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Author: News Desk

  • Vaping comes under spotlight in Senate for intoxication risk

    Vaping comes under spotlight in Senate for intoxication risk

    The Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services was informed that vaping devices could be misused for drug intoxication and other substances as lawmakers reviewed a proposed law to regulate electronic nicotine delivery systems.

    The matter came under discussion during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination at Parliament House. The meeting was chaired by Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, with members examining a Private Member’s Bill titled “The Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (Regulation) Bill, 2025.”

    Officials from the Ministry of National Health Services briefed the committee on concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the use of vaping devices. They said the devices, if left unregulated, could potentially be used for drug intoxication and other substances.

    The committee was also informed that several countries have already introduced restrictions or regulatory frameworks for electronic nicotine delivery systems.

    During the meeting, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal told lawmakers that vaping had become common among teenagers and young people.

    “Vaping has become a fashion,” he said, adding that adolescents were often seen using the devices openly.

    The minister also informed the committee that Pakistan does not manufacture vaping products domestically and that foreign exchange is spent on their import.

    The discussion became tense when Senator Sarmad Ali raised concerns over the ministry’s response to the proposed legislation. He told the committee that the key objective of the bill was to prevent individuals under the age of 18 from using vaping devices and to limit their spread among children.

    “Eighteen years of age was the central point of legislation,” Senator Sarmad Ali said during the meeting.

    He added that he had worked with officials, including the Director General of Health, to address technical matters in the draft law.

    In response, the federal health minister said the government was open to considering different viewpoints on the legislation and would provide responses to the concerns raised by members.

    He also told the committee that countries had adopted different approaches to regulate vaping products and that Pakistan would also need to develop its own framework after consultations.

    Following the discussion, the committee decided that further consultations were required on the proposed legislation. Members directed the Ministry of National Health Services to incorporate the proposed amendments and present a detailed briefing at the next meeting.

  • Pakistan hockey captain thanks Mohsin Naqvi for support after three consecutive wins

    Pakistan hockey captain thanks Mohsin Naqvi for support after three consecutive wins

    Pakistani hockey captain Ammad Butt has thanked Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi for supporting the team after it secured three consecutive wins in the ongoing Hockey World Cup qualifiers.

    Speaking to a reporter after the pool stage, the Pakistani captain praised his teammates for their performance and credited the management for backing the players.

    “In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. We won all three matches in the pool stage. I believe my team performed really well, and I give all the credit to my players. Alhamdulillah, we have qualified for the semi-final,” he said.

    Butt said the upcoming semi-final will be crucial for Pakistan as it will decide their chances of reaching the Hockey World Cup.

    “The semi-final is a very important match for us because it is a knockout game. Winning it is very necessary for our team because we want to qualify for the World Cup and present this achievement as a gift to our country,” he added.

    The captain also appreciated support from authorities and said that the players received proper facilities during the tournament.

    “I would like to thank Mohsin Naqvi for fully supporting Pakistan hockey. I also thank the Government of Pakistan for listening to our concerns and addressing the issues that existed before. The players have been facilitated in the best possible way, and the boys have performed with full dedication,” he said.

    Butt also praised the new coaching staff and management working with the team. He said the staff continues to guide the players in the right direction as they aim to qualify for the World Cup.

    Meanwhile, Pakistan continued their impressive run in the qualifiers with a victory over Austria. Pakistan defeated Austria 4-2 in the ongoing tournament in Ismailia, Egypt, to secure their third consecutive win.

    Pakistan held a 2-0 lead by the end of the third quarter before adding two more goals in the final quarter to seal the match. Abu Bakar scored two goals for Pakistan, while Azfar and Sufyan Khan added one goal each.

    Pakistan will now play the semi-final on Friday. A win in the match will secure direct qualification for the Hockey World Cup.

    The Green Shirts also have a chance to return to the World Cup after eight years. Pakistan last played in the tournament in 2018.

    The team’s recent success comes after a period of controversy last month.

    Upon returning from the Australia tour earlier this year, Butt accused the Pakistan Hockey Federation and team management of lying to players, suppressing their voices, and subjecting them to demeaning living conditions.

    Following the controversy, Mir Tariq Hussain Bugti resigned as PHF president. The players then met with Mohsin Naqvi, who assured them of his support, and awarded each player one million rupees.

  • ‘Dropped or rested, we need clarity’: Mohammad Amir questions Babar exclusion from Bangladesh squad

    ‘Dropped or rested, we need clarity’: Mohammad Amir questions Babar exclusion from Bangladesh squad

    Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has raised questions over the exclusion of Babar Azam and Saim Ayub from Pakistan’s ODI squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh.

