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Author: News Desk

  • Israel tops list of countries killing journalists in 2025

    Israel tops list of countries killing journalists in 2025

    Israel killed more journalists in 2025 than any other country, a report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has revealed.

    According to the report, Israeli forces – carrying out the genocide in Gaza – were responsible for the deaths of 29 Palestinian reporters. This marks the third consecutive year that Israel has been named the top killer of journalists.

    The annual report also revealed that 67 journalists were killed worldwide this year, which is one more than in 2024. Israeli forces were responsible for about 43 percent of those killings.


    “This is where the hatred of journalists leads!” said Thibaut Bruttin, RSF’s director general. “It led to the death of 67 journalists this year… not by accident, and they weren’t collateral victims. They were killed, targeted for their work.”


    Bruttin attributed the rise in journalist killings to the “failure” of international organisations to protect reporters in conflict zones, calling it a consequence of a global decline in the “courage of governments”. 

    “Journalists do not just die, they are killed.”

    It may be noted that the report comes months after a “double-tap” attack on a hospital in the southern part of the enclave resulted in the deadliest single attack in Gaza this year.


    Five journalists were killed in the attack in August, among whom were contributors to Reuters and The Associated Press, and photographer Mohammad Salama of Al Jazeera.

    According to monitoring site Shireen.ps, nearly 300 journalists and media workers have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza over 26 months of genocide, averaging about 12 journalists each month. 


    Israel continues to bar foreign reporters from Gaza, except for tightly controlled tours organised by the Israeli military, despite repeated calls from media and press freedom groups for access.


    Mexico ranked as the second most dangerous country for journalists in 2025 with nine deaths. Other high-risk countries include war-torn Ukraine, where three journalists were killed, and Sudan, which recorded four deaths over the year.


    RSF also tracks journalists imprisoned for their work. With 121 reporters detained, China tops the list, followed by Russia (48) and Myanmar (47).


    503 journalists were being held in 47 nations as of December 1. 

    Additionally, the organisation said that 20 journalists are presently being held hostage and that 135 journalists are missing in 37 countries.

  • BJP lawmaker threatens to turn mosque foundation into ‘graveyard for Muslims’

    BJP lawmaker threatens to turn mosque foundation into ‘graveyard for Muslims’

    Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Rameshwar Sharma from Bhopal’s Huzur constituency has sparked outrage with his threats targeting the minority Muslim community across the border.

    The politician, known for his history of anti-Muslim remarks, made the threats while responding to reports that Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Humayun Kabir laid the foundation for a Babri Masjid-style-mosque in Murshidabad.

    “The TMC MLA from West Bengal is talking about the bricks of the Babri Masjid. I want to tell that MLA, TMC, and Muslims that they should dig a strong foundation for the mosque because the Babri Masjid will not be built, but that foundation might be used to make their graves,” Sharma said.

    The statement came as Muslim communities across India observed December 6 as “Black Day” to mark the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition. Members of a hardliner Hindu organisation had on Dec 6, 1992, demolished the historic mosque in Ayodhya, triggering deadly communal violence across the country.

    This year, as Muslims commemorated the anniversary, Kabir laid the mosque foundation in Murshidabad. Hardliner Hindu organisations, including the ruling BJP, immediately criticised the TMC and the lawmaker.

    Sharma has a record of making threatening remarks against religious minorities. Earlier, he declared that anyone who praises Mughal emperor Aurangzeb “will be sent to the graveyard”.

  • Australia begins nationwide ban on social media users under 16 years of age

    Australia begins nationwide ban on social media users under 16 years of age

    Australia has implemented a new regulation that prohibits individuals under 16 from maintaining accounts on major social media platforms, resulting in millions of young users losing access to their profiles.

    According to the regulation, platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, YouTube, Snapchat, Reddit, Kick, Twitch, and TikTok are required to delete accounts belonging to users identified as under 16 and prevent new registrations. 


    Platforms failing to comply may face financial penalties. Officials have indicated they do not anticipate flawless execution at this phase, noting initial reports of some users under 16 bypassing facial age verification.

    All the platforms, with the exception of X, had confirmed their compliance prior to enforcement. Authorities stated they have engaged with X regarding compliance, but the platform has not specified its strategy to users.

    Another platform, Bluesky, indicated it would also prohibit users who are under 16.

