Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • Islamabad High Court allows child bride to live with husband

    Islamabad High Court allows child bride to live with husband

    The Islamabad High Court has allowed a 15-year-old girl to live with her husband in a case concerning underage marriage.

    Justice Muhammad Azam Khan issued a detailed verdict stating that although child marriage is not invalid under Sharia law, it is a criminal offense under the law.

    The court recommended that the government improve NADRA’s system so that marriage certificates cannot be issued without age verification. It also said that marriage registrars must be bound not to register marriages involving anyone under 18 years of age.

    The case involved Madiha Bibi, who had married of her own choice. In her statement to the court, she expressed her wish not to return to her parents and insisted she wanted to live with her husband. Even during her stay at the crisis center, she continued to express the same desire.

    The judgment highlighted that, according to Sharia law, a marriage is valid with consent and after puberty. 

    However, the Islamabad Child Marriage Restraint Act 2025 makes marriage under the age of 18 a criminal act. While the marriage certificate listed the bride’s age as around 18, NADRA records confirmed that she was 15.

  • ‘I felt really bad’: Syed Jibran regrets slamming Haris Rauf after Asia Cup defeat

    ‘I felt really bad’: Syed Jibran regrets slamming Haris Rauf after Asia Cup defeat

    Pakistani actor Syed Jibran has issued a public apology for harshly criticizing fast bowler Haris Rauf following Pakistan’s crushing defeat to India in the Asia Cup 2025 final.

    Taking to Instagram, Jibran expressed remorse over his reaction, writing: “Guys… Honestly I felt really bad next morning when I realised that I used a harsh statement for one particular player only, when in fact whatever happened was not only an individual but a combined effort. Sorry for that. I think I’m better than that.”

    After the final, Jibran had shared a post using strong language and emojis resembling cursing hand gestures aimed at Haris Rauf and the person who handed him the final over. His frustration came after Rauf’s expensive spell in the final match, where he conceded 50 runs in just 22 balls, making him the most costly bowler for Pakistan and a central figure in the team’s loss.

    The disappointment wasn’t limited to Jibran. Several other Pakistani celebrities also took to social media to vent their anger. Actor and writer Yasir Hussain, referencing Rauf’s viral plane crash gesture from an earlier match, said, “Main ne pehlay hi kaha tha cricket pai dehan do. Ishary bazi se cricket match nahi jeety jaaty” (I had said before, focus on cricket. You can’t win matches with hand gestures).

    Actress Amna Malik, in her Instagram story after the match, said: “One slap for Haris Rauf. Thanks for the damage. Haris Rauf, jahaz urao ab” (Haris Rauf, go fly planes now).

    Actor Aijaz Aslam also sarcastically commented, “Thank you sir, itni izzat afzai ka shukria” (Thanks for this great humiliation).

    Pakistan’s defeat in the high-stakes final against India has triggered widespread criticism from fans and celebrities alike, as expectations were high for a comeback in the tournament.

    On the professional front, Syed Jibran is currently appearing in the drama Jinn Ki Shadi Unki Shadi, which has been receiving positive reviews for its unique storyline.

  • Petrol up by Rs4.07, diesel by Rs4.04 in latest revision

    Petrol up by Rs4.07, diesel by Rs4.04 in latest revision

    The federal administration has raised the costs of petrol and high-speed diesel, with the updated prices becoming effective from October 1. 


    As per a notification released by the Ministry of Finance, the price of petrol has been increased by Rs4.07 per litre. After this adjustment, petrol will now retail at Rs268.68 per litre, an increase from Rs264.61. High-speed diesel has seen a price hike of Rs4.04 per litre, bringing its cost to Rs276.81 from Rs272.77.


    These new prices, in effect for the next 15 days, were implemented at fuel stations starting at midnight. The government evaluates petroleum prices every two weeks, with changes correlating to fluctuations in global oil prices and the exchange rate.

