Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • Teen jumps into Jhelum after failing exam; brother also drowns trying to save him

    Teen jumps into Jhelum after failing exam; brother also drowns trying to save him

    Two brothers drowned in the Jhelum River on Wednesday after jumping in one after the other in Chakothi, Azad Kashmir.

    The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. in Dharang village, located on the right bank of the river in the Chakothi sector of Jhelum Valley district, near the Line of Control.

    According to initial reports, 16-year-old Kashif, son of Mohammad Yaqoob, became deeply distressed after failing several subjects in his matriculation exams. Overcome with despair, he leapt into the river near a newly installed chairlift.

    According to witnesses, the older brother, Waqas Yaqoob, a 25-year-old army soldier, who was home on vacation, immediately jumped in to save him.

    Unfortunately, both were swept away within moments by the river’s powerful current, leaving bystanders helpless.

    Local volunteers and Rescue 1122 teams rushed to the scene and began searching the river at various points.

    However, by sunset, there was still no sign of the siblings, as the strong current and high water had carried them away.

    The incident marks the second such tragedy in the Jhelum Valley district this month.

    On July 15, a schoolteacher from Sawan village, Umar Uzair, ended his life by jumping into the Jhelum River. His body was recovered four days later, roughly ten kilometres downstream.

  • ‘Why aren’t we talking about what matters?’: Saheefa Jabbar slams drama industry over ‘fake glamour’

    ‘Why aren’t we talking about what matters?’: Saheefa Jabbar slams drama industry over ‘fake glamour’

    Model Saheefa Jabbar Khattak has spoken out about the harsh realities of Pakistan’s drama industry in an Instagram post.

    From unfair working conditions to meaningless storylines, she revealed what really goes on behind the scenes in a detailed carousel post. Saheefa criticised drama makers for prioritising glamour over real issues.

    She wrote, “I always had work, more than enough, actually. But I didn’t say yes to everything. There were projects I simply didn’t believe in.”

    Out of all her projects, she said she only chose to work in two dramas, Beti and Bhool, because they conveyed real messages.

    She added, “It’s rare that a drama is taken seriously during production. Most scripts aren’t treated with the depth they deserve… As long as we’re making dramas just to sell, we will keep losing our purpose, our integrity and the real stories that need to be told.”

    She also questioned the over-the-top styling of characters, saying, “Hire professional stylists and artists who actually understand how to dress a character according to the story, class and culture. We need realism, not fantasy.”

    She urged drama creators to focus on important topics and stories rooted in real-life issues.

    “Why not turn to documentaries? We have endless stories around us, just take a walk outside Data Darbar and see the heroin addicts no one talks about, or the child abuse ring in Kasur. These are the stories we need to show, stories that wake us up instead of numbing us,” she wrote.

    She also called out the poor treatment of actors on set, including delayed payments, long working hours, and lack of proper facilities.

    “Let’s talk about how production houses delay payments for months… There is no structure, no contracts that are honoured, no sense of responsibility,” she wrote.

    She revealed, “There are sets where we don’t have clean bathrooms… Most of the time, there’s one shared room for the entire cast, where everyone is eating, changing, doing makeup, trying to sleep, all in one place, with no consideration for gender or personal space.”

    Saheefa also criticised the toxic culture on sets.

    She wrote, “If you show up on time, stay in your zone, and focus on your work, you’re ‘difficult’. But if you throw tantrums, come late, act like a diva, you’re seen as ‘worth it’.”

    Saheefa concluded her post with a question: “Why aren’t we talking about what matters?”

    Her honest words come at a time when several Pakistani actors, including Marina Khan, Syed Mohammed Ahmed, Alizeh Shah, Ramsha Khan, and Khushhal Khan, have also spoken out about industry issues such as delayed payments and a lack of professionalism.

  • Army major, sepoy martyred; three terrorists killed in Mastung anti-terror operation

    Army major, sepoy martyred; three terrorists killed in Mastung anti-terror operation

    A Pakistan Army major and sepoy were martyred during an operation in Balochistan’s Mastung district, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement issued on Thursday.

    In a statement, the ISPR said the incident took place on Wednesday when the security Forces were conducting an Intelligence-Based Operation (IBO) in the district, on the reported presence of terrorists belonging to the Indian proxy Fitna al-Hindustan.

    During the conduct of the operation, the Pakistani troops effectively engaged the terrorists’ location and as a result, three terrorists were sent to hell, the military’s media wing said.

    However, during the intense fire exchange, Major Zeeyyad Salim Awal, 31, a resident of Khushab, a brave officer who was leading his troops from the front, fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat.

    The military statement further said that apart from the major, another brave son of the soil, Sepoy Nazam Hussain, 22, a resident of Jhelum district, embraced martyrdom.

