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Author: News Desk

  • IHC to hear petition seeking ban on Imran Khan’s X account

    IHC to hear petition seeking ban on Imran Khan’s X account

    Islamabad High Court (IHC) has scheduled January 21 for hearing a petition seeking the suspension of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s X (formerly Twitter) account.

    The court directed all respondents to submit their responses before the next hearing, noting that the Adiala jail authorities have already filed their response. Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir will hear the case, while senior lawyer Salman Akram Raja is representing the PTI founder.

    The superintendent of Adiala jail firmly denied allegations that Imran Khan’s X account is being managed from within the prison in its written statement.

    The former prime minister is still constantly monitored and does not have access to cell phones or other internet-enabled devices, jail authorities informed the court.


    The reply stated that mobile signal jammers are installed within the jail premises and surrounding areas, making it impossible for inmates to use phones or internet services. It further said that under jail rules, Imran Khan is prohibited from engaging in political discussions, though officials acknowledged that some visitors attempt to raise political topics during meetings in violation of these restrictions.

    The superintendent also referred to past incidents where political messages attributed to Imran Khan were linked to unrest, but stressed that such communication is no longer possible as he is completely cut off from digital access. “The X account linked to the PTI founder is not being operated from inside the jail and is clearly being managed from outside,” the reply maintained.

    According to jail authorities, Imran Khan is being provided only those facilities permitted under prison rules or granted by court orders, none of which include access to online or digital platforms.

    The response was submitted against a petition filed by a citizen named Ghulam Murtaza, through his counsel Barrister Zafarullah. The petitioner alleged that despite being incarcerated, the PTI founder continues to issue illegal and provocative messages through his X account.


    Separately, an October post from Imran Khan’s official X handle claimed that officials from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) questioned him inside Adiala jail over alleged “anti-state” content shared from the account. 

    The post asserted that although he does not personally operate the account while in custody, FIA officials questioned him on several issues, including criticism of foreign policy and social media activity.

    The statement further claimed that Imran Khan declined to respond to certain queries in the absence of his lawyers and alleged psychological pressure, including solitary confinement and denial of basic prison facilities.

    According to the post, FIA officials questioned him about his views on Afghanistan and regional policy, to which he allegedly criticised the current military leadership, the expulsion of Afghan refugees, and drone strikes, claiming these actions harmed bilateral relations and regional stability.

  • Pakistan’s Shahzaib Rind set to face Israeli fighter in Lightweight World Championship

    Pakistan’s Shahzaib Rind set to face Israeli fighter in Lightweight World Championship

    Pakistani mixed martial artist Shahzaib Rind will face Israeli fighter Natan Levy in the Lightweight World Championship 2026, Karate Combat announced on their social media platforms.

    The promotion has not yet revealed the date for the highly anticipated matchup.

    Rind responded to the announcement with confidence, commenting on the post: “History is going to be made inshallah ☝️”

    Fans flooded the comments section with messages of support for the Pakistani fighter.

    One user wrote, “Let’s Go ,” while another taunted the Israeli by writing, “The win will not be promised to him.”

    “Lets go shahzaib!!! ‍♂️,” another supporter commented.

    One excited fan declared, “Now This Is Gonna Be Banger Let’s Gooooo.”

    Rind currently holds the KC Lightweight World Championship with an undefeated professional record of 9-0. He successfully defended his title in Miami on January 25, 2025, defeating former three-time world champion Edgars Skrivers 7-0 at Karate Combat 52, becoming world champion for the second time.

    Rind delivered one of the fastest knockouts in Karate Combat history, stunning Peru’s Marco Cubas with a knockout in just 21 seconds during the first round of Karate Combat 44 in Mexico City. The 27-year-old started with a flying knee followed by a head kick and ground strikes to complete the stunning finish.

    His most recent victory came on July 19, 2025, when he knocked out Brazilian fighter Luiz Rocha via TKO at 2:57 in Round 4 at Karate Combat 56 in Miami.

    The fighter from Balochistan began his martial arts journey at age nine and boasts a combined Wushu and Kickboxing record of 75-4, the majority of which was attained while training himself from YouTube videos.

    Rind is a six-time national champion. He made history by defeating Brazilian Bruno Roberto De Assis at KC-49 in Singapore on September 18, 2024, becoming Pakistan’s first-ever world champion in Karate Combat.

