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Author: News Desk

  • Trump-Epstein ‘Titanic’ statue pops up in Washington DC

    Trump-Epstein ‘Titanic’ statue pops up in Washington DC

    An anonymous group of artists have installed a statue of US President Donald Trump and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on the National Mall in Washington DC on Tuesday, depicting the pair in a pose referencing a scene from the film Titanic.

    The installation, nearly 12 feet tall, shows Trump embracing Epstein. Plaques placed at the base of the statue read: “The tragic love story between Jack and Rose was built on luxurious travel, raucous parties, and secret nude sketches. This monument honors the bond between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein, a friendship seemingly built on luxurious travel, raucous parties and secret nude sketches.”

    Ten banners were also placed nearby displaying a photograph of Trump and Epstein together alongside the words “Make America Safe Again”. The banners carry the insignia of the United States Department of Justice with the word “Justice” redacted.

    Trump had a long-standing association with Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 while facing sex trafficking charges. Trump has said he knew Epstein socially in Florida and that the two stopped interacting in the mid-2000s. He has also maintained that he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal conduct.

    The statue has been placed on Third Street NW between Jefferson and Madison drives and is the third installation by the artists depicting Trump and Epstein. In January, the group installed a replica of a birthday note and drawing bearing Trump’s name that appeared in a 2003 collection of messages for Epstein. Trump has denied writing the note and told reporters the signature was not his.

    In September, the same artists placed a bronze statue titled “Best Friends Forever” that showed Trump and Epstein holding hands.

    The artists identify themselves as “The Secret Handshake”, though their identities remain unknown. 

    According to the newspaper, the group uses an intermediary to obtain permits from the National Park Service for installations on the Mall. A copy of the permit reviewed by the publication shows the end date for the installation redacted.

    It remains unclear whether the redaction was made by the Park Service or was included as part of the installation.

    A spokesperson for the White House said that the statue reflects political hypocrisy.

    “When will these wealthy Democrat donors create sculptures of Democrats … who continued to solicit money and meetings from Epstein after he was convicted as a sex offender?” spokesperson Abigail Jackson asked in a statement.

    The National Mall has previously hosted protest art and installations aimed at highlighting political and social issues. Near the statue, a colorectal cancer awareness display featuring blue flags has also been installed on the Mall.

  • ‘Man of the tournament’: Indians slam Jay Shah’s appearance in BCCI’s celebration video

    ‘Man of the tournament’: Indians slam Jay Shah’s appearance in BCCI’s celebration video

    Jay Shah has faced heavy criticism on social media after his repeated appearances in a celebration video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) following India’s T20 World Cup triumph.

    Shah currently serves as the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), a role that requires neutrality as the head of the sport’s international governing body.

    However, many social media users questioned his prominent presence in the video posted by the BCCI after the Indian cricket team won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

    The clip highlighted the best moments from the final and contained 16 frames in total. Shah appeared in 12 of those frames, which quickly sparked criticism online.

    Several users reacted strongly and questioned why the focus shifted away from the players who won the tournament.

    “Why is Jay Shah in every frame?” one user wrote.

    Another comment said, “You forgot the post match presentation where Jay Shah won the POTM and POTS.”

    A third user joked, “Jay Shah was man of the tournament or what?”

    Others also raised similar concerns about the video.

    “90% of the frames have Jay Shah. Cover the real heroes – team management and players.”

    “Jay Shah won the World Cup?”

    “Why Jay Shah acting like Indian team captain.”

    What many expected to be a simple celebration of India’s World Cup victory quickly turned into PR blunder. Many users argued that the clip focused more on administrators than on the players who secured the title.

    The incident also revived earlier criticism involving ICC promotional content. 

    In 2025, the ICC faced backlash after a promotional video for the ICC World Test Championship Final repeatedly showed Jay Shah instead of focusing on the teams.

  • Russia denies sharing intelligence with Iran: Witkoff

    Russia denies sharing intelligence with Iran: Witkoff

    Russian officials have told the United States (US) that Moscow is not sharing intelligence with Iran during the ongoing war, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff claimed after American President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin held a call. 