    “A sanitisation operation is being conducted to eliminate any other Indian-sponsored terrorists found in the area,” the ISPR statement read.

    The security forces of Pakistan, it said, are determined to wipe out the menace of Indian-sponsored terrorism from the country, and such sacrifices of our brave men further strengthen our resolve.

  • PTA warns public against fake courier messages seeking verification codes

    PTA warns public against fake courier messages seeking verification codes

    The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a warning to the public about fraudulent messages impersonating delivery services and requesting verification codes from recipients. 

    The Authority indicated that numerous individuals have reported receiving text messages or alerts via messaging apps that appear to be from courier companies. These messages urge users to input or share codes, which could be exploited for unauthorized access to personal accounts. 

    PTA emphasized that legitimate courier companies do not require customers to provide any verification codes for parcel deliveries. “Do not disclose any codes received through SMS or messaging apps, as they may be exploited for illegal access,” the Authority remarked.

    The regulator recommended that the public confirm such messages by directly contacting the courier service before responding. It also encouraged citizens to report any suspicious behaviors to the appropriate authorities.

    Additionally, the PTA reminded users to routinely check their digital privacy settings and to refrain from clicking on links included in such messages, as they could direct to phishing sites or lead to unauthorized gathering of personal information.

    In its announcement, the Authority stated that it is actively working to safeguard consumers from online fraud and has been releasing public awareness notices about cybercrime threats.

    Similar alerts have also been issued by banks, advising customers against sharing one-time passwords or verification codes with anyone claiming to represent financial institutions.

    The PTA urged the public to remain vigilant and verify all communications regarding parcel deliveries through official company channels prior to taking any action.

  • Husband confesses to sexually assaulting teen bride in Karachi

    Husband confesses to sexually assaulting teen bride in Karachi

    The husband of a 19-year-old from Lyari, who died after spending 20 days in a coma, has confessed to sexually assaulting her.

    The suspect, identified as Ashok, recorded his statement before a judicial magistrate for District South under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The court has since sent him to jail on judicial remand.

    Police surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed confirmed that the medical examination findings were consistent with sexual violence.

    Earlier this month, the girl was brought to Civil Hospital Karachi in critical condition after allegedly being sexually assaulted by her husband, who was later arrested by the police.

    Citing Police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed, a media report claimed that the victim was in a coma while her physical examination findings were consistent with sexual violence, adding, “The rape victim passed away at the trauma centre of the Civil Hospital Karachi at 10:45am Wednesday.”

    The report quoted Baghdadi police Station House Officer (SHO) Majid Alvi as claiming that two days after the girl got married, the husband subjected her to sodomy and assaulted her with a metal pipe, leading to internal injuries.

    The victim’s brother registered a First Information Report (FIR) at the Baghdadi Police Station on July 5 under Sections 324 (attempt to commit murder) and 376-B (punishment for rape) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

    “On the third day of her marriage, my sister was subjected to sexual violence allegedly by her husband. She remained admitted at a private hospital in the city and was later taken to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Trauma Centre of Civil Hospital Karachi in a critical condition the other day,” the FIR read.

    The FIR further read that the complainant’s sister married the suspect on June 15. Her health condition deteriorated on June 30, compelling the family to bring her back home. She informed the parents that on June 17, her husband subjected her to an unnatural sexual act.

    The complainant said that the suspect sexually assaulted her with a foreign object, adding subsequently, the husband also subjected her to sexual violence, leading to bleeding.

    As per the FIR, the suspect threatened his wife with “dire consequences” if she disclosed anything to anyone.

    According to a statement issued by Aurat March on social media platforms on Wednesday, the victim’s name was Shanti, and she had been raped and mutilated by her husband Ashok Kumar.

    The suspect’s family reportedly also tried to hide the rape and denied the victim medical care while also cutting her off from her parents.

    They watched her bleed and scream and chose silence,” the statement said, adding that the in-laws asked Shanti’s family for forgiveness and erased all evidence of rape.

    The statement also accused a private hospital and one Dr Rauf Shaikh of medical negligence, saying they “covered up rape and sent her home to die”.

    Aurat March, along with Minority Rights Watch, has also announced taking to streets after Shanti’s family returns following her last rites.

  • World lauds, US opposes France’s plan to recognise Palestinian statehood

    World lauds, US opposes France’s plan to recognise Palestinian statehood

    President Emmanuel Macron has said that France would formally recognise Palestinian statehood during a United Nations (UN) meeting in September, going on to become the most powerful European nation to announce such a move.

    The announcement comes as at least 142 countries recognise or plan to recognise Palestinian statehood since Israel increased bombardments under the genocide against Palestinians in Gaza nearly two years ago.