    Speaking on a television show, Amir said that the selectors must clarify whether the two players were dropped due to performance or rested from the format.

    “Did you drop Saim and Babar from ODI cricket because of their T20 performances, or have you given them rest from ODI cricket? That is the first question,” Amir said.

    He also questioned how the players would return to the team if they had been dropped on performance.

    “If they were dropped because of performance, then which ODI cricket will they play for a comeback? That is the second question,” he added.

    Amir further asked whether the newly selected players would form the core of Pakistan’s squad for the next ODI World Cup.

    “Eight months remain until the ODI World Cup. Will these same players who have been selected for the Bangladesh series play the World Cup? And if these players fail to perform, will the ones who were dropped return to the team? We need clarity,” he said.

    Ahmed Shehzad also questioned the decision and asked whether Babar Azam was consulted before his omission.

    “Did you take Babar into confidence before dropping him? Tell us the reason as well. If he has caused damage to Pakistan cricket, then say it clearly. If that is not the case, then he does not deserve this treatment,” Shehzad said.

    He added that Babar remains Pakistan’s best batter in the longer formats of the game.

    “He should be in the team because he is your best batter. You do not have a better batter than him in ODI and red-ball cricket,” he said.

    The debate began after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 15-member squad for the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh. The board did not provide a clear explanation regarding Babar Azam and Saim Ayub’s absence from the squad.

    Six uncapped players received their first call-ups in the ODI format, signalling a major shake-up in the side.

    Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the team in the series.

    Among the new names, Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Saad Masood and Shamyl Hussain recently represented Pakistan Shaheens during their series against England Lions in Abu Dhabi.

    Pakistan squad includes Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha and Shamyl Hussain.

    Pakistan will arrive in Bangladesh on March 8 and hold a practice session on March 10.

    The three-match ODI series will begin on March 11 at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. The second ODI will take place on March 13 at the same venue, while the third and final match will be played on March 15.

  • ‘I need Pathan workers, don’t trust Punjabi and Urdu-speaking people’: Saheefa Jabbar faces backlash on hiring preference for new cafe

    ‘I need Pathan workers, don’t trust Punjabi and Urdu-speaking people’: Saheefa Jabbar faces backlash on hiring preference for new cafe

    Model Saheefa Jabbar Khattak has come under heavy criticism on social media after controversial remarks about hiring staff for her newly launched cafe.

    In a video shared on social media, Saheefa spoke about the problems she faces while recruiting employees. She questioned the attitude of people applying for work and said many of them do not stay for long. 

    “Who are these people who come only to work for one or two hours? I honestly do not understand what is happening in this country. My five old staff members have stayed, but the new ones who keep coming, I do not even know what kind of fancy place they are looking for,” she said.

    She added that she wanted honest and committed workers and then made a statement that sparked widespread backlash. 

    “I need honest people. This time, I want Pathan boys because I believe they are true to their word. I do not trust Punjabi and Urdu-speaking people anymore,” she said.

    Saheefa did not explain what led her to make this claim.

    She also shared specific requirements for her cafe staff and said she needed people who were serious about work. “I need good staff and genuinely nice people. I need helpers in the kitchen who can do cutting and dicing properly,” she said.

    She further urged people not to approach her business for online attention. 

    “Please, only serious and decent people should come. Many are coming just to go viral after watching these videos. They think they will appear in videos and that is it,” she added.

    Her remarks quickly triggered strong reactions online. 

    Many users accused her of stereotyping and discrimination. One social media user commented, “Five fingers are not the same. Why make such a statement?” 

    Another wrote, “She has opened a new restaurant and wants attention.” 

    Several others criticised her for speaking against Punjabi and Urdu-speaking communities, calling the remarks unfair and divisive.

    Saheefa Jabbar Khattak began her career as a fashion model and later moved into acting. She gained recognition for her performances in television dramas such as Beti, Bhool, Log Kya Kahengay, Rafta Rafta and Bhool Ja Ay Dil.

  • Iran launches another 40 missiles at US, Israeli targets as Middle East tensions escalate

    Iran launches another 40 missiles at US, Israeli targets as Middle East tensions escalate

    Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) launched more than 40 missiles at US and Israeli targets on Wednesday, intensifying hostilities in the Middle East. “Several hours ago, the 17th wave of operation Honest Promise 4 was conducted with the launch of 40 missiles by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ aerospace forces, towards American and Zionist targets,” a statement broadcast on state television said.

    The Guards also claimed full control over the Strait of Hormuz, warning that vessels passing through the strategic waterway risk damage from missiles or stray drones.


    Israel confirmed ongoing strikes against missile launchers in Iran. Military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said, “We have destroyed dozens of missile launchers that posed significant threats to the Israeli front. We will continue to strike the missile launchers and reduce the firing, but the regime still has significant capacity, and I would like to remind you that our defence is not impenetrable.”

