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Author: News Desk

  • Pakistan targets terror proxies in Kabul, Nangarhar: Tarar

    Pakistan targets terror proxies in Kabul, Nangarhar: Tarar

    Pakistan’s armed forces carried out airstrikes late on March 16 under ‘Operation Ghazab-lil Haq’, targeting sites in Kabul and Nangarhar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Tuesday.

    “Technical support infrastructure and ammunition storage facilities at two locations in Kabul were effectively destroyed. The visible secondary detonations after the strikes clearly indicate the presence of large ammunition depots,” Tarar wrote on X.

    He stated that four sites were also struck in Nangarhar, targeting logistics, ammunition and technical infrastructure.

    According to Tarar, the strikes were limited to infrastructure used by the Afghan Taliban regime to support its “multiple terror proxies”, including Fitna Al Khawarij and Fitna Al Hindustan, terms used by Pakistani authorities for Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).

    “False claims made by the propagandists Taliban regime cannot befool the Afghans and the world from their heinous actions supporting and sponsoring terrorism in the region,” he stated.

    In a fact check issued on Tuesday at 12:48pm by Fact Checker Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoIB) stated that the Omid Hospital, which was claimed to have been hit, is located several kilometres away from Camp Phoenix.

    The ministry stated that the hospital is a multi-storey structure, while the site targeted was identified as a military ammunition and equipment storage facility.

    It also questioned the claim regarding a drug rehabilitation facility, stating: “Another important question also lingers, as to why would an alleged drug rehabilitation facility be co-located with lethal ammunition storage site in a military camp?”


    The operation was launched last month following border clashes after Afghan Taliban forces opened fire at multiple locations, prompting retaliation by Pakistan.

    “Operations under Ghazab Lil Haq to safeguard Pakistani citizens against terrorism waged by Master Terror Proxy will continue until the desired objectives are fully achieved,” Tarar said.

    Reports quoted security sources as saying that operations were also carried out in the Kurram sector, targeting positions used by Afghan Taliban operatives and Fitna al-Khawarij.

    They reported that several positions were hit and casualties were caused, while others withdrew.

    In Bajaur, Pakistani forces carried out retaliatory strikes near the border, targeting positions using guided missiles, security sources added.

    Pakistan has previously conducted airstrikes targeting Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State Khorasan Province positions inside Afghanistan following attacks in Pakistan.

    Islamabad has maintained that TTP leadership operates from Afghan territory, an allegation Afghan authorities have denied.

  • Trump claims strikes on Iran prevented ‘World War III’ as regional death toll climbs

    Trump claims strikes on Iran prevented ‘World War III’ as regional death toll climbs

    US President Donald Trump has claimed that his administration’s illegal military actions against Iran prevented a nuclear conflict that would have evolved into “World War III.” Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump stated that had he not “decimated” Iran’s nuclear programme, Tehran would have possessed a nuclear weapon within a month and used it against Israel and the wider Middle East.

    “A nuclear war that would have evolved into World War III, and more important, this is a war that there would have been nothing left,” Trump said. He reiterated that Iran currently has “no navy, no air force, no anti-aircraft weapons, and no leadership.” 

    Referring to communications between Washington DC and Tehran, he remarked, “My biggest problem is I have no idea who we’re talking to because nobody ever heard of any of these people, they’re all dead.”

    Trump also noted that while the US is destroying Iranian minelaying ships in the Strait of Hormuz, the threat to navigation remains. “All it takes is one,” he said, adding that “it’s a little unfair. You win a war, but they have no right to be doing what they’re doing.”

    The Israeli government has also released images showing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordering the “elimination” of senior Iranian figures. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz claimed that Iran’s National Security Chief Ali Larijani and Basij paramilitary head Gholamreza Soleimani were killed in overnight strikes. 

    While Israeli officials told Reuters that Larijani was a specific target of raids in Tehran, Shiraz, and Tabriz, his fate remains unconfirmed.

    A handwritten letter in Farsi was recently posted to Larijani’s X account, purportedly written for the funerals of Iranian navy personnel. If Larijani’s death is confirmed, he would be the most senior official killed since the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the first day of the conflict.

