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Author: News Desk

  • Teefi Butt arrested in Dubai in Ameer Balaj Tipu’s murder case

    Teefi Butt arrested in Dubai in Ameer Balaj Tipu’s murder case

    Lahore’s notorious crime saga took a major turn on Saturday, as Interpol arrested prime suspect Teefi Butt in Dubai in connection with the murder of Ameer Balaj Tipu, the son of famous transporter Tipu Truckanwala. 

    The arrest was made with the help of international law enforcement authorities, according to media reports.

    Khawaja Tareef Butt alias Teefi Butt had been wanted by Lahore police since Balaj Tipu’s killing. Reports confirmed that legal formalities are being completed, and Butt will soon be brought back to Pakistan.

    In August 2024, another key suspect in the case, Ahsan Shah, was killed in an alleged police encounter. According to reports, Shah was injured by his accomplices’ gunfire during an attempted rescue when police took him for identification. He later died at the hospital.

    Ameer Balaj Tipu was shot dead on February 18, 2024, during a wedding ceremony near Thokar Niaz Baig in a private housing society. Reports said Tipu was attending the wedding of a former DSP’s son when a gunman opened fire, injuring Balaj and two others. Balaj later succumbed to his injuries, while his guards shot the attacker dead on the spot.

    In September 2025, a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) report revealed that Khawaja Aqeel alias Gogi Butt planned the murder. Reports added that Gogi Butt stayed in contact with Teefi Butt before the killing. Gogi has been named in multiple murder cases involving the Tipu family.

    The JIT is expected to request the cancellation of Gogi Butt’s interim bail in the upcoming hearing. He currently remains on bail until September 15, while Teefi Butt was declared an absconder until his arrest in Dubai.

    Police have now started the process to bring him back to Pakistan for further investigation.

  • Trump tells Israel to halt Gaza bombings after Hamas agrees to key terms of US peace plan

    Trump tells Israel to halt Gaza bombings after Hamas agrees to key terms of US peace plan

    President Donald Trump on Friday urged Israel to immediately stop bombing Gaza after Hamas agreed to release hostages and accept several parts of a U.S.-backed peace plan. Some critical issues, including Hamas disarmament, remain unresolved, Reuters reported.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the country was preparing for the “immediate implementation” of the first stage of Trump’s Gaza plan, which focuses on freeing Israeli hostages. Israeli media later reported that the government had ordered the military to scale back offensive operations in Gaza.

    Despite this, residents said Israeli tanks and warplanes bombed several areas in Gaza City shortly after Trump’s announcement. Witnesses reported airstrikes on Talateeni Street and the Remal neighborhood, while other attacks hit Khan Younis. No casualties were confirmed.

    The Israeli military chief of staff said forces were preparing to carry out the first stage of Trump’s plan but did not mention any reduction in military activity.

    Trump gave Hamas until Sunday to accept his 20-point plan or face what he described as “grave consequences.” The U.S. president has presented himself as the only person capable of achieving lasting peace in Gaza after a two-year conflict that has killed tens of thousands and left Israel isolated internationally.

    “Hamas has shown it is ready for a lasting peace,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza so we can get the hostages out safely and quickly. This is not just about Gaza — this is about long-sought peace in the Middle East.”

    Netanyahu’s office said Israel would continue to cooperate with Trump and his team “to end the war in accordance with the principles set out by Israel, which align with President Trump’s vision.”

    Domestically, Netanyahu faces growing pressure from families of hostages and the public to end the war, while far-right members of his coalition demand continued military action.

    Israel launched its Gaza offensive after Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, that killed about 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages being taken, according to Israeli data. Israel says 48 hostages remain, including 20 who are alive. Gaza health officials report that more than 66,000 Palestinians have died since the war began, most of them civilians. The offensive has devastated Gaza’s infrastructure, and aid blockades have caused famine in parts of the enclave.

    A U.N. Commission of Inquiry and several human rights experts have accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, a claim Netanyahu’s government denies, saying it acted in self-defense.

    In its response to Trump’s plan, Hamas expressed appreciation for U.S., Arab, and international efforts to end the war, exchange prisoners, and allow immediate aid into Gaza. The group agreed to release all Israeli hostages and remains “under the exchange formula contained in President Trump’s proposal,” Reuters said.

