Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • Protest erupts in Islamabad over mosque demolition

    Protest erupts in Islamabad over mosque demolition

    Many religious groups, including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F), joined hands on Monday to protest against the demolition of a mosque in Islamabad.

    The Madni-Mosque, located near Rawal Dam Chowk in the federal capital, was demolished on Saturday night, while the Capital Development Authority (CDA) planted tree saplings at the site, which were later uprooted by protesters. 

    JUI-F Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Naeema Kishwar, also submitted a resolution condemning the demolition of the mosque.

    Addressing the protesters, JUI-F Islamabad chapter Emir Mufti Owais Aziz announced that legal proceedings would be initiated against the demolition of the mosque, adding that the government was planning to raze 50 mosques in Islamabad and vowed to resist the move.

    “If the police refuse to register the case, we will consider them enemies of Islam,” Aziz threatened, noting that razing mosques overnight was an act of hostility towards Islam.

    He alleged that the Frontier Corps (FC) was illegally occupying greenbelts along Embassy Road and Margalla Road. “While mosques are being demolished in the name of beautification, no action was taken against the illegal occupation by FC on these prime roads,” he said.

    As tensions rose, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, accompanied by the Islamabad commissioner, inspector general of police, and deputy commissioner, met on Sunday night with a group of clerics headed by Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidari. 

    In a statement, Chaudhry said the madrassa located on Murree Road was relocated with the consent of its administration. “A modern-style facility has been constructed on the new site at a cost of Rs40 million, which provides high-quality accommodation, meals and religious education to around 200 students,” he added.

  • Lahore gang busted for looting citizens through fake ride-hailing apps

    Lahore gang busted for looting citizens through fake ride-hailing apps

    Lahore police on Tuesday claimed to have busted a gang involved in looting citizens through online taxi apps and arrested four of its members, according to media reports.

    Quoting a police handout, reports said the gang had been operating by using fake ride-hailing apps to target passengers. In one recent incident, a citizen was robbed of valuables worth millions of rupees after booking a ride on Jail Road, Lahore. The driver fled with the victim’s belongings.

    The victim immediately contacted Police Helpline 15. A virtual patrolling officer at the Punjab Safe Cities Authority traced the suspects’ vehicle using advanced surveillance cameras and AI-powered tracking systems. The information was shared with Lahore police, who moved in and arrested the suspects.

    Police recovered vehicles, luxury items, weapons, and more than 200 SIM cards from the gang. Initial investigations revealed the suspects had been posing as drivers through fake taxi apps to defraud citizens.

    Authorities have urged the public to use only authentic and reliable platforms when booking online rides to avoid falling victim to such crimes.

  • PSB questions missing Rs120 million in charge sheet against PHF president

    PSB questions missing Rs120 million in charge sheet against PHF president

    The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has issued a charge sheet against Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Tariq Bugti, giving him seven days to address seven concerns.

    The board reportedly requested details concerning a bank account six months ago, but the PHF has yet to provide the information. According to media reports, the PSB has now warned in a letter that if no reply is submitted within the deadline, the matter will be forwarded to the PHF’s patron-in-chief, the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

    The PSB also questioned why elections for the PHF presidency have not been held. It further reminded Bugti that when he was appointed, his primary responsibility was to conduct elections and complete the scrutiny process. The board further demanded a detailed breakdown of the PKR 120 million provided to the PHF over the past year.

    Additionally, the PSB has asked the PHF to submit a complete record of perks, privileges, and expenditures mentioned in its audit report.

  • Hasan Raheem ties the knot in a traditional Gilgit-Baltistan celebration

    Hasan Raheem ties the knot in a traditional Gilgit-Baltistan celebration

    Pakistani singer, songwriter, and rapper Hasan Raheem, known for his effortlessly cool R&B and hip-hop style, has entered a new chapter in his life: marriage.

    Belonging to a Shina family from Gilgit in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, Hasan celebrated his big day in a heartwarming ceremony that beautifully reflected the rich traditions of his homeland.

    On his wedding day, he embraced local heritage, wearing an ivory shalwar kameez paired with the traditional Gilgit cap, adorned with a feather, and an ivory shawl — a look symbolizing pride and cultural identity. The atmosphere was filled with music, laughter, and dancing as friends and family joined in the celebrations.

    What usually happens in a traditional Gilgit-Baltistan wedding


    Weddings in Gilgit-Baltistan are vibrant, multi-day events that blend cultural rituals with joyous festivities. Celebrations often begin with dhol and dance processions, as well as community gatherings where relatives and neighbors actively take part in the preparations.

    Engagements are a family affair, where elders play a central role in formalizing the match. In some cases, the couple may not meet in person before the wedding, instead communicating through family arrangements, photographs, or occasional phone conversations.