  • Somaliland rejects claims of Israeli bases, Gaza resettlement

    Somaliland rejects claims of Israeli bases, Gaza resettlement

    Somaliland has pushed back against claims that its recent diplomatic engagement with Israel involved agreements to host Israeli military facilities or resettle Palestinians displaced from Gaza, calling the allegations unfounded.

    The denial followed comments by Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who said that Somaliland had accepted three conditions from Israel: allowing the resettlement of Palestinians, permitting the establishment of a military base along the Gulf of Aden, and joining the Abraham Accords to normalise relations with Israel.

    In a statement issued on Thursday, Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said its contacts with Israel were “purely diplomatic” and carried out “in full respect of international law.” The ministry said no agreements existed on hosting foreign military facilities or on resettling Palestinians.

    Somaliland’s foreign minister said no discussions had taken place on those issues but did not explicitly rule out future cooperation. Only participation in the Abraham Accords has been publicly acknowledged by both sides.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Tuesday that Somaliland would join the accords. He said Israel wanted to “support a democratic, moderate country, a Muslim country, that wants to join the Abraham Accords.”

    Israel last week formally recognised Somaliland as an independent state, becoming the first country to do so since the region declared independence from Somalia in 1991. Somaliland has since operated its own administration, currency and security forces, but has not previously secured international recognition.

    Somaliland President Abdurrahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Cirro, is expected to visit Israel in the coming weeks.

    Somalia’s president warned that Israel’s move “was not merely a diplomatic gesture but a cover for specific, high-stakes Israeli strategic objectives.” He said Israel would “export its problem in Gaza” to the Horn of Africa and described the recognition as opening “a box of evils in the world.”

    Israel has not publicly outlined its reasons for recognising Somaliland. 

    Addressing regional reactions, Somaliland’s foreign minister said that some countries believed relations with Israel would cause instability, but said those concerns were unfounded.

    More than 50 countries condemned Israel’s decision, while the African Union and the European Union said Somalia’s territorial integrity should be respected.

    Somaliland’s president said on New Year’s Eve that “many more nations will soon formally recognise the Republic of Somaliland.”

    Somalia continues to claim Somaliland as part of its territory.

  • Rajab Butt’s lawyer suspended by Punjab Bar Council

    Rajab Butt’s lawyer suspended by Punjab Bar Council

    The Punjab Bar Council (PbBC) has suspended the practice licence of Advocate Mian Ali Ashfaq for appearing before Karachi City Courts during a lawyers’ strike while representing TikToker Rajab Butt.

    According to an order issued by PbBC Executive Committee Chairman Zabiullah Nagra, the suspension order was handed out after the President and General Secretary of the Bar Karachi Association formally complained about Ashfaq’s conduct during the strike.

    The order states that a video circulating on social media showed Advocate Ashfaq inside the Karachi City Courts, actively representing Rajab Butt, despite a complete boycott of judicial proceedings. 

    The strike had been called to protest the alleged victimisation of the Karachi Bar Association’s former librarian, Naseer Muhammad Kalhoro, and strictly barred all legal activity within court premises.

    The video shows Ashfaq present in court at a time when courtrooms were largely deserted, a move the council described as a clear violation of the strike call. 

    The PbBC further noted that the lawyer allegedly entered the premises accompanied by private guards or individuals, intensifying anger among striking lawyers and drawing sharp criticism from the legal fraternity.


    According to the council, the situation escalated when Ashfaq, while defending his client, made remarks against the lawyers’ community comments the PbBC termed “serious professional impropriety.” These statements, the order said, triggered divisions among lawyers, leading to confrontation, discord and an atmosphere charged with resentment.

    “The conduct created dispute and disharmony and gravely damaged the reputation, unity and collective integrity of the lawyers’ community,” the order observed.

    After reviewing his professional record, the executive committee noted that Ali Ashfaq was enrolled as an advocate with the Punjab Bar Council in 2010 and later with the High Court in 2012. As a practicing lawyer, the council emphasised, he was duty-bound to uphold the dignity and high standing of the profession at all times.


    The executive committee unanimously decided to suspend Ashfaq’s licence to practice law with immediate effect and referred the matter to the PbBC’s disciplinary committee for proceedings regarding the permanent cancellation of his licence in accordance with law.


