Author: News Desk

  • DD and a climate walk to remember

    DD and a climate walk to remember

    Disclaimer: This article is part of a collaboration with the Pakistan Youth Leadership Initiative. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance of the publication.

    Our story takes place in Sargodha, a city in the Punjab province of Pakistan. It’s here that 24-year-old Iqra Noreen decided to make a difference.

    As a little girl, Iqra was always the quiet type – preferring to listen more than to speak. Making friends was not easy for her. Although, she was a bright student and always did well in class, she struggled to fit in. Even with three elder brothers, she often felt a gap and really wished for a sister. Someone to laugh with, to share secrets with, to play pretend with after school.

    That wish took the shape of a penguin.

    One day, when Iqra was five, her mother came home with a soft, stuffed penguin. She named it DD. DD quickly became more than just a toy. She was a listener, a playmate, and a friend. Iqra talked to her, shared stories, played games that were made up and imagined everything she would do if she had a real sister. DD became Iqra’s constant companion, and she took her everywhere.

     Even at the age of 20, Iqra still found comfort in opening up to DD, but people started to mock make fun of her. This became extremely disturbing for Iqra. 

    At 24, when she came across the Pakistan Youth Leadership Initiative (PYLI), it sparked something in her. Pakistan Youth Leadership Initiative (PYLI) is a three-year project, led by British Council Pakistan in partnership with UNDP and WaterAid and co-funded by Qatar based Education Above All Foundation’s programme “Reach Out to All”. PYLI aims to train 90,000 youth from universities and communities in the Global Citizenship Education, leadership, and Climate Action curriculum.

    Through a PYLI  training organised by the British Council and Muslim Hands, Iqra learnt about climate change, its impact on communities, and the role young people could play. She decided to use her unique story to connect with children by making DD the face of climate awareness.

    Iqra developed a climate awareness storybook, with DD as the clever main character. The storybook aimed at school children, made a serious topic fun and engaging. Iqra and her team visited three schools, getting over 150 students involved in creative, interactive sessions. They told stories, sparked conversations, and made climate science feel incredibly real.

     After seeing how much the school children loved DD, Iqra took her campaign online to reach more people. She also organised a Climate Awareness Walk, rallying students and locals to join the cause. The walk was full of energy and DD walked with them, of course.

     From whispering secrets to DD to leading hundreds in a climate walk, Iqra’s story reminds us that the bonds we form in silence can echo the loudest when turned into purpose. That journey led her to a stage in Islamabad, where she received the prestigious Climate Champion Award from the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on January 28, 2025.

    Pakistan ranks among the top 10 countries worldwide most affected by climate change and natural disasters. Programmes like PYLI reaffirm the British Council’s commitment to empowering youth as drivers of climate resilience and to nurturing their passion for building a more sustainable future.

  • ‘Traitor in PTI’: Sher Afzal Marwat takes swipe at Aleema Khanum

    ‘Traitor in PTI’: Sher Afzal Marwat takes swipe at Aleema Khanum

    Expelled Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Sher Afzal Marwat has levelled serious allegations against Aleema Khanum, sister of jailed former premier Imran Khan, alleging that she has an authoritarian approach within the party.

    “If there is a traitor in PTI, then no one is a bigger traitor than Aleema Khanum,” he said sternly while appearing on a private media outlet’s political talk show on Tuesday. 

    Speaking to media outside Adiala Jail Rawalpindi earlier on the same day, Aleema Khanum stated that ever since her brother expelled Marwat from the party, the latter had been attacking Imran Khan’s family. 

    Firebrand Marwat claimed that Aleema Khanum’s son Sher Shah was seen in a video handing over a military uniform pant to Hassaan Khan Niazi, son of Imran Khan’s other sister Noreen Khanum, who then waved it in the air, hurling derogatory remarks.

    Hassaan was convicted by military courts for his roles in violent attacks on military installations during the nationwide riots on May 9, 2023, and was awarded 10 ten-year imprisonment.

    Marwat said that Sher Shah was nominated in a case related to the attack on the Core Commander’s house in Lahore. Marwat alleged that after settling matters with an “army officer,” Aleema Khan’s son “fled to London.”

    Additionally, Marwat revealed that on April 4, 2024, Imran Khan’s sister invited him to her home for a meal, where he was asked about defending Imran Khan’s spouse Bushra Bibi. “Are you a spokesperson of Bushra Bibi,” he quoted Aleema Khanum as having said. 

