Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • ‘Officials left meeting when food was served’: CII clarifies alleged withholding tax ruling

    ‘Officials left meeting when food was served’: CII clarifies alleged withholding tax ruling

    The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has retracted its statement declaring withholding tax on financial transactions “un-Islamic”, saying that council members “left the meeting when food was served and the staff thought that withholding tax was declared against Sharia.”

    The CII made the decision  at its 243rd meeting on Wednesday, presided over by CII Chairman Allama Dr Muhammad Raghib Hussain Naeemi, the press release read, adding, “The council declared the withholding tax imposed on withdrawal or transfer of money as excessive and declared it un-Islamic.”

    Speaking to a private media outlet later on the same day, the CII chairman claimed that the note-taking staff misunderstood that withholding tax had been declared un-Islamic, noting that the CII would discuss matters related to withholding tax in its next meeting. 

    “Several members of the council were against the withholding tax,” Dr Naeemi added.

    “Regarding today’s meeting of the CII, there was an impression that the council had formed a final opinion on the withholding tax, whereas in fact, a few members had an initial discussion on it, in which the members had different opinions. The members said that they would consult experts on this in the next meeting,” read a clarification issued by the CII.

    It further read, “Therefore, it was decided that in the upcoming meeting of the council, it should be discussed in detail and the opinions of the relevant experts should be sought. The council did not take any decision on the issue under discussion.”

    It merits a mention that the Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) describes “withholding tax” as an advance payment of tax deducted at the time of economic activities specified under certain sections of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 and Sales Tax Act, 1990.

    Regarding the establishment of human milk banks in the country, the CII stated that such storage facilities can be formed under certain conditions, adding that necessary legislation on the matter must come first to prevent evil. 

    In June 2024, Pakistan’s first Human Milk Bank and Early Childhood Centre was established at the Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology (SICHN) in Karachi.

    The initiative, however, was suspended just weeks later after the issuance of a fatwa (Islamic decree).

  • BCCI complains to ICC about Haris Rauf, Sahibzada Farhan’s on-field gestures

    BCCI complains to ICC about Haris Rauf, Sahibzada Farhan’s on-field gestures

    The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has lodged a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against Pakistan cricketers Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan pertaining to their on-field gestures during the Asia Cup Super Fours match in Dubai last Sunday.

    According to media reports, the BCCI sent the complaint via email on Wednesday, and the ICC has officially received it. The specific incidents the BCCI complained about Farhan’s aggressive celebration after reaching his half-century and Rauf making a gesture toward a section of fans while fielding on the boundary, have been widely circulated across social media since the match.

    If Farhan and Rauf choose to deny the allegations in writing, the ICC could convene a formal hearing to address the matter. The players would likely have to appear before match referee Richie Richardson, who is one of the two match referees assigned to the tournament.

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also reportedly filed an official complaint with the ICC against India captain Suryakumar Yadav.

    The PCB’s complaint stems from Yadav dedicating India’s victory over Pakistan in the group stage match on September 14 to “the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack” and to the Indian armed forces. The PCB has labeled the comments “political.”

    Yadav had stated during the presentation ceremony after the first match, “Want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery. Hope they continue to inspire us all, and we give them more reasons on the ground whenever we get an opportunity to make them smile.”

    That first encounter on September 14 generated significant controversy after the Indian captain did not shake hands with Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha at the toss, and Indian players avoided greeting the Pakistan squad after the game.

    The Super Fours match itself, the second contest between the rivals this Asia Cup, also saw several intense moments, including heated exchanges between Pakistan fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Rauf, and India openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill.

  • Pahalgam dedication: ICC initiates action against Indian captain over PCB complaint

    Pahalgam dedication: ICC initiates action against Indian captain over PCB complaint

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) has initiated proceedings against Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav following a formal complaint by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the cricketer’s inappropriate comments.

    The PCB lodged the complaint regarding comments Yadav made after India’s group stage victory over Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. Securing a dominant seven-wicket win against the Men in Green, Yadav had dedicated the victory to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, expressing solidarity with Indian armed forces during the post-match presentation.