    Hamas also signaled readiness to hand over Gaza’s administration to a Palestinian body of independent technocrats, supported by Arab and Islamic nations. However, it did not accept the U.S. and Israeli demand for disarmament or a gradual Israeli withdrawal.

    A senior Hamas official told Al Jazeera that the group would not give up its weapons before Israel ends its occupation of Gaza, highlighting ongoing disagreements.

    Qatar’s foreign ministry confirmed that it is coordinating with Egypt and the U.S. to continue mediation efforts on Trump’s Gaza plan.

    Trump’s proposal calls for an immediate ceasefire, a full hostage-prisoner exchange, a staged Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, Hamas disarmament, and a transitional government led by an international body.

    Earlier on Friday, Trump warned that “all hell” would break loose if Hamas did not agree to his plan by Sunday evening.

  • Top five sessions to attend on Day 2 of Indus Conclave

    Top five sessions to attend on Day 2 of Indus Conclave

    The Indus Conclave — a thought-leadership forum — is taking place in Lahore over the weekend.

    As the weather cools down, the event has already started with a bang on Friday with sessions on Day 2 of the conclave that are must-attends.

    If you decide to come in early and stay late, they’ve got a session lined up for you for every hour you’re there. With food stalls and places to hang out at Alhamra Arts Council, where the event is taking place, you won’t need to leave.

    Starting Day 2 with the session everyone has been waiting for: 

    11-12 pm: Crazy Young Asians will take place in Hall 1, the biggest hall at Alhamra for good reason. The panel includes Dur e Aziz Amna, the author of the highly acclaimed American Fever, which was her debut novel, and the recently-released A Splintering. Amna has been lauded for understanding the emotional mindset of Pakistanis stuck between two worlds and how her characters go through emotional rollercoasters to overcome them.

    The second speaker for the session is French-Chinese-American writer, Aube Rey Lescure, whose book River East River West was shortlisted for the 2024 Women’s Prize for Fiction. In her book, she tells the story of a bi-racial teen growing up in Shanghai with her American expat mother and Chinese stepfather. It’s a coming of age story that is funny and original and heartbreaking as well. The session is being moderated by Raza Goraya, who is the chief editor of Dunya Digital. 

    12:15-1:30 pm: Punching Down the Walls of the City: The Thrilla’ in Manila at 50 will feature Malaysian writer Eddin Khoo discussing the fight of the century in Hall 1. Keep your seat and don’t move as Khoo takes the stage with cultural commentator Fasi Zaka to commemorate the golden Jubilee of the fight that both boxing legend Muhammad Ali and Joe Fraiser described as ‘the closest thing to death’.

    Take a break and hang out and eat till 2:30 pm when the next sessions begin.

    2:30-3:30 pm: Future of Education in the Age of AI will be an introduction of artificial intelligence and how it has become unavoidable in our day to day lives. But how will it shape the way we learn, teach and research? This session in Hall 2, with Dr Moeed Yusuf, who is the vice chancellor of Beaconhouse National University; Annum Sadiq who is the co-founder of EdKasa; Dr Athar Usama of STEMx and Dr Hammad Naveed of the University of Central Punjab, will discuss how our world in education is set to change. The session will be introduced by Indus Conclave co-founder Khadija Amer.

    4-5 pm: The last two years have made a lot of people feel that reporting in and from conflict and war zones has exposed biases, so much so that there seems to be an apparent shift from traditional media to new media. How do reporters feel about reporting bias-free on conflicts and is that even possible?

    Join senior journalist Mubashar Zaidi, New Zealand journalist Thomas Mutch, who covers Ukraine; Sudan’s Yassmin Abdel-Magied and a reporter from the Middle East who was based in Palestine as well, Alex Shams, in conversation with Marium Chaudhry from The Current in Hall 3 as they navigate through the challenges of ‘Covering Conflict’.

    6-7 pm: Ever wondered what it would be like to create platforms that encourage us and the people around us to collectively and creatively produce something with meaning? Former Bloomsbury chief editor and trustee of Bradford Literary Festival Alexandra Pringle, trustee of the Edinburgh Festival Yassmin Abdel-Magied, Nairobi Litfest & Co-Founder of Book Bunk Angela Wachuka and founder of the Sangam Residency DW Gibson will be in conversation with Mariam Tareen to discuss ‘Building New Institutions: Supporting Culture on the Outside’ in Hall 4.