    The Israeli military confirmed that dozens of jets targeted Iranian security command centres, including the Intelligence Ministry and Basij militia sites. Meanwhile, Iran’s internet blackout has entered its 18th day. Tehran’s governor, Mohammad Sadegh Motamadian, reported that 12,000 buildings in the capital have been damaged or destroyed, with at least 503 deaths and 5,700 injuries recorded in the province so far.

    Regional spillover continues as the UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed its air defences intercepted missiles and drones targeting the country. Similar interceptions were reported in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, where six drones were destroyed in the eastern region. British Airways has suspended all flights to the Middle East until the end of May.

    In response to the strikes, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that the US would not dictate the post-war order in the Middle East. “The order here will change, but it will not be an order in which the will of the United States prevails,” he said, calling for a “regional, indigenous order.”

    China has announced it will provide emergency humanitarian assistance to Iran, Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq to alleviate the humanitarian impact of the three-week conflict.

  • Top five cringeworthy, bizarre moments from this year’s Ramzan transmissions

    Top five cringeworthy, bizarre moments from this year’s Ramzan transmissions

    This year’s Ramzan transmissions have featured moments that left viewers questioning the content being aired across major channels. From unconventional questions to unexpected quiz responses, the broadcasts have raised eyebrows on social media.

    One such moment occurred during Express TV’s Piyara Ramzan when a caller asked a question about breaking a fast in an unusual situation. The caller said, “If I do not have water or dates with me at the time of iftar, can I break my fast with a cigarette?” The question quickly circulated on social media as viewers reacted uncredulously to the exchange.

    Another call on the same transmission, hosted by Javeria Saud, involved a university student seeking advice about money given for charity. The caller explained his situation, saying, “I study at a university and I have a girlfriend who wants me to take her shopping for Eid. She has been insisting on it, but I am not earning right now and I do not have money. My parents gave me some money to donate as charity. Can I use that money to take her shopping instead?”

    The religious scholar on the program responded firmly: “You should fear God. The foundation of this relationship is not correct in the first place. Why are you trying to turn something that is not permissible into something permissible? How could you even think of using a sacred form of charity in this way?”

    A similar exchange appeared on a Samaa Digital podcast hosted by Falak Chohan, where another caller asked a question related to charity and personal relationships. The caller said, “My girlfriend is facing financial difficulties. Can I give her zakat?”
    The religious scholar responded by questioning the premise of the request. He said, “The question itself is wrong. May God guide all of us. This is not a permissible relationship. Why don’t you give it to someone from your own relatives instead?”

    Meanwhile, a moment from ARY Digital’s Shan-e-Ramzan also gained attention during a quiz segment hosted by Waseem Badami. During the round, a participant was shown a picture of political leader Maryam Nawaz and was asked to identify the person in the image. The participant replied, “Benezir Bhutto.”

    Another clip that circulated online came from Ramzan Pakistan, airing on PTV Network and hosted by Jugan Kazim and Ahsan Khan. During a discussion segment, Ahsan Khan asked a guest to suggest five top series on Netflix or Amazon that people should watch, a question that prompted discussion on social media about the type of topics being introduced during Ramzan programming.

    These incidents have highlighted a shift in Ramzan programming, where religious guidance and entertainment intersect, sometimes in unexpected ways, prompting discussion among audiences about the relevance and approach of live transmissions during the holy month.

  • Citizen asks IHC to order early Eid moon sighting to avoid crowding in markets

    Citizen asks IHC to order early Eid moon sighting to avoid crowding in markets

    A petition has been filed in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking directions for the early announcement of the Eid ul Fitr moon sighting to avoid confusion among the public and manage crowds in markets.

    The plea was submitted by Islamabad resident Abdullah Shafiq Jan in his personal capacity. In the application, the petitioner requested the court to direct the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to announce the sighting of the Eid moon immediately after it is confirmed.

    According to the petition, delays in the official announcement often create uncertainty among citizens regarding the start of Eid ul Fitr.