    Macron’s announcement drew immediate anger from Israel and the United States (US) who continue to strongly oppose the decisions.

    While the US has France’s announcement a “reckless decision that only serves Hamas’ propaganda”, Israeli Prime Minister (PM) Benjamin Netanyahu said it “rewarded terror” and posed an existential threat to Israel.

    “It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th,” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on X, alluding to Hamas’ attack on Israel in 2023.

    Netanyahu said the decision “risked creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became”, which would be “a launch pad to annihilate Israel – not to live in peace beside it”.

    Senior Palestinian Authority official Hussein al-Sheikh welcomed the move, saying it “reflected France’s commitment to international law and its support for the Palestinian people’s rights to self-determination and the establishment of our independent state”.

    Hamas hailed Macron’s pledge as a “positive step in the right direction toward doing justice to oppressed Palestinian people and supporting their legitimate right to self-determination”.

    “We call on all countries of the world – especially European nations and those that have not yet recognised the State of Palestine – to follow France’s lead,” it added.

    British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the humanitarian situation in Gaza had become “unsustainable” and urged Israel to change course. He said the conflict had reached a stage where “people were dying of hunger, and that was indefensible”. Starmer repeated his call for an immediate ceasefire, saying it could “open the path towards recognising a Palestinian state” and stressed that Palestinians had an “inalienable right” to statehood.

    He confirmed he would hold talks with France and Germany to discuss “stopping the killing and getting food to people who desperately need it”. The UK, along with 27 other countries, recently signed a statement urging Israel to lift restrictions on aid deliveries, warning that its current policy “deprives Gazans of human dignity”.

    International concern is growing about the plight of the more than two million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where the fighting has triggered a dire humanitarian crisis and warnings of mass starvation.

    Israel has rejected accusations it is responsible for Gaza’s deepening hunger crisis, which the World Health Organization has called “man-made” and France blamed on an Israeli blockade.

    Macron said the urgent priority today was to end the war in Gaza and rescue the civilian population.

    “We must finally build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability and enable it, by accepting its demilitarisation and fully recognising Israel, to contribute to the security of all in the Middle East,” he wrote on social media.

    On the streets of the occupied West Bank, Palestinians told AFP that they hoped other countries would now follow suit.

    Macron said he intended to make the announcement at the UN General Assembly in September.

    It merits a mention that Norway, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia all announced recognition following the outbreak of the Gaza conflict, along with several other non-European countries. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, whose country already recognises Palestinian statehood, welcomed Macron’s announcement.

    “Together, we must protect what Netanyahu is trying to destroy. The two-state solution is the only solution,” the Socialist leader, an outspoken critic of Israel’s offensive in Gaza, wrote on X.

    Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry hailed Macron’s announcement as “historic” and urged other countries to follow suit.

    Ireland’s Foreign Minister Simon Harris in a post on X called France’s move “the only lasting basis for peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike”.

    Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has so far killed 59,587 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in Gaza.

  • Bahawalnagar man tortures wife to death, disguises murder as suicide

    Bahawalnagar man tortures wife to death, disguises murder as suicide

    A man allegedly tortured his wife to death and then hanged her body from a ceiling fan to stage it as a suicide in Dunga Bunga, Bahawalnagar.

    According to the FIR, Waqas from Mauza Khemaywala married Gulnaz from Mauza Kamilpura eight years ago. The couple had two children.

    Over time, their relationship reportedly deteriorated. On July 19, Gulnaz’s in-laws handed over her body to her parents, claiming she had taken her own life. However, visible signs of violence raised suspicions, prompting her parents to confront the in-laws on July 21.

    The in-laws allegedly admitted that Waqas had tortured Gulnaz during an argument, which led to her death.

    Police have registered a case under Sections 302 (murder) and 34 (common intention) of the Pakistan Penal Code against Waqas and his parents. An investigation is underway.

    In another incident, a woman was allegedly sexually assaulted on the premises of the Bahawalnagar civil court. The victim, identified as “S,” was from Tibba Chishtian and had come to the court on July 18 to seek shelter at Darul Aman after an argument with her husband.

    The FIR claims that she was lured into a chamber and raped by a man identified “A,” who was allegedly a lawyer’s reader.

    She was taken to a house by the suspect after the assault, where she was held captive for three days. The woman managed to escape on July 22 and reported the incident to the police.

  • Starlink faces global outage after internal software failure

    Starlink faces global outage after internal software failure

    SpaceX’s Starlink experienced a major disruption on Thursday after an internal software malfunction caused a global outage, leaving many users without service.

    Outage monitoring site Downdetector reported that connectivity issues began around 3 p.m., primarily affecting users in the U.S. and Europe. During the incident, the platform recorded over 61,000 user complaints.