    If you have an idea on how to help support your culture (or other cultures) head on over.

    Other notable sessions include the keynote by former finance minister Miftah Ismail on Pakistan’s governance challenges, with Jibran Nasir, and a closing keynote by chairman of the Punjab Group and former mayor of Lahore Mian Amer Mahmood, who will share his views on the way forward for devolving administrative powers in the country.

    An open to the public round table on what is Pakistan’s way out of its growth trap will also be moderated by Haroon Sethi with Dr Faisal Bari, Dr Rabia Kamal and Sakib Sherani among others.

    Check out the Indus Conclave website for more.

  • What’s a DateAversary? Mariyam Nafees is here to tell us

    What’s a DateAversary? Mariyam Nafees is here to tell us

    Move over anniversaries and friendiversaries, actress Mariyam Nafees has given fans a new reason to celebrate love, a DateAversary.

    Taking to her Instagram account on the 7th dating anniversary of meeting her husband, the television star shared a touching tribute to her spouse, director and filmmaker Amaan Ahmed.

    Mariyam recounted their journey over the past seven years, from spontaneous laughter and shared playlists to welcoming their first child into the world.  Her note was a candid glimpse into their relationship, filled with warmth, humor, and deep affection.

    “7 years of globetrotting, creating core memories, having those random laughter fits, finding my bestest friend, me putting up with your playlist, stealing your food and amongst all the happy madness being blessed with a heart-stoppingly adorable baby – dang! I had no idea this is how it’s gonna pan out SO lucky…you are! Happy DateAversary dandy man! You still give me ‘em butterflies and headaches. I love you,” she wrote.

    She also added a hashtag for the couple, “#AmYam, date anniversary, Masha Allah.”

    While responding to wish, Amaan Ahmed came up with quite a witty reply: “7 years, 7 billion laughs, and at least 7,000 stolen fries. Playlist wars? Still ongoing. Baby cuddles? Worth every round. Butterflies? Yup. Headaches? Double yup. But lucky? You bet.”

    Mariyam Nafees and Amaan Ahmed began dating in 2018, and after years of companionship, the couple tied the knot in a star-studded ceremony in March 2022. Known for their public displays of affection and witty banter on social media, the couple has become a beloved pair in Pakistan’s entertainment industry.

    In September 2023, they became parents to a baby who, in Mariyam’s words, was “heart-stoppingly adorable.” The actress has since occasionally shared glimpses into her motherhood journey, often filled with emotion and gratitude.

    Following her post, fans and fellow celebrities sent love and well wishes. Osman Khalid Butt commented with a heart and many fans showered the couple with love and wishes.

  • Shoaib Malik, Sana Javed debunk divorce rumors with affectionate pictures

    Shoaib Malik, Sana Javed debunk divorce rumors with affectionate pictures

    Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik and his wife, actress Sana Javed, have put to rest rumors circulating on Indian media about their marriage ending, by sharing affectionate pictures together from their recent trip to the United States of America.

    Speculation about their relationship began after a video surfaced online in which Sana appeared visibly upset. The clip quickly went viral, sparking widespread rumors across social media about a possible fallout between the couple. Indian media outlets went a step further, reporting that Malik and Javed were on the verge of divorce.

    However, the couple has strongly refuted the claims. Taking to Instagram, Shoaib and Sana shared a series of cheerful photos from their time in the US, appearing relaxed and happy. One caption read, “Always a good day for goofing around with this,” alongside a playful photo of the two.

    Sana also posted solo pictures from her visit to the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame in California, captioning it, “Stardust on my shoes.”

    Shoaib Malik and Sana Javed tied the knot in January 2024, surprising fans with the announcement that came just months after Malik confirmed his divorce from Indian tennis star Sania Mirza. Malik and Mirza were married for over a decade before officially ending their marriage in late 2023.

    The latest public appearance by Malik and Javed seems to be a clear message to dispel ongoing speculation, reaffirming that all is well in their marriage.

  • 40% regulatory duty imposed on import of used vehicles

    40% regulatory duty imposed on import of used vehicles

    The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has imposed a whopping 40% regulatory duty (RD) on the commercial import of old and used vehicles, it has emerged.