    Young users spent the previous weeks undergoing age verification, changing phone numbers, and preparing for the deactivation of their accounts. An age-assurance firm based in Australia reported conducting hundreds of thousands of verifications before the ban took effect. This system was utilized by Snapchat.

    Parents have expressed various responses. One parent mentioned that their 15-year-old daughter felt “very distressed” because her friends were “age verified as 18 by Snapchat,” while she was recognized as under 16. Another parent noted that the ban prompted him to teach his child methods to circumvent restrictions using VPNs to create accounts that would evade detection.

    Some parents supported the ban, stating it provides a framework that would assist in keeping their child off the platforms.

    Prime minister Anthony Albanese remarked before the rollout that “from the beginning, we’ve acknowledged this process won’t be 100 percent perfect,” and added that “the fact that teenagers occasionally find a way to have a drink doesn’t diminish the value of having a clear, national standard.”

    Polling has indicated widespread support for raising the minimum age to 16, although some critics contend that the ban could alienate vulnerable teenagers or push them toward unregulated areas of the internet.

    The regulation has garnered interest from other nations, with several governments examining the framework. Officials will collect data from platforms, including the total number of eliminated accounts, the challenges companies are encountering, and the measures taken to prevent bypassing the rules.

    Regulators intend to evaluate whether platforms are making adequate efforts to adhere to the law. An independent review will assess the short-term, medium-term, and long-term impacts, including how the ban affects online behavior, offline activities, and potential migration to alternative platforms.

  • Muzaffarabad cricket stadium gets chance to host PSL matches

    Muzaffarabad cricket stadium gets chance to host PSL matches

    Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has announced plans to host Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches in Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Muzaffarabad Cricket Stadium.

    Speaking at the historic PSL roadshow at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, Naqvi revealed the board’s commitment to developing cricket infrastructure across Pakistan.

    “We are going to prepare Muzaffarabad Cricket Stadium in an excellent manner. There is also a five-star hotel of international standard in Muzaffarabad for international players,” Naqvi said.

    He added that PSL matches along with other international matches will be held in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

    The chairman emphasized transparency in the league’s operations. “The new bid for PSL will be open and transparent,” he promised. 

    Speaking during a panel discussion at the roadshow, Naqvi outlined the board’s vision for the league. “PCB and PSL management are working together for the betterment of cricket. We want to make PSL the number one league in the world. Our national cricketers have a lot of talent.”

    He highlighted the league’s role in nurturing young talent. “Young talent gets the opportunity to hone their skills in the Pakistan Super League. The prizes given to players boost their morale. We have worked for the betterment of cricket while facing all kinds of challenges.”

    Naqvi stated his priorities clearly. “Pakistan comes first for me. Investors in PSL get satisfactory benefits.”

    The chairman also shared plans for expanding cricket infrastructure. “We are going to build a cricket stadium in Islamabad. There will be musical concerts for fans at every stadium. We are also going to do a cricket roadshow in New York, USA. We will provide an OTT platform very soon.”

    PSL 11 will mark a major expansion for the league, with the Pakistan Cricket Board set to add two new franchises. The PCB has shortlisted six cities for the expansion: Hyderabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Gilgit, Muzaffarabad and Sialkot.

    Reports suggest that Gilgit and Faisalabad have emerged as the leading candidates for the new teams, though the PCB has not officially confirmed the final selections. 

    Auction for the two new franchises will take place on January 6, 2026.

  • Shocking Musakhel ritual sparks shock, outrage

    Shocking Musakhel ritual sparks shock, outrage

    A disturbing event has come to light from Musakhel, where eight individuals were reportedly forced to walk over burning embers after being suspected of carrying out theft.

    Footage of the incident, captured on-site, has gone viral across social media channels, according to a private news outlet.

    Initial reports indicate that the act was performed in accordance with tribal customs. All eight men subjected to the ritual were later exonerated. 

    However, local elders have pointed fingers at shepherd Gulam Mohammad Nandani for orchestrating the incident.

    Officials have confirmed that the incident has been reported to government authorities, yet no action has been taken thus far, raising alarms about the inaction of the local administration.

    The viral video shows the men walking barefoot over burning embers, prompting widespread public outrage.

    While tribal representatives defended the practice as a long-standing tradition, online criticism has reignited discussions about the legality, safety, and human rights concerns surrounding such rituals.

    The issue is currently under investigation, however, authorities have not released a statement regarding possible legal or disciplinary actions.

    In another incident, a police constable in Karachi was suspended after a video surfaced showing him assaulting a woman believed to be intoxicated in DHA.

    The altercation took place on Saba Avenue, where the woman was reportedly yelling, obstructing traffic, and creating a disturbance. A patrol unit from the Darakhshan police station arrived to clear the road, but a dispute ensued between the woman and Constable Nadeem. They both slapped each other before the officer forcefully removed her from the street.

    The footage quickly generated public outrage, with citizens criticizing the officer’s approach and questioning the absence of female police officers to handle the situation.

    In response to the backlash, police have suspended Constable Nadeem. The woman has been taken into custody for legal processing, while a medical examination has been completed. Police officials state that further investigation into the incident is ongoing.

  • Two women held for smuggling abducted children to other provinces

    Two women held for smuggling abducted children to other provinces

    Lahore police have arrested two women on charges of kidnapping children and smuggling them to other provinces. 

    Police said the latest incident involved a child who was abducted from Lahore and recovered 48 hours later from the Badami Bagh area. Both suspects were taken into custody during the recovery operation.

    According to officials, investigators are examining whether the women were part of a group involved in smuggling kidnapped children in other provinces. Police have begun tracing previous reports of missing children to determine possible links.

    The arrest follows another recent kidnapping case in the city, in which a newborn girl was taken from the pediatric ward of Mayo Hospital. In that incident, police tracked the suspect by examining footage from more than 500 CCTV cameras, including those of the Punjab Safe Cities Authority. The newborn was later recovered from a house in Shadbagh.

    Investigators in the hospital case said the suspect moved across several parts of the city and switched multiple rickshaws before reaching her residence. Police later found that she had earlier attempted to take a child from another government hospital.

  • Sidra Niazi celebrates birthday with star-studded gathering

    Sidra Niazi celebrates birthday with star-studded gathering

    Actress Sidra Niazi recently celebrated her birthday in style, surrounded by some of Pakistan’s biggest stars in a glamorous gathering that took social media by storm.

    Close friends and fellow actors including Saboor Aly, Yashma Gill, Aiman Khan and Minal Khan joined the celebration, making it a star-studded affair.

    Actress Zhalay Sarhadi shared her love in the comments, writing “Pretty girls ❤️ ” while other fans chimed in with warm wishes. One fan wrote “Gurlsssss Gang Nice to see you all together ❤️ . Stay blessed always” and another added “Saalgirah Mubarak.”

    Sidra continues to make waves with her stunning appearances on screen. 

    In a recent scene from her drama Sanwal Yaar Piya, where she appeared wearing a saree, fans quickly took notice of her flawless look.

    Several viewers noted that her outfit and style reminded them of Bollywood star Katrina Kaif’s iconic Chikni Chameli look. 

    One user wrote “Pakistani Katrina” while another commented that she resembled Shraddha Kapoor. 

    Some viewers claimed she looked even more stunning than the drama’s main lead. 

    Sidra Niazi began her career as a crime journalist before transitioning into acting. The actress has delivered standout roles this year, with two major hits earning her widespread acclaim.

    In Sanwal Yaar Piya, Sidra plays Sassi, the former love interest of the lead character Sanwal. Her portrayal has particularly captured the hearts of fans. 

    She has also impressed audiences with her performance in Jinn Ki Shadi Unki Shadi.

  • ‘I’m not weak’: Arne Slot hits back after Salah claims he was thrown under the bus

    ‘I’m not weak’: Arne Slot hits back after Salah claims he was thrown under the bus

    Liverpool manager Arne Slot has finally addressed the controversy surrounding Mohamed Salah after the Egyptian forward’s explosive comments came to light over the weekend.

    Speaking to the media on Monday, Slot made it clear he will not tolerate public criticism from his players, regardless of their status at the club.

    “It’s hard for me to know what Mo [Mohamed Salah] exactly means. Usually I’m calm and polite but I’m not weak. We needed to react and that’s why Mo is not here,” Slot said.

    When asked about claims that their relationship had broken down, Slot rejected the notion. “I haven’t felt that at all. He’s been very respectful to teammates and staff members. It was a surprise to me when I heard his comments. He has every right to feel what he feels, but if he shares it with the media then we have to react.”

    Liverpool left Salah out of their squad for Tuesday’s Champions League clash at Inter Milan, deciding on the omission in consultation with and with the full support of Slot.

    The decision came in the wake of comments Salah made after Saturday evening’s 3-3 Premier League draw at Leeds United, where Slot benched him for a third time in a week.