    This marks the second adjustment in fuel prices within a month. On September 16, the government had announced new prices where the petrol rate remained the same while high-speed diesel costs were increased.

    Petrol is predominantly used in motorcycles, cars, and rickshaws, which are vital modes of transport for the middle and lower-income populations. This increase is anticipated to impact daily commuting expenses, especially in urban locales where motorcycles and rickshaws play a significant role in mobility.

    Conversely, high-speed diesel has far-reaching implications for the economy. It is widely utilized by the transport sector, powering buses, trucks, and railways. In rural regions, it is essential for operating agricultural machinery like tractors and tube wells. 

    A rise in diesel prices typically results in increased costs for vegetables and other food items, given the crucial role transportation is plays in supply chains

    The Ministry of Finance noted that the government has revised the prices of petroleum products based on the recommendations of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) and the relevant ministries.

  • Court issues non-bailable warrants for Imaan Mazari, spouse in tweets case

    Court issues non-bailable warrants for Imaan Mazari, spouse in tweets case

    An additional district and sessions judge on Tuesday issued non-bailable arrest warrants for lawyer Imaan Mazari-Hazir and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha in a case pertaining to tweets posted on X (formerly Twitter) after they failed to appear before the court.

    At the start of proceedings, Judge Mohammad Afzal Majoka indicted the duo but neither showed up for court.

     Mazari-Hazir and Chattha had already registered their attendance but had traveled to Rawalpindi for another hearing, a junior attorney told the judge.

    Four witnesses were named in a seven-page challan submitted by the prosecution during the session: Assistant Director Imran Haider, Sub-Inspector Shahroz Riaz, Wasim Khan, and Technical Assistant Anisur Rehman. 

    According to the challan, Mazari-Hazir had shared controversial tweets that Chattha later retweeted.

    The judge instructed police to arrest and bring the two to court after becoming frustrated with their frequent absences and issued non-bailable arrest warrants.  

    The hearing was then adjourned until today (Wednesday).

  • Chinese influencer dies in live-streamed helicopter crash

    Chinese influencer dies in live-streamed helicopter crash

    A Chinese influencer lost his life after crashing his aircraft while live-streaming the flight for his followers.

    According to China News Service, the 55-year-old Tang Feiji was flying a single-seat ultralight coaxial rotor helicopter when it fell to the ground and exploded.

    Videos shared on social media showed the aircraft crashing and bursting into flames moments after impact.

    Instagram Post

    Tang, a resident of Guangyuan in Sichuan province, was streaming the flight live on Douyin for his followers. Authorities confirmed that his body was recovered from the crash site.

    Tang had about 100,000 followers on Douyin. Reports said his helicopter weighed only 115 kilograms and cost around 350,000 yuan (68,400 US dollars).

    In recent videos, Tang told his viewers that his aircraft could reach a speed of 100 kilometers per hour and fly up to an altitude of 600 meters.

  • Govt scrambles response as Islamabad reports 52 dengue cases in a day

    Govt scrambles response as Islamabad reports 52 dengue cases in a day

    Islamabad has reported 52 new cases of dengue in a single day, leading federal health officials to implement emergency protocols. The Federal Minister for Health, Syed Mustafa Kamal, has instructed officials to increase fogging operations throughout the city to curb further transmission.

    The minister has ordered hospitals to establish dedicated wards for dengue patients and ensure a continuous supply of medications, diagnostic kits, and beds. He emphasized the necessity for public health facilities to be well-prepared for a potential rise in patients following the recent increase in cases.

    Kamal mentioned that the government is coordinating measures to control the virus, which has surged after heavy rainfall created favorable conditions for mosquito breeding.

    He pointed out that Bhara Kahu and other areas identified as high-risk are receiving prioritized surveillance, spraying initiatives, and precautionary actions. Public awareness campaigns are also being initiated to promote preventive measures at the community level.

