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Author: News Desk

  • ‘Such hatred,’ Celebrities speak out against Islamabad suicide attack

    ‘Such hatred,’ Celebrities speak out against Islamabad suicide attack

    Pakistan’s celebrities spoke out in solidarity with the country after a suicide attack outside Islamabad’s district courts on Tuesday, killing 12 and injuring 36. It was the first major attack in the capital in nearly three years. 

     

    Actress Maya Ali took to Instagram to express her despair saying that so many lives were lost for no good reason, pleading to God to help make the madness stop. 

     

    Singer Farhan Saeed took to X to express his solidarity with Pakistan, adding that ‘our enemies’ do not like that Pakistan is prospering.

     

    Actor Adnan Siddiqui posted on his Instagram stories, saying that there is ‘no place in this world for such hatred.’ 

     

    The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the blast. 

    Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said, the man tried to enter the court but was not given access, the bomber’s route was traced using AI and vowed that “whoever did this will bear the consequences.”

  • After terror spike, defence minister warns of strikes inside Afghanistan again

    After terror spike, defence minister warns of strikes inside Afghanistan again

    With a sudden spike in terror incidents in Pakistan –a suicide bombing in Islamabad and the attempted siege of a Cadet College in South Waziristan – Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that the country could once again carry out strikes inside Afghanistan.

    Speaking on Geo News programme ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath’, the defence minister said that cross-border action inside Afghanistan “could not be ruled out” following the two attacks, and rejected the Afghan Taliban’s condemnation over the same.

    He said that such expressions of regret could not be taken as proof of sincerity as those attacking Pakistan were being sheltered by the Afghan Taliban regime.

    On the involvement of India-backed terrorists and the Afghan Taliban proxy Fitna al-Khawarij, Asif warned both New Delhi and Kabul against any misadventure, saying Pakistan would “pay back in the same coin”.

    “Pakistan will never initiate any military adventure,” he said but warned that the country would not let any act of aggression go unanswered.

    “We will respond forcefully,” Asif said.

    It may be noted that the attacks come days after talks between Islamabad and Kabul ended in deadlock. The negotiations had started following cross-border action over Afghan regime’s refusal to keep their soil from being used for terror in Pakistan.

    Earlier in the day, Asif also said that Pakistan was in a state of war and Tuesday’s bombing in Islamabad was “a message from Kabul”, to which Pakistan has full strength to respond.


     
    “We are in a state of war. Anyone who thinks that the Pakistan Army is fighting this war in the Afghan-Pakistan border region and the remote areas of Balochistan should take today’s suicide attack at the Islamabad district courts as a wake-up call,” he wrote in a post on X.


     
    The defence minister said it was a war for all of Pakistan, in which the army is giving sacrifices every day and making the people feel secure. “In this environment, it would be futile to hold out greater hope for successful negotiations with Kabul.”


     
    “The rulers of Kabul can stop terrorism in Pakistan, but bringing this war all the way to Islamabad is a message from Kabul, to which — praise be to Allah — Pakistan has the full strength to respond,” he added.

  • Dharmendra discharged from hospital one day after Indian media declares him dead

    Dharmendra discharged from hospital one day after Indian media declares him dead

    Bollywood legend Dharmendra has been discharged from hospital early on Wednesday morning, with media reports saying that he will continue recovery at home.

    Confusion about the action star’s health took a dizzying turn on Monday night, once again fueled by Indian media outlets.

    The actor was “stable and recovering”, his daughter said on Tuesday morning, after almost every Indian media outlet declared him dead on Monday night and early Tuesday morning. 

    The popular actor, known in the 70s and 80s as Bollywood’s ‘He-Man’, was admitted to the famous Breach Candy Hospital on November 10 after he complained of breathing issues while at home. 

    As news spread of the legendary star’s illness, his famous children started visiting one by one. Footage captured by paparazzi outside the hospital showed Dharmendra’s eldest son, the action star Sunny Deol, leaving from hospital looking visibly emotional. Some news outlets were quick to report that the 89-year-old had been put on a ventilator or had died, but Sunny’s team then put out a statement saying, “Dharamji is still in the hospital. Doctors have not advised him to go home. His condition is improving. He is being monitored and is not on a ventilator.”

    Later in the night, A-listers of the Indian film industry, including superstars Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan, visited Dharmendra in hospital. His younger son, Bobby Deol, his wife Hema Malini and his daughter Esha Deol also visited the actor in hospital. Bobby Deol’s wife was also seen arriving at Breach Candy to visit her famous father-in-law. 

    As fans prayed for Dharmendra, news outlets again jumped the gun late at night, saying that he had died. Early on the morning of November 11, Esha Deol took to Instagram to confirm that her father was recovering. In a blistering attack on media, she wrote: “The media seems to be in overdrive and spreading false news. My father is stable and recovering. We request everyone to give our family privacy. Thank you for the prayers for Papa’s speedy recovery.” 