    “Perfect occasion, taking the time out, we stand by the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity… Want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery,” he had said.

    Soon after the game, the PCB filed an official complaint and the ICC has confirmed it is reviewing the matter.

    According to reports, match referee Richie Richardson sent an email to the Indian team management acknowledging two reports by the PCB concerning Yadav’s statements.

    Richardson’s email reportedly outlined his preliminary findings, stating that after reviewing all evidence and statements provided by the PCB, Yadav’s remarks were deemed to have potentially harmed the image of the sport.

    “The ICC has asked me to handle two reports lodged by the Pakistan Cricket Board regarding comments made by your captain, Suryakumar Yadav, during the presentation and post-match press conference after the India vs Pakistan match on September 14, 2025,” read the email.

    “After examining the full reports and reviewing the evidence, I have concluded that a charge should be brought against Suryakumar Yadav for conduct that brings the game into dispute by making inappropriate comments, which are detrimental to the interest of the game,” it concluded.

    Yadav now reportedly faces two choices. He can accept the charge leveled against him or he can face a formal hearing. This hearing will be conducted by the ICC match referee, representatives from the BCCI and the PCB. Further action remains subject to the developments.

  • Younis Khan urges Pakistan to win final, shake hands with India

    Younis Khan urges Pakistan to win final, shake hands with India

    Former Pakistan cricket team captain Younis Khan has advised the Green Shirts to win the final of Asia Cup 2025 and extend their hands to the Indian players, who have been refraining from shaking hands to much criticism. 

    Speaking to the media at the NIPA Sports Complex in Karachi on Wednesday, Younis Khan emphasized, “Exit politics and play for the team, play for the nation and the country, not for yourselves.”

    He questioned that if fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi can bat in the Asia Cup, why can’t other players? “Shaheen has the potential to become an all-rounder,” he opined. 

    “Imagine the thrill,” he said of the potential of a Pakistan-India final. “Win and prove that you are the best sportsmen.”

    The former captain pointed out that Pakistan team is inconsistent. “To win, it is essential to play well. Matches are won through good planning.”

    He observed, “Neither the Indian team nor the Pakistani team is weak. India’s plus point is that they make fewer changes to their team.”

    Khan advised, “The Indian players know they have to play. The Green Shirts should also avoid spoiling their combination by making too many changes.”

    Younis Khan stressed that politics and sports should be separate. He said, “Indian cricketers not shaking hands are against the spirit of sportsmanship. They are not shaking hands on the instructions of their government.”

    He added, “If our government also says that you must not shake hands, perhaps we won’t either. We will have to follow the instructions of our government.”

    It merits mention that in both group and Super Four matches against Pakistan, the Indian team displayed an unsportsmanlike attitude. At the toss, Indian captain did not shake hands with Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha. After defeating Pakistan, Indian players closed their dressing room door to avoid meeting the Pakistani squad. They repeated the same in the Super Four clash, skipping handshakes at the toss and avoiding interaction after the win.

    Younis Khan raised Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan as talented cricketers. He described his experience working with Afghanistan as a batting consultant as positive, noting he received great respect there.

    He concluded, “Most of the Afghan team players grew up in front of me. No team is number one or number two in Asia. The team that wins on a given day is the one deserving of the number one position.”

    Pakistan is scheduled to face Bangladesh today, in a must-win clash. If Pakistan wins this match, they will advance to the Asia Cup final, where they will meet India for the third time in the tournament. The Asia Cup final is set for September 28.

  • Rajab Butt, Anas Ali among influencers booked for promotion of gambling apps

    Rajab Butt, Anas Ali among influencers booked for promotion of gambling apps

    The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has filed separate cases against three well-known social media influencers, namely Rajab Butt, Anas Ali and Hurairah, accusing them of promoting gambling through online betting applications and deceiving their audiences.

    The complaints were lodged in Lahore under various provisions, including the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), fraud and other applicable laws. The accused allegedly served as brand ambassadors for these gambling platforms, enticing the public to invest money by promising high financial returns.