    Air raid sirens sounded across Israel, including in occupied Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, after missiles were launched from Iran. Residents were instructed to seek shelter, though the alerts were lifted within minutes and no casualties were reported. 

    Israel’s emergency medical service, Magen David Adom, confirmed no immediate injuries.

    Regional militaries reported heightened alert. Kuwait detected inbound missiles and drones and said it was intercepting them, while Qatar said its defence systems neutralised incoming missiles. The United Arab Emirates reported responding to ballistic missile threats, and Saudi Arabia confirmed drones struck the US embassy compound in Riyadh, causing material damage.

    International responses included statements from the European Commission, which said it was “ready to defend EU interests” after US President Donald Trump threatened to penalize Spain for refusing US access to bases for attacks on Iran. 

    Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said, “The position of the government of Spain can be summed up in four words: no to war.” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described the strikes as “not consistent or to be inconsistent with international law,” and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said French Rafale jets had neutralised Iranian drones targeting UAE bases.

    Iranian officials reiterated their stance. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on X that US President Donald Trump has “betrayed diplomacy and Americans who elected him”. Previously he said that United States had entered “a war of choice on behalf of Israel” and held Washington responsible for casualties on both sides.

    Senior aide to Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Mohammad Mokhber, said Iran had no intention of negotiating with the United States and could continue operations as long as necessary.

    The conflict follows joint US-Israeli strikes launched on Saturday, which Iranian media assassinated Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Since then, Iran has carried out missile and drone attacks on US-linked targets in the Gulf. The US Central Command said more than 1,250 targets, including missile sites, naval vessels, and command centres, have been struck in the past 48 hours, with six US service members killed. The US State Department has urged Americans to leave 15 Middle Eastern countries, while Canada advised citizens to depart the UAE.

  • Babar Azam dropped from Pakistan’s 15-member ODI squad for Bangladesh series

    Babar Azam dropped from Pakistan’s 15-member ODI squad for Bangladesh series

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the names included in the 15-member ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against Bangladesh, scheduled to run from March 11 to 15 in Dhaka.

    All three matches will take place at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. Pakistan will arrive in Bangladesh on March 8 and hold a practice session on March 10.

    The squad features significant changes. Senior batters Babar Azam and Saim Ayub have been dropped, while six uncapped players have earned their first ODI call-ups.

    Left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue as captain. 

    Among the new faces, Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Saad Masood and Shamyl Hussain recently represented Pakistan Shaheens in the series against England Lions in Abu Dhabi.

    Pakistan ODI squad vs Bangladesh:

    Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha and Shamyl Hussain.

    Pakistan will arrive in Bangladesh on March 8, followed by a practice session on March 10. The three-match ODI series will begin on March 11 at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. The second ODI will be played on March 13 at the same venue, while the third and final match of the series is scheduled for March 15.

  • Macron warns Israel against ground invasion of Lebanon as conflict spreads

    Macron warns Israel against ground invasion of Lebanon as conflict spreads

    French President Emmanuel Macron warned Israel against launching a ground invasion of Lebanon as the country started moving into Lebanese territory. 

    Macron said in a televised address that recent events marked a dangerous expansion of the conflict and called on all parties to respect sovereignty. 


    “In recent hours, the war has spread to Lebanon, from where Hezbollah — in a grave mistake — attacked Israel and put the Lebanese people at risk,” Macron said. He added that reports of an Israeli ground operation would represent a “dangerous escalation and a strategic error”.

    He urged Hezbollah to cease its attacks immediately and called on Israel to respect Lebanese territory and its integrity. 


    Macron’s comments came as Israeli troops began illegal operations in southern Lebanon after Hezbollah fired rockets and drones into northern Israel, in response to the war in Iran.


    The spillover into Lebanon followed heightened hostilities linked to the broader conflict involving the United States (US), Israel and Iran. 


    Hezbollah’s attacks along the Israel–Lebanon border triggered retaliatory strikes by Israel across southern Lebanon and around Beirut’s southern suburbs. Lebanese health authorities reported casualties including civilians amid the exchanges. 


    Israeli forces have moved ground troops near the Lebanese frontier and issued evacuation orders for villages close to the border. The Lebanese government and UN peacekeepers reported temporary Israeli incursions into Lebanese territory, while Hezbollah declared it was ready for “open war.” 


    Macron stressed France’s support for Lebanese sovereignty and called for restraint from all parties. He also announced deployments of French defence assets to the region in support of allied countries facing attacks.