    The health minister urged district administrations to enhance sanitation efforts and eliminate stagnant water, which is a significant source of mosquito breeding for dengue. He encouraged citizens to adhere closely to the Ministry of Health’s preventive guidelines, such as covering containers with water and using mosquito repellents.

    “The safety of public health remains the government’s utmost priority. We will employ all available resources to protect the population from epidemics and diseases,” Kamal stated, while calling on the media and civil society to assist with awareness initiatives.

    The capital has experienced a consistent increase in dengue infections recently, reflecting patterns seen in other regions of the country where heavy rains have contributed to mosquito-borne illnesses. Health officials indicate that the disease presents a seasonal challenge, with cases usually rising during the monsoon season when water collects in urban and semi-urban environments.

  • Economy stable despite supply chain disruption, higher inflation fears: report

    Economy stable despite supply chain disruption, higher inflation fears: report

    The Ministry of Finance has cautioned that the devastating floods of 2025 could disrupt supply chains and push inflation higher, even as the economy shows signs of stability in other areas.

    “Due to ongoing floods in 2025, the agriculture sector is expected to suffer,” the ministry said in its Monthly Economic Update and Outlook for September 2025.

    It went on to say that flood-related disruptions could exert pressure on food supply chains, leading to an uptick in prices with inflation expected to rise but remain contained within the 3.5-4.5 percent range.

    Despite widespread floods since July, inflation decreased, large-scale manufacturing improved and fiscal imbalances were kept in control. While damage assessments of Kharif crops and livestock continue, the government has declared climate and agriculture emergencies across the country.

    It also highlighted that overall economic activity had stayed the stable in spite of these concerns.

    “The rebound in large-scale manufacturing, supported by encouraging trends in cement dispatches, automobile production and allied industries indicates strengthening industrial momentum in the months ahead,” the report said and predicted stability in the external sector.

    With exports showing early signs of recovery and remittances offering strong support, the current account deficit is also expected to remain manageable despite increased import demand. Declining global commodity prices could further ease the import bill.

    According to the report, the economy maintained its stabilisation and growth trajectory during the first two months of the ongoing fiscal year.

    On the fiscal side, the ministry said performance would continue to improve in FY26, following “an eight-year low fiscal deficit and a 24-year high primary surplus”.

    Net federal revenues, however, rose by just 7.7percent in July, driven by 23.9percent growth in non-tax revenues and 14.8percent in tax revenues. Non-tax revenues were mainly supported by petroleum levy, dividends and defence receipts.

    Between July and August, the FBR’s net collection grew by 14.1percent, while expenditures increased by 28.8percent. As a result, the fiscal deficit was contained at 0.2percent of GDP, and the primary surplus improved to Rs228.9 billion (0.2percent of GDP) compared to Rs107.1billion (0.1percent of GDP) in the same period last year.

    The external sector remained under pressure. The current account deficit widened to $624 million in July-August FY26 from $430million a year ago. Exports rose 10.2pc to $5.3bn, while imports increased 8.8percent to $10.4billion, pushing the trade deficit to $5.1billion. Remittances climbed 7percent to $6.4billion, with Saudi Arabia (24.6percent) and the UAE (20.6percent) remaining top contributors.

    Net FDI inflows, however, fell 22 percent to $364.3 million. Portfolio investments saw outflows of $74.8m (private) and $11.8m (public). By Sept 19, foreign exchange reserves had improved to $19.8 billion with $14.4 billion held by the State Bank as compared to just $9.5 billion at the same time last year.

    According to the ministry, there was significant investor confidence as the stock market maintained its bullish run and monetary conditions remained solid.

  • Yashma Gill says she was judged for praying in western attire on drama set

    Yashma Gill says she was judged for praying in western attire on drama set

    Pakistani actress Yashma Gill recently opened up about a personal experience where she was questioned for offering prayers while dressed in Western-style clothing during a drama shoot.

