged that the federal government was bent upon pressurising Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan into submission—a course he warned was pushing Pakistan deeper into political, economic, and social turmoil. Speaking at a press conference in the Punjab Assembly on Friday, he stated that nations collapse when their rulers focus on intimidating opponents instead of addressing real challenges. He claimed that the restrictions on meetings with the PTI founder clearly exposed the government’s misplaced priorities at a time when citizens were grappling with insecurity, inflation, and unemployment. Afridi said he had travelled to Lahore to meet party's organisational workers, but alleged that police at the Chakri Interchange resorted to rude behaviour and arbitrary arrests. He described the government as 'illegitimate' and accused it of using fascist tactics against PTI workers and elected representatives. Regarding the econo...

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa police and Bannu Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) killed six terrorists during a joint operation against 'Fitna al-Khawarij' in the Takhti Khel area of Lakki Marwat on Friday, officials said. Among those killed was a notorious and most wanted commander of the terrorist group Nasratullah, also known as Maulvi Nasrat. According to official records, Nasratullah was wanted by CTD Bannu in 28 serious cases, reflecting the gravity of his terrorist activities. The government had also announced a reward of Rs2.5 million for information leading to his arrest. Officials said the successful operation had further boosted the morale of police personnel. A search operation is underway in the area to ensure the complete elimination of any remaining terrorist elements. from Latest News, Breaking News & Top News Stories | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/ge1uOlF

Tom Cruise's Christmas cake has become one of Hollywood's most well-known festive traditions, but recent comments from collaborators suggest the widely discussed gift is only part of a much larger ritual reserved for a select few. Each year, a coconut and white chocolate bundt cake is delivered to a carefully chosen list of actors, directors and industry figures. Over time, the cake has taken on near-mythical status, with recipients often treating its arrival as a sign of continued goodwill from Cruise. Some have spoken about sharing it with friends, while others admit to waiting days before cutting into it. However, those closest to the actor have revealed that there is another level of gifting beyond the familiar cake. Director Joseph Kosinski, who worked with Cruise on Top Gun: Maverick, explained on the Happy Sad Confused podcast that families with children receive something different altogether. "There's another level of Cruise Cake, which I don't know if it...

Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting ​chairman Tarique Rahman returned to Dhaka on Thursday after nearly 17 years in exile, a homecoming the party hopes will energise supporters with Rahman poised to be the top contender for prime minister in the February 12 elections. Hundreds of thousands of supporters lined the route from the capital’s airport to the reception venue, waving party flags and carrying placards, banners, and flowers, while ‌chanting slogans welcoming Rahman, ‌as senior BNP leaders received him ‌at ⁠the Dhaka ​airport ‌under tight security. Rahman, 60, the son of ailing former prime minister Khaleda Zia, has lived in London since 2008 and led the BNP as acting chairman since 2018. Dressed in a light grey, finely checkered blazer over a crisp white shirt, Rahman waved to the crowd with a gentle smile. He had been unable to return while facing multiple criminal ⁠cases at home. Rahman was convicted in absentia on charges that included money laundering ‌and in a case linked t...

As many as 80 Pakistani students have been offered employment in Saudi Arabia, where they are to get monthly salaries ranging from 1,600 to 1,800 Saudi riyals by working as technicians. A ceremony for the distribution of job offer letters was held at GCT Railway Road, where Provincial Minister for Communications Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bharth formally distributed the job offer letters. Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Skills Development Nadir Chatha said that 80 talented students had been selected for employment in Saudi Arabia. He added that the students would work as Fire Alarm Technicians and Fire Protection Technicians. He further stated that the selected students had undergone two months of technical training, soft skills development, and pre-departure training. He emphasised that TEVTA is utilising all available resources to provide overseas employment opportunities for its graduates. Addressing the ceremony, the provincial minister urged the students to work hard abroad and bring ...

