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Author: News Desk

  • From Gaza to Europe: How a Palestinian escaped genocide using AI and a jet ski

    From Gaza to Europe: How a Palestinian escaped genocide using AI and a jet ski

    Muhammad Abu Dakha, a 31-year-old Palestinian, risked everything to escape Gaza and reach Europe. His journey took more than a year, cost thousands of dollars and even involved a jet ski ride across the Mediterranean.

    Abu Dakha shared videos, photos and audio recordings of his journey with a foreign media outlet, which also interviewed him and his relatives in Gaza. He said he fled the devastation of the nearly two-year-old Israeli genocide, which has killed over 64,000 Palestinians so far.

    He first crossed the Rafah border into Egypt in April 2024, paying $5,000. From there, he went to China hoping to secure asylum, but returned to Egypt through Malaysia and Indonesia after his request was denied. He later moved to Libya where he faced the same dangers thousands of migrants encounter from traffickers and militias.

    Abu Dakha said he attempted to cross the sea with smugglers 10 times, but failed. Finally, he bought a used Yamaha jet ski for $5,000 on a Libyan online marketplace and spent another $1,500 on a GPS, satellite phone and life jackets.

    He set out with two other Palestinians, 27-year-old Diaa and 23-year-old Bassem. The three calculated their fuel needs with ChatGPT and rode for nearly 12 hours, chased by a Tunisian patrol boat, while towing a dinghy with extra supplies.

    “We were adventurers. We had strong hope that we would arrive, and God gave us strength,” said Bassem. “That’s why I risked my life on a jet ski. Without my family, life has no meaning.”

    The trio ran out of fuel about 20 kilometers short of Lampedusa but managed to call for help. A Romanian patrol boat under a Frontex mission rescued them and brought them to Italy’s southernmost island on August 18.

    “The way they came was pretty unique,” said Filippo Ungaro, spokesperson for UNHCR Italy, confirming that the group arrived by jet ski from the Libyan port of al-Khoms.

    From Lampedusa, the journey continued. They were transferred to Sicily and then to Genoa, but Abu Dakha said they escaped from the bus before reaching their destination. He later flew from Genoa to Brussels and then traveled to Germany where a relative picked him up.

    “I have worked hard to build a life, and now my only dream is to bring my family to safety,” he said.

    Back in Gaza, his family remains in a tent camp in Khan Younis after their home was destroyed. Abu Dakha has now applied for asylum in Germany and is waiting for a court to review his case.

  • Internet divided as Ayesha Omar announces hosting Pakistan’s first-ever dating show

    Internet divided as Ayesha Omar announces hosting Pakistan’s first-ever dating show

    Pakistani actor Ayesha Omar is stepping into a new venture as the host of Lazawal Ishq, a new Urdu-language dating reality show that has quickly ignited conversation and controversy across social media.

    Inspired by the hit Turkish reality series Aşk Adası, Lazawal Ishq brings the dating competition genre to Urdu-speaking audiences for the very first time.

    Set against the scenic backdrop of Istanbul’s Bosphorus, the show promises drama, romance and rivalry as eight contestants, four men and four women, live together in a lavish villa, all in search of “eternal love”.

    In a teaser shared on her Instagram, Omar teased fans with scenic shots from Turkey, including boat rides and glimpses inside the luxurious villa. “Lazawal Ishq shuroo ho raha hai. A reality show about finding eternal love, and the trials and lessons leading up to it,” she captioned the post.

    The show, set to stream exclusively on YouTube, is expected to run for nearly 100 episodes. Contestants will face emotional and strategic challenges with a winning couple crowned by the finale.

    The show’s format is similar to Western series like Love Island and Too Hot to Handle, and has drawn mixed reactions online. While some fans and industry peers, including actor Azfar Rehman, expressed excitement and support, others criticised the premise and presentation.

    “Looks gold,” Rehman commented on the teaser. In contrast, dissenting voices labeled it “beghairti [shamelessness]”, questioning its cultural relevance and criticising the contestants’ attire.

    “Let’s boycott and raise our voice before this begharati starts,” one user wrote. Another remarked, “Who will watch such a show with family?”

    Despite the backlash, many viewers see Lazawal Ishq as a bold step forward in diversifying Pakistani entertainment and exploring new formats.

  • Pak-Iran trade crosses $3 billion mark on way to achieve staggering $10 billion target

    Pak-Iran trade crosses $3 billion mark on way to achieve staggering $10 billion target

    Trade between Pakistan and Iran has marked $3 billion on its way to what now seems like an achievable $10 billion target through mutual efforts and people-to-people linkages.

    The remarks were made during a meeting between Pakistan’s Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, who is currently leading a delegation to Tehran, and Iranian Minister of Industry Mine and Trade Seyyed Muhammad Atabak.