    Marwat stated that when he told Aleema that he had defended her too, she smirked. “I don’t need you to defend me. Just decide whether you are with me or Bushra Bibi,” she allegedly said. 

    Marwat said that he replied, “I am not with anyone but with Imran Khan,” adding that he left her house without eating, and Zain Qureshi, former PTI leader, and others were witnesses to the exchange.

    “On April 11, Imran Khan removed me from the [PTI] focal person and spokesperson. And until today, I am being sidelined from the party,” he said.

    Marwat also confirmed the News aired by ARY News last week about an alleged internal rift within the party regarding the distribution of Senate election tickets in KP.

    The controversy stemmed from reported differences between KP CM Gandapur, Aleema Khanum, and KP Adviser on Information Barrister Saif over the distribution of Senate tickets.

    ARY reported that Gandapur and Aleema Khan wanted to exclude two names from the list, including Mashal Yousafzai, the former special assistant to the KP CM, but Saif stood by Khan’s original picks.

  • FIH invites Pakistan to 2025-26 Hockey Pro League after New Zealand pulls out

    FIH invites Pakistan to 2025-26 Hockey Pro League after New Zealand pulls out

    Pakistan has officially been invited to participate in the 2025–26 International Hockey Federation (FIH) Pro League after New Zealand withdrew due to financial constraints.

    According to a statement by the FIH, Hockey New Zealand informed the federation of its decision to withdraw from the upcoming season, despite having won the FIH Nations Cup last month. The withdrawal stems from budget cuts in New Zealand’s Olympic cycle, which have created financial constraints.

    As per FIH regulations, the invitation was passed on to Pakistan, the runners-up of the Nations Cup. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has until August 12 to confirm whether it will accept the invitation.

    Reports indicate that FIH had set a deadline of July 21 for New Zealand to make its decision. With both the men’s and women’s teams previously opting out, New Zealand has made it clear that participating in the Pro League is currently not financially viable.

    PHF Secretary Rana Mujahid said the federation had not been directly informed by Hockey New Zealand. He stated,  “Once FIH contacts us officially, we will respond. Pro League participation involves significant expenses, and we have already informed the Government of Pakistan about it.”

    If Pakistan declines the offer, FIH may consider France as an alternative for the upcoming season.

    The 2024–25 Pro League concluded recently, with both Dutch men’s and women’s teams crowned champions. The 2025–26 edition will mark the seventh season of the elite global hockey competition.

  • Tanushree Dutta posts emotional video about being harassed at home

    Tanushree Dutta posts emotional video about being harassed at home

    Indian actress and former Miss India Universe Tanushree Dutta has claimed that she is being harassed inside her own home, years after she became one of the first voices of India’s #MeToo movement.

    In an emotional video shared on Instagram, Tanushree alleged that she has been facing harassment continuously for the past several years. She broke down in tears and appealed for help, saying the situation had become unbearable.

    “I am being harassed in my own house,” she said. “I called the police because I got scared. They came and told me to go to the police station to file a formal complaint. I am not well, but maybe I’ll go tomorrow or the day after.”

    She also claimed, “I am being targeted through a well-planned conspiracy. A house help was deliberately sent to my home to cause trouble and steal things. These actions have made me feel unsafe in my own home.”

    In the caption of her post, she wrote, “I have been facing constant harassment since 2018. I called the police today out of frustration. Please, someone help!”

    Tanushree first made headlines in 2018 when she accused a prominent Bollywood actor of harassment during a film shoot, sparking India’s #MeToo wave. Since then, she has remained vocal about the challenges she has faced.

    Her latest video has gone viral on social media, with fans and users urging authorities to take immediate action.

  • VIDEO: Tourist who spray-painted wall in Hunza forced to clean up after police intervention

    VIDEO: Tourist who spray-painted wall in Hunza forced to clean up after police intervention

    A tourist visiting Hunza during the monsoon season landed in trouble after spray-painting his name on a roadside wall, sparking widespread public outrage.

    In a video that quickly went viral, a young man dressed in black is seen spray-painting his name on a clean wall along a scenic mountain road. Bystanders confronted him immediately, with the recorded clip of the scene drawing criticism on social media.

    Following the backlash, local police timely intervened. The tourist was made to clean the wall and publicly apologise for his behaviour.

    The video continues to circulate online, with users