For one hundred years, public health professionals had been working to prepare the world for the next pandemic. They were worried about flu viruses as they have the potential to start a new pandemic. The earlier major global pandemic of 1918 which killed tens of millions of people is believed to be due to a flu virus. That was the reason that sophisticated laboratories around the world were established to track influenza viruses which then could help in producing effective vaccines. The problem with flu viruses is that they are not a one type of virus and they change rapidly to undermine our defences. This year influenza A H3N2 is a predominant strain. That means in many areas it is being found in 80-90% of influenza cases. Influenza A H3N2 is not a new virus but it's more virulent or deadly than other Influenza A viruses. In 2022-2023 when H3N2 was dominant flu strain in the UK, it killed around 16,000 people compared to 8,000 deaths in previous flu seasons. But this year, H3N2 ha...

The sisters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan were once again denied permission on Tuesday to meet the former prime minister at Adiala Jail, prompting a protest sit-in that led to the blocking of parts of Adiala Road. The weekly protest followed prison authorities’ refusal to allow meetings between the PTI founder and his sisters — Aleema Khan, Dr Uzma Khan and Noreen Khan — as well as party leaders and other family members. The sisters were also scheduled to meet Bushra Bibi. The sisters reached the area via the Chakri Interchange on the motorway and arrived at the Gorakhpur checkpoint, where police deployed in large numbers stopped their vehicle and blocked the road by placing a dumper. Led by Aleema Khan, the sisters and PTI workers then proceeded on foot towards Adiala Jail. آج عمران خان صاحب کی فیملی کے ساتھ ملاقات کروانے کا دن تھا. لیکن 3 ہفتے سے ملاقات بند کی ہوئی ہے اور عمران خان کو قیدِتنہائی میں رکھا ہوا ہے. عمران خان کی بہنوں کے ساتھ رات کے اس وقت اڈیالہ جیل کے ...

The government is set to auction 75% shares of Pakistan International Airlines on Tuesday in Islamabad, marking a significant step towards the airline’s privatisation. The successful bidder will be granted a 90-day window to purchase the remaining 25% of shares. According to sources from the Privatisation Commission, the potential new investor is required to commit an investment of Rs80 billion over the next five years. Of the proceeds from the sale of 75% of PIA’s shares, 92.5% will be allocated to the airline for reinvestment, while the remaining 7.5% will be transferred to the government. The Privatisation Commission’s board will first approve the reserve price, after which the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation will provide the final approval. Pre-qualified bidder groups are required to submit their bids between 10:45am and 11:15am on Tuesday. The sealed bids will be opened publicly at 3:30pm in the presence of the media. If any bid exceeds the reserve price, it will be opened. In ...

The most significant headline for Pakistan in 2025 is undoubtedly the unexpected reset in relations with the United States. Few in Islamabad or across the Atlantic believed that ties could improve under Donald Trump's second presidency, assuming any warmth would be brief and transactional. Even when President Trump publicly praised Pakistan for arresting one of the masterminds behind the Abbey Gate bombing in Kabul, many analysts dismissed it as short-lived. Instead, Pakistan-US relations strengthened. This turnaround becomes even more striking when contrasted with President Joe Biden's administration. Pakistan was sidelined, with minimal high-level engagement and a near-freeze in dialogue. But within the first few months of Trump's presidency, he met Pakistan's army chief twice and also held a formal meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif — the first such engagement in six years. The brief but intense Pakistan-India military crisis in May played a critical role in ...

Groom Tahir Shah, a resident of Peshawar, would have never imagined that the happiest day of his life — his wedding day —would turn into a nightmare behind bars. However, that is exactly what happened when Peshawar police detained him following celebratory aerial firing carried out by his friends and relatives, which ultimately led to his arrest. Shah is not alone in this predicament. He is the latest in a series of grooms arrested on their wedding days for allegedly being responsible for customary celebratory gunfire. Since Peshawar police launched a zero-tolerance crackdown on such incidents, ten other grooms have also been taken into custody during their wedding celebrations. With the arrest of Tahir Shah, the total number of grooms detained this month on fire-related charges has now reached eleven. According to officials, although it is typically the groom’s friends or relatives who fire shots during wedding festivities, the law holds the groom personally accountable. This means th...

Israel’s security cabinet approved the establishment of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, a move the country’s far-right finance minister said on Sunday was aimed at preventing the establishment of a Palestinian state. The decision brings the total number of settlements approved over the past three years to 69, according to a statement from the office of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The latest approvals come days after the United Nations said the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank — all of which are considered illegal under international law — had reached its highest level since at least 2017. “The proposal by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defense Minister Israel Katz to declare and formalize 19 new settlements in Judea and Samaria has been approved by the cabinet,” the statement said, without specifying when the decision was taken. Read More: Dozens mourn six killed in Israeli shelling of Gaza shelter Smotrich is a vocal proponent of settlement...

The Federal Investigation Agency Immigration stopped Karachi Municipal Commissioner Afzal Zaidi from travelling abroad after his name was found on the Exit Control List. According to sources, Afzal Zaidi was scheduled to travel from Karachi to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines flight TK-709 late Saturday night. However, immigration officials denied him clearance at the counter and offloaded him from the flight due to his inclusion on the Exit Control List (ECL). Immigration authorities informed him that he could not travel abroad unless his name was removed from the list or he obtained prior permission from a court. Sources added that dozens of officers have been placed on a special watch list due to various allegations, restricting their foreign travel. from Latest News, Breaking News & Top News Stories | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/LvH6Kua

Eight suspected extortionists have been arrested as police stepped up a crackdown against extortion targeting traders and builders in the metropolitan city. The suspects were traced using international phone numbers linked to locations such as Iran, Dubai, Nigeria, and the Philippines. Police revealed that the suspects had been using these numbers to threaten traders and builders, demanding hefty sums of money in exchange for protection or to avoid harm. Provincial police chief Ghulam Nabi Memon confirmed that at least eight major extortion incidents had been reported in various parts of the city. The first of these incidents occurred on September 27 in Malir, followed by others in Bahadurabad, Soldier Bazaar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Nazimabad, and Garden. In each case, the extortionists used international phone numbers to intimidate their victims. Read More: CM Murad vows 'zero tolerance' for land grabbing, extortion Meanwhile, the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of the CIA Police r...

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday warned that while famine in the Gaza Strip has been averted, the humanitarian situation remains extremely fragile, with more than 75% of the population facing acute food insecurity and critical risks of malnutrition. "Famine has been pushed back. Far more people are able to access the food they need to survive," Guterres told a news conference at the UN headquarters in New York. "Gains are fragile, perilously so." He said 1.6 million people in Gaza, more than 75% of the population, are projected to face "extreme levels of acute food insecurity and critical malnutrition risks." "And in more than half of Gaza, where Israeli troops remain deployed, farmland and entire neighborhoods are out of reach. Strikes and hostilities continue, pushing the civilian toll of this war even higher and exposing our teams to grave danger," he said. Guterres also renewed calls for "a durable ceasefire," saying:...

Alphabet's YouTube was largely back up after a brief outage denied access for thousands of users globally on Friday, according to Downdetector.com. There were about 200 outage reports from users of the platform as of 9:00 a.m. ET, compared with the peak of nearly 10,800, Downdetector showed. Outage reports in the UK dropped to nearly 70 from more than 3,000, while Canada also reported quick restoration of the service, according to the website, which shows outages by collating status reports from multiple sources. YouTube did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the reason for the outage. The actual number of affected users may differ from what's shown on Downdetector because these reports are user-submitted. from Latest News, Breaking News & Top News Stories | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/CbKrRtG

National Electric Power Regulatory Authority has unveiled a new set of rules and regulations aimed at managing the electricity purchase and supply process for net metering users. The regulations bring significant changes that will affect both new and existing users of distributed generation facilities, such as solar, wind, and biogas power systems. Under the new rules, net metering users—referred to as “prosumers”—will face separate tariffs for electricity purchase from the grid and supply to the grid. The electricity company will buy electricity from the prosumers at the National Average Energy Purchase Price, while supplying electricity to users based on the existing tariff rates. In addition to these changes, the regulations introduce several new requirements and definitions. A key change is the introduction of a new term, "Prosumer," for net metering users. These users will now be subject to more specific rules concerning the amount of electricity they are permitted to pr...