    Offering condolences and sympathies to the flood-hit families who lost their loved ones, the Iranian minister said, “Since the visit of President Dr Pezeshkian to Pakistan, our bilateral trade has improved a lot. Our trade target of $10 billion is achievable through mutual efforts and enhanced people-to-people contacts.”

    Both the ministers stressed the need for promoting barter trade, signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and activating border markets, which were termed very crucial for deepening ties.

    Referring to the visit of Dr Pezeshkian to Pakistan, Jam Kamal emphasised that it was a testimony to the government of Tehran’s trust in Islamabad. “Consistent visits on both sides show our progressive approach to achieve the trade target,” he said.

    “Our trade figures have reached $3 billion, which is very heartening,” Jam Kamal said, adding that the meeting of the Joint Economic Commission would find a way to remove impediments and further facilitate trade activities.

    The Iranian delegation comprised Head of the Trade Promotion Organisation Dehghan Dehnavi, Director General of the Trade Promotion Organisation’s East Asia Office Abdol-Sadeh Neisi among other top officials.

    Commerce Minister Jam Kamal and Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh on Monday formally inaugurated the 22nd Meeting of the Joint Economic Commission in Tehran.

    “Pakistan attaches high value to its relations with Iran. Trade and investment are the core of our trade policy. The private sector and chambers of commerce should play an active role in enhancing the trade volume,” Jam Kamal said during his inaugural remarks.

    Pakistan’s government is fully committed to supporting and facilitating the private sector in doing business with Iran. Mutual cooperation in services, agriculture and animal husbandry, scientific research and food security could bring benefits to the region, he said.

    Farzaneh Sadegh, while welcoming the participants, highlighted the importance of the Joint Economic Commission. She said that deliberations in these sessions would lead to roadmaps for the future, and follow-up meetings would definitely bring results.

    She also pointed out the steps that would be taken for ease of doing business, visa facilitation, border markets and the banking sector.

  • ‘Toddlers shot in the head by snipers’: UN commission maintains Israel committed genocide in Gaza

    ‘Toddlers shot in the head by snipers’: UN commission maintains Israel committed genocide in Gaza

    For the first time ever, an independent United Nations (UN) inquiry has concluded that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

    In its 72-page report released Tuesday, the commission, which was set up by the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), noted that Israel’s top leaders have incited genocide, calling it the “most authoritative UN finding to date”.

    According to the report, Israel has “committed four genocidal acts” in the enclave since October 7, 2023.

    The report stated these acts include the killing of Palestinians in Gaza, causing Palestinians “serious bodily and mental harm”, “deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part”, and “imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group”.

    Israel has been committing genocide in Gaza since October 7, as more than 65,000 Palestinians, including children, have been killed while thousands of others are still buried under the rubble.

    The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) destroyed most buildings in the territory and forced nearly all its residents to flee their homes at least once. A global hunger monitor relied on by the UN warned that parts of the territory are now suffering a manmade famine.

    Giving several examples of Palestinian civilians, journalists, healthcare professionals and humanitarian workers being “directly targeted and killed” in Gaza, the commission said that these killings occurred in places including homes, hospitals, schools and religious buildings, both within and without designated safe zones.

    Citing the January 2024 killing of 5-year-old Hind Rajab and her family members, the report said that it is an example of Israeli security forces proceeding to kill civilians despite having “clear knowledge of the presence of Palestinian civilians along the evacuation routes and within the safe areas”.

    “They shot at and killed civilians, some of whom (including children) were holding makeshift white flags,” the report said, adding that some children, including toddlers, were shot in the head by snipers.

    “The victims of the bombing were not singled out or targeted as individual civilians. On the contrary, victims were targeted collectively due to their identity as Palestinians.”

    The report also underscored that the extensive and deliberate targeting of Palestinian children was evidence that offensives were not being conducted solely to defeat Hamas but to “physically destroy Palestinians by eliminating not only today’s children but the possibility of them having children”.

  • Separate groups for Arshad Nadeem, Neeraj Chopra at World Athletics Championship qualifiers

    Separate groups for Arshad Nadeem, Neeraj Chopra at World Athletics Championship qualifiers

    Ending the possibility of another Pak-India clash, Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem and India’s Neeraj Chopra have been placed in different groups for the javelin throw qualifying round of the World Athletics Championship.

    As per the details, Nadeem has been drawn in Group B, with his throws scheduled to begin at 4:45 pm Pakistan time. His group also includes two Indian throwers, Rohit Yadav and Yashvir Singh, along with World No 3 Anderson Peters, Julius Yego and Luis Mauricio da Silva.

    According to the qualification criteria, any thrower who crosses 84.50 meters will qualify directly for the final. Overall, the top 12 throwers across both groups will progress to the final round scheduled for Thursday.