    Yashma spoke candidly about the misconceptions surrounding people working in the media industry during an appearance on a podcast. She highlighted how individuals in showbiz are often wrongly perceived by the public as being irreligious or morally lacking.

    Gill stated that since entering the acting profession, she feels she has grown as a person and continues to evolve for the better with each passing day.

    “Actors are only glamorous temporarily in front of the camera. In reality, many of them are better human beings and more religious than people think,” she said.

    Sharing insights into the demanding nature of the entertainment industry, Yashma said actors are often made to work like “donkeys” for 12 to 14 hours a day, and the discipline of the profession has helped her become a better person.

    However, she expressed concern over how religious inclinations are viewed with suspicion within the media and entertainment circles. “People here often question or criticize others for their beliefs,” she said.

    Recalling a specific incident, Yashma narrated that during a drama shoot, she requested a break from the director to offer prayers. At the time, she was wearing Western attire as part of her costume. After finishing her prayers and returning to the set, a junior actress commented, “Dear, you were wearing Western clothes, how will your prayer be accepted?”

    Yashma chose not to respond to the remark but reflected on the judgmental attitude shown by some individuals. “People need to understand that it is not their place to decide whether someone’s worship is accepted or not,” she said.

    She added, “Just like a student who attempts an exam is better than the one who doesn’t even try, someone who prays, regardless of attire, is better than someone who chooses not to pray at all.”

    The actress emphasized that the acceptance of any good deed or act of worship is solely in the hands of the Almighty, not fellow human beings.

    Yashma is an established actress and has been working in the Pakistani showbiz industry for many years. She gained significant fame after her role in Pyar Ke Sadqay and has appeared in many projects including Alif, Azmaish, Behkaway and many more.

  • Dar says Trump’s Gaza peace plan did not include all of Pakistan’s proposed amendments

    Dar says Trump’s Gaza peace plan did not include all of Pakistan’s proposed amendments

    Deputy prime minister (PM) and Foreign Minister (FM) Ishaq Dar has said that the Gaza peace proposal unveiled by United States (US) President Donald Trump was not the one that contained all of Pakistan’s suggestions as it did not include in entirety the changes proposed by Islamabad.

    Appearing on Geo News a day after Trump, standing alongside Israeli PM Benjamin 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 the 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”.


     
    “It is also my firm belief that President Trump is fully prepared to assist in whatever way necessary to make this extremely important and urgent understanding to become a reality,” he wrote and praised Trump’s leadership.


     
    The premier reiterated his support for a two-state solution and said he also strongly believed that the implementation of the two-state proposal was essential to ensure lasting peace in the region.

    Later, White House released Trump’s 20-point plan that calls for a ceasefire, a swap of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, a staged Israeli withdrawal from the territory, disarmament of Hamas, and a transitional government led by an international body.

    Meanwhile, Pakistan also pledged support for the peace plan at the United Nations (UN). 

     Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad told the UN Security Council (UNSC) members that Islamabad, in coordination with eight OIC and Arab states, would actively participate in the consultative process to support a sustainable resolution.

    “We value the initiative of President Donald Trump, working with eight OIC and Arab countries to advance peace through concrete measures,” the envoy said while addressing a briefing on the Middle East.

    “As a participant in this consultative process, Pakistan will closely engage and play a constructive role in promoting consensus,” he added, stressing that the goal was to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians and achieve just, comprehensive and lasting peace consistent with UN resolutions.

  • Quaid-e-Azam Trophy is coming back in October

    Quaid-e-Azam Trophy is coming back in October

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released the complete schedule for the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025–26 season, bringing long-awaited clarity to the country’s premier red-ball competition.

    The tournament was originally planned to begin in September but faced delays as the Hanif Mohammad Trophy was played out. It will now begin on Monday, October 6, and will be staged across four cities: Abbottabad, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Rawalpindi.