    Speaking to a media outlet, Chairman Zabiullah Nagra said the Punjab Bar Council, as a statutory regulatory body, was not required to issue a prior notice before suspending a licence in cases of professional misconduct.

    He added that every enrolled advocate is presumed to have full knowledge of the bar council’s code of conduct and is obligated to comply with it.


    Nagra further said the lawyer had been found involved in activities unbecoming of a member of the legal profession for some time.

     Advocate Ali Ashfaq has also appeared as counsel for former spymaster Faiz Hameed in the trial concluded against him before a military court.


    Following the suspension, Ashfaq took to X, posting a defiant message that read: “If you wish to test my resolve for standing for the right thing. You’ll see it more than ever and much bigger than before. Test me more, I’ll fail you.”

  • Pakistani-Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja bids farewell to international cricket

    Pakistani-Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja bids farewell to international cricket

    Pakistani-Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has announced on Friday that he is resigning from international cricket ahead of the final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

    The 39-year-old made the announcement during a press conference at the SCG, with his parents, wife, and daughters present for the emotional moment.

    Khawaja revealed that the Test match in Sydney will mark the end of his 15-year international career. “This match holds special significance for me because I grew up in this city and became a young man watching cricket here,” he said.

    The veteran batsman will continue representing Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League and Queensland in domestic cricket.

    Khawaja ranks among Australia’s most successful batsmen, having scored 6,206 runs in 87 Test matches with 16 centuries. The Sydney Test presents an opportunity for him to surpass Michael Hussey on the list of Australia’s highest Test run-scorers.

    As Australia’s first Muslim and Pakistan-born Test cricketer, Khawaja has played a prominent role in speaking out against racial discrimination. He built a lasting legacy off the field through the Usman Khawaja Foundation.

    “I never believed I would represent Australia, but today I proudly conclude my journey,” Khawaja said in his heartfelt statement.

    His career weathered multiple ups and downs, including being dropped from the team several times, yet he staged remarkable comebacks and established himself as a respected and consistent player.

    “I want to be remembered as a humble, hardworking cricketer who entertained the crowds,” he added.

    “I understand that I’ve talked about certain issues outside of cricket which a lot of people don’t like,” he said. “I still find it hard when I say that everyone deserves freedom, that Palestinians deserve freedom and equal rights, why that is such a big issue,” he added.
    “But I get it, I put myself out there, even when we talk about Australian politics, and we get all these right-wing politicians that are anti-immigration, anti-Islamophobia and I speak up against them.
    He said, “I know people don’t love that, but I feel like I have to because where these guys are trying to divide, create hate, and trying to create animosity in the Australian community, I’m doing the exact opposite. I’m trying to bring everyone together. I’m trying to bring inclusivity into Australia.”

    In 2023, Khawaja received the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year and Shane Warne Test Cricketer of the Year awards. He was also part of the Australian team that won the ICC Test Championship that year.

    “The most prominent feeling is contentment. I feel fortunate to have played so many matches for Australia. I hope I’ve inspired people,” Khawaja said.

    Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg praised Khawaja’s contributions. “Usman Khawaja has made an extraordinary impact on Australian cricket through his exceptional performances. He is one of our most stylish and brilliant batters,” he stated. 

    The final Ashes Test begins on January 4 at the SCG.

  • From subway station to City Hall: Mamdani is in as New York’s first Muslim mayor, but…

    From subway station to City Hall: Mamdani is in as New York’s first Muslim mayor, but…

    Mamdani has been sworn in as New York City’s mayor at an abandoned subway station beneath City Hall, beginning his term as the first Muslim to lead the United States’ (US) largest city.

    His office said the understated location was deliberately chosen to reflect his commitment to working-class New Yorkers, a central theme of his campaign focused on tackling the rising cost of living.

    “This is truly the honor and the privilege of a lifetime,” Mamdani told reporters after being sworn in.

    His oath was administered by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who previously prosecuted President Donald Trump for fraud.

    The ceremonial inauguration later Thursday is expected to feature speeches from Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Around 4,000 ticketed guests are set to attend the event outside City Hall.

    Mamdani’s team has also organised a block party, allowing tens of thousands of people to watch the ceremony at designated viewing areas along Broadway.