    Speaking to an international media outlet, Witkoff said that Russian leaders denied the allegations during the conversation with Trump on Monday.

    “So, you know, we can take them at their word,” Witkoff said. “Let’s hope that they’re not sharing.”

    When asked whether Russia was providing Iran with intelligence regarding the location of US military assets, Witkoff said he could not confirm the claim.

    “Well, I’m not an intel officer, so I can’t tell you,” Witkoff replied.

    He added that Russian officials told Trump during the call that Moscow had not shared intelligence with Iran.

    “I can tell you that yesterday, on the call with the president, the Russians said they have not been sharing,” Witkoff said. “That’s what they said.”

    Witkoff further revealed that he and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner also spoke with Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s foreign policy advisor earlier on Monday.

    During that conversation, Ushakov repeated that Russia was not sharing intelligence with Iran, Witkoff noted.

    A report by an international publication had claimed that Russia had been providing Iran with intelligence on the location of US military assets in the Middle East, including warships and aircraft, citing three officials familiar with the matter.

    The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that Moscow began sharing targeting information after the conflict expanded in the region. 

    One of them described the effort as “pretty comprehensive”. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the claim.


    The report also cited analysts who said the pattern of Iranian strikes suggested access to detailed intelligence. Dara Massicot, an expert on the Russian military at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said that Iran appeared to be targeting early-warning radar systems and command infrastructure.

  • Rajab Butt breaks silence on sending divorce notice to Emaan

    Rajab Butt breaks silence on sending divorce notice to Emaan

    YouTuber Rajab Butt has spoken publicly about divorcing his wife Emaan Fatima, saying that he now wants the matter to move forward through legal channels.

    In a recent YouTube video, Rajab Butt addressed statements shared by his wife on Instagram and said that he will no longer discuss his personal life on social media.

    “As you saw, Emaan posted a story on Instagram. Let me say one thing: by posting that story, neither you won nor did I. The only thing that won was ego and stubbornness. The real loss is for our child,” he said.

    He also questioned the decision to share the divorce notice publicly rather than addressing the matter privately with him or his family.

    “You felt it was necessary to post a story instead of sending a message to me or to any member of my family. You thought that even if the marriage goes to hell, even if divorce happens, at least people should get the perspective that we are right and the other side is wrong,” he said.

    Rajab Butt said he and his family have faced online criticism since the start of their marriage, but he believed sharing their child’s image in the post was unnecessary.

    “But showing Kiwan’s hand in the story along with the divorce paper was not necessary. Even without showing Kiwan’s hand, people would still abuse us, so you do not need to worry about that,” he added.

    He also said that if a relationship fails, religion allows couples to end it respectfully.

    The YouTuber stated that he will not provide further updates about the issue online and that the matter will now proceed according to legal and religious procedures.

    “According to Shariah law, I have sent the first notice. The second notice will be sent at its time. Everything will be handled legally. I am ending this matter gracefully,” he said.

    Rajab Butt rose to fame through family vlogs on YouTube. He married Emaan Fatima in 2024, and their wedding gained widespread attention online as videos and pictures from the ceremonies circulated across social media platforms.

    Public statements from both sides later indicated that the relationship faced problems soon after the marriage.

    Rajab Butt has also been facing multiple legal cases. According to claims circulating online, the couple did not spend much time living together after their marriage.

    In recent weeks, the dispute drew further attention when Emaan Fatima’s brother began sharing her side of the matter on social media. 

    Several allegations and claims also circulated online during the controversy, including accusations that Rajab Butt cheated on his wife while she was pregnant.

  • Babar Azam to take a break from cricket: reports

    Babar Azam to take a break from cricket: reports

    Pakistani star batter Babar Azam has decided to take a short break from cricket after discussions with team management, media reports have claimed.

    The management advised Babar to take some time away from matches to focus on his game, the reports have said. Following that advice, the former Pakistan captain will not take part in the ongoing National T20 Cup.

    The management did not ask Babar to feature in the tournament. As a result, he informed Lahore Whites about his unavailability for the competition.