    Nadeem arrives at the championship in top form. He made history at the Paris Olympics 2024 by winning gold in the men’s javelin throw with a record-breaking effort of 92.97 meters, giving Pakistan its first-ever Olympic gold in athletics.

    Before that, he won a historic gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham, where he set a Games record of 90.18 meters. Most recently, Nadeem secured another gold with a massive throw of 87.17 meters at the Asian Athletics Championship 2025.

    Ahead of the Tokyo event, Nadeem has sent a message to his supporters, urging the nation to keep him in their prayers and recalling the overwhelming encouragement during Paris Olympics.

    “I have worked hard and will give my best effort to make Pakistan proud once again,” he said.

  • ‘Suar Kumar’: Internet reacts to Mohammad Yousuf insulting Suryakumar Yadav

    ‘Suar Kumar’: Internet reacts to Mohammad Yousuf insulting Suryakumar Yadav

    Former Pakistan batter Mohammad Yousuf has stirred controversy by referring to Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav as ‘Suar Kumar [Swine Kumar]’ over his attitude towards the Pakistani side before and after the Asia Cup clash.

    The comment was made by Yousuf while appearing on a private media outlet and the host quickly intervened to correct him, but the former batter repeated the same name again.

    “They’re always living in a movie… that Suar Kumar and look at India… they should be ashamed the way they’re trying to win by involving umpires… using referees,” he said in reference to the repeatedly overturned decisions of the umpire against Pakistani batters, and the handshake controversy involving the match referee.

    Yousaf’s fiery remarks went viral on social media and sparked a storm of reactions. Sports journalist Faizan Lakhani shared the clip and wrote, “This is absolutely shameful by Mohammad Yousaf. A former cricketer shouldn’t behave like a social media troll while sitting live on TV. Totally unacceptable.”

    Fans, however, were split in their views. One user wrote, “I absolutely agree with Yousaf bhai.” Another commented, “Very shameful Yousaf bhai. Please don’t do it again.”

    Some defended him strongly. One said, “There is nothing wrong in it. Even if it was not a slip of tongue, he said it right. They deserved this.” Another wrote, “This is totally justified. Just don’t lecture us after what they did.”

    But many condemned the language, urging more responsibility. “No Pakistani should be encouraging such language,” one user posted.

  • PM Shehbaz likely to meet President Trump on Sept 25

    PM Shehbaz likely to meet President Trump on Sept 25

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif is likely to meet United States (US) President Donald Trump on September 25, a leading English daily reported on Tuesday. 

    According to reports, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir will also attend the meeting that is expected to take place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

    The huddle, reportedly taking place with the consultation, support and endorsement of Qatar and Saudi Arabia, will discuss a broad agenda, including Pakistan’s floods, the repercussions of the Israeli attack on Qatar, and the post-conflict Pakistan-India situation.

    The English daily quoted diplomatic sources as saying that Saudi Arabia and Qatar are supportive of the Shehbaz-Trump meeting. However, Pakistan’s embassy is yet to confirm it.

    The development came days after Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio wherein both reaffirmed their resolve to bolster Pakistan-US ties and strengthen bilateral relations across multifaceted areas of cooperation.

    In July, Dar had also met Rubio to discuss a wide range of issues, including bilateral ties, prospects for enhanced cooperation in trade, economy, investment, counter-terrorism and regional peace.

    Soon after the meeting, the two countries announced that they had reached a trade agreement that aimed to boost bilateral trade, improve market access, attract investment and strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

    On September 9, Islamabad had secured around $500 million investment from Washington in its critical minerals sector under a newly signed agreement with United States Strategic Metals (USSM).

    All developments come as Pakistan and the US turn a new chapter in bilateral ties with President Trump repeatedly praising the Pakistani leadership and people since after mediating a ceasefire with India in May.

  • ‘End of Pakistan’s Asia Cup campaign’: ICC rejects PCB’s demand to replace match referee

    ‘End of Pakistan’s Asia Cup campaign’: ICC rejects PCB’s demand to replace match referee

    Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 journey could be coming to an abrupt end as the International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly rejected the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the tournament, further intensifying tensions.

    According to media reports, the ICC has informed the PCB through an official letter that Pycroft would continue his role despite the PCB accusing Pycroft of violating the ICC Code of Conduct and the Spirit of Cricket during Pakistan’s group-stage clash against India on September 14.

    While the ICC has confirmed that Pycroft will officiate Pakistan’s next game against the UAE, it stressed that match officials were appointed jointly with the ACC, and Pycroft’s position was not under review.

    Earlier, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), had publicly demanded Pycroft’s removal.

    An official letter on Monday had also made it clear that Pakistan would not play its remaining matches at the Asia Cup if the match referee was not removed for his biased conduct – telling Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha to not shake hands with Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav.

    While reports had quoted sources as saying Pycroft was acting on instructions from the Indian government, the ICC had clarified that he was only following ACC instructions against handshake at the toss.

    Situation worsened after India’s victory when cricketers Yadav and Shivam Dube walked off without greeting Pakistan players. Pakistan’s captain Agha and coach Mike Hesson later went to India’s dressing room, but the Indian side kept the door shut.

    If Pakistan sticks to its decision of boycotting the tournament, the UAE will progress from Group A as both teams are currently tied on two points after table-topper India.

    Meanwhile, the PCB has also acted beyond the Asia Cup. On While the board has written to the ICC requesting that Pycroft not be assigned to Pakistan’s home series against South Africa in October, the Ministry of Interior has also banned Pycroft from entering Pakistan, strengthening the PCB’s case for his replacement in the series.

  • Shammal Qureshi shares Fawad Khan’s styling journey on Aabeer Gulaal set amid release drama

    Shammal Qureshi shares Fawad Khan’s styling journey on Aabeer Gulaal set amid release drama

    Celebrity stylist and Toni & Guy North Pakistan Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shammal Qureshi has shared a heartfelt glimpse into the making of Aabeer Gulaal, a film currently winning hearts internationally but awaiting release clearance in Pakistan.

    His social media post, rich with emotion and behind-the-scenes details, has reignited conversation around the cross-border production and the yet-unresolved issue of the film’s domestic screening.

    “It’s finally out,” Shammal wrote on Instagram, tagging the official page of Aabeer Gulaal.

    “Two months of 5 am call times, 4-hour commutes, and endless long days in London brought together one of the most unforgettable chapters of my career.”

    Thanking the cast and crew, Qureshi highlighted the camaraderie on set and gave a special mention to Fawad Khan. “Thank you for having me on your team, being one of my closest friends and trusting me with your look.”

    Qureshi’s post came just days after the film’s global release on September 12. Aabeer Gulaal, starring Fawad and Vaani Kapoor, has been screened in cinemas across the UAE, UK, Australia and Canada — but continues to face distribution challenges in both Pakistan and India. Despite initial buzz that it might hit Indian cinemas in late September, India’s Press Information Bureau clarified that no such clearance had been granted.

    Meanwhile, Pakistani fans remain in limbo. The film is yet to receive the green light from local authorities for a theatrical release. Frustrated by the delay, several industry figures have spoken out in support of the film and Fawad.

    Director Wajahat Rauf urged for a change in approach, saying, “We want to see Fawad on our screens. Fawad is our star. And one of the main producers is UK-based. We need to be better than those not shaking hands on the cricket match,” referring to the recent controversy involving Indian cricket players.

    Mahira Khan also threw her support behind Fawad. “He is our star! Our cinemas will benefit from releasing the film too,” she wrote in a social media post. Her message reflected a growing sentiment within the industry that Pakistan should not miss out on celebrating one of its biggest exports due to bureaucratic delays.

    In Dubai, the film has already created a stir. A makeup artist who attended a screening commented online, “Dude, we did the screening of the film in Dubai yesterday & everyone was gushing over Fawad’s styling. A job well done.”

    As Aabeer Gulaal continues to gather praise abroad, the question remains — when will audiences back home get to witness what the world is already celebrating?

  • Arshad Nadeem set to face Neeraj Chopra at World Athletics Championship tomorrow

    Arshad Nadeem set to face Neeraj Chopra at World Athletics Championship tomorrow

    Pakistan and India are set for another high-profile clash, but this time it will be javelin stars Arshad Nadeem and Neeraj Chopra, who will go head-to-head at the World Athletics Championship in Tokyo.

    Germany’s Julian Weber and other leading throwers will also compete in the event scheduled for Wednesday (Sept 17). The men’s javelin throw qualifying round will take place at 4:45 pm Pakistan time.

    The top eight throwers from the round will qualify for the final scheduled for Thursday.

    Arshad Nadeem arrives at the championship in top form. He made history at the Paris Olympics 2024 by winning gold in the men’s javelin throw with a record-breaking effort of 92.97 meters, giving Pakistan its first-ever Olympic gold in athletics.

    Before that, he won a historic gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham, where he set a Games record of 90.18 meters. Most recently, Nadeem secured another gold at the Asian Athletics Championship 2025, further proving his dominance on the continental stage.

    The 27-year-old has established himself as Pakistan’s biggest athletics star and a consistent rival to India’s Neeraj Chopra. Their face-offs have now become must-watch events for fans across South Asia.

    Ahead of the Tokyo showdown, Nadeem sent a message to his supporters. He urged the nation to keep him in their prayers and recalled the overwhelming encouragement during the Paris Olympics.

    “I have worked hard and will give my best effort to make Pakistan proud once again,” he said.