    In a stunning interview, Salah accused Liverpool of breaking promises and suggested someone at the club wanted him out.

    “It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling. I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame,” Salah told reporters.

    The 33-year-old forward expressed frustration over his lack of playing time. “The club made me a lot of promises in the summer and so far I am on the bench for three games, so I can’t say they keep the promise.”

    Salah also addressed his relationship with Slot directly. “I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager, and all of a sudden, we don’t have any relationship. I don’t know why, but it seems to me, how I see it, that someone doesn’t want me in the club.”

    Salah hinted at uncertainty about his future at Anfield. “We’ll see what’s going to happen. I don’t know what is going to happen now. I will be at Anfield to say goodbye to the fans and go to the Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON]. I don’t know what is going to happen when I am there.”

    Foreign media reports suggest Slot made the decision to leave Salah at home with full support from the club. Sources indicate it is in the best interest of all parties involved for the player to have a brief period away from selection given the nature and timing of his public comments.

    However, the club will not take formal disciplinary action against Salah.

    The star forward departs for the Africa Cup of Nations next Monday and also looks likely to miss Liverpool’s Premier League home game against Brighton on Saturday.

    Salah has scored 250 goals for Liverpool since signing from Roma in 2017, but has just five in 19 games this season.

  • TikToker Kashif Zameer loses Rs1 million bet after gold chains prove fake on live TV

    TikToker Kashif Zameer loses Rs1 million bet after gold chains prove fake on live TV

    Famous TikToker Kashif Zameer, known for wearing heavy gold chains and keeping a lion at his home, has lost a Rs1 million bet after a jeweler exposed his expensive jewelry as fake during a live television show.

    Kashif Zameer recently appeared on a program that Fizza Ali hosts. During the show, he boldly challenged viewers that he would pay Rs1 million to anyone who could prove his gold chains were counterfeit.

    Fizza Ali took up the challenge and invited a jeweler onto the live broadcast to examine the jewelry. The jeweler tested the gold and declared it fake.

    The jeweler then made his own counter-offer, stating that anyone who doubted his assessment could take the gold to any other jeweler for verification. He promised to pay Rs2 million if his judgment turned out to be wrong.

    Kashif Zameer owns the Chaudhry Group of Companies Punjab. His social media profiles show him posing with various politicians and other prominent figures.

    The loss of the bet marks yet another controversy for the TikToker, who has repeatedly attracted attention for his legal troubles and questionable activities over the years.

    He initially rose to fame in 2021 when the Lahore Crime Investigation Agency arrested him for defrauding Turkish actor Engin Altan Duzyatan, who played Ertugrul Ghazi in the smash hit historical drama serial Dirilis: Ertugrul.

    The Turkish actor had submitted an online application requesting the inspector general of police to take action against the TikToker. CIA DSP Mian Shafqat revealed that Kashif had issued a bogus cheque of Rs90 million in Engin’s name.

    In April 2025, police arrested him for disrespecting the Punjab Police. A TikTok video showed Zameer handing a tray of money to a man wearing a police uniform at a wedding. Police identified the man as driver constable Khurram Shahzad.

    In June 2025, the Crime Control Department of Lahore Police arrested him again along with 13 of his security guards for openly displaying weapons in public.

    Zameer later issued a public apology in a video, expressing deep regret over his actions that sparked public outrage.

  • Junaid Safdar prepares for second marriage with PML-N leader’s granddaughter

    Junaid Safdar prepares for second marriage with PML-N leader’s granddaughter

    Junaid Safdar, son of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, is reportedly set to tie the know for the second time, sparking fresh buzz across political circles. 

    Media reports suggest that Junaid is set to marry the granddaughter of senior PML-N leader Sheikh Rohail Asghar, bringing together two prominent political families.

    Insiders claim that former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the entire Sharif family have fully approved of the match. Members of both families, including the bride-to-be’s father Ali Rohail Asghar, have also met at a private gathering held as part of the early arrangements for the wedding.


    Although a specific date has not yet been revealed, the ceremony is expected to take place either in the last week of December or in January.

    Junaid Safdar is getting married for the second time. Prior to their amicable divorce in October 2023, he was married to Ayesha Saif, the daughter of former NAB chairman and industrialist Saifur Rahman Khan of Qatar. 

    That wedding took place in 2021 at The Lanesborough in London, during Nawaz Sharif’s time in exile.