    The petitioner stated that such delays also affect religious practices, saying that many people offer Taraweeh prayers before the official declaration of the moon sighting.

    “Delays in announcing the moon sighting often lead people to perform Taraweeh prayers before the official declaration, which creates confusion among the public,” the petition stated.

    The application further pointed to the impact of late-night announcements on public movement and market activity.

    It said that when the moon sighting is announced late at night, people rush to markets for last-minute Eid shopping, resulting in overcrowding in commercial areas.

    The petitioner told the court that the sudden increase in shoppers creates management issues for authorities responsible for maintaining order in public places.

    He argued that announcing the moon sighting earlier would help authorities regulate crowds and take necessary steps to manage movement in markets.

    The petition also requested the court to issue directions regarding market operations in order to reduce pressure on commercial centres.

    The petitioner asked the court to direct the authorities to keep markets closed except for outlets selling Eid-related items so that crowds can be controlled and public safety can be ensured.

    Through the plea, he urged the court to instruct the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to announce the sighting of the Eid ul Fitr moon as soon as the crescent is sighted.

  • Neymar left out of Brazil squad for FIFA World Cup warm-ups

    Neymar left out of Brazil squad for FIFA World Cup warm-ups

    Neymar Jr has been left out of Brazil’s latest squad as head coach Carlo Ancelotti continues preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    Brazil will face France on March 26 in Boston before taking on Croatia on March 31 in Orlando as part of their build-up to the tournament, which will take place in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

    Neymar’s omission comes after concerns over his fitness. The 34-year-old recently missed a match for Santos FC citing muscle fatigue. Ancelotti had planned to assess him during that game but decided not to include him after he failed to reach full match fitness.

    Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals has not played for the national team since he suffered a serious knee injury in October 2023. He returned to club football last year but has struggled to maintain consistent form and fitness.

    Ancelotti made it clear that the forward still remains in contention for the World Cup. “Neymar can be at the World Cup if he’s 100%,” he said. “I didn’t call him up because he’s not 100%. Neymar has to be training and playing.”

    Neymar expressed disappointment over the decision but said he will stay focused on his recovery and performances.

    In his absence, Brazil has turned to younger attacking options. Endrick returns to the squad, while Igor Thiago earns his first call-up.

    Brazil will also play Egypt in June before opening their World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13.

  • Four Pakistanis killed in 18 day Iran war

    Four Pakistanis killed in 18 day Iran war

    A Pakistani national was killed in Abu Dhabi after debris from an intercepted missile fell in the Bani Yas area, Al Jazeera reported on Tuesday, citing the Abu Dhabi Media Office.


    Since the US-Israel attack on Iran began 18 days ago, three Pakistanis have lost their lives in the conflict and one killed near Balochistan due to falling debris from a missile. 

    The incident occurred as missile and drone activity linked to the ongoing regional conflict continues to affect parts of the Gulf.

    The Abu Dhabi Media Office identified the victim as a Pakistani national and stated that the death was caused by falling debris following an interception.

    Earlier incidents have also involved Pakistani nationals during aerial interceptions in the UAE.

    On February 28, a Pakistani citizen died during the interception of an Iranian missile after strikes on Iran triggered retaliatory attacks. On March 8, another Pakistani was killed in Dubai’s Al Barsha area when debris from an interception fell onto a vehicle.

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif had expressed grief over the deaths and directed authorities to facilitate the repatriation of the bodies.

    On the same day, a fisherman from Gwadar was killed in Iranian waters after debris from a missile struck his boat. Local officials identified him as Muhammad Tayyab, a resident of Gwadar district in Balochistan.

    On March 6, falling debris in Abu Dhabi injured six Pakistani and Nepalese nationals following the interception of a drone.

    The conflict began on February 28 after the United States and Israel carried out strikes on Iran, followed by missile and drone attacks targeting locations across the region.

  • ‘No more arguing on who cheated in Ludo’: Asim Bukhari’s grandchildren post loving tribute

    ‘No more arguing on who cheated in Ludo’: Asim Bukhari’s grandchildren post loving tribute

    Legendary Pakistani actor Asim Bukhari passed away last Friday at the age of 80, leaving behind a rich legacy in television, films, and radio. 

