Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • Deadly celebration: Minor among three dead in Karachi aerial firing on Independence Day

    Deadly celebration: Minor among three dead in Karachi aerial firing on Independence Day

    The country’s 78th Independence Anniversary celebrations in Karachi took a tragic turn as aerial firing claimed three lives and injured 82 people across the city.

    According to reports, the incidents occurred within just one hour, leaving three families devastated.

    In Azizabad, an eight-year-old girl was killed after being shot in the head, while elderly victims in Korangi and Lyari lost their lives after being shot in the head and neck.

    Reports reveal that 30 people were injured in East Zone, 43 in West Zone and 12 in South Zone. Among the injured were 51 men, 24 women, six boys and one girl.

    Sindh Inspector General (IG) Ghulam Nabi Memon took strict notice of the firing incidents, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives. He said Independence Day should not be an excuse to taking someone’s life and the police were taking action in accordance with the law.

    Citywide operations led to the arrest of 57 suspects and the recovery of 57 weapons. Memon confirmed that attempted murder cases were being registered against all arrested individuals.

    He urged the public to avoid aerial firing and instead celebrate in a way that brought joy rather than grief.

  • President, PM reaffirm commitment to sovereignty on Independence Day

    President, PM reaffirm commitment to sovereignty on Independence Day

    President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to the country’s sovereignty as the nation celebrated Pakistan’s 78th Independence Anniversary.

    In messages of renewed unity and resilience, the leaders paid tribute to the sacrifices of the nation’s founders and martyrs, emphasising that in May this year, confrontation with India had reinforced the sanctity of Pakistan’s freedom and the resolve to safeguard it.

    President Zardari said that the nation had recently reaffirmed its strength, resolve and unity in the face of external aggression. 

    “Our success in Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos is a landmark moment in our history. It was a demonstration of unshakable national will, professional excellence and united purpose. Faced with unjustified Indian aggression, Pakistan responded with clarity, courage and restraint. The world witnessed a nation that is peace-loving, but fully capable of defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said in a statement.

    “This victory has given our people a sense of renewed confidence. It has lifted the morale of the people, restored faith in our institutions and enhanced Pakistan’s stature on the global stage. Today, the world sees Pakistan as a country that seeks peace but does not bow to coercion.”

    The president said that the moment was about more than just military success as it was also a reminder of what the nation could achieve when “united, focused and committed to a common goal”.

    “Let us now channel this spirit into our economic revival, educational reform, technological advancement, institutional development and environmental resilience. The same discipline, courage and clarity that led to our recent success against India can lead us toward victory in eradicating poverty, creating opportunities for our people, and building a just and inclusive society,” he said.

    Expressing solidarity with the people of Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, he stated that their courage and struggle for justice and their right to self-determination remained close to the nation’s hearts. “Pakistan will continue to extend its unwavering diplomatic, moral and political support until their right to self-determination is realised.”

    “Let this Independence Day be a turning point in our history. Let us rise beyond our divisions and stand together for a Pakistan that is built on justice, equality, faith, and service to all. May Allah be our guide and supporter. Ameen!” he concluded.

    Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz called upon all political forces and citizens to unite in the spirit of 1947 and together build a strong and prosperous Pakistan for generations to come.

    “I extend my heartfelt felicitations to the nation on completion of 78 years of independence of Pakistan. I pay tribute to Father of the Nation, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and the Thinker of Pakistan, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, who along with other resolute leaders and workers of the Independence Movement united the nation under one vision, one mission and one goal [sic],” the premier said in a post on X.

    “The past 78 years tell a tale of resilience, strong faith and a hope of a bright future when as a nation, we braved several difficult challenges,” he added, linking the country’s endurance to its military success earlier this year. 

    “Pakistan’s historic victory in Marka-e-Haq during the four-day war imposed by India has not only reinforced the sanctity of our freedom, but has also instilled a renewed sense of ambition and national spirit in the hearts of our people, magnifying the pride and fervour of this Independence Day.”

    Praising the armed forces for reviving their past glory, he said that the forces “shattered the false pride of enemy by acting as a Bunyan-um-Marsoos – a solid fortified wall” and paid tribute to martyrs “who sacrificed their lives for the sake of our freedom”.