    Dharmendra was born in what is now the Indian side of Punjab in 1935. The actor has a career that spanned over six decades, and included streaks of hits including his most famous role, smash hit Sholay’s Veeru. He has remained active in the industry even late in his career, last appearing on screen in 2024 in the film Teri Baaton Main Aisa Uljha Jiya. His film Ikkis is set to release next year. 

    Dharmendra is still one of the most popular stars in Bollywood, despite being almost 90-years-old. He is also an active social media user, regularly interacting with fans and posting photos on Instagram. This year his Twitter account has mostly been dormant, with the last post showing an old poster of him and his wife Hema Malini in costume for a film poster from the 70s.

  • Govinda rushed to hospital after collapsing at home

    Govinda rushed to hospital after collapsing at home

    Bollywood actor Govinda has been rushed to CritiCare Hospital in Mumbai’s Juhu area late Monday night after he suddenly collapsed at home.

    According to media reports, the 61-year-old star lost consciousness after experiencing severe stress that led to health complications. 

    Family members immediately called a doctor for advice and gave him medication, but his condition did not improve. Around 1 am, Govinda was shifted to the hospital, where doctors conducted several tests and are now waiting for the reports.

    His close friend and legal advisor Bandal confirmed the news, saying, “He had some health issues and was feeling unwell. The doctor advised rest, but when things didn’t settle down, we had to take him to the hospital. He’s now under observation.”

    Fans of the veteran actor, famous for his unmatched comic timing and dance moves, have filled social media with get-well messages, hoping for a quick recovery.

    This isn’t Govinda’s first health scare. In October last year, he accidentally shot himself in the leg when his licensed pistol misfired. He was hospitalized, while doctors successfully removed the bullet after a one-hour surgery.

    Interestingly, Govinda’s hospitalization comes just a day after widespread rumours about Bollywood legend Dharmendra’s death flooded social media. 

    The 89-year-old actor was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital on November 10 after facing breathing issues, and several news outlets wrongly reported that he had passed away.

    His daughter, Esha Deol, later slammed the false reports, confirming that her father is “stable and recovering.” 

    She urged fans and the media to avoid spreading misinformation, saying, “The media seems to be in overdrive and spreading false news. My father is stable and recovering. We request everyone to give our family privacy.”

    As the industry reels from back-to-back health scares involving two of its most beloved stars, fans across India are praying for their speedy recovery.

  • Prince William makes surprising appearance on dance competition

    Prince William makes surprising appearance on dance competition

    Prince William, the future King of England, made a surprising appearance on the reality competition show Dancing With The Stars, delighting audiences with a special wish for one of the contestants. 

    The older son of King Charles showed up on a video call to support the son of another famous father. Robert Irwin, the son of late legendary nature enthusiast Steve Irwin, is competing on the show along with his partner Whitney Carson. Robert was supposed to join the Royal in Rio De Janeiro in Brazil for the Earthshot Prize ceremony, however, he could not go as his stint on Dancing With The Stars continues.

     The Prince of Wales, 43, popped up on screen to the surprise of Irwin and to the delight of fans. Laughingly referring to Robert Irwin as Tinkle Toes, William went on to say that he missed the conservationist. “You guys have got a serious chance of winning,” the heir to the British throne told the pair before wishing them luck. He also told Robert, “I need you down here.” 

    The exchange left Whitney Carson shocked. After hanging up she told a camera, “I can’t believe he said my name.” 

    Robert Irwin, 21, is an ambassador for the Earthshot Prize, a global environmental award founded by Prince William and The Royal Foundation. The organisation finds and funds efforts to resolve the world’s greatest conservation and environmental challenges. 

    This is not the Prince’s first public appearance to support Irwin. In June this year, he sent a voice note to a British radio show which was talking to Irwin. “I know you have got the fantastic Robert Irwin on your show,” he said in the voice note, adding that the young conservationist was a “brilliant” ambassador for the Earthshot Prize. 

    Irwin has become a surprise contender for the top spot on the famous dancing competition, a fan favourite who was not supposed to last past the first round but is now well on his way to the end. After William’s call, Robert and Whitney danced the fox trot to ‘Footprints in the Sand’ by Leona Lewis. The young naturalist then dedicated his performance to his late father Steve Irwin. 

    The senior Irwin became one of the most famous conservationists in the world in the early 2000s. He was an Australian zookeeper, environmentalist and wildlife educator. Popularly known as ‘The Crocodile Hunter’s, Steve became known for risky endeavours during filming, handling unruly crocs, venomous snakes and deadly creatures with a smile and a laugh. He died unexpectedly in 2006, at the peak of his career, when during a dive in Queensland, a sting ray injury pierced his heart, killing him in a few short moments while he filmed an underwater documentary.