    The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy will follow a single-league round-robin format with nine rounds and 46 matches from October 6 to November 26. The five-day final will take place from November 29 to December 3. 

    Ten regional teams will compete this year: Abbottabad, Bahawalpur, FATA, Faisalabad, Islamabad, Karachi Blues, Lahore Whites, Multan, Peshawar, and Sialkot. FATA, Faisalabad, Karachi Blues, and Multan earned promotion after topping the Hanif Mohammad Trophy points table.

    Squads for all ten sides will be revealed in the coming days.

    Full Schedule

    October 6 – 9

    Abbottabad Region vs Bahawalpur Region – Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad

    Lahore Region Whites vs Islamabad Region – Shoaib Akhtar Stadium (KRL), Rawalpindi

    Peshawar Region vs Sialkot Region – Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar

    FATA Region vs Multan Region – Diamond Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    Faisalabad Region vs Karachi Region Blues – Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    October 12-15 

    Lahore Region Whites vs Abbottabad Region – Diamond Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    Bahawalpur Region vs Islamabad Region – Shoaib Akhtar Stadium (KRL), Rawalpindi

    Peshawar Region vs FATA Region – Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad

    Sialkot Region vs Faisalabad Region – Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar

    Karachi Region Blues vs Multan Region – Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    October 18 – 21

    Abbottabad Region vs Islamabad Region – Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    Bahawalpur Region vs Peshawar Region – Shoaib Akhtar Stadium (KRL), Rawalpindi

    Lahore Region Whites vs Sialkot Region – Diamond Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    Karachi Region Blues vs FATA Region – Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar

    Multan Region vs Faisalabad Region – Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad

    0ctober 24 – 27

    Peshawar Region vs Abbottabad Region – Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar

    Sialkot Region vs Islamabad Region – Shoaib Akhtar Stadium (KRL), Rawalpindi

    Multan Region vs Bahawalpur Region – Diamond Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    Lahore Region Whites vs Karachi Region Blues – Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad

    FATA Region vs Faisalabad Region – Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    October 30 – November 2

    Faisalabad Region vs Peshawar Region – Shoaib Akhtar Stadium (KRL), Rawalpindi

    Islamabad Region vs FATA Region – Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad

    Abbottabad Region vs Sialkot Region – Diamond Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    Karachi Region Blues vs Bahawalpur Region – Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar

    Lahore Region Whites vs Multan Region – Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    November 5 – 8

    Abbottabad Region vs FATA Region – Shoaib Akhtar Stadium (KRL), Rawalpindi

    Bahawalpur Region vs Sialkot Region – Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad

    Lahore Region Whites vs Faisalabad Region – Diamond Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    Islamabad Region vs Multan Region – Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar

    Karachi Region Blues vs Peshawar Region – Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    November 11 – 14 

    Faisalabad Region vs Islamabad Region – Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad

    Karachi Region Blues vs Abbottabad Region – Shoaib Akhtar Stadium (KRL), Rawalpindi

    Multan Region vs Sialkot Region – Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    FATA Region vs Bahawalpur Region – Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar

    Peshawar Region vs Lahore Region Whites – Diamond Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    November 17 – 20 

    Abbottabad Region vs Faisalabad Region – Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    Bahawalpur Region vs Lahore Region Whites – Shoaib Akhtar Stadium (KRL), Rawalpindi

    Islamabad Region vs Karachi Region Blues – Diamond Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    Peshawar Region vs Multan Region – Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar

    Sialkot Region vs FATA Region – Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad

    November 23 -26 

    Multan Region vs Abbottabad Region – Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad

    Faisalabad Region vs Bahawalpur Region – Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    Lahore Region Whites vs FATA Region – Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar

    Islamabad Region vs Peshawar Region – Diamond Cricket Ground, Islamabad

    Sialkot Region vs Karachi Region Blues – Shoaib Akhtar Stadium (KRL), Rawalpindi

    November 29 – December 3

    Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Final – Venue to be announced