    According to a notification dated Oct 1, and reported Friday, the duty is in addition to regulatory duties imposed under S.R.O. 1152(1)/2025, dated June 30, 2025.

    “In exercise of powers conferred by sub-section (3) of section 18 of the Customs Act, 1969 (IV of 1969), the Federal Government is pleased to levy regulatory’ duty at the rate of 40 percent on commercial import of used vehicles, falling under PCT Heading 8702, 8703, 8704 and 8711 of the First Schedule to the said act, imported under clause (xvi) of S. No. 10 of the Table of Appendix-C of the Import Policy Order, 2022 as per the condition stipulated therein,” it read.

    The Ministry of Commerce had issued an SRO, allowing commercial import of up to five-year-old vehicles with 40% additional duty with immediate effect.

    In its meeting on September 18, 2025, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet, presided over by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, had approved the scheme on a summary moved by the Ministry of Commerce.

    The ECC decision was also ratified by the federal cabinet.

    While the import will be subject to environmental, safety and quality standards, testing and certification requirements prescribed by the Engineering Development Board (EDB) of the Ministry of Industries and Production, nothing contained in the clause shall be construed to override, restrict or otherwise affect any provisions relating to the same PCT headings provided elsewhere in this order.

    The government also approved the imposition of 40% Regulatory Duty (RD), in addition to the existing customs duties, on the commercial import of used vehicles (less than five years old).

    This duty will remain applicable until June 30, 2026. Thereafter, the duty shall be reduced gradually by 10 percentage points per year, reaching zero by 2029-30, in line with the recommendations of the Tariff Policy Board.

    “We don’t have any issue; we will start importing used cars,” reports quoted Indus Motor CEO Ali Asghar as saying.

    “Local industry will go down and all jobs will vanish,” he added.

  • Plot to assassinate Indian comedian Munawar Faruqui foiled after two men arrested

    Plot to assassinate Indian comedian Munawar Faruqui foiled after two men arrested

    Delhi Police have arrested two members of the Rohit Godara-Goldy Brar-Virender Charan gang on suspicion of plotting to murder Indian stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui.

    According to reports, the gangsters were apprehended following a gunfight at Jaitpur-Kalindi Kunj Road.

    According to investigators, both men were following instructions from gangster Rohit Godara, who was working with Goldy Brar and Virender Charan to assassinate the comedian.

    Police said the gangsters allegedly conducted recce in Mumbai and Bengaluru to track Faruqui’s movements.

    According to officials, police responded after receiving information about the shooters’ presence near New Friends Colony.

    A trap was set up on the Kalindi Kunj-Pushta Road, where around 3 am, a suspicious bike was spotted, officials have stated. When police asked the riders to stop, the gangsters allegedly opened fire, prompting retaliation from the police.

    One of the shooters, who sustained a gunshot wound, was wanted in connection with a triple murder in Yamunanagar, Haryana, in December 2024.

    Munawar Faruqui won the reality show Bigg Boss in 2024 and currently has over 14 million Instagram followers. In 2024, while investigating a shooting in Delhi, police received information about a threat to Munawar Faruqui’s life. The comedian was rushed back to Mumbai from Delhi.

    The stand-up comedian is also said to be on the hit list of infamous gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The Goldy Brar gang’s criminal activities have increased over the past few years specifically targeting Indian celebrities.

    Earlier this week, the Mumbai Crime Branch apprehended a man for threatening comedian and actor Kapil Sharma. The suspect, Dilip Choudhary, identified himself as a member of the Goldy Brar and Rohit Godara gang.

    On September 12, two motorcycle riders opened fire outside actor Disha Patani’s home in Bareilly. The Rohit Godara-Goldy Brar gang took responsibility for the incident.

  • Humail Rajpoot schools Gen Z for not knowing singer Shaan, gets response from the Indian legend

    Humail Rajpoot schools Gen Z for not knowing singer Shaan, gets response from the Indian legend

    Pakistani singer and composer Humail Rajpoot recently took to Instagram to express disbelief and disappointment at Gen Z’s apparent unfamiliarity with iconic Indian playback singer Shaan.

    In the video, Humail is passionately defending Shaan’s legacy and criticizing the younger generation’s lack of musical knowledge.