    Brides traditionally wear heavily embroidered dresses in bright colors, paired with ornate jewelry and the region’s distinctive headpieces decorated with beads and silver ornaments. Grooms usually wear a crisp white or ivory shalwar kameez, sometimes with a waistcoat, along with the traditional cap, which is often decorated with a feather as a sign of festivity and pride.

    This isn’t the first time fans have seen Hasan as a dulha, but this time, it’s the real deal. The singer kept the celebration private, choosing not to share official photos, but moments from the nikkah still found their way onto social media.

    Just a few months ago, Hasan had playfully “announced” his marriage in an Instagram post, which later turned out to be part of a music video project. That lighthearted stunt left fans guessing, and when news of his actual wedding surfaced, reactions ranged from disbelief to cheeky banter.

    One fan joked, “Guys, it’s AI .” Another teased, “Koi baat nahi girlies, better luck next time.” Others asked, “Is this real this time??” and “Prank hai guys, prank.”

    Back in April, the singer had posted a picture sitting beside a woman in a stunning purple outfit, her face turned away from the camera, while he wore a tea-pink kurta shalwar, creating a soft, intimate wedding vibe. He captioned it with a privacy request, warning against sharing any images or videos from “our wedding.”

    A month later, in May, the Peechay Hutt hitmaker revealed it was all part of the promotional campaign for his song MEMORIES featuring Justin Bibis, even joking in a video, “Abhi bhi kunwara hun .”

  • Did Imran Khan’s son say he was looking to Israel for his father’s release

    Did Imran Khan’s son say he was looking to Israel for his father’s release

    A claim circulating on social media states that Kasim Khan, one of the two sons of the incarcerated founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan, in a recent interview with a US-based news channel Real America’s Voice (RAV), stated that he was looking towards Israel to secure his father’s release from prison.

    Claim


    A social media user posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) on July 30 with the caption, “Kasim Goldsmith has said that my father Imran Khan made a mistake by demanding freedom from America. We are ashamed of this. Our eyes are towards Israel now. My father has done a lot for Israel and now they should help us too (sic).”

    Similar claims can be seen here, here and here.

    Fact


    The 39-second video clip featuring Kasim, which was shared online, did not mention Israel. In the video, Imran Khan’s son can be heard clearly saying that “we are looking to America at the moment” for support for his jailed father.

    He added that a lot of people in the United States have expressed “concern” about his father’s cases, adding, “It seems like it might be the only route out at the moment.”

    Kasim’s response followed the interviewee’s question: “Who are some of Imran Khan’s allies, either in Pakistan or across the globe, who can help secure Imran Khan’s release from jail?”

    Verdict: The clip has been misrepresented. Kasim Khan did not say he was looking to Israel for his father’s release.

  • Man who snatched woman’s gold earrings in viral video, killed in police encounter

    Man who snatched woman’s gold earrings in viral video, killed in police encounter

    Police in Lahore’s Manawan area shot dead Fraasat Ali, the main suspect in a case involving the snatching of earrings from an elderly woman, along with his accomplice, Jon Shah, during an encounter. 

    Both men were wanted in connection with multiple serious criminal cases.

    According to reports, the CCD Cantt team made efforts to arrest the suspects when they opened fire on officers. SHO Atif Zulfiqar survived after bullets struck his bulletproof vest.

    A few days earlier, Fraasat Ali snatched earrings from an elderly woman in Ghaziabad and fled. After the video of the incident went viral, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ordered their arrest.

    Reports citing CCD stated both suspects had long criminal records and police wanted them for multiple incidents in Lahore and other areas.

  • Madonna urges Pope Leo to visit Gaza

    Madonna urges Pope Leo to visit Gaza

    Pop star Madonna has appealed to Pope Leo to visit Gaza as soon as possible, stating that children are the worst affected by ongoing Israeli attacks.

    In a message shared on Instagram, Madonna wrote, “As a mother, I cannot bear to watch their suffering. The children of the world belong to everyone, and you are the only one of us who cannot be denied entry.”

    She added, “The humanitarian gates must be opened to save innocent and helpless children because there is very little time left.”

    The singer further stated, “Politics cannot solve problems. Only consciousness can bring change. Therefore, I am requesting help from Pope Leo.”

    Madonna said that on her son Rocco’s birthday, she considered “the greatest gift” to be urging everyone to help the children of Gaza, “who are the most affected in this war.”

    Tagging international organizations, she urged those willing to help to donate to aid groups, adding, “I cannot watch Gaza’s children die of hunger.”

    Under the ongoing Israeli genocide against Palestinians, humanitarian aid is unable to reach Gaza, leaving innocent children and people dying of hunger.

    The United Nations and the World Health Organization have strongly condemned the situation in Gaza, warning that famine and starvation are imminent. They reported that hundreds of people, including many children, have already lost their lives due to hunger.