    Despite the symbolic opening, questions remain over whether Mamdani, virtually unknown a year ago, can deliver on an ambitious agenda that includes rent freezes, universal childcare and free public bus services.

    “Once an election is over, symbolism only goes so far with voters. Results begin to matter a whole lot more,” said John Kane, a lecturer at New York University.

    How President Trump behaves could prove a decisive factor. The Republican, himself a New Yorker, has repeatedly criticised Mamdani, though the two held unexpectedly cordial talks at the White House in November.

    Columbia University professor and political analyst Lincoln Mitchell said the meeting “couldn’t have gone better from Mamdani’s perspective”, but warned the relationship could quickly sour.

    Trump’s ongoing increase in raids targeting immigrants across the US makes immigration a possible flashpoint. Mamdani has promised to defend New York’s immigrant communities.

    President Trump called Mamdani a “communist lunatic” and promised to stop federal funding for the city if he won the November election. Mamdani has described Trump as a fascist.

    Mamdani took the oath with his hands on two copies of the Holy Quran — one belonging to his grandfather and the other from the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Centre for Research in Black Culture.

    The new role also brings a change of address, as Mamdani moves from his rent-controlled apartment in Queens to the mayor’s official residence in Manhattan. He said the move was driven mainly by security concerns, despite questions raised during the campaign over affordability.

    Born in Uganda to a family of Indian origin, Mamdani moved to New York at the age of seven. With a relatively brief political career that included serving in the New York State Assembly, he has sought to compensate by surrounding himself with seasoned aides from previous mayoral administrations and the government of former president Joe Biden.

    He has also opened dialogue with business leaders, some of whom had predicted a mass departure of wealthy New Yorkers if he won. Real estate leaders have since dismissed those claims.

  • Indian Ministry orders removal of ‘Baloch’ word from Dhurandhar

    Indian Ministry orders removal of ‘Baloch’ word from Dhurandhar

    The biggest grosser of 2025 and Hindi cinema’s highest-earning film, Dhurandhar, faces a new controversy as the Information and Broadcasting Ministry  the removal of the word “Baloch” from the film.

    Indian media outlets, quoting sources, reported that the I&B Ministry has asked the makers to remove the word from the film before screening it on January 1.

    Since it appears frequently throughout Dhurandhar, the extent of the changes remains unclear. The source noted that theatres across India received an email from the distributor on Thursday, asking them to replace the Digital Cinema Package and play only the updated version.

    The source mentioned that along with removing that word, the makers have implemented a couple of related changes, though he couldn’t reveal the exact details of those alterations.

    The Ranveer Singh starrer, which has collected over PKR23 billion in 26 days, now faces a second setback as Jio Studios, the film’s production house, shifts focus to its new release Ikkis.

    The trade source believes an understanding between Jio Studios and Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films led to pushing Ikkis’ release by a week from Christmas, December 25, 2025, to New Year’s Day. 

    Now entering its fifth week since its December 5, 2025 release, Dhurandhar hovers around the PKR30 crore mark daily. However, with screens halved for Ikkis, it may soon slip to single-digit daily earnings starting Monday, January 5.

    Jio Studios, which distributes both films, has ensured Ikkis gets 30-40% of screens.  

    Based on the story of Second Lieutenant Arun Kheterpal who was killed in Battle of Basantar during the Pak-India war of 197. 

    Before these domestic challenges, Dhurandhar faced rejection from six Gulf countries. According to media reports, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE all blocked the theatrical release after reviewing its content.

    The film features Arjun Rampal as Major Iqbal, a character the trailer claims controls Pakistani politics. R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt and Akshaye Khanna round out the cast.

    The production incorporates real figures from Karachi’s recent past. Sanjay Dutt portrays the late SP Chaudhry Aslam Khan, who served as a counter-terrorism police officer in Karachi. Akshaye Khanna plays Abdul Rehman Baloch, known as Rehman Dakait, a gang leader who died in a police encounter.

    The filmmakers market Dhurandhar as “inspired by incredible true events.” 

    However, the connections the film draws between these Karachi figures and cross-border terror lack any documented basis. 

    The trailer also features imagery resembling the 1999 Indian Airlines hijacking in Kandahar, suggesting the film weaves multiple narratives together under its “true events” claim.