    Before initiating legal proceedings, the NCCIA had issued formal warnings to the influencers. Authorities claim the influencers’ promotions led thousands of people to invest their savings into these apps, resulting in financial losses amounting to crores of rupees.

    On Sept 6, the NCCIA issued official summons to several high-profile YouTubers and influencers as part of its investigation into the promotion of online gambling and betting apps. Among those called to appear before the agency were Rajab Butt, Iqra Kanwal and Anas Ali. Written notices were also sent requiring their presence for questioning.

    Butt, who has been residing in Dubai and frequently traveling to the UK, is reportedly the central figure in the probe. He has been specifically accused of urging young people to invest in online gambling apps, promoting trading and betting platforms through his social media channels and designing a coordinated scheme to mislead the public and rob them of their money.

    The official notice also said that if Butt fails to appear, it will be assumed that he has no defence or explanation to offer.

  • ‘Time for action is now’: Pakistan urges Security Council to ensure accountability, justice for Palestinians

    ‘Time for action is now’: Pakistan urges Security Council to ensure accountability, justice for Palestinians

    Deputy Prime Minister (PM) and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has called on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), and the broader international community, to act decisively and uphold human dignity while ensuring accountability and justice for the people of Palestine.

    Dar, who is currently accompanying PM Shehbaz Sharif for 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York, called Gaza a “graveyard for humanity and the global conscience” in his national statement at the UNSC meeting on the Middle East situation.

    “Hospitals, schools and markets lie in ruins. The very fabric of society has been torn apart while over 64,000 lives have been lost and over 100,000 have been injured,” he said, adding that the time for words had passed and it was now the “time for action”.

    FM Dar also said that the humanitarian situation in Gaza had reached catastrophic proportions as famine was now a reality, putting over half a million people at grave risk. “Dozens of Palestinians were killed a day, 300,000 people have been uprooted and nearly one million face imminent displacement.”

    “The roar of fighter jets, the plumes of smoke from tank fire and the collapse of buildings… what must this relentless violence mean for women, children and the most vulnerable? And what of the hostages caught in the crossfire whose lives hang in the balance?” he asked.

    Dar said that the “time for action is upon us”, and called for urgent and concrete measures, including immediate unconditional and permanent ceasefire, full unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza and the immediate lifting of the blockade to allow life-saving aid. He also called for a categorical end to any forced displacement of Palestinians from their lands.

    The FM further reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people in their just struggle for dignity, justice and self-determination through the establishment of a sovereign, independent and contiguous Palestinian state on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds al Sharif as its capital.

    He also welcomed the two-state solution conference shared by France and Saudi Arabia, and appreciated the recent recognitions of the state of Palestine by numerous member states.

  • Minor boy raped before being murdered in Karachi

    Minor boy raped before being murdered in Karachi

    A post-mortem report on a seven-year-old boy found dead inside a bag in the Karachi’s Landhi area confirmed evidence of rape, Police Surgeon Sumaiya Tariq said on Tuesday.

    After the victim, identified as Saad Ali, went to buy sweets from a nearby shop on September 18, he went missing. Later, his body was discovered stuffed in a bag left at a garbage dump near Lal Mazar in Landhi.

    The police surgeon stated that the post-mortem report revealed a blow to the head which killed Ali, adding that samples from various body organs have been sent for further chemical examination to ascertain the facts.

    Meanwhile, the victim’s funeral prayers were offered in Landhi 36-B, where the family lives.

    Ali’s father Salman, while speaking to the media, stated that after receiving no help from the police despite filing a report, the family searched for the boy for days.

    He said that the family was left with no choice but to initiate a search for the boy on their own after police did not even bother looking at footage from CCTV cameras near the garbage dump where the boy was found.

    Calling for the immediate arrest of those involved in the abduction and killing of his son, Salman also demanded departmental action against police officials, who, according to him, failed to respond to the family’s calls for help in finding the boy.

    On the other hand, the Police claimed to have been in contact with the victim’s family, saying they will file a First Information Report (FIR) following the final rites of the boy.

