Author: News Desk

  • Hania Aamir returns from Bangladesh with heartfelt memories

    Hania Aamir returns from Bangladesh with heartfelt memories

    Pakistani superstar Hania Aamir has returned from a heartwarming trip to Bangladesh, where she was greeted with immense love, fan appreciation, and exciting professional opportunities.

    The actress and model, known for her vibrant personality and versatile acting, was in Bangladesh for a series of ad shoots, modeling projects, and promotional campaigns.

    Taking to Instagram, Hania expressed her gratitude to her Bangladeshi fans and the people she met during her visit. Sharing a carousel of behind-the-scenes glimpses, fan interactions, and moments of her trying local food, she wrote: “Bangladesh thank you for your love, warmth and generosity. Thank you for the sweetest and the most beautiful memories. Leaving a piece of my heart here. Love you. Until next time.”

    Among the shared highlights was a touching video where a fan presented Hania with a scrapbook filled with her social media posts. From savoring Bangladeshi cuisine to bonding with fans, Hania’s trip was as memorable for her as it was for those who welcomed her.

    Bangladeshi actress Ishrat Zaheen also responded warmly to Hania’s post, writing: “We love you back! And always remember to keep the Rickshaw by your bedside table and think of me.”

    Hania was reportedly in Dhaka for several brand collaborations and photoshoots, adding a new cross-border chapter to her growing list of international engagements.

    Now back on the move, Hania has landed in Houston, USA, for the 10th Hum Awards, where she also marked a significant career milestone, completing nine years in the showbiz industry. She shared snippets of her arrival in Houston with the caption “Touchdown,” signaling excitement for the upcoming event and celebrations.

    From Dhaka to Houston, Hania Aamir continues to win hearts, proving that her charm knows no borders.

  • Rajab Butt reveals the surprising prediction a fortune teller made about his marriage

    Rajab Butt reveals the surprising prediction a fortune teller made about his marriage

    Controversial YouTuber Rajab Butt has strongly denied rumors of any dispute with his wife, saying that their marital life is going well and news about their issues was fabricated by social media users.

    Rajab Butt recently appeared in a podcast where he openly discussed his relationship with his wife Emaan Butt and addressed other matters.

    He claimed that there are no disputes between him and his wife. He explained that they haven’t met for several months since he is outside of Pakistan, but that doesn’t mean there are any issues.

    “There are no misunderstandings between me and my wife. It’s just YouTubers, podcasters, and other social media users who spread false news about us.”

    He shared that his parents and other family members are used to media attention and fan visits, as their house is always bustling with people. However, his wife was not initially used to such a lifestyle, which may have caused her some discomfort.

    “First, she was pregnant and second, it was all new for her. She comes from a very calm family and that is why I sent her to her home. My wife knows her place. She understands the nature of my life. People, fans, fellow social media stars, close friends, and relatives are always coming and going from our house,” he added.

    Rajab Butt also mentioned that a fortune teller had predicted his divorce, but thankfully, that prediction turned out to be false. “A woman who claims to predict the future said I would get divorced, but by the grace of Allah, that didn’t happen.”

    He further said that the same woman had also predicted that he would have a daughter, which he himself had wished for, but instead, he was blessed with a son, proving the fortune teller wrong. “Only Allah knows the future and no human can predict what will happen to another person,” he said.

    He emphasized that he had addressed all the allegations with his wife early on, sat her down, explained the situation, and assured her that the rumors were a “conspiracy against him”. Since then, there have been “no misunderstandings” between them.

    Rajab Butt also clarified that girls visit his home in front of his wife, and these include mothers, sisters, and other women from his family, so there’s nothing inappropriate happening.

    “Girls do come to my house, but they come in front of my wife. Their mothers, sisters, and family women also accompany them. My wife has no issues with this,” he explained.

    On a question about Saad ur Rehman, also known as Ducky Bhai’s case, he expressed his sympathies for him, acknowledging that they once shared a good relationship. However, due to certain professional circumstances, differences eventually arose between them

    It’s worth noting that Rajab Butt and Emaan got married in December 2024, and in September 2025, they welcomed their first child, a baby boy.