    Reports also say Babar has already started working on his batting in training sessions. He has begun practicing in the nets with individual coaches as he prepares for upcoming challenges.

    His current focus remains on improving his batting and getting ready for the Pakistan Super League. Reports suggest he has started working to restore aspects of his earlier batting technique.

    Babar has faced criticism over his form across formats since 2023. In T20 cricket, much of the discussion has centered on his strike rate.

    During the recent ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Babar scored 91 runs in four matches at a strike rate of 128.

    Despite the criticism, Babar remains one of Pakistan’s most important batters. He will return to action in the Pakistan Super League, where he will open the batting for Peshawar Zalmi.

  • Pakistan completes 5G auction; 480MHz sold for $507 million

    Pakistan completes 5G auction; 480MHz sold for $507 million

    Pakistan concluded its 5G spectrum auction on Tuesday, selling 480 megahertz for $507 million by the end of the third round of bidding.

    The auction saw participation from three telecom operators, Zong, Jazz, and Ufone competing primarily for the 2600 megahertz frequency band. Zong secured 110MHz, Ufone 180MHz, and Jazz 190MHz.

    Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) had offered multiple frequency bands, including 700 MHz for $32.5 million, 1800 MHz for $16.8 million, 2100 MHz for $70 million, 2300 MHz for $10 million, 2600 MHz for $12.5 million, and 3500 MHz for $6.5 million per lot.

    The bidding process began in the presence of Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarrar, former IT Minister Syed Aminul Haque, and the chairperson of the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecom, along with committee members.

    After the first round, the compiled results were released. PTA had offered 190MHz in lots of 10MHz each, but bidders requested 30 lots. Eleven additional lots totaling 110MHz were added to the auction, and the PTA increased the bid price of the 2600MHz band by five percent of its base price.

    For the 3500MHz band, 28 lots of 10MHz were available, but bids were placed for only 20 lots. Breaks were observed before the second and third rounds of bidding.

    Addressing the event, Finance Minister Aurangzeb acknowledged the role of the spectrum committee and the IT ministry in ensuring the auction. He said, “I’ve always said digital is not an end in itself; it’s a means to an end. Faster, cheaper, better it’s as simple as that.”

    He added, “When we talk about jobs, when we talk about how the private sector has to lead the country, this is exactly what the government should be doing … providing the ecosystem and helping out.” 

    He also mentioned the relevance of the auction to new technologies, including AI, blockchain, and Web 3.0, as well as its role in supporting 5G rollout.

    IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja called the day “maybe one of the most important days in the history of Pakistan” and highlighted challenges in connectivity due to the absence of major auctions since the introduction of 3G and 4G. 

    She said the spectrum availability would double and users could expect improved 4G quality within four to five months.

    Shaza also outlined government efforts in satellite internet, international cable connections, and fibre network expansion, noting the removal of right of way charges to reduce internet costs.

    Telecom companies described spectrum as an invisible infrastructure central to digital connectivity.

  • Army destroys Taliban posts in Arandu, Kurram; attacks reported in Mohmand

    Army destroys Taliban posts in Arandu, Kurram; attacks reported in Mohmand

    The Pakistan Army carried out an operation in the Arandu and Kurram sectors, destroying “important posts and centres” of the Afghan Taliban, reports quoted security sources.

    Media reports have said that the Taliban and Fitna al Khawarij were forced to leave their positions. The armed forces targeted only military installations and hideouts.

    In Mohmand, suspected militants carried out a late-night grenade and gun attack on a police post near Atta Bazaar in the Khwezai area. Police sources said that attackers hurled a hand grenade and opened fire on the Muharrar post late Sunday night.

    Police personnel returned fire, after which the attackers fled under cover of darkness. Security in the district has been increased, and all police posts are on high alert.

    Earlier in Mohmand, mortar shells were reportedly fired from across the border in Afghanistan. Police officials said two shells landed at a distance from a Frontier Corps post and the Atam Kalay police checkpost. The incident was reported to Baizai police station around 3:10am on Monday. No casualties or injuries were reported.


