Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • Three women found dead in Karachi apartment

    Three women found dead in Karachi apartment

    Three women from the same family have been found dead, alongside an unconscious man, under mysterious circumstances inside their apartment in Karachi’s Gulshan-i-Iqbal area on Sunday evening.

    Media reports have stated that the deceased have been identified as Samina, 52, her 19-year-old daughter Samreen, and her 22-year-old daughter-in-law Maha. The unconscious man was identified as Samina’s 30-year-old son, Yaseen.

    SSP East Investigation Zubair Nazir Ahmed Shaikh said the head of the family contacted Madadgar 15 to report the incident. 

    “When police reached the flat, they found the bodies of the three women lying on separate beds, while the young man was unconscious. The family head was present at the scene and in stable condition,” he told Dawn.

    Police shifted the bodies to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for medico legal procedures.

    Police Surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed said doctors found no marks of violence on any of the bodies.

    SSP Shaikh said the crime scene unit collected evidence from the flat. “Investigators ruled out gas leakage as the cause of death. We did not find any signs of forced entry, strangulation, or any other injuries,” he said.

    He added that police took the family head into custody for questioning, while investigators awaited Yaseen’s recovery to record his statement. The investigation remains underway.

  • Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana calls off wedding with Palash Muchhal

    Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana calls off wedding with Palash Muchhal

    Indian women’s cricket team’s star opener Smriti Mandhana has officially called off her wedding with popular singer Palash Muchhal.

    After weeks of speculation, Mandhana confirmed the decision in a short statement posted on Instagram on December 7, saying that both families mutually agreed to end marriage plans.

    “I always wanted to keep my personal life private, but constant rumours made it necessary to clarify,” Mandhana said. “I want to make it clear that the wedding has been cancelled. I want this matter to end here and request everyone to respect the privacy of both families.”

    She added that she will now shift her full focus back to her cricketing career. “Representing India remains my top priority, and I will now give my complete attention to the game,” she said.

    According to reports, the couple was scheduled to get married on November 23, 2025, in Sangli. 

    However, the ceremony was postponed after Mandhana’s father fell ill suddenly on the same day. Palash Muchhal also faced severe mental stress and had to be taken to the hospital. 

    Later, both families decided to end the wedding plans. 

    During this period, several rumours circulated on social media, including cheating allegations against Palash Muchhal. His family strongly denied these claims.

    After Mandhana’s statement appeared online, Palash Muchhal also shared a separate message, saying they were moving forward with mutual respect.

    Fans also noticed that Mandhana has unfollowed Palash on Instagram, while he still follows her. 

    Her engagement ring was also missing in a recent advertisement video, which further fueled breakup rumours.

    Smriti Mandhana will now lead Royal Challengers Bangalore in the upcoming Women’s Premier League, which will begin on January 9 in Navi Mumbai.

  • No major changes in team before T20 World Cup: Salman Ali Agha

    No major changes in team before T20 World Cup: Salman Ali Agha

    Pakistan T20 captain Salman Ali Agha has made it clear that the team will not see any major changes before the upcoming T20 World Cup, saying the management will continue with the same combination.

    Speaking to the PCB podcast, he said, “I do not think there will be any major changes before the World Cup. We will go with the same combination. All players have been given their roles and we will move forward with those roles.”

    “We have six matches before the T20 World Cup and we need to play with consistency in those games,” he added.

    The national captain explained that the team cannot afford big changes at this stage. “We cannot make major changes in six matches. We have played with these players for the last six months and the results have started to come,” he said.

    Sharing his long-term ambitions, Salman said, “I want us to win the T20 World Cup in 2026 and then the ODI World Cup in 2027. Winning both these World Cups is my dream. If that happens, I will be very happy.”

    He also confirmed that Pakistan will play the next T20 World Cup under his leadership. “So far, the T20 World Cup will be played under my captaincy. Senior players understand Sri Lankan pitches well, while the Sri Lanka series before the World Cup will help the new players.”

    Salman stressed the importance of the Sri Lanka series before the tournament. “The series against Sri Lanka before the World Cup will be very important for us and we will take it seriously. I believe the Pakistan team is now on the right track, but we still need improvement. Where people and we want to see this team, we will reach there soon,” he said.

    He added that the team has prepared with the T20 World Cup in mind over the last six months. “We still have six matches before the World Cup and we will try to improve further in those games.”