    Shortly after their marriage, rumors started circulating on social media that the couple was facing problems and could soon get divorced. But now, for the first time, Rajab Butt has publicly addressed these claims and provided clarity about his relationship.

  • ‘Dear Indian tourists, don’t pack buffet food in your purse’: Swiss Hotel’s embarrassing notice

    ‘Dear Indian tourists, don’t pack buffet food in your purse’: Swiss Hotel’s embarrassing notice

    A man from India has gone viral after sharing his experience of staying at a hotel in Switzerland where a notice specifically addressed “Indian tourists,” asking them not to pack buffet food into their purses.

    Dr Arshiet Dhamnaskar, a neurosurgeon, said the message left him feeling “hurt,” not because of what it said, but how it was written.

    On X, responding to a post that read, “Hotel breakfast buffet is where people reveal their true selves,” Dr Dhamnaskar recalled his stay in Switzerland.

    “A few years ago, I was in Switzerland with my family. Behind the hotel room door, there was a long message which could be summarised to, ‘Don’t pack buffet items into your purses. If you want, we can give you separately packed food items,’” he wrote.

    He added that while the message itself seemed fair, it was the singling out of Indian tourists that upset him.

    “Which seems an okay message, that yeah, it is ‘unlimited’, but not really ‘unlimited’ that you hoard it all into your bag and get free food for life and stuff,” he wrote. “The one real thing that hurt me was, well, the message could have been addressed to anyone and everyone, but it, specifically, started with, ‘Dear Indian tourists.’”

    His post quickly went viral, but some users questioned its authenticity, calling it fake.

    In response, Dr Dhamnaskar said he could not find a photo of the notice in his own gallery but later came across a similar post shared earlier online.

    He shared a 2019 post by industrialist Harsh Goenka about the Arc-en-Ciel Hotel in Gstaad, Switzerland, which displayed a notice that began with “Dear guests from India.”

    The hotel’s message included instructions such as not taking buffet food, ordering a lunch bag for a fee, using only hotel cutlery, not sharing dishes with more than two people, and maintaining silence in corridors.

    Goenka had written, “Reading this notice, I felt angry, humiliated and wanted to protest. But a realisation dawned that we, as tourists, are loud, rude, and not culturally sensitive. With India becoming an international power, our tourists are our best global ambassadors. Let’s work on changing our image!”

  • FO avoids commenting on alleged Pak strikes in Kabul; reaffirms commitment to safeguarding citizens

    FO avoids commenting on alleged Pak strikes in Kabul; reaffirms commitment to safeguarding citizens

    As Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry neither confirmed nor denied Pakistani involvement in alleged strikes on Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) assets in Afghanistan, the Foreign Office has also refrained from commenting on reports of said strikes.

    According to reports, the FO, much like the military spokesperson, also only reaffirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its citizens through intelligence-based counterterrorism operations along the border.

    In his weekly news briefing, FO Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said that all he could say for now was that Pakistan reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the security and well-being of its people.

    “Our security forces and law enforcement agencies conduct targeted operations in border regions to safeguard our citizens from terrorist threats, particularly those posed by groups such as Fitna al-Khwarij or the TTP. These operations are meticulously planned based on credible and actionable intelligence and executed with precision,” he said.

    He pointed out that Pakistan respected the sovereignty of Afghanistan and remained steadfast in its commitment to fostering dialogue and cooperation with others in the region to address the shared challenges of terrorism.

    “Pakistan has consistently prioritised diplomacy, even in the face of persistent threats emanating from terrorist hideouts and sanctuaries inside Afghanistan. We urge the Afghan authorities to ensure that their territory is not used as a launch pad for terrorist activities against Pakistan. Groups like TTP represent a common threat to the peace and stability of our region, necessitating collective action to counter their malignant influence,” the FO spokesperson said.

    He added that Islamabad believed that Kabul should be able to reclaim its sovereignty and security and terrorist groups like TTP need to be combated robustly.

    Khan said that the question of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan was a constant part of all interactions and dialogues with the authorities in Kabul.