A terrorism case has been registered against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan’s sisters, senior party figures and 400 others for staging sit-in outside Adiala Jail. The FIR, lodged at Saddar Bairuni police station in Rawalpindi on Wednesday, invokes sections 7 and 21(I) of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997 and the Pakistan Penal Code. Police said the protesters had staged a sit-in on Kacheri Road near the prison despite restrictions on public gatherings imposed under Section 144. According to the FIR, the case names Imran Khan’s sisters Aleema Khan, Dr Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, alongside PTI leaders, Qasim Khan, Salman Akram Raja and Aliya Hamza. Others nominated include Naeem Panjutha, Tabish Farooq, Tayyaba Raja, Nadia Khattak, Haroon, Raja Asad Abbas, Zafar Gondal and Shafqat Abbas. In total, 35 suspects have been named and around 400 unidentified individuals mentioned in the report. Police also added sections 324, 120B, 147, 109, 286, 149, 440, 285, 188, 341, 353 and 1...

Imagine checking the air quality in your neighbourhood as easily as checking the weather. Thanks to Artificial Intelligence (AI), this is becoming a reality. No longer a concept from science fiction, AI is now a vital tool in the global fight against pollution and climate change. According to the Associated Press (Oct 2025), soon people will track soot pollution as easily as tracking storms. A leading example is Climate TRACE, founded by former US Vice President Al Gore. It now uses 300 satellites, 30,000 ground sensors and AI to monitor 137,095 pollution sources, including nearly 4,000 major "super emitters". This level of monitoring shows how AI is transforming environmental governance. AI can process vast amounts of data faster than humans, detecting patterns and threats as they emerge. By analysing satellite images, river flow and soil data, AI identifies illegal logging, forecasts floods and helps farmers optimise water and fertiliser use. Communities and authorities gai...

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has temporarily restrained the authorities from deporting an Afghan national, Bakhti Jan, to Afghanistan. The court directed the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (Safron) to decide, within one month, on the petitioner’s request regarding his Proof of Registration (PoR) card, and ordered that he should not be deported until a decision is made. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani heard the petition seeking Pakistani citizenship for the Afghan refugee and protection from deportation. Counsel for the petitioner submitted that applications had been filed with the Ministry of Safron and Nadra, but no decision had yet been taken. Also Read: Government panel to investigate offloading of travellers Justice Kayani observed that although the petitioner is an Afghan refugee, he has now come to know that his parents are Pakistani. The court remarked that the petitioner would first have to get his PoR card cancelled and then apply for citizenship, as cancellation o...

With a remake of the first "Tomb Raider" game and an original title also starring its protagonist Lara Croft in the pipeline, American studio Crystal Dynamics say they are crafting "a love letter by fans, for fans" of the classic series. Pistol-toting heroine Lara Croft will return to PlayStation, Xbox and PC next year in "Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis", a remake of the very first game released in 1996. And 2027 will bring "Tomb Raider: Catalyst", the next instalment in the saga that has sold more than 100 million copies worldwide. The remake especially is "a love letter by fans, all of us, for fans... something special to celebrate that moment" 30 years on, Crystal Dynamics boss Scot Amos said. The remake will be "built from scratch" on the modern Unreal 5 game engine and more in line with 2020s gameplay tastes, Amos said. "You want it to feel like it felt when you played the first time, but play like a modern game,...

Unidentified armed assailants set fire to trucks carrying supplies for security forces in South Waziristan and abducted their drivers. According to details, the incident occurred in the Badr area of South Waziristan, where unidentified armed men intercepted two trucks transporting logistics for security forces. The attackers torched both vehicles and forcibly abducted the two drivers, taking them to an undisclosed location. Following the incident, security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to trace the perpetrators and recover the abducted drivers. Read: 13 terrorists killed during two separate IBOs in K-P: ISPR Separately, in response to the security situation, Dera Ismail Khan police have imposed a district-wide red alert. Under emergency directives, all police stations, outposts, and check posts have been placed on high alert. Police personnel have been instructed to remain fully armed with weapons and ammunition, whether on duty or off duty. Authorities h...

Scientists in the United States have developed a robot smaller than a grain of salt that can sense, think and act on its own, marking a breakthrough that researchers say solves an engineering challenge dating back more than four decades. Teams from the University of Michigan and the University of Pennsylvania have created the microscopic machine, which integrates computing, sensing and movement in a form previously considered impossible at such a scale. The robot contains a 55-nanometre computer, temperature sensors accurate to within 0.3 degrees Celsius, and tiny motors that allow it to move through liquid using platinum electrodes. The robot contains a 55-nanometre computer, temperature sensors accurate to within 0.3 degrees Celsius. PHOTO: Michael Simari/University of Michigan Powered by miniature solar cells and protected by a glass-like coating, the robot operates independently without external control. Lead researcher Marc Miskin described it as the first tiny robot able to “sens...