    Talking about workload and fitness, Salman pointed out that he played 56 international matches in 11 months. “So fitness is very important. Pakistan has a lot of cricket in the next three to four months. I am not playing in leagues to keep myself fresh.”

    Salman also opened up about the pressure of captaincy. “If you are the captain of Pakistan, pressure is always there. At one point, the pressure affected me, but now I have learned to handle both captaincy and batting together,” he said.

    He also spoke positively about Babar Azam. “I have always seen Babar Azam as a friend. I have never looked at him only as a big batter,” he added.

    The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to begin on 7 February 2026 and run until 8 March 2026. 

    Pakistan national cricket team will open its campaign on the very first day, 7 February 2026, against Netherlands at Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.

  • Families forgive judge’s son for running over two girls in Islamabad

    Families forgive judge’s son for running over two girls in Islamabad

    Families of the two girls, who were run over by the son of Justice Mohammad Asif of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) last week, have forgiven the accused, bringing the case to an end.

    According to reports, Judicial Magistrate Shaista Kundi heard the matter at the District and Sessions Court after the teenage accused completed his four-day physical remand. 

    During the hearing, the families of the victims appeared before the court and announced their decision to pardon the accused, namely Abuzar.

    The brother of one of the deceased girls recorded his statement in court while their mother gave her statement via video-link.  The father of the second victim also recorded his statement in court.

    Following reconciliation between both families and the accused, the court ordered the closure of the case.

    The court also approved bail for the accused and ordered his release.

    The accident, which took place five days ago at Secretariat Chowk on the federal capital’s Shahrah-e-Dastoor, involved the IHC judge’s SUV that hit the women while they were commuting via a scooter.

    Both girls passed away on the spot, and were later identified as Samreen and Tabinda.

    Police registered a case at Secretariat Police Station on the complaint of Samreen’s brother and arrested Abuzar. 

    Sections 279 (rash driving or riding on a public way), 322 (manslaughter) and 427 (mischief causing damage) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) were invoked in the case.

    The investigating officer informed the court that further custody was required to complete the investigation, including verification of the suspect’s medical report, vehicle inspection and eyewitness statements.

    After reviewing the case record and police request, the court had approved physical remand of the suspect for further investigation. The bodies of the deceased were shifted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for autopsy.

    Authorities had assured the families of the victims that the case would be investigated strictly on merit.

  • ‘Pray hard and work harder’: Talha Anjum hits back after retaining Spotify top spot

    ‘Pray hard and work harder’: Talha Anjum hits back after retaining Spotify top spot

    Talha Anjum has hit back at his critics after retaining his position as Pakistan’s most-streamed artist on Spotify for the second consecutive year. 

    After dethroning Atif Aslam in 2024, the rapper recorded 370 million streams in 2025, as confirmed by Spotify during its annual Wrapped event on Thursday.

    In a celebratory Instagram post, Anjum said retaining the top spot did not surprise him. He said he owes the achievement “to my hard work, to my fans and my team that has stuck by me all these years”.

    He also took aim at his critics, calling out “the media and the industry” for trying to “pull [him] down” and make people hate him for “being [himself]”. Anjum said he faced “boycotts, bans, petty disses, legal notices, sham news articles and false narratives” from those who wanted to “see [him] fall”.

    He added that despite all of “their little schemes”, Urdu rap remains on top, “exactly where it was a year back”. He ended his message by telling those wishing for his downfall to “pray hard and work harder” and said he would see them again next year.

    Anjum also enjoyed major commercial success this year with his album My Terrible Mind, which crossed nearly 84 million streams on Spotify. His most popular track of the year, Departure Lane, gained 46 million streams from 7.5 million listeners, averaging nearly six streams per listener.

    The year also brought controversy for the rapper, most notably during his Kathmandu concert in November. 

    A fan handed him an Indian flag during the performance, and Anjum placed it over his shoulders. Indian listeners formed the largest national group among his audience this year.

    Anjum later described the gesture on stage as an act of respect and love and said he would repeat it in a now-deleted post on X. 

    However, public reaction remained divided, as many viewed the act as inappropriate during a period of strained Pakistan-India relations. 

    He later offered an apology to Pakistani fans after facing tough questions on television from anchor Nadia Khan.

  • Nine terrorists killed in KP ops: ISPR

    Nine terrorists killed in KP ops: ISPR

    As many as nine terrorists were killed in two intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Tank and Lakki Marwat districts, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported Saturday.