    Citing a senior police official, a media report stated that two individuals have been arrested so far over their alleged involvement in the rape and killing of the boy. Speaking at a press conference, the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Landhi stated that the suspects, identified as Hasan and Suhail, have confessed to the crime.

    The official added that the suspects admitted to luring the minor boy, who was familiar with them, with sweets and later raping and murdering him.

  • ‘New dancer in the house’: Ushna Shah’s sizzling dance video sets internet on fire

    ‘New dancer in the house’: Ushna Shah’s sizzling dance video sets internet on fire

    Pakistani actress Ushna Shah has once again proven that there’s little she can’t do. There is no doubt that she is a phenomenal actress but we did not know that she is a very good dancer as well. Her new dance video has hit the internet by storm and social media users are not getting over it.

    In a recent Instagram post, Ushna dropped a surprise dance video that has since taken social media by storm. Dancing to Angels in Tibet by Amaarae, the actress is seen confidently grooving in a white shirt and trousers, with her hair flowing freely, giving off a true rockstar vibe. She cheekily captioned the video, “Challo beta aunty ko danshi kar ke dikhao,” and, well, she delivered.

    The internet exploded with praise, and fellow celebrities were quick to hype up Ushna’s unexpected performance. Stylist Tariq Amin dropped clapping emojis, while actress Zoya Nasir lit up the comments with fire emojis. Media personality Hasan Rizvi declared, “Not bad Ushnaaaaaa pushnaaaaa, we have a new dancer in the house!”

    Actress Anoushay Abbasi couldn’t hold back either, commenting “Dayum,” and fans echoed the excitement. “Girl, what?! I never knew you were a great dancer!! ATEE,” wrote one user. Another demanded: “More, more, more!”

    Known for her stellar performances in hit dramas like Balaa, Cheekh, Parizaad, and Habs, the versatile star has now left fans stunned with a talent no one saw coming.

    From powerful acting to powerful views and now killer dance moves, Ushna Shah continues to amaze fans with her range. Whether she’s playing emotionally intense roles on screen or breaking into spontaneous dance, one thing is clear, Ushna knows how to steal the spotlight.

  • Shadab, Ashwin set to play together for Sydney Thunder in BBL

    Shadab, Ashwin set to play together for Sydney Thunder in BBL

    Pakistani leg-spinner Shadab Khan and Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin are set to feature together for Sydney Thunder in the upcoming Big Bash League season.

    Foreign media reports confirm that Ashwin has agreed to join Thunder for the 2025/26 edition, making him the first capped Indian cricketer to play in the BBL. Shadab was picked by Thunder earlier this year and is currently recovering from shoulder surgery.

    The pairing of Ashwin and Shadab promises one of the most exciting spin partnerships in the league. Both are known for their tactical bowling and all-round ability, and their presence could strengthen Thunder’s chances after finishing runners-up in the previous season.

    Cricket fans are likely to view the partnership as more than just a sports move, with a Pakistani and an Indian spinner sharing the same dressing room in Australia’s premier T20 tournament.

  • Stolen mobile phones worth Rs2.2 million might soon be returned to owners in Karachi

    Stolen mobile phones worth Rs2.2 million might soon be returned to owners in Karachi

    Mobile phone owners in Karachi will soon get back their stolen devices worth Rs2.2 million through the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC).

    KEDA President Muhammad Rizwan Irfan said police and CPLC recovered 145 mobile phones during joint efforts, which have now been given to CPLC. He added that another 150 phones will soon be handed over, after which CPLC will return them to their rightful owners.

    According to Rizwan Irfan, the association has so far recovered stolen and snatched mobile phones worth Rs260 million from the market and returned them to citizens.

    He said police, CPLC and the association are working under strict procedures to regulate the sale and purchase of new and used phones. Before buying or selling any device, dealers must verify the IMEI number and the seller’s ID card with CPLC.

    Under the procedure, if a citizen brings a phone for sale and CPLC confirms that it was stolen or snatched, the association immediately hands the device over to CPLC.

    The KEDA president said the procedure currently applies only in Karachi. He urged authorities to expand it across Sindh, which would help recover more stolen and snatched phones.