  • Ghazab lil-Haq update: 464 Taliban killed, Bagram airbase targeted

    Ghazab lil-Haq update: 464 Taliban killed, Bagram airbase targeted

    As Pakistan continues with Operation Ghazal lil-Haq in response to cross-border terror attacks from Afghanistan, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has shared an update, revealing that as of Tuesday evening, 464 Afghan Taliban fighters had been killed and over 665 were injured. 

    In a statement, he said that 188 check posts had so far been destroyed, 31 posts captured, 192 tanks, armoured vehicles and artillery guns destroyed, and 56 locations inside Afghanistan effectively targeted in airstrikes.

    Meanwhile, reports quoted security sources as saying that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) had also also struck the Bagram airbase.

    Citing a report issued by the Afghan defence ministry, it was claimed by media outlets that Black Hawk helicopters, a Hercules cargo aircraft, a Tucano aircraft, armoured vehicles and other military equipment were destroyed in the strike.

    It may be noted that the escalation follows months of clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

    Earlier, Pakistan conducted airstrikes inside Afghanistan, targeting camps linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State Khorasan after a series of attacks inside Pakistan, including a suicide bombing in Islamabad. Security officials said more than 80 militants were killed during said strikes.

    The strikes were followed by attacks along the border from Afghan territory, prompting further exchanges and the launch of the ongoing operation.

  • US orders non-emergency consulate staff to leave Pakistan

    US orders non-emergency consulate staff to leave Pakistan

    The United States (US) State Department has instructed non-emergency personnel and their families at its consulates in Karachi and Lahore to leave Pakistan.

    “The Department of State ordered non-emergency US government employees and the family members of US government personnel from US Consulates Lahore and Karachi to leave Pakistan due to safety risks,” the US Mission in Pakistan said in a statement on Wednesday. 

    The advisory clarified that operations at the US Embassy in Islamabad remain unchanged.

    While Pakistan also hosts a US consulate in Peshawar, the advisory did not mention its status.

    It merits a mention that the directive follows a deadly protest outside the US Consulate in Karachi, and violent clashes between pro-Iran protesters and law enforcement outside the Lahore consulate.

    On March 1, 11 people were killed and dozens injured when demonstrators stormed the US Consulate in Karachi to protest US-Israeli attacks on Iran and the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

    Two US officials reported that Marines opened fire when protesters breached the consulate’s outer wall.

    While security operations at US missions in Pakistan are typically handled by private contractors and local law enforcement, the deployment of Marines during the Karachi incident highlights the level of threat assessed by the consulate.

    While reports of violence were also received from Islamabad the same day, protesters in Lahore attempted to enter the US Consulate, but police were able to contain the crowd.

    Following the events, the US Mission noted that the consulate in Peshawar had temporarily suspended operations. “The US Embassy in Islamabad will continue to provide all routine or emergency consular services for US citizens,” the statement added, noting that normal operations were set to resume on March 3.

    In Karachi, roads leading to the consulate have been blocked, with a heavy police presence, a measure mirrored at US missions in Lahore and Islamabad.

    While all appointments for US visas and American Citizen Services stand cancelled, similar instructions have also been issued for US personnel in several countries, including Jordan, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Cyprus, according to posts by the State Department on X.

  • Kanwal Farooq reveals she ran away from home a day before her wedding

    Kanwal Farooq reveals she ran away from home a day before her wedding

    Social media influencer and Tamasha Season 4 contestant Kanwal Farooq has revealed that she once fled from home the day before her marriage. 

    The revelation came up during a recent television appearance when she was asked about parental pressure regarding marriage.

    Kanwal said she agreed to the wedding to make her parents happy, but she could not go through with it at the last moment. 

    “I once ran away from home the day before my marriage,” she said. “My parents, with love, told me that I have to get married. I said, ‘Okay.’ After shopping and preparations, the day before the wedding, I ran away.”

    When the host asked if invitation cards had already been sent to guests, Kanwal said, “Allah saved my honour. Even my parents had their doubts; they hadn’t invited anyone yet. They had only called a few people, saying that the nikah would happen soon, but they were suspicious about their daughter.”

    She was also asked why she did not tell her parents earlier that she did not want to marry. Kanwal replied, “Actually, they were happy, so I thought, ‘Let them be a little happy.’”

    The host then asked about the groom who must have been left waiting. Kanwal replied, “That’s their business. I’m not the first bride to do something like this.”

    Kanwal however clarified that she did not run away with anyone else. “No one else was involved, and I didn’t want anyone else,” she said.

    Kanwal Farooq competed in Tamasha Season 4 where she became one of the finalists and remained in the Tamasha house until day 61, before being eliminated. The season was won by singer and musician Saif Ali Khan, with Yaseen Ali finishing as runner‑up and Sarah Neelum in second runner‑up position.