    Pakistan has intensified cross-border strikes under Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, which authorities say targets militant networks operating from Afghan territory. 


    Islamabad has repeatedly urged the Taliban administration in Kabul to act against groups such as the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, saying Taliban use safe havens across the border to launch attacks on Pakistani security forces and civilians.

  • Iran says countries that expel US, Israeli envoys can have Hormuz passage

    Iran says countries that expel US, Israeli envoys can have Hormuz passage

    The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that any Arab or European nation that expels the ambassadors of Israel and the United States (US) from its territory will be granted “full authority and freedom” to navigate the Strait of Hormuz.

    The statement, reported by Iranian state media, comes as the IRGC maintains a blockade on the strategic waterway, where at least 10 vessels have been attacked since the conflict began. IRGC spokespeople stated that they, rather than American forces, will “determine the end of the war,” adding that the future status of the region is now in the hands of Iranian armed forces.

    US President Donald Trump claimed the military campaign has achieved its objectives and “is going to be ended soon.” Despite this, Trump warned that the US could “go further” and threatened to hit Iran “much, much harder” if it continues to block global oil supplies.

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the possibility of negotiations, telling an international media outlet that talking to the US is “no longer on the agenda.” Araghchi stated that Iran is prepared to continue missile attacks for as long as necessary. He also addressed the deployment of US HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems) in neighboring countries, stating, “Nobody should complain if our powerful missiles destroy these systems wherever they are in retribution.”

    On the ground, violence continues to spread. Rescuers in Tehran reached the site of a missile strike in a residential area, while smoke was seen rising over the western part of the capital following Israeli airstrikes. In Iraq, the IRGC claimed a missile strike on the US Al-Harir Air Base in the Kurdistan region.

    Neighboring states are increasingly caught in the crossfire. Turkiye announced the deployment of a Patriot missile defense system in Malatya after NATO intercepted a second Iranian ballistic missile in Turkish airspace. Meanwhile, Iraq’s Prime Minister (PM) Mohammed Shia al-Sudani told US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Iraqi airspace and territory must not be used for military actions targeting neighboring countries.

    The regional instability has prompted a mass exodus of foreign nationals. China’s foreign ministry confirmed that over 10,000 of its citizens have been evacuated from the UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. In South Korea, President Lee Jae Myung admitted he could not stop the US from redeploying Patriot batteries from the peninsula to the Middle East, despite domestic opposition.

    Economic pressures are mounting globally. Egypt raised domestic fuel prices by 30 percent, citing pressures from the war. However, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dropped over 6 percent to approximately $88 per barrel.

    Since the transition, Iran has launched multiple waves of missiles targeting Tel Aviv and US bases, while US Central Command claims to have struck over 5,000 targets, including 50 Iranian vessels.

    The human toll has surpassed 1,300 civilian deaths in Iran. In Bahrain, 32 civilians were wounded in a drone attack on Sitra.

  • Pakistan’s arms imports jump 66 percent as China supplies bulk of weapons

    Pakistan’s arms imports jump 66 percent as China supplies bulk of weapons

    Pakistan’s arms imports rose by 66 percent between 2021 and 2025 compared with 2016–20, with China supplying 80 percent of its weapons, according to a new report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The report noted that China’s share as Pakistan’s main arms provider increased from 73 percent in the previous five-year period.

    In South Asia, India continued to import large quantities of weapons, driven by concerns over China and ongoing tensions with Pakistan, a major recipient of Chinese arms. SIPRI senior researcher Siemon Wezeman said the imported weapons were used in a 2025 clash between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

    While Pakistan’s imports jumped, India remained the world’s second-largest arms importer, despite a four percent drop. The report highlighted India’s diversification of suppliers, increasingly turning to Western countries. Russia’s share in India’s imports fell to 40 percent in 2021–25, down from 51 percent in 2016–20 and nearly half its 70 percent share in 2011–15.

    Across Asia and Oceania, states accounted for 31 percent of global arms imports, although the region saw a 20 percent drop compared with 2016–20. Declines were driven by reduced imports from China (-72 percent), South Korea (-54 percent), and Australia (-39 percent). Still, four countries in the region—India, Pakistan, Japan, and Australia ranked among the top 10 global importers.