    Humail recounted an event where he was asked about his favourite singer, where he mentioned Shaan, only to be met with the question: “Who is Shaan?” He said he was shocked and responded by singing some of Shaan’s notable songs, including Kash Ek Din Aisa Bhi Aaye from the film Showbiz and the title track from Don.

    “If I start singing his songs, we’ll still be here tomorrow,” Humail said agitatedly. “Beta, itni aap ki umar nahi jitney ganay hain Shaan ke (You’re not even as old as the number of songs Shaan has sung). What sort of kids are they?”

    In the caption, Humail further expressed his frustration: “Disturbed to my core. Had to make a reel and share with all of you! I honestly don’t have anything against new singers. I really enjoy new music but when it comes to singers, these guys need a lot of knowledge! How are they satisfied going in front of a mic with vocals so heavily treated and tuned?”

    Humail also used the post as a reminder about the importance of respecting artists, particularly those who have laid the foundation of modern music: “This video is for awareness that artists deserve respect, and legends deserve each and everything.”

    Shaan himself responded to the video with a heartfelt comment featuring a red heart emoji and the joined hands emoji, a gesture of gratitude and mutual respect.

    Shaan, born Shantanu Mukherjee, is widely regarded as one of India’s most versatile and beloved playback singers. Dubbed the “Golden Voice of India,” his career spans decades with a repertoire that includes timeless hits such as Chand Sifarish, Aaj Unse Milna Hai, Deewangi Deewangi, Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh, Chaar Kadam, Dus Bahane, and Main Hoon Don, among many others.

    He has also hosted several music-based reality shows and remains a respected figure in the Indian music industry.

  • Israel seizes last Global Sumud Flotilla boat close to Gaza coast

    Israel seizes last Global Sumud Flotilla boat close to Gaza coast

    Israeli naval forces have seized the last boat of the Global Sumud Flotilla that was carrying aid to Gaza, media reports have stated. 

    The final vessel of the flotilla, sailing under the Polish flag with six people on board, was intercepted about 43 nautical miles from Gaza’s waters. Media reports said that it was the only boat still en route after others had been stopped.

    Since Wednesday, Israeli forces have seized 43 boats and detained around 500 activists. Reports said more than 200 of them have been transferred to prison. Among those detained is Pakistan’s former senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan.

    Israeli media reported that 200 flotilla activists will be moved to a prison in the Negev desert until deportation. 

    However, there has been no confirmation yet of Mushtaq Ahmed Khan’s transfer to jail.

  • ‘Trump’s Gaza plan different from Muslim countries’ proposed draft,’ Dar tells NA

    ‘Trump’s Gaza plan different from Muslim countries’ proposed draft,’ Dar tells NA

    Deputy prime minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has distanced Pakistan from the 20-point Gaza peace plan announced by United States (US) President Donald Trump, saying it was different from the draft proposed by Muslim countries.

    “The 20-point [Gaza peace plan] made public by President Trump is not truly ours and changes have been made to the draft we approved,” Dar said while speaking on the floor of the National Assembly on Friday.

    The statement comes a day after it was reported that Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu secured “significant 11th-hour changes” to Trump’s proposal, raising concerns if Pakistan among other Muslim states had previously agreed on a different draft.

    According to The Times of Israel, Netanyahu, during the extensive meeting with Trump, managed to secure the changes to the proposal regarding the scope and nature of Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, along with the disarmament of Hamas.

    Dar had earlier this week also seemingly distanced Pakistan from the plan. 

    Appearing on Geo News a day after Trump, standing alongside Netanyahu, asserted that PM Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir fully backed his Gaza plan, the FM revealed that Islamabad had held detailed discussions with Trump’s team on the proposal and later submitted its amendments to the points shared by Washington.


     
    However, he said, the draft did not incorporate all of Islamabad’s amendments.

    Just hours before President Trump’s announcement, the premier had welcomed the plan, saying durable peace between the Palestinian people and Israel was essential for regional stability and economic growth.

    In a post on X, PM Shehbaz said he was “convinced that durable peace between the Palestinian people and Israel would be essential in bringing political stability and economic growth to the region”.

    Now, fate of the plan, in reported absence of Muslim countries’ confidence, remains in balance.