  • Court rejects bail of man accused of luring, raping woman on pretext of issuing credit card in Karachi

    Court rejects bail of man accused of luring, raping woman on pretext of issuing credit card in Karachi

    A court in Karachi has rejected the bail plea of one Mehroz, who was accused of sexually assaulting a woman after luring her under the pretext of issuing a credit card.

    As per the details, Advocate Qambar Abbas, who was representing the victim, told the court that the accomplice of the accused remained at large and continued to threaten the woman.

    He argued that granting bail could affect the investigation and influence witnesses.

    “The accused’s accomplice is still at large and is actively threatening the victim. Bail should not be granted to prevent interference with the case,” Abbas told the court.

    Earlier, Bahadurabad police also confirmed that investigations were ongoing and the accused and his accomplice also circulated obscene videos and pictures of the victim on social media.

    It merits a mention that 2025 saw a spike in incidents of violence, particularly sexual assault, against women across the country.

    In December, local police in Punjab’s Sahiwal said a woman from Tandlianwala was allegedly lured to the city by a social media acquaintance and gang raped by at least two men.

    The survivor told authorities that she was given a drink believed to contain intoxicants before being sexually assaulted.

    She later reported the matter to the police, who registered a case and started conducting raids to arrest the suspects.

    Probe is underway.

  • Serena Hotel in Swat shuts down after nearly four decades

    Serena Hotel in Swat shuts down after nearly four decades

    Serena Hotel in Swat has ceased its operations effective January 1, bringing an end to nearly four decades of operations in the valley, the hotel management said.

    In a notice issued on behalf of the management, the hotel noted its decades of service and contribution in promoting tourism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), especially in the Swat region.

    The management expressed gratitude to its guests, business partners and associates for their support over the years. “We regret to announce the closure of Swat Serena Hotel’s operations, effective 1 January 2026,” the notice read.

    Serena Hotels made it clear that the closure solely affects the Swat property and has no bearing on its other locations as the group will continue welcoming guests at its remaining hotels across Asia and Africa.

    Currently, Serena Hotels has 33 locations across the globe, of which ten are in Pakistan.

    The group reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high service standards and delivering quality guest experiences at its other hotels.

    While the reason behind the closure has not yet been released, it had long been recognised as a key destination for domestic and international travelers in the valley.

  • ‘Everyone in our industry holds grudges’: Noman Ijaz on dark side of Pak showbiz

    ‘Everyone in our industry holds grudges’: Noman Ijaz on dark side of Pak showbiz

    Veteran Pakistani actor Noman Ijaz has made a stark revelation about the entertainment industry, claiming that jealousy and resentment define relationships among showbiz personalities.

    In a recent interview, the acclaimed actor responded to criticism from director and actress Sangeeta, who had accused him of unprofessional behavior during her appearance on Nadia Khan’s show. 

    Sangeeta claimed Ijaz took full payment for her drama serial Bhulley Shah three years ago but refused to work when shooting started, keeping the project hanging with various excuses.

    Without naming anyone, Ijaz shared his candid observations about the industry’s toxic culture.

    “I have learned over these many years that everyone in our industry holds grudges,” Ijaz said.

    “If you decline a project for any reason or out of necessity, people take it personally. They think, ‘He refused me, so I will never work with him again’.”

    The actor acknowledged the toll this environment has taken on his career but expressed a philosophical acceptance of his situation. 

    “I have many enemies in this field […] they say the more enemies you have, the more success Allah grants you. But I never want my son to endure all this, to get trapped among people with this kind of mentality. However, if this is his destiny, I cannot do anything about it.”

    Ijaz, whose son Zaviyar has entered the industry, expressed concern about the inherited animosity affecting his son’s career. 

    “I have told Zaviyar that I pray those who hold grudges against me don’t take it out on you. Unfortunately, such people are finding different ways to show their spite,” he said.

    “Insha’Allah, he will learn from these setbacks. Stumbling is essential to becoming a good and great person.”

    The actor also criticised social media for having transformed the industry’s dynamics and diverting the new generation’s focus. 

    “I feel the new generation’s attention has strayed because of the increased exposure social media provides. They can easily make money through social media,” he explained.

    “The curiosity that people once had about artists has diminished because of social media. Artists now post everything online for money. When fans see them on every other page or site, their desire and curiosity to watch them disappears,” Ijaz said.

    He also said that artists today “focus on improving their appearance rather than their talent”.