    “We have been impressing upon the seriousness of this issue and from the prime minister to the level of senior officials, we have articulated our position very clearly and firmly,” he said.

    Earlier, the military also neither confirmed nor denied its involvement in the alleged strikes in Afghanistan.

    At least two explosions followed by gunfire were heard in Kabul late Thursday night. Said reports were followed by claims of strikes on multiple TTP camps by unidentified aircraft in different areas of the country.

    As foreign outlets hinted at possible Pakistani involvement over repeated warnings against the use of Afghan soil for terror on this side of the border, it was announced that ISPR chief will address a press conference at 2:30 pm on Friday.

    Addressing the presser, Lt Gen Sharif neither confirmed nor denied if the strikes were carried out by Pakistan.

    While he did not mention the strikes during the brief – instead focusing on the surge in terror and facilitation of militants – he went on to reiterate that Pakistan’s armed would never compromise on the security of the country or its people, when asked about any role that Pakistan may or may not have played in last night’s action.

    He also did not confirm if TTP commander Noor Wali Mehsud was eliminated.

  • Saudi prince to acquire majority stake in K-Electric

    Saudi prince to acquire majority stake in K-Electric

    AsiaPak Investments Chairman Shaheryar Chishty has confirmed that Saudi investor Prince Mansour bin Saud is set to acquire a controlling stake in K-Electric with 53.8% shares of KES Power Limited (KESP), which holds 66.4% ownership in the power utility.

    Reports quoted Chishty as saying that the company was selling all its shares to the Saudi investor under a newly signed memorandum of understanding (MoU), a ceremony for which took place at the Chief Minister’s House in Karachi and was attended by top Saudi and Pakistani officials.

    The agreement represents a major step in Saudi Arabia’s investment drive in Pakistan’s energy sector and is expected to attract fresh foreign capital into Karachi’s power generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure.

    Officials called the deal a breakthrough for Pakistan’s energy market, likely ending the prolonged ownership tussle that had discouraged major investors such as Shanghai Electric from entering the sector.

    The deal follows the withdrawal of Chinese firm Shanghai Electric Power from its long-delayed $1.77 billion acquisition plan due to alleged persistent regulatory hurdles and shifting business conditions.

    A day earlier, it was reported that a high-level trade delegation from the Kingdom has participated in the Saudi-Pakistan Joint Business Council Meeting exploring new investment avenues.


     
    As per an official statement, the delegation, led by Prince Mansour, attended the Islamabad meeting organised under the Saudi-Pakistan Joint Business Council, with support from the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and the Ministry of Commerce.


     
    The Saudi delegation included prominent business figures representing minerals, energy, agriculture and livestock, construction, infrastructure, tourism and real estate. Leading Pakistani entrepreneurs and private-sector representatives also attended the meeting, reflecting mutual resolve to expand bilateral trade and investment ties.


     
    During the session, Pakistani ministers, senior officials and industry leaders briefed the Saudi side on Pakistan’s evolving investment climate. They highlighted reforms undertaken to create a predictable, transparent, and investor-friendly environment, while presenting opportunities in SIFC’s priority sectors.


     
    The prince praised Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen its investment ecosystem and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to long-term engagement aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.


     
    He said Pakistan was an important regional partner with promising prospects in agriculture, mining, energy, technology, tourism and real estate.


     
    The SIFC and the Ministry of Commerce also arranged a dedicated briefing session for the delegation, outlining Pakistan’s investment facilitation framework and regulatory reforms with focus on opportunities across energy, minerals, agriculture, tourism, real estate and information technology.

  • Zeeshan gets his just rewards on Jama Taqseem and viewers are loving it

    Zeeshan gets his just rewards on Jama Taqseem and viewers are loving it

    Jama Taqseem has become the most discussed drama of the town, receiving widespread acclaim for its bold and thought-provoking storyline.

    Written by Sarwat Nazir and directed by Ali Hassan, the series dives deep into the often-ignored and silenced taboos of Pakistani society, particularly within the framework of joint family dynamics.