  • Indian boy accidentally gets RCB captain’s old phone number, receives calls from Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers

    Indian boy accidentally gets RCB captain’s old phone number, receives calls from Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers

    A routine SIM card purchase turned into an unexpected adventure for a young man from Gariaband, who discovered he had been given the old phone number of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar, and soon found himself receiving calls from Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and other cricketers.

    According to Indian media, 21-year-old Manish Basi bought a SIM card from a small mobile store in Devbhog at the end of June. While setting up his WhatsApp account, his friend noticed that the profile picture was of Rajat Patidar, but they did not pay much attention to it. Soon after, Manish began receiving calls from people claiming to be Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Yash Dayal, and other RCB players.

    This continued for two weeks until Patidar realised he could not access his WhatsApp account and filed a complaint with the Madhya Pradesh cyber cell. Investigations revealed that, under company policy, many inactive accounts for six months had been reassigned to a new customer. Police later returned the number to Patidar.

    Patidar, who recently led RCB to their first-ever IPL title, is a prominent batsman from Madhya Pradesh.

  • India harasses Pakistani diplomats, orders four to vacate homes

    India harasses Pakistani diplomats, orders four to vacate homes

    Diplomats at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are reportedly facing harassment in the host country, with basic utilities and services to their residences being disrupted.

    According to media reports published on Tuesday, four Pakistani diplomats living in rented private residences in India have been issued notices to vacate their homes. 

    The extension of Indian visas for 17 staff members, including diplomats, is also pending in the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. Three to five months ago, a request was made to New Delhi for the extension of visas for Pakistani officials.

    Pakistani diplomats are under constant watch, and their home gas and internet services are being cut off from time to time, according to reports.

    The water supply to the Commission in New Delhi has reportedly been cut off, while the delivery of Indian newspapers to the commission has also been barred for a month and a half. Meanwhile, the PHC has informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs authorities.

    Relations between both countries deteriorated following the April 22 attack in Pahalgam in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which killed 26 people, leading to a military confrontation between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

    In May this year, the Indian government declared two Pakistani officials posted at PHC in New Delhi persona non grata, accusing them of “activities not in keeping with their official status.”

    In response, Pakistan had declared a staff member of the Indian High Commission (IHC) in Islamabad persona non grata, directing the diplomat to leave the country within 24 hours.

  • Pakistan’s warming ties with US unsettle India, says Financial Times

    Pakistan’s warming ties with US unsettle India, says Financial Times

    Recent diplomatic engagement by Pakistan with the United States (US) President Donald Trump’s administration has signalled an unexpected thaw in Washington-Islamabad ties, eliciting a strong reaction from India, the Financial Times (FT) reported on Monday.

    Describing the improved relations between Islamabad and Washington DC as an “unexpected resurgence”, the newspaper said that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal General Asim Munir has twice been received in high-level settings in the US this summer, most recently in Florida, where he attended the retirement ceremony of Gen Michael Kurilla, head of US Central Command.

    According to the FT, a month after the Pakistan and India clashes, Asim Munir met with US President Trump in June for a two-hour private lunch; the meeting was particularly notable as Trump had previously been openly critical of Pakistan.

    “What’s happening in US-Pakistan relations is a surprise. I would describe the relationship now as one that’s enjoying an unexpected resurgence, even a renaissance. Pakistan has very successfully understood how to engage with such an unconventional president,” the newspaper quoted Michael Kugelman, a non-resident senior fellow at the Asia Pacific Foundation, as saying.

    Attributing the change in tone to a diplomatic strategy by senior Pakistani officials, combining counterterrorism cooperation, outreach to individuals in Trump’s business network, and agreements involving energy, mineral resources, and cryptocurrency, the FT said that the moves were accompanied by positive messaging towards the White House.

    Citing the transfer of an Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K) suspect, Sharifullah, to the US from Pakistan, the report declared the move a key development between both countries. The suspect is alleged to have masterminded the Abbey Gate attack at Kabul airport in August 2021, killing at least 170 Afghans alongside 13 US service members.


    When the suspect was being transferred to the US, Trump praised Pakistan for the arrest in his State of the Union address.

    The newspaper also detailed an April agreement between World Liberty Financial, a Trump-backed cryptocurrency initiative, and Pakistan’s crypto council. One of the venture’s co-founders remarked during a visit to Pakistan on the scale of the country’s mineral resources.

    The FT noted that India responded with “deep irritation” to the improving relations, especially since US tariffs on Indian goods were raised to 50 percent, while Pakistan faced a lower rate of 19 percent.

    Trump’s reiteration that he brokered a ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India in May was lauded by Islamabad; conversely, New Delhi emphasized that the agreement had been reached through direct channels between the Director General Military Operations (DGMO) of both countries.