    In a statement on X, Starlink, which provides satellite internet services to more than 6 million customers across approximately 140 countries and territories, acknowledged the outage. The company stated that it was “actively implementing a solution.”

    According to Michael Nicolls, the vice president of Starlink Engineering, service began to resume after 2.5 hours. In an update on X, Nicolls explained that the disruption was due to a “failure of key internal software services that operate the core network” and expressed regret, adding that the team was working to identify the root cause.

    Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, also responded via X, apologising for the outage and promising that SpaceX would address the root cause to prevent future occurrences.

    Experts highlighted that such a widespread failure is rare for Starlink, a significant contributor to global internet connectivity. Doug Madory from the internet analysis firm Kentik referred to this incident as “likely the longest outage ever for Starlink, at least since it became a major service provider.”

    Some analysts proposed that the disruption could stem from a software bug or an update error, while others raised the possibility of a cyberattack. Gregory Falco, who heads a space and cybersecurity lab at Cornell University, likened this incident to last year’s CrowdStrike software glitch, which affected millions of Microsoft Windows devices and resulted in extensive flight delays.

    Starlink has rapidly expanded, launching new satellites to cater to the increasing demand for faster services. Additionally, SpaceX is collaborating with T-Mobile to create direct-to-cell text messaging aimed at ensuring emergency connectivity in remote areas.

    Since 2020, SpaceX has deployed over 8,000 Starlink satellites, establishing a low-Earth orbit network that serves military clients, the transportation sector, and rural communities with limited internet options.

    It remains unclear whether the outage impacted Starshield, SpaceX’s military satellite division, which has multibillion-dollar contracts with U.S. defence and intelligence agencies.

  • Man kills wife with cement block in front of children

    Man kills wife with cement block in front of children

    A man murdered his 45-year-old wife, a mother of five, in Frontier Colony, Orangi Town, Karachi.

    The suspect, identified as Shoaib, critically injured his wife by first hitting her on the head with a cement block and then attacking her with a knife, according to Pirabad SHO Anees ur Rehman Sheikh.

    The couple’s children, who were present at the time, witnessed the entire assault in shock and fear.

    The injured woman was taken to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, where doctors pronounced her dead due to excessive blood loss and severe head injuries.

    According to police, the suspect fled the scene immediately after the attack. Preliminary investigations suggest the murder was the result of ongoing domestic disputes and escalating tensions within the household.

  • Justice Ejaz’s commission to probe blasphemy allegations suspended

    Justice Ejaz’s commission to probe blasphemy allegations suspended

    A division bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday suspended a single-member bench’s order to the federal government to constitute a commission to investigate blasphemy allegations.

    Last week, widespread concerns over alleged entrapment, custodial deaths, and grave investigative lapses, prompted the IHC to give the government 30 days to establish a commission to probe misuse of the blasphemy law, giving the order during the hearing of a case seeking such a commission’s formation. 

    BEWARE: Group ‘honey-trapping’ youngsters in blasphemy on social media

    IHC Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan ordered the commission to complete its work within four months while allowing the possibility for an extension.

    A lawyer from the Legal Commission on Blasphemy Pakistan, Rao Abdur Rahim, and others had filed an intra-court appeal against Justice Ejaz’s verdict. The case was heard on Thursday by Justices Khadim Hussain Soomro and Azam Khan.

    Advocates Kamran Murtaza, Adil Aziz Qazi, and others appeared before the court on behalf of Rahim. When Justice Soomro asked how petitioners were directly affected by the order, Murtaza argued that they had not been given a full hearing. 

    “There are four hundred cases and some cases are beyond the jurisdiction of this court,” Murtaza said. “Can a commission be formed in this case,” he questioned.

    The bench subsequently suspended Justice Ejaz’s order from last week and issued notices to the parties.

    During last week’s hearing, Justice Ejaz expressed concern over the disappearance of a woman named Komal Ismail, the elusive central figure linked to the blasphemy-related case.

    Ismail had been identified as ‘Imaan’, a shadowy figure who was allegedly involved in “trapping” a number of those accused of blasphemy.

    Earlier this month, over her failure to appear before the court, the judge had ordered her CNIC to be blocked.

    The IHC also expressed concern over the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) failure to conduct proper forensic analysis and procedural irregularities, including private arrests, unverified digital evidence, and the same Facebook IDs being reused in multiple FIRs.

    Most alarming were the reports of four custodial deaths of blasphemy suspects, with one video showing signs of torture, and no judicial or administrative inquiry conducted in these cases.

    Stressing that the issue was of “definite public interest,” the court had justified the formation of a commission as necessary to ensure transparency, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights.