Author: News Desk

  • Twin City Run unites hundreds to promote public transport and fight climate change

    Twin City Run unites hundreds to promote public transport and fight climate change

    The inaugural Twin City Run was a monumental success, bringing together hundreds of runners, families, and community members in a historic Half Marathon (21.1 km) connecting Rawalpindi and Islamabad and a 5 KM run. 

    The event kicked off with electric energy at the Saddar Metro Station, Rawalpindi. Participants followed a unique, scenic route that was more than just a race—it was a journey through history and modernity. The course passed alongside iconic landmarks like the Army Museum and the historic Raja Bazaar area of Rawalpindi before transitioning onto Islamabad’s wide avenues and culminating in a triumphant finish at the capital’s heart, D Chowk.

    The run was defined by its inclusivity, with hundreds of women and scores of families and children participating. 

    Runners universally loved the experience, especially running from one city into another, and praised the unique, commemorative medal.

    “Running directly from the historical heart of Pindi to the center of Islamabad was an amazing feeling, especially with the music powering us on,” commented Usman, who joined the race from Lahore.

     “And the run’s goal to promote environmental protection makes the achievement even more meaningful.” said Maria Memon as the journalist completed her 5K. 

    “The enthusiasm was incredible. Seeing women, children, and families run from the historical sites of Pindi to the center of Islamabad was a truly unique and unifying experience,” said Fahad Qureshi, organizer of the Twin City run.

    The atmosphere was amplified by live music along the route. Local artists provided non-stop motivation with powerful drumming and traditional dhol performances, fueling the runners’ energy as they progressed.

    A unique highlight for many runners was the special privilege of traversing sections of the elevated Metro track. This element reinforced the run’s larger purpose: to actively promote greater utilization of the Metro system as a means to reduce traffic pollution and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable environment in the twin cities.

    At the end of the event, the organizers extended thanks to all partners. “We are deeply grateful to the Rawalpindi and Islamabad Administrations for their comprehensive support,” said Yawar Sidiqqui, the race organizer. 

    “A special note of thanks goes to the Metro Transit Authority and their dedicated staff for their immense assistance in securing the route and facilitating this unique cross-city run.”

    The Twin City Run was the 1st ever event of its kind, where runners took the metro track for the run.

  • Gold prices rise again in local, international markets

    Gold prices rise again in local, international markets

    Gold prices rose in Pakistan on Monday, tracking gains in the international market.

    As reported by the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association, the cost of gold per tola rose by Rs. 1,600, bringing the price to Rs. 443,762. The price for 10 grams of gold increased by Rs. 1,372, reaching Rs. 380,454.

    This increase came about after a decrease noted on Saturday, when the per tola rate fell by Rs. 2,300, resulting in a new price of Rs. 442,162.

    In the global market, the price of gold climbed by $16 per ounce, now at $4,214, which includes a $20 premium. Spot gold was listed at $4,212.70 per ounce as of 0319 GMT, while US gold futures for delivery in December were priced at $4,241.30 per ounce. This rise was influenced by the US dollar approaching levels last seen on December 4, making gold more affordable for international purchasers.

    Local silver prices also saw an increase, rising by Rs. 30 to a rate of Rs. 6,102 per tola.

  • PTI holds rally in Peshawar, draws mixed public reactions

    PTI holds rally in Peshawar, draws mixed public reactions

    Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI) and  Tehreek‑e‑Tahafuz‑e‑Ayeen‑e‑Pakistan (TTAP) held a jalsa at the Hayatabad Sports Complex in Peshawar on Sunday, attracting party supporters from the provincial capital and nearby districts. The party also revealed that its next rally is scheduled for Kohat next Sunday.

    Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, and other prominent figures from PTI and TTAP addressed the gathering. Security measures were implemented along the routes to the sports complex, with police deploying extra personnel to control the crowd.

    While PTI leaders called the rally a success, reactions on X (Formerly twitter) reflected widespread skepticism and concern, offering a mixed response, with many users expressing strong disapproval of the gathering and the political situation surrounding it.

    One post described the rally as a repetitive exercise over the past three years with no concrete results, and criticized party leadership for remaining isolated from public concerns. 

    Another highlighted what they saw as ineffective or empty speeches, noting that some provincial ministers have been linked to corrupt practices and lack of support for families affected by recent tragedies.

    Other users commented on the impact of political activity on the province’s infrastructure. 

    One wrote that PTI has not contributed to building hospitals, colleges, universities, roads, or bridges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and alleged that repeated rallies have affected existing facilities, including the Hayatabad Sports Complex.

    Economic concerns were also raised, with users noting challenges across the province, including closures of factories, transport disruptions, and trading difficulties, while highlighting the continuation of public rallies. 

    Another post mentioned that a very small fraction of Greater Peshawar’s population attended the rally, suggesting limited turnout in what was described as a critical period.

    Overall, the online reactions reflected a polarized view of the rally and the current political climate, with many social media users questioning governance, economic conditions, and the effectiveness of public mobilization efforts.

  • ‘Hamara toh hogaya’: Khaqan Shahnawaz, Sabeena Syed announce engagement

    ‘Hamara toh hogaya’: Khaqan Shahnawaz, Sabeena Syed announce engagement

    Actors Khaqan Shahnawaz and Sabeena Syed have announced their engagement. 

    The couple, known for their impressive performances in multiple hit dramas, shared the news on Instagram through a charming joint post.

    In the pictures, both were dressed in traditional Punjabi attire in open fields. They wrote a playful caption, “Hamara toh hogaya, apna apna dekh loh ✨.” 

    Fans, fellow artists, and friends have been congratulating the couple continuously.

    Actor Hamza Sohail wrote, “Congratulations you two!!! Lots of love and light ✨.”

    Model Ken Doll wrote, “Mujhay pehlay he pata tha , love you both”

    Actress Sonya Hussyn wrote, “Yuppieeeeeee MA♥️.” Sajal Aly wrote, “Bohat Bohat Mubarakkkkk!! MashALLAH ❤️❤️❤️”

    Sabeena began her acting career in 2017 and gained recognition for roles in successful dramas Muqaddar, Yaqeen Ka Safar, Dobara, and Ek Aur Love Story. 

    She is also set to appear in the upcoming drama Neeli Kothi.

    Khaqan Shahnawaz entered the industry in 2023 and rose to fame with the popular drama Yunhi. He later appeared in Sukoon, My Dear Cinderella, and Very Filmy.

    The two actors have previously worked together in few social media campaign and have been seen together at various events, including the wedding of Kubra Khan and Gohar Rasheed.

  • Mahira Khan responds to online backlash after Neelofar clip goes viral

    Mahira Khan responds to online backlash after Neelofar clip goes viral

    During a meet-and-greet event in London, Mahira Khan opened up about the ongoing conversation regarding her role in the highly anticipated romance drama Neelofar, expressing that she feels exhausted by the persistent criticism on her work. 

    Discussing a scene that has gone viral, in which her character strikes herself while looking into a mirror, she explained that the backlash has affected her significantly. She remarked, “One of my scenes from the film, where I hit myself, became viral. Anything I do seems to go viral, and even when I do nothing, that also becomes viral. So I am tired of it.”

    Clips of the mirror scene went viral across social media. The moment depicts Mahira’s character having an emotional breakdown, but audience response indicated that the scene did not resonate as intended by the filmmakers. Some viewers commented that the portrayal failed to effectively capture the character’s internal turmoil and that the emotional transition was unclear.

    Some social media users questioned the creative choice of placing a blind character in front of a mirror during a breakdown. 

    A user also shared a different take, saying, “The way the story line is sowed in with the backdrop of a city and two individuals is exactly how magic can unfold the film was so pure.”

    Neelofer has garnered mixed reviews, with some praising the film’s cinematography and ode to Lahore, while others planned the story. 

    Discussions regarding the viral scene popped up amidst heated debates on the film. People said it struggled to maintain audience interest due to repetitive sequences and slow pacing.

  • Doomscrolling on the phone is the only way you’ll get through Meri Zindagi Hai Tu

    Doomscrolling on the phone is the only way you’ll get through Meri Zindagi Hai Tu

    Meri Zindagi Hai Tu Episodes 9-10 show that you can have a star cast but if your storyline and script aren’t good, acting alone can’t save your project.

    We spend two episodes watching how Kamyar (Bilal Abbas) has become this really great guy, going to work, getting the company set, in the right even though he’s arguing with his father, taking on gundas, and you’re left wondering what can this guy not do. And what a good slap from a girl you ‘loves at first sight’ does. He’s completely changed into the perfect guy from the car burning guy and its obviously so so hard to believe.


    Ayra (Hania Aamir) has changed too and become very tedious and boring. From the firecracker we saw in the first few episodes, this Ayra in episode 10, starts daydreaming about the guy she slapped, and then misses half of the most important exam of the year. She’s been studying this whole time and now, at the time of the exam, day dreams so long that she doesn’t have time to complete half of it.

    She cries and her father says he’ll help figure out a way to get it fixed (like what)? What happened to the cool, independent, fearless girl who is now giving up on her big doctor dreams to think about some guy she rejected herself. It’s just plain disturbing.


    It’s one of those dramas now that make you just plain angry. Even Ayra’s sister now thinks that Kamyar is a great catch for Ayra, just because he got her back with her fiance, something Kamyar messed up in the first place and the fiance had no spine to fix himself.
     Even Episode 11’s teaser isn’t helping since it’s clear that Kamiyar will be telling Faria (Vardah Aziz) that he doesn’t like her and just bumping into Ayra, looking away, locking eyes and saying nothing. 


    Meanwhile, this rebel boy is apparently the best businessman, worried about his workers mental health and kicking out the bad guys to secure international deals. 


    It’s. Just. Too. Much. 


    For the next two episodes, similar to this one, we’ll be doomscrolling with the TV on in the background, scoffing at what these actors were thinking when they decided to be in Meri Zindagi Hai Tu.

  • IMF board meets today as Pakistan awaits $1.2bn approval

    IMF board meets today as Pakistan awaits $1.2bn approval

    The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Executive Board is set to meet today (Monday), withPakistan’s loan reviews expected to be taken up, potentially clearing the way for about $1.2 billion in fresh financing at a crucial moment for the economy.

    Pakistan’s case is formally on the agenda for the IMF board meeting scheduled for December 8–14. The recent staff-level agreement with Islamabad under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) and the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) will be evaluated by the Fund.

    Pakistan might get $1 billion under the EFF and an additional $200 million as the first tranche of the RSF, which promotes climate-resilience activities, if the board approves the reviews. The final decision, however, rests on the board’s deliberations today.

    Today’s meeting follows a staff-level agreement that was reached in October after extensive discussions in Karachi, Islamabad, and Washington between September 24 and October 8. Pakistan’s fiscal performance, monetary policy stance, ongoing structural reforms, and advancements on climate-related commitments were the main topics of discussion during the negotiations, which were headed by Iva Petrova, the chief of the IMF mission.


    The IMF recognized Pakistan’s “strong progress” in reducing inflation, rebuilding external buffers, and fiscal consolidation in its previous review. Additionally, it gave credits to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) for upholding a strict monetary policy, which the Fund claimed has been essential in stabilizing inflation expectations.

    The Fund highlighted its ongoing dedication to structural reforms, such as strengthening the viability of the energy sector, boosting competition, improving public service delivery, and strengthening the governance of state-owned enterprises.

    The IMF also highlighted Pakistan’s efforts under the RSF to strengthen resilience against natural disasters, enhance the management of water resources, and update its climate information systems reforms that have become more urgent following the devastating floods that severely damaged crops, infrastructure and livelihoods.

    Pakistan might get $1 billion under the EFF and an additional $200 million as the first tranche of the RSF, which promotes climate-resilience initiatives, if the board approves the reviews. The final decision, however, rests on the board’s deliberations today.

    Ahead of the board meeting, officials confirmed that Pakistan had agreed to one of the IMF’s key conditions: a special audit of supplementary grants issued over the past decade. Islamabad has also accepted another requirement aimed at limiting the federal government’s discretionary power to issue such grants in the future.

    Sources said the digital Public Finance Management Assessment was examined during the talks, alongside oversight mechanisms for the digitized PFM master plan.

    If the Executive Board approves Pakistan’s reviews today, the disbursement could be made as early as tomorrow. Officials in Islamabad hope the inflow will strengthen external reserves, support the ongoing economic recovery and reinforce investor confidence in the government’s broader reform agenda.

  • CTD Punjab arrests 12 RAW linked terrorists

    CTD Punjab arrests 12 RAW linked terrorists

    The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab has arrested 12 terrorists from Lahore, Faisalabad, and Bahawalpur on charges of having links to India’s notorious intelligence agency RAW.

    According to reports, authorities recovered weapons, explosives, and detonators from the arrested men. Officials also seized photos and videos of sensitive locations and key institutions.

    A CTD spokesperson said pictures, videos, and location of a madrasa and a local fair were recovered from the terrorists.

    The spokesperson added that seven terrorists were arrested from Lahore, including Sukh Deep Singh, Azmat, Faizan, Nabeel, Abrar, Usman, and Sarfaraz. 

    From Faisalabad, Daanish was taken into custody, while Bahawalpur arrests included Rajab, Hashim, Saqib, and Arif, who are linked to Fitna al-Hindustan.

    The CTD spokesperson further revealed that the arrests were made with the help of a Facebook ID operated from India under the name Adil. He said Sukh Deep Singh was born Christian but had converted to another religion some time ago.

    The spokesperson confirmed that the terrorists received substantial funding from RAW. 

    Cases have been registered against the arrested individuals, and investigations are underway.

  • TV host Hina Niazi just got engaged

    TV host Hina Niazi just got engaged

    Popular Pakistani TV host Hina Niazi has announced that she is engaged, sharing pictures of the celebration on social media and joyfully writing, “He asked. I said ‘of course, darling.’”

    Hina Niazi celebrated her engagement with close friends and family present at the event. 

    Hina wore a stunning black gown with her hair styled in a vintage look, keeping her jewelry minimal. Both she and her fiancé wore black outfits, though Hina did not reveal her fiancé’s face publicly.

    Fans shared their excitement in the comments. One user wrote, “Hina this is too good ,” while another said, “MashAllah, evil eyes off ❤️ .” A third fan asked, “Who is the lucky guy?”

    Hina Niazi is very active on social media, regularly sharing updates with her 167,000 Instagram followers. 

    She currently hosts a show on a private TV channel.

  • Ducky Bhai thanks Field Marshal Asim Munir, DGMI for helping him get released

    Ducky Bhai thanks Field Marshal Asim Munir, DGMI for helping him get released

    YouTuber Saadur Rehman, widely known as Ducky Bhai, has thanked Field Marshal Asim Munir and Directorate General of Military Intelligence for helping his family during a difficult time. 

    In a nearly hour long video posted on his YouTube channel on Sunday, Ducky Bhai expressed gratitude to the military leadership. 

    He said, “Field Marshal Asim Munir and DG ISPR showed utmost professionalism and helped my family escape the clutches of a corrupt mafia. Big Brother and his team also gave us full support.” 

    Some journalists speculated that the person he referred to as “Big Brother” is linked to military intelligence. 

    He further said that such a large-scale clean-up against corrupt elements had never happened before and credited intelligence agencies for it.

    He shared details of his arrest and the time he spent in custody, claiming he faced physical and verbal abuse by NCCIA officials. He accused controversial Additional Director Sarfaraz Chaudhry of verbally abusing and physically assaulting him.

    “He stood up from his chair and verbally swore at me,” Rehman alleged. “He asked me, ‘Where does your money come from?’ I replied that it comes from YouTube. I have eight million subscribers. He accused me of corrupting the minds of children. He kept verbally abusing me and slapped me so many times that I lost count.”

    He described a more harrowing encounter with Sarfaraz Chaudhry, saying, “He took me to the Additional Director’s room, there were five officers sitting there. Sarfaraz Chaudhry asked me, ‘Which application’s country head are you? What does your father do?’ I said, ‘Sir, he is a professor in a university.’”

    He continued, “Then he shouted at me and I stayed quiet. He shouted and said, ‘Speak!’ I said, ‘Sir, I only make videos, I am a YouTuber.’ Then he used a swear word about my mother and slapped me on the face. He told me to raise my face, and as soon as I did, he slapped me again. He kept slapping me until he got fed up.”

    Rehman said he felt helpless and terrified. “At that time, I felt very helpless, what wrong I had done. I even closed my legs tightly. He said, ‘Hands up.’ I raised my hands. Then he made a video call. A child received the call, whose estimated age was about seven years.” 

    “The staff member standing behind me hit me very hard on my back. Sarfaraz Chaudhry told the child, ‘Look what is happening to him. You watch his programs, right?’ Then they kept slapping me. On the video call, they were saying, ‘You watch his programs, and this is what I do to him.” 

    Ducky said that he felt extremely helpless. “I didn’t understand what to do or how to get out of this. What had I even done?”

    He also accused officials of trying to bribe him and later seizing money from his Binance account. 

    “When I was in NCCIA custody, you probably heard about $326,000 during a podcast with the assistant director. He said that they seized this money from me. The investigating officer ordered me to open my Binance account,” he said.

    “He closed all my trades and tokens at a loss and converted them to US dollars. He then ordered me to transfer it.”

    Ducky Bhai further alleged that the investigating officer transferred the amount into his own personal account. 

    “I felt very helpless on the first day,” he said, adding that officials beat him despite his cooperation. He also said that when he met someone he knew, he asked them to request that the guards “beat him less.”

    He also apologised saying, “I want to apologise if anyone believes my intention was to justify the FIR registered against me. If any of my content has ever created a negative impact, knowingly or unknowingly, I sincerely apologize to the people of Pakistan,” Ducky Bhai said.

    He added, “I have always tried to entertain my audience and bring fresh content. However, if any video or promotional activity from me resulted in negativity, I accept responsibility and seek forgiveness from the nation.”

    The content creator was arrested in August from Lahore Airport by the NCCIA on allegations of promoting online gambling and betting applications through his platform. 

    The Lahore High Court granted him bail on November 25, but authorities did not release him immediately after the order.

    In September, NCCIA Lahore Additional Director Sarfraz Chaudhry was removed from his post over multiple controversies, including  allegedly beating Rehman.

    On October 28, authorities arrested six NCCIA personnel on charges of misuse of authority and bribery. Barrister Mian Ali Ashfaq confirmed that the FIA took them into custody and would produce them before the district court. He identified the arrested officials as Additional Director Sarfraz Chaudhry, In-charge Zawar, Sub-Inspector Ali Raza, Assistant Director Shoaib Riaz, Yasir Gujjar and Mujtaba Kamran.

    Police registered the FIR against nine people, including eight NCCIA officials, with the FIA Anti-Corruption Circle Lahore on the complaint of Rehman’s wife, Aroob Jatoi.

    Ducky Bhai currently has over eight million subscribers on YouTube and remains one of Pakistan’s most followed digital creators.