  • Lionel Messi could make Barcelona return in January: reports

    Lionel Messi could make Barcelona return in January: reports

    Lionel Messi’s surprise visit to the Spotify Camp Nou has reignited hope among Barcelona fans around the world, and this time, the dream of his return might actually come true.

    Foreign media reports claim that the Argentine legend could rejoin Barcelona on loan in January, thanks to a special “Beckham Clause” included in his Inter Miami contract.

    The “Beckham Clause” is an unofficial MLS rule that lets players join European clubs during the league’s off-season from December to March.

    Multiple outlets suggest Messi’s deal allows him to play short-term elsewhere, keeping his fitness sharp ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

    Inter Miami are currently in the MLS Cup semifinals, with the final set for December 6. That timeline leaves Messi and Barcelona enough room to work out a potential short-term agreement. While finances could be tricky, optimism is high that Barcelona might find a way to bring their greatest-ever player back home.

    The idea isn’t new. Stars like David Beckham, Thierry Henry, and Landon Donovan all returned to Europe during their MLS breaks. 

    If Messi follows that path, Barcelona is both the most emotional and logical destination. The Argentine icon scored 672 goals and lifted 35 trophies for the club, shaping an era that defined modern football.

    Since Messi’s tearful farewell in 2021, fans have never stopped dreaming of his return. Seeing him link up with rising star Lamine Yamal would make that dream even sweeter.

    Messi himself recently said, “I hope I can come back someday, not just to say goodbye as a player…” – words that have only fueled excitement.

    If the move happens, Messi’s return to Camp Nou in January 2026 won’t just be a transfer story. It would be one of the most emotional comebacks football has ever witnessed.

  • ‘Pakistan in state of war’: Defence minister says Islamabad bombing a ‘message’ from Kabul

    ‘Pakistan in state of war’: Defence minister says Islamabad bombing a ‘message’ from Kabul

    Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that Pakistan is in a state of war and Tuesday’s bombing in Islamabad was “a message from Kabul”, to which Pakistan has full strength to respond.

    “We are in a state of war. Anyone who thinks that the Pakistan Army is fighting this war in the Afghan-Pakistan border region and the remote areas of Balochistan should take today’s suicide attack at the Islamabad district courts as a wake-up call,” he wrote in a post on X.

    The defence minister said it was a war for all of Pakistan, in which the army is giving sacrifices every day and making the people feel secure. “In this environment, it would be futile to hold out greater hope for successful negotiations with Kabul.”

    “The rulers of Kabul can stop terrorism in Pakistan, but bringing this war all the way to Islamabad is a message from Kabul, to which — praise be to Allah — Pakistan has the full strength to respond,” he added.

    The defence minister’s post came as a suicide attack in the federal capital killed at least a dozen people dead.

    A Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) spokesperson said that the blast outside a local court building in G-11 left at least 12 martyred and 30 injured.

    Of the injured brought to the hospital, about five injured are in critical condition, the spokesperson added.

    The injured reportedly included petitioners and lawyers. The building of the court was vacated after the explosion, those present inside the building were evacuated through the back door of the facility and court proceedings were suspended.

    Speaking to the media at the site of the explosion, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the suicide attack took place at 12:39 pm today as the bomber was trying to enter the courthouse.

    “But when he did not get an opportunity, he attacked a police vehicle”.

    Noting that Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has directed to ensure the best medical assistance to those injured, the minister said that the first priority was to identify the suicide bomber.

    “Those behind the court attack will be brought to justice,” he noted, adding that evidence will be brought to light soon.

    He warned that if someone from another country was involved, it will not be forgiven.

    Meanwhile, reports quoted sources as saying that the head of the suspected suicide bomber was found at the site of the explosion. They said the bombing was carried out by India-backed terrorists and the Afghan Taliban proxy Fitna al-Khawarij.

  • Sindh government considers reducing e-challan fines

    Sindh government considers reducing e-challan fines

    The Sindh government is considering lowering fines issued under the recently launched e-challan system after citizens criticised heavy challans and poor road infrastructure.

    The AI-powered Traffic Regulation and Citation System (TRACS), launched by the Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Oct 27, generated around 30,000 challans within the first week. Traffic police sent fines to registered vehicle owners for violations such as not wearing seatbelts, using tinted glasses, and riding motorcycles without helmets.

    Citizens and opposition parties accused the Pakistan Peoples Party-led provincial government of using heavy fines to “mint money”. At least three petitions have been filed in the Sindh High Court, which has issued notices to the provincial government and police on two of them.

    Despite the criticism, the system has produced visible improvements. More motorists have begun stopping at designated lines and motorcyclists have started wearing helmets since the system became operational.