    Best known for his roles in Janjaal Pura, Ao Dubai Chalain, and Ainak Wala Jin, he earned admiration not only for his talent but also for his kindness and warmth.

    His grandchildren have shared heartfelt tributes on Instagram, expressing the deep void his passing has left in their lives.

    In a touching video, they shared their feelings: “Dear Nana Jaan and Dada Abu, a day in this life without you feels unreal. We will miss your laugh, your daant, your singing, and your shayari.”

    They remembered the little moments that made him special. “There will be no new stories of your acting adventures or trips, and no more playing cards or arguing over who cheated in ludo,” they added.

    The grandchildren also spoke about his support. They wrote, “We will miss meeting you before every exam, when ‘nana mere liye bohat dua karni hai’ motivated us to do our best. We also remember how we used to get money from you for good results.”

    Finally, they promised to honor his legacy writing, “All your grandchildren will make sure to carry your legacy forward, just as you were kind to everyone and had the biggest heart. We love you and we always will. Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.”

    The video they posted had shots of the thespian playing ludo with his grandchildren, hugging them, kissing them and talking to them. 

    Bukhari was known for his work in Urdu and Punjabi entertainment, with his last project being the 2024 PTV drama serial Tootay Pattay. 

    He also appeared in supporting roles in classic dramas such as Sona Chandi (1982) and Andhera Ujala (1984), as well as films including Dubai Chalo (1979) and Badmash Gujjar (2001).

    He received the Presidential Pride of Performance Award in recognition of his contributions to the entertainment industry.

    In July, Bukhari faced a serious health scare after a heart attack left him hospitalized with fluid in his lungs and reduced kidney function. He made a full recovery and was sent home. He was laid to rest in a local graveyard.

  • Nationwide blackout hits Cuba; Trump says he can ‘take’ country

    Nationwide blackout hits Cuba; Trump says he can ‘take’ country

    Cuba was hit by a nationwide blackout on Monday after its national power grid collapsed, leaving millions without electricity, as US continued its blockade of fuel. 

    The state-owned grid operator stated that no faults were detected in the units operating at the time of the collapse and that efforts were underway to restore power across the country.


    The outage comes amid an ongoing energy crisis linked to fuel shortages. Cuban authorities have said the country has not received oil shipments for three months, affecting electricity generation and leading to repeated power cuts.

    Officials have attributed the shortages to US restrictions on fuel supplies. 


    Fuel prices have also risen on the unofficial market, with reports indicating petrol costs reaching up to $9 per litre meaning it costs more than $300 to fill up a car’s gas tank which is more than most Cubans earn in a year.


    The blackout coincided with remarks by US President Donald Trump, who said he could “take” Cuba as Washington DC and Havana hold talks on their bilateral relationship.

    “I do believe I’ll be … having the honor of taking Cuba. That’s a big honor. Taking Cuba in some form,” Trump told reporters.

    “I mean, whether I free it, take it. Think I can do anything I want with it. You want to know the truth,” he added at the Oval Office.

    According to a report by The New York Times, US officials have indicated that removing Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel from office is a key objective in the talks, citing people familiar with the matter. The report said US negotiators have conveyed this position to Cuban counterparts.

    Cuba has maintained that it will not accept external interference in its internal affairs and has treated such proposals as a condition that could halt any agreement.

    Diaz-Canel said last week that any talks with the United States (US) should be based on “the principles of equality and respect for the political systems of both countries, sovereignty and self-determination.”


    Trump has also increased pressure on Cuba by halting Venezuelan oil shipments and warning of tariffs on countries supplying oil to the island.

  • Internet slams Priyanka Chopra for not clapping when Javier Bardem’s says ‘Free Palestine’ at Oscars

    Internet slams Priyanka Chopra for not clapping when Javier Bardem’s says ‘Free Palestine’ at Oscars

    Hollywood A-listers Javier Bardem drew thunderous applause at the 98th Academy Awards after saying, “No to war, and free Palestine ,” while presenting an award alongside Priyanka Chopra Jonas. 