Two US Army soldiers and an American civilian interpreter were killed in an ambush by an Islamic State (ISIS) gunman in central Syria on Saturday, the Pentagon said, marking the first deadly attack on US forces since Syria’s political transition late last year. The attack took place in the ancient city of Palmyra, where US troops were supporting counterterrorism operations. Three other people were wounded, according to Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the assailant was later killed by partner forces. The savage who perpetrated this attack was killed by partner forces. Let it be known, if you target Americans — anywhere in the world — you will spend the rest of your brief, anxious life knowing the United States will hunt you, find you, and ruthlessly kill you. https://t.co/P7D9NrWpAL — Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) December 13, 2025 US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the casualties resulted from “an ambush by a lone ISIS gunman,” adding that ...

The investigation into the case of cutting hair of TikToker Iman Fatima within the jurisdiction of Naseerabad police station has reached a dead end after the disappearance of the complainant TikToker and her complete disassociation from the case. Additional District and Sessions Judge Ikramul Haq Chaudhry extended the interim bail of the female accused, Sana Bibi, and the co-accused, Jabbar Khan, until December 18. The court also issued a stern warning to the investigating officer, directing him to complete the investigation within three days and submit a report. Both accused appeared before the court. The female accused, Sana Bibi, stated that she had no connection whatsoever with the case, asserting that she had neither ever met any of the accused nor the TikToker Iman Fatima. She claimed that her name had been wrongly included in the FIR and maintained that she had been falsely implicated. She further stated that if the investigating officer or any of the accused possessed any evide...

Punjab’s goods transporters announced the end of their five-day strike on Friday following successful negotiations with the provincial government, agreeing to resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue. The strike, which began on December 8, was staged in protest against the Punjab Traffic Ordinance 2025, alleged bribery by the Regional Transport Authority (RTA), unjustified challans, legal cases, and vehicle seizures by traffic and motorway police. The shutdown severely disrupted the province’s supply chain, affecting the availability of goods in markets. Transporters’ representatives met with Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, who chaired the talks following directives from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The discussions concluded with a reconciliation agreement signed by Haji Sher Ali Chaudhry, central president of the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance, along with other officials. A committee, headed by Marriyum and including representatives from the transport sec...

More than Rs1 billion worth of gold has reportedly gone missing from a shop in Achhra’s Latif Jewellery Market in Lahore, prompting police to launch an investigation into the matter. According to jewellers in the market, over 20 kilograms of gold kept in trust with a local trader, identified as Sheikh Waseem Akhtar, has allegedly disappeared. Several jewellers had deposited their gold with him, but grew suspicious when he failed to show up at his shop for several consecutive days. Traders said they eventually broke the locks to access the storage locker, where they claim they discovered that all the entrusted gold—valued at nearly Rs1 billion—was missing. One shopkeeper further alleged that the trader had also absconded with a committee amounting to Rs6 million. Read: Gold prices rise again as silver hits record high Police confirmed that a formal complaint has been filed by Muhammad Ahmad, one of the affected jewellers, at the Achhra police station. Officials said an inquiry has been ...

United Arab Emirates has imposed up to 5 million dirham fine for flouting UAE residency rules, including sheltering and employment of infiltrators, Gulf News reported. Federal Law No 29 of 2021 on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners imposes strict penalties for the crime, setting fines starting from Dh100,000 and reaching up to Dh5 million in cases involving multiple offenders or organised networks, in addition to a minimum imprisonment term of two months. Legal liability extends to anyone who provides an infiltrator with any form of support—whether accommodation, work, or assistance that enables them to remain in the country unlawfully—underscoring the UAE’s firm stance against this violation. Using a visa for purposes other than those intended—such as working while holding a visit or tourist visa—is considered a serious violation that disrupts public order and exposes the offender to legal accountability. The law imposes a minimum fine of Dh10,000 for such violations, with imprison...