    According to a statement by the military’s media wing, the terrorists belonged to Indian proxy Fitna Al Khawarij, a term used by the state for members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

    ISPR said the first operation was conducted in Tank after reports of terrorists’ presence. Security forces engaged the location and after an intense exchange of fire, seven terrorists were killed. In a separate operation in Lakki Marwat, two more were neutralised.

    Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the eliminated militants.

    ISPR further stated that the killed terrorists had been involved in attacks against security forces, law enforcement agencies and in target killings of civilians.

    Sanitisation operations are continuing to clear the area of any remaining threats, it said, adding that the counter-terrorism campaign under Azm-e-Istehkam will proceed at full pace to eradicate foreign-sponsored terrorism.

    President Asif Ali Zardari praised the courage and timely action of the forces in thwarting terrorist plans. He said the nation’s resolve to eliminate terrorism would remain intact until the menace was ended.

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the security forces, saying they were making significant gains in the war on terror. “The nation stands with security forces against terrorism. We are determined to root out terrorism from the country,” he said in a statement.

    Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also commended the operations, noting that the militants were neutralised with efficiency. He highlighted the professionalism and bravery of the soldiers, adding that the timely actions had prevented major threats.

    “Security forces remain fully determined to restore and maintain lasting peace in KP,” Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) quoted him as saying.

  • Only one in five Pakistanis believe economy is strong: survey

    Only one in five Pakistanis believe economy is strong: survey

    Only one in five Pakistanis believes the country’s economy is strong, and just 16 percent feel confident about investing in the future, media reports said citing a new survey by Ipsos.

    According to the Q4 2025 Consumer Confidence Index Survey, national sentiment has dipped back to pre-Pakistan-India war levels with a brief surge in optimism following the conflict that temporarily united a politically divided population.

    While that momentum has since faded, reflecting growing public concern in line with recent official statements acknowledging the absence of a viable economic growth model, Ipsos reported that 18 percent of respondents view the economy as strong, with confidence higher among men, youth and affluent groups.

    The survey was released shortly after State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmad stated that the current growth model cannot support a population of 250 million. National Coordinator of the Special Investment Facilitation Council Lt General Sarfraz Ahmad also noted the lack of a growth plan and called for an export-led strategy.

    While perceptions of economic strength have slightly improved since the last quarter, they remain low compared to the post-conflict peak.

    The survey also found that 89 percent of Pakistanis feel uncomfortable making household purchases. Men, urban residents and those in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) showed slightly more comfort, with 18 percent in KP compared to 10 percent elsewhere.

    Comfort with household spending has declined since May 2025 but is still better than the same period last year. Inflation remains the top concern with a six percent rise in its perceived impact since the previous quarter. Unemployment follows closely, echoing the findings of a recent labour force survey that recorded joblessness at a 21-year high.

    Ipsos Managing Director Abdul Sattar Babar said inflation has re-emerged as a major issue, leading to cautious consumer behavior. Only five percent of respondents feel comfortable making major purchases.

    Despite these challenges, the survey highlights a rise in personal financial optimism, especially among youth. This suggests potential for resilience and future growth. Three in ten Pakistanis believe the country is on the right track, with optimism strongest among men, rural residents, upper-income groups and those in Punjab.

    One in three respondents expects the economy to improve over the next six months, with youth, women, rural residents and middle-to-upper-income groups showing the most optimism. Sindh emerged as the most pessimistic province.

    Confidence in job security has also risen, with 22 percent of respondents feeling secure in their employment. This marks the highest level recorded by Ipsos since tracking began, apart from the 30 percent spike seen during the post-conflict optimism wave.

  • Canada removes Syria from list of ‘state sponsors of terrorism’

    Canada removes Syria from list of ‘state sponsors of terrorism’

    Canada has removed Syria from its list of states that support terrorism, following a similar move by the United States (US) and citing efforts by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government to advance the country’s stability.

    The announcement on Friday came as Syria prepares to mark one year since the toppling of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad. Canada’s foreign ministry also revoked the terrorist designation for Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the group that led the alliance which helped remove al-Assad.

    In a statement, the ministry said the decisions were “not taken lightly”. 

    “These measures are in line with recent decisions taken by our allies, including the United Kingdom and the United States, and follows the efforts by the Syrian transitional government to advance Syria’s stability, build an inclusive and secure future for its citizens, and work alongside global partners to reinforce regional stability and counter terrorism.”

    Canada had listed Syria as a state supporter of terrorism in 2012 after al-Assad’s crackdown on pro-democracy protests plunged the country into civil war. 

    HTS had been widely sanctioned over its links to al-Qaeda, but several Western states have delisted the group to allow better collaboration with the new Syrian government.

    Since assuming power, Syria’s new leaders have sought to break from their violent past and present a more moderate image to both Syrians and foreign powers. 

    The ministry said it will continue to maintain sanctions on 56 Syrian individuals, including former officials from al-Assad’s government and members of the toppled ruler’s family.

    The US partially suspended sanctions against Syria in June and extended the suspension in November, following talks between al-Sharaa and US President Donald Trump at the White House. 

    Days before that meeting, the US had declared that al-Sharaa was no longer a “specially designated global terrorist”.

    Al-Sharaa, who once led al-Qaeda’s branch in Syria, split from the group in 2016. Since removing al-Assad, he has further reinvented his image, dropping the alias Abu Mohammed al-Julani and promoting a tolerant and inclusive Syria.

    Earlier this year, the interim leader addressed the United Nations General Assembly, saying his country is “reclaiming its rightful place among the nations of the world”.

    He has also worked to strengthen economic ties with the US and the European Union.

  • ‘Karachi’s daily waste numbers surpass Mumbai, Delhi and Dhaka’

    ‘Karachi’s daily waste numbers surpass Mumbai, Delhi and Dhaka’

    Karachi’s garbage crisis has reached alarming proportions, with more than 14,800 tonnes of solid waste generated every day – a figure now higher than that of Mumbai, New Delhi and Dhaka.

    Reports quoted Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) Managing Director Tariq Ali Nizamani as revealing that District Central alone produces over 3,000 tonnes of waste a day, making it the largest contributor among the port city’s seven districts.

    Addressing a seminar on sustainable urban waste solutions, he said that 42 percent of the city’s garbage was organic waste, which could be converted into compost or biogas if proper segregation systems were introduced.

    Karachi also accounts for about a quarter of Pakistan’s recyclable plastic waste, he said and announced that the SSWMB’s first biogas plant at Bagh Ibne Qasim will begin operations on December 15.

    The facility will process up to seven tonnes of livestock waste daily and provide low-cost cooking gas to 70–80 nearby households at a subsidised rate of Rs2,000 per month. In its next phase, the plant will also generate electricity to help address power shortages at the park.

    Another large biogas plant is planned for Cattle Colony to prevent untreated cattle waste from polluting the sea.

    He said that heavy vehicles scattering garbage on roads will face fines of up to Rs20,000 once the board receives legal approval to impose penalties.

    According to Nizamani, the SSWMB has deployed more than 13,000 workers and over 2,300 vehicles for citywide waste collection. The department now uses real-time technology to track waste movement from households to landfill sites. A helpline, call center and mobile app are available round the clock for public complaints.

    He also noted that a World Bank-funded project is underway to build new garbage transfer stations and a fully engineered sanitary landfill for Karachi.

  • Seven-year-old boy dies after falling into open manhole in Lodhran

    Seven-year-old boy dies after falling into open manhole in Lodhran

    A seven-year-old boy lost his life after falling into an open manhole in Lodhran on Saturday. 

    The tragic incident occurred in the Dhanot area when the child, identified as Rehan, was having breakfast with his father near Saeed Chowk.

    Rescue officials said that the sewer line in the area carried eight to ten feet of dirty water. While walking with his father, Rehan accidentally fell into the uncovered manhole. 

    Rescue teams were informed immediately and rushed the boy to a nearby hospital, but he could not be saved.

    An inquiry committee has been formed under the supervision of the ADCG to investigate the incident.

    The incident took place just days after a similar tragedy in Karachi where three-year-old Ibrahim fell into an open manhole near Nipa Chowrangi on Sunday night. 

    Rescue officials recovered his body from a nearby drain 1.5 kilometers from the site, 14 hours after the accident. Ibrahim had been visiting a departmental store with his family when he ran ahead and slipped into the uncovered manhole.

    A report by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) attributed the incident to the “carelessness” of officials from the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service and the nearby department store. 

    Sindh government launched an inquiry, while Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab visited the family, expressed sorrow, and promised strict action against those responsible.