    “While tensions and conflicts in Asia and Oceania and the Middle East continue to drive large-scale arms imports, the sharp increase in arms flows to European states pushed global arms transfers up almost 10 percent,” said Mathew George, director of the SIPRI Arms Transfers Programme.

    Globally, major arms transfers rose by 9.2 percent between 2016–20 and 2021–25, largely due to higher shipments to Europe and the Middle East. Arms imports by Middle Eastern countries fell by 13 percent but the region still hosted three of the top 10 importers: Saudi Arabia (6.8 percent of global imports), Qatar (6.4 percent), and Kuwait (2.8 percent). The United States (US) supplied over half of the region’s weapons.

    Israel ranked as the 14th largest arms importer, with its imports up 12 percent. The US supplied 68 percent of Israeli arms, followed by Germany at 31percent. SIPRI noted that Israel continued to receive major weapons, including combat aircraft and guided bombs, throughout the Gaza conflict.

    Europe emerged as the largest regional recipient of arms, accounting for 33 percent of global imports. The report attributed a 210 percent increase between the two five-year periods to the war in Ukraine and concerns over Russia. Ukraine alone received 9.7 percent of all major arms transfers in 2021–25.

    The US remained the top global arms supplier, increasing exports by 27percent. Its share of international arms transfers grew to 42percent in 2021–25, up from 36 percent in 2016–20. For the first time in two decades, Europe received more US arms (38 percent) than the Middle East (33 percent). Saudi Arabia remained the largest single recipient, accounting for 12 percent of US exports.


    France held its position as the world’s second-largest supplier, increasing exports by 21 percent to 63 countries. Its largest clients were India (24 percent), Egypt (11 percent), and Greece (10 percent).


    In contrast, Russia’s exports fell by 64 percent, cutting its global share from 21 percent to 6.8 percent between the two periods. 

    Russia supplied arms to 30 countries, with nearly three-quarters going to India (48 percent), China (13 percent), and Belarus (13 percent). Germany overtook China as the fourth-largest exporter, accounting for 5.7 percent of global exports, while Italy’s shipments grew by 157percent, making it the sixth-largest supplier.

  • ‘Assaulted and threatened’: Released Aurat March participants demand probe into police action

    ‘Assaulted and threatened’: Released Aurat March participants demand probe into police action

    Over 40 participants of the Aurat March in Islamabad have been released after arrest, and have called for an investigation seeking action against those responsible.

    Addressing a press conference in the federal capital, the leadership of the march, flanked by civil society members and rights activists, criticised the authorities for “manhandling and threatening them”, and forcing them to sign unreasonable affidavits.

    Dr Farzana Bari, speaking at the National Press Club, said the Aurat March is held annually. “We were aware that Section 144 was imposed in the federal capital, but civil society does not accept any law which is in violation of basic rights. You cannot take away our right to protest. Similar demonstrations were held across the globe, but we were stopped due to a suicide bomber threat.”

    Haris Khaliq, secretary general of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), described the Aurat March as a movement.

    “We don’t believe in the violating the law, but with laws such as the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act among others, societies cannot run. We have seen a similar situation in Lahore, but civil society has been standing firmly against it,” he said, adding that participants were manhandled and beaten before being taken into custody.

    Relatives and friends who went to inquire about them were also detained, Khaliq alleged.

    Lawyer Kashmala, who went to the police station to meet the detainees, said she was locked in a small cell with around 80 people. 

    One arrested leader asked why they had not been informed in advance about the supposed threat.

    She described being kept in a lockup without access to relatives, alongside women aged 14 to 73. “Some faced health issues due to overcrowding, which included children.”

    Another participant said that more than 70 men and women were detained, including two pregnant women.

    Meanwhile, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry defended the arrests in the National Assembly, saying a deliberate attempt had been made to create a law-and-order situation.

    He noted that a No Objection Certificate (NOC) had not been issued and called the assembly “illegal”. Similar marches in Karachi and Lahore had been canceled, he maintained.