    With a stellar cast including Mawra Hocane, Talha Chahour, Javed Sheikh, Deepak Perwani, and Madiha Rizvi, the show is being lauded not only for its performances but for its powerful message of accountability and justice.

    A recent storyline involving the characters Sidra and Zeeshan has sparked intense conversations across social media. In a gripping episode, viewers witnessed a harrowing scene where Zeeshan attempted to assault Sidra when she was home alone. The situation was intercepted just in time by her uncle, Qais (played by Talha Chahour), who arrived on the scene and confronted the predator.

    What stood out to audiences was the very next episode, where the drama swiftly delivered what many are calling a form of “poetic justice.” Zeeshan, after fleeing his home post-incident, ends up in a hostel where he himself becomes a victim of harassment at the hands of his roommates. This narrative turn is being viewed as a stark reflection of the principle “what goes around, comes around.”

    Social media platforms lit up with reactions, with users praising the drama’s unflinching portrayal of karma and justice. One user wrote, “THIS IS WHAT WE NEED!!!!!!!!!” while another noted, “Need more dramas that focus on such topics. Women in our desi households need to focus on their kids rather than the susral ki politics. Girls and boys should be taught to speak up if they’re not safe in their own homes.”

    Another comment read, “This is called karma.” Many praised the creators for addressing sensitive subjects often swept under the rug in mainstream entertainment, especially the realities of abuse, family negligence, and the consequences of silence.

    However, the episode has also sparked some critical discussions. Some viewers questioned whether sending Zeeshan to a hostel was an appropriate response from his family. Others debated whether the character’s fate was a fitting punishment or merely a narrative shortcut.

    Still, Jama Taqseem continues to receive accolades for being more than just another “saas-bahu” drama. It has boldly taken on serious social issues and turned them into meaningful conversations, showing the audience the repercussions of ignoring early signs of abuse and emphasizing the importance of speaking up.

    The drama stands as a powerful reminder that actions have consequences — a lesson captured perfectly in the age-old adage: “Jaisa karo ge, waisa bharoge” (You reap what you sow).

  • Blind woman kidnapped, raped for six months in Pir Mahal

    Blind woman kidnapped, raped for six months in Pir Mahal

    Police in Pir Mahal, Punjab, have registered a case against three suspects, including a woman, for kidnapping a married blind woman, raping her for six months, and forcing her into beggary, media reports have stated. 

    In the FIR filed on Friday under sections 496-A and 376 of the Pakistan Penal Code, the victim ‘H’ said that suspect ‘A’ abducted her in April 2025 on the pretext of offering financial help. He, along with his accomplices Amjad and Rehana Bibi, took her and her minor son to Lahore.

    The victim said the main suspect repeatedly raped her and threatened to kill her and her son. She also said the suspects forced her to beg for money.

    After several months, she managed to escape and returned to her husband’s home in the Plot B area of Pir Mahal.

    Police have launched raids to arrest the suspects.

  • Trump’s 100 percent China tariff hits crypto, global finance

    Trump’s 100 percent China tariff hits crypto, global finance

    President Donald Trump reignited the U.S.-China trade war by imposing 100 percent tariffs on all Chinese exports and tightening controls on key U.S. software. 

    The announcement sent global markets and cryptocurrencies into a sharp decline.

    Bitcoin tumbled more than 8 percent on Friday, October 11, falling to $104,782 as global markets reacted to renewed U.S.-China trade tensions after President Donald Trump imposed sweeping new tariffs and export restrictions, according to media reports.

    Beijing has tightened its export controls on rare earth minerals, materials that are essential to technology, defense, and electric vehicle manufacturing. In response, Trump said, “I thought it was very, very bad. For every element they monopolize, we have two. But we have to respond.” He also announced additional port fees on U.S. ships that will begin on October 14, 2025.

    Markets immediately turned volatile. Bitcoin slumped 8.4 percent, Ethereum lost 5.8 percent to trade at $3,637, and the S&P 500 dropped more than 2 percent, recording its biggest one-day fall since April. The Nasdaq sank 3.56 percent to close at 22,204.43. Semiconductor stocks also plunged, with the PHLX Semiconductor Index down 6.3 percent, while gold and U.S. Treasuries rose as investors sought safe havens.

    Cryptocurrencies and tech stocks faced the hardest hits. Nvidia, Tesla, Amazon, and AMD all lost over two percent in after-hours trading. Qualcomm dropped 7.3 percent amid reports of a new antitrust investigation in China. U.S.-listed Chinese tech giants, including Alibaba, JD.com, and PDD Holdings, fell between 5.3 percent and 8.5 percent. 

    The sell-off erased hundreds of billions of dollars in market capitalization and reignited fears that the new tariffs and export controls could disrupt global supply chains, especially in the technology and semiconductor sectors.

    Bitcoin’s sharp decline left investors anxious as the world’s largest cryptocurrency now trades nearly 20 percent below its September highs. Analysts told Reuters that the pullback reflects a shift toward a broader “risk-off” sentiment in global markets as investors brace for prolonged geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

    Attention now turns to the White House, Beijing, and the upcoming U.S. corporate earnings season, which begins Tuesday, October 14, with major banks set to report.

  • Furious Indians berate Afghan Taliban for excluding women from press conference

    Furious Indians berate Afghan Taliban for excluding women from press conference

    Afghanistan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was on a four-day long visit to India earlier in the week, seeking to discuss bilateral trade, security issues and humanitarian aid with his counterpart. 

    The trip, being projected as a major milestone by both the Afghan and Indian governments, turned sour when no female journalists were allowed to a press conference that Muttaqi addressed. 

    While the government denied that it had barred women from the presser, condemnation flew in fast and furious from politicians, activists and journalists. Most of the criticism directed derision at the Taliban’s bans on women’s participation in public life. 

    Rahul Gandhi, head of the Indian National Congress (INC), addressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a tweet that minced no words. 

    His sister, Priyanka Vohra, also addressed Modi while calling the act an “insult” to the women of the country. 

    A former executive editor of a major media group called her male colleagues “spineless” for not walking out on the Afghan minister. 

    One account called the Taliban “deeply misogynistic”. 


    Another journalist continued in the same vein, heaping derision upon the Indian government and the Taliban.

     One X user termed the move “pukeworthy”. 


    Veteran journalist Suhasini Haidar pointed out that no women were present at the official meeting between the two foreign ministers. 

  • Samar Jafri’s star is on the rise and Spotify is paying attention

    Samar Jafri’s star is on the rise and Spotify is paying attention

    Spotify has named Samar Jafri as its RADAR Pakistan artist for the fourth quarter of 2025, highlighting his rapid ascent in Pakistan’s dynamic music scene.

    Known for his soulful voice and emotionally resonant lyrics, Jafri has quickly become a standout figure among a new wave of Pakistani artists. His tracks Main Rahun and Guzaarishein, both released earlier this year, have collectively amassed over 23.3 million streams on Spotify, with Main Rahun alone surpassing 14 million plays.

    Jafri’s music is not only making waves locally but is also gaining international traction. In the past month, significant listenership has come from countries including Bangladesh, the US, the UK, Canada, and the UAE. According to Spotify, more than 50% of his listeners are aged between 18 and 24, a sign of his strong connection with a younger generation seeking authenticity and emotional depth in music.

    Reacting to the announcement, Jafri shared: “This feels like the beginning of something I’ve been dreaming about for years. It’s surreal.”

    He added, “This journey has been all about patience and persistence. Being able to tell my story on this platform is definitely one of the highlights of my year.”

    With over six years of experience writing and producing music, Jafri has steadily built a following for his heartfelt songwriting and minimalist production style. His sound blends modern pop sensibilities with lyrical depth, earning him a loyal fanbase among young, introspective listeners.

    The artist is also popular for his roles in Pakistani dramas like Mayi Ri and Hum Dono. He also received accolades for his performance in the film Baligh Afraad (2024).

    Meanwhile, his selection as a RADAR artist places him among a growing number of Pakistani musicians gaining global visibility through digital platforms and this recognition is reshaping Pakistan’s independent music industry.