    The Indian actress’ silence  triggering debate and criticism on social media.

    The two actors appeared on stage at the Dolby Theatre during the 98th Academy Awards to present the Oscar for Best International Feature Film.

    As he began speaking, Bardem opened with the words “No to war and free Palestine,” which drew applause from the audience inside the venue.

    The Spanish actor also wore two pins on his tuxedo lapel, one reading “No to War” and another expressing support for Palestine during the live broadcast.

    Standing beside him at the podium, Chopra appeared to smile and nod as Bardem passed the remark before the pair continued with the award presentation.

    The moment circulated online shortly after the broadcast, with clips spreading across social media platforms including X and Reddit. Many users praised Bardem, who has been an ardent supporter of the Palestine cause since years. 

    However, much of the online conversation focused on Chopra’s reaction during the moment. Several users criticised the actor for appearing to smile and nod while remaining silent and not clapping. 

    Several social media users questioned her response while referencing her role with UNICEF, where she has worked since 2006 and became a global Goodwill Ambassador in 2016. Posts circulating online asked why she has not publicly addressed the issue or the current Iran conflict despite her humanitarian position.

    Others reacted by mocking what they described as her expression during the moment. One post on X read, “Meanwhile look at the expressions of our Daal Gadot next to him,” referring to comparisons with Israeli actress Gal Gadot who has supported Israeli genocide in Gaza. 

    Another user wrote, “Lol you can see the panic only when she looks directly at the camera,” while a separate post said, “Pc thought it’s Bollywood where our actors and actresses doesn’t give a damn about anything.”

    Some posts accused the actor of selective activism. One comment read, “I have SO much hatred for these celebrities with selective activism, girl u just a loser.” Another said, “Indian celebrities are spineless, cowards, pretentious pricks..Good for nothing..”

    Other reactions also linked the moment to political debates online. One post stated, “The face of a hindutva freak when she hears someone respecting muslims,” while another wrote, “The look on Priyanka Chopra’s face says it all: How will I explain to my overlords that whatever this man said was his own free will. I had nothing to do with it.”

  • Jemima urges PM Shehbaz to allow sons to meet Imran Khan

    Jemima urges PM Shehbaz to allow sons to meet Imran Khan

    Jemima Goldsmith on Monday appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to allow her sons Kasim Khan and Sulaiman Khan to visit their father, PTI founder Imran Khan, in prison.

    Imran has been in custody since August 2023 and is currently serving a sentence at Adiala Jail in a £190 million corruption case. He also faces trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act linked to the May 9, 2023 protests.


    The brothers have not met their father since November 2022, when he survived an assassination attempt. They applied for visas in January but have not received a response as yet.

    In a post on X, Jemima stated that the request was based on concerns regarding Imran’s health and delays in visa processing.

    “This is an appeal directly to Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif to please allow Imran Khan’s two sons to see their father asap, particularly since, by all accounts, his health is in decline,” she wrote.

    “My sons Sulaiman and Kasim applied for visas in January (again…) to allow them to visit their father Imran Khan in Pakistan. The Pakistan consulate states that online visa processing normally takes 7–10 working days. It has now been 60 days,” she added.

    Jemima said that the delay continued despite public assurances that the brothers could travel to Pakistan to meet their father. She referred to statements by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and PM spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi conveyed in media interactions.

    “They are not allowed to speak to him on the phone, nor send him a letter. They haven’t seen him since 2022 after he was shot in an assassination attempt,” she stated.

    Last month, Kasim alleged that authorities were not processing their visa applications to prevent the visit. He stated that denying medical treatment to a prisoner was cruel and preventing his children from meeting him amounted to collective punishment.

    Last year, Imran’s sister Aleema Khan told reporters that the brothers would take part in a protest movement planned for August 5, 2025. It was later reported that Imran had said that his sons will not travel to Pakistan for the protest. The brothers later held meetings with influential individuals in the United States (US) in a bid to increase pressure for Imran’s release.