    Calling it “not merely a military conquest, but also the victory of the validation of the Two-Nation Theory”, PM Shehbaz vowed to “stand vigilant to defend and safeguard our national interests including water resources”.

  • Tragedy in Lower Dir: School teacher and Daughter Gunned Down by Unknown Assailants

    Tragedy in Lower Dir: School teacher and Daughter Gunned Down by Unknown Assailants

    A government schoolteacher and his young daughter were shot dead on their way to school in the Asbanr-Shorishing Khor area of Lower Dir. The incident took place early Tuesday morning when unidentified gunmen opened fire on the teacher and his daughter, killing both at the scene.

    The assailants fled immediately after the attack.

    Police arrived soon after the incident was reported. The area was cordoned off, and an initial investigation was launched. Law enforcement officials confirmed that both victims died on the spot from multiple gunshot wounds. Forensic teams have begun collecting evidence from the scene, and a search operation is underway to locate the attackers.

    While the motive remains unclear, residents are calling for swift justice and improved security for school staff and students. “This is not just a personal loss; it’s a blow to the entire community,” said one local resident, visibly shaken by the violence.

    The local education department has also condemned the incident, urging authorities to bring the culprits to justice and ensure educators and their families are protected

  • Viral video shows Atif Aslam helping young fan in cutest way

    Viral video shows Atif Aslam helping young fan in cutest way

    A video of Atif Aslam from the Sindh Governor House Independence Day concert is going viral, capturing a heartwarming exchange with a young fan.

    While singing “Tu Jaane Na,” the singer was approached on stage by a boy around five or six years old who wanted a selfie. The child’s phone appeared to be switched off, so Atif took it to help, only to find it locked. Kneeling down to the boy’s level, he smiled and asked, “Nahin khul raha, ab kya karein?”

    He then handed the phone to the boy’s mother so she could unlock it.

    The adorable clip has taken over social media, with fans calling the boy “the luckiest kid” and praising Atif’s warmth. Comments included: “Scene was epic, boy is very lucky for sure he didn’t even know how big a moment it was,” “Cutee,” and “This is the reason why I love him.”

    The viral moment happened during the Independence Day celebrations at the Sindh Governor House, where crowds began gathering as early as 7 pm to see one of Pakistan’s most popular singers. Despite a three-hour wait and a lengthy speech by Governor Kamran Tessori, the audience’s excitement never faded. Host Faizan Haq kept spirits high until Atif stepped on stage with his hit “Wo Lamhey,” setting off an electric atmosphere.

    He moved quickly through a playlist of crowd favourites, including “Tu Chahiye,” “Tera Honay Laga Hoon,” “Dil Diyan Gallan,” and “Jal Pari,” prompting loud sing-alongs. The show was briefly paused when crowding near the front caused discomfort for some attendees, with Atif halting the music until organisers addressed the situation.

    The event, part of the Maarka-i-Haq Independence Day celebrations, also featured performances by Kaifi Khalil and Ali Zafar, and drew thousands to the Governor House lawns for music, lights, and celebrations.

  • World record for longest fireworks display set at Sindh Governor House’s Independence Day celebration

    World record for longest fireworks display set at Sindh Governor House’s Independence Day celebration

    Sindh Governor House set a new world record with a one-hour 16-minute fireworks show during Independence Day celebrations in Karachi.

    The event featured a grand concert and other festivities, with Asia’s biggest stage set up inside the Governor House. Singers Kaifi Khalil, Ali Zafar, and Atif Aslam wowed the crowd with stellar performances, drawing a large crowd of citizens who enjoyed the dazzling lights and musical acts..

    According to reports citing the Governor House spokesperson, efforts were made to officially register the fireworks display with Guinness World Records, with foreign representatives present to witness the attempt.

    Speaking on the occasion, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori said the fireworks record was set to send a message to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, declaring, “We have shamed you before the world.” MQM-Pakistan leader Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui added, “We broke the world record in fireworks, and even India knows such a long display could turn into a volcano.”

  • Modi govt slammed after military leaders appear on gameshow to detail Pak-India conflict

    Modi govt slammed after military leaders appear on gameshow to detail Pak-India conflict

    Netizens have slammed India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after a promo ahead of the country’s Independence Day showed military officials appearing on the long-running gameshow Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) to propagate Indian version of the clash with Pakistan earlier this month.

    As per the details, the promo for KBC Season 17’s Independence Day Special, featuring India’s Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Commander Prerna Deosthalee, was released on Wednesday.

    While Pakistanis trolled India for attempting to spin the humiliation it faced as a result of Pakistani armed forces’ decisive response to cross-border aggression in May, the promo did not seem to sit well with Indians either.

    “Modi is so afraid of losing the narrative that he sends 3 uniformed military officers to a private channel to explain to a Bollywood spineless star why his ‘Operation Sindoor’ was planned against Pakistan. Modi shamelessly using army for his hate politic[s],” wrote Ashok Swai, a professor of peace and conflict research at Sweden’s Uppsala University.

    Another user asked about the professionalism of the Indian army as its officials chose a gameshow to explain the clashes. “How is this even allowed for someone in service? The current regime is shamelessly using our forces for its petty politics and hyper nationalism.”

    One of the users pointed out that the officers participated in the gameshow on a private entertainment channel in full uniform. “No serious country will permit this but then this is New India under Narendra Modi [sic],” they wrote.

    Another user called Indian premier Modi out for milking the army for political gains. “No low is too low for The Illegal Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Milking the army for political gains by sending army officers to a quiz show in their uniforms, to run the government propaganda,” they wrote.

    “In Modi times, everything is a spectacle. But why [a]r[e] we surprised… Op Sindoor was a spectacle,” wrote another.

    Indian journalist Sushant Singh said they must have changed the dress regulations of the three services to allow this.

    Another user said, “So Modi has ordered Army officers to go to a private channel, a private Quiz show in Uniform, so that he can get some brownie points for Operation Sindoor Unreal milking in the name of our forces. I am sure 99% officers would find this problematic [sic].”

  • Pakistan Idol reveals host for upcoming season

    Pakistan Idol reveals host for upcoming season

    The buzz around Pakistan’s biggest music competition, Pakistan Idol, is back in full swing. Fans were eager to know this season’s host, and now it’s confirmed: Syed Shafaat Ali, the king of humour, quick wit, and entertainment.

    Known for lighting up every stage, Shafaat turns every show into an unforgettable experience.

    Presented by MHL on Geo TV, the show has already seen a huge number of young people uploading their auditions. The judges have been announced earlier, adding to the excitement.

    Pakistan Idol first aired on Geo Entertainment from December 2013 to April 2014, ending with Zamad Baig winning the title in a finale that drew over a million votes. The judging panel included veteran actress Bushra Ansari, rock star Ali Azmat, and pop icon Hadiqa Kiani.

    Now it is back with an all-new panel that feels like a musical Avengers lineup: Fawad Khan, Zeb Bangash, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, and Bilal Maqsood.

    The reboot is led by Pakistani media company MHL Global in partnership with Fremantle. The new Pakistan Idol will be broadcast on five networks simultaneously, reportedly a first for any Idol franchise globally.

    “This platform will not only spotlight talent nationwide but elevate it to the global stage,” said Zoya Merchant, director at MHL, in a conversation with a foreign media outlet.

  • Shoaib Akhtar slams team in harsh words after loss to West Indies

    Shoaib Akhtar slams team in harsh words after loss to West Indies

    Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has launched a scathing attack on the national team following their crushing ODI series defeat to the West Indies.

    Speaking on state television after Pakistan’s loss in the third and deciding ODI, Akhtar questioned the role of white-ball head coach, Mike Hesson. “The New Zealand coach is good as a T20 coach but his approach in the ODI format is beyond understanding,” he said.

    Akhtar stressed that success in ODIs requires experienced players in every department. “You have to play tested players in batting, bowling and spin. If you do not include quality all-rounders and performers, you will not be able to complete 50 overs. You cannot just get by in this format,” he said.