    Sources told Dawn that Karachi-based PPP politicians and senior police officers raised concerns with the provincial leadership. They warned that a positive initiative had been turned into a political target because fines for several violations were too high. They advised the government to ease the criticism by rationalising or reducing fine amounts for a period of its choosing.

    Sources also said the government and police now recognise that fines alone cannot change Karachi’s traffic culture. They stressed the need to involve civic agencies and the Excise and Taxation Department to make the system more effective.

    Inspector General of Sindh Police Ghulam Nabi Memon agreed that cooperation between multiple government bodies is essential. He said, “The long-term success of TRACS depends on strong inter-agency coordination between traffic police, local administrations, excise department, TMCs, KMC, and other civic bodies.”

    When asked whether the fines match the income levels of Karachi residents, he said, “The fine structure has been designed keeping in view deterrence and road safety rather than revenue generation. Traffic fines are not an unavoidable burden. They are avoidable by choice. Citizens who drive responsibly will never incur penalties.”

    A senior provincial official and PPP leader said the chief minister had already offered relief for first-time violators, who may have fines waived within ten days by submitting an in-person apology. He added that the government would likely announce a significant reduction in fines for selected violations by the end of this month.

    He made it clear the system would not be suspended or rolled back. Instead, he said, the government plans to expand TRACS across Karachi and other districts of Sindh.

  • Turkey arrests eight players, suspends another 1,024 players for football betting

    Turkey arrests eight players, suspends another 1,024 players for football betting

    Turkish authorities have arrested eight people on Monday, including the chairman of a top-tier football club, during an expanding investigation into illegal betting on matches. 

    The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) also suspended 1,024 players across all leagues while disciplinary proceedings move forward.

    Earlier this month, the TFF suspended 149 referees and assistant referees after investigators discovered that officials working in Turkey’s professional leagues were betting on football matches.

    A foreign news agency reported that a court ordered the arrest of Eyupspor chairman Murat Özkaya along with seven others. Eyupspor compete in the Turkish Super Lig. The club did not immediately comment on the development.

    In a statement, the TFF said it referred 1,024 players to the Professional Football Disciplinary Council (PFDK), including 27 players from the Super Lig. All 27 have been suspended. The list includes players from defending champions Galatasaray and Istanbul club Besiktas.

    The federation said, “Due to the precautionary transfer of 1,024 football players to the PFDK, negotiations have been initiated urgently with Fifa to grant a 15-day transfer and registration period in addition to the 2025-2026 winter transfer period, only at the national level, in order for clubs to complete their squad deficiencies.”

    The TFF also suspended matches in the second- and third-tier leagues for two weeks. Local media reported that the TFF board will hold an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday at 2pm GMT.

    Fifa has not responded to a Reuters request for comment regarding the investigation or Turkey’s request for an additional transfer window.

    TFF president Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu has called the situation a “moral crisis in Turkish football”. The federation’s internal investigation revealed that 371 of Turkey’s 571 active referees had betting accounts. Among them, 152 were actively placing bets.

    Investigators found one referee had placed bets 18,227 times. Forty-two referees had bet on more than 1,000 matches each, while others were discovered to have bet only once.

  • Two transgender persons killed in Serai Naurang

    Two transgender persons killed in Serai Naurang

    Unidentified gunmen have shot dead two transgender persons in Serai Naurang town of Lakki Marwat district on Sunday night.

    Police said Zakir Khan, 34, a resident of Kakki Jan Naurang, and Shahab alias Dollar, a resident of Mardan, were living in a rented room near the fruit and vegetable market. 

    They had hired the room along with another companion, Irshad alias Khattaki, a resident of Mumbatti Kallay Karak, to arrange music concerts.

    Armed suspects entered the room, shot both Zakir and Shahab, and escaped. Rafiullah, 48, brother of Zakir, told police he was at home when someone informed him about the murders. 

    He rushed to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital and found the bodies lying in the emergency ward. Rafiullah said his family had no enmity with anyone.

    Police registered a case against unknown killers under relevant sections of law and launched an investigation.

    Separately, two more people, including a teenager, were killed over a petty dispute in the Abbasa Khattak area of Lakki Marwat. The double murder occurred in the trans-river belt within Dadiwala police station limits.

    Mohammad Aqeel, 20, who survived the attack, told police he was traveling with Mohammad Sajjad, 23, and Naimatullah, 18, from Barmikhel Wazir Abbas village to Kooz Kallay Abbasa Wazir on a motorcycle. 

    At a section of the road near a mosque on a dirt track, Kamal, Parvaiz, Raqeebullah, Shahidullah, and Michani suddenly appeared and opened fire, killing Sajjad and Naimatullah instantly.

    Police conducted postmortems at THQ Hospital in Serai Naurang town and handed over the bodies to their families. 

    Authorities registered a case against the suspected killers and started an investigation.