    Placing the blame on policies rather than players, Akhtar remarked, “This result is the outcome of wrong decisions, not the fault of the players. On seaming pitches this will always happen. Now this rebuilding has been given a new name that we are making combinations.”

    In a sarcastic swipe at the team’s performance, he said, “Be thankful Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc were not here. Wherever such conditions exist, our players will be exposed.”

    West Indies claimed their first ODI series win over Pakistan in 34 years, breaking a streak of 10 consecutive series losses. Their last victory had come in November 1991 in Pakistan.

    In the decider, West Indies posted 294 for six in 50 overs, with captain Shai Hope scoring a brilliant 120. Justin Greaves made 43, Evin Lewis 37, and Roston Chase 36.

    Pakistan’s batting line collapsed in reply, with the entire team bundled out for just 92 runs in 29.2 overs. Captain Salman Ali Agha top-scored with 30, Mohammad Nawaz was unbeaten on 23, and Hasan Nawaz made 13. Opener Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Hasan Ali and Abrar Ahmed all went for ducks.

  • ‘Don’t argue with a toddler’s mother’; Zara Noor Abbas has heated exchange in restaurant

    ‘Don’t argue with a toddler’s mother’; Zara Noor Abbas has heated exchange in restaurant

    Actress Zara Noor Abbas recently shared a personal incident on her Instagram story, revealing how a dinner outing with her friends and toddler turned into an uncomfortable confrontation.

    According to Zara, she was at a family restaurant when her daughter’s excited screams seemed to bother three people seated at the next table. She recalled that one woman gave her a “dead stare” while a man tried to hush her child.

    “I sent my daughter to the side and stood up to ask if there was anything wrong,” she wrote. The group allegedly told her that her child was disturbing them and suggested she shouldn’t have brought her to the restaurant, adding that it was past the toddler’s bedtime and she should be taught “basic manners.”

    When Zara asked if they had children, they replied no. She explained to them that handling a toddler in public is not easy and her daughter was not misbehaving on purpose. Their response, according to Zara, was that she should get up and leave the restaurant whenever her child makes noise.

    The argument reportedly lasted around 15 minutes before the manager apologized to Zara and the group left. However, she expressed disappointment that no one from the crowd stepped in to support her despite it being a family restaurant.

    “Maybe this is exactly why we are dead as a community. We watch. We turn our heads. But we sit and eat until it’s our problem,” Zara wrote. She ended her note by reminding people without children to be mindful when visiting family restaurants and not to argue with mothers over “manners.”

  • ‘Yeh kis ka vision hai’: Fans angry after Pakistan suffer historic ODI series defeat to West Indies

    ‘Yeh kis ka vision hai’: Fans angry after Pakistan suffer historic ODI series defeat to West Indies

    Pakistan’s crushing 202-run loss to West Indies in the third and deciding ODI in Trinidad has sparked a storm of reactions online, with fans expressing anger, frustration, and even calling for Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to resign.

    Batting first, the West Indies scored 294 runs, while the national side collapsed to just 92 all out.

    Many pointed out that this was the West Indies’ first ODI series win over Pakistan in 34 years, making the defeat even harder for fans to accept.

    This was only the fourth time in the West Indies’ history that they have won an ODI by a margin of over 200 runs. The Caribbean side, which failed to qualify for the 2023 World Cup, sealed the series 2-1 with the thumping victory.

    Social media was flooded with scathing comments. One user wrote, “Pakistan lost an ODI series to West Indies after 34 years, whose vision is this???” Another remarked, “These people never cared and never will.”

    Some were blunt about the team’s form. “We see another disappointment from the Pakistan cricket team. They vanished in just 92 runs against a juniors West Indies team,” one fan posted. Another joked, “Pakistan cricket team is more washed than my life,” adding a laughing emoji.

    Others questioned the deeper issues. “Who is responsible for the worst downfall of Pakistan cricket?” one user asked, echoing a sentiment shared by many frustrated supporters.

    It merits mention that senior batters like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who have been struggling to deliver consistent performances for a long time, may face difficulties securing their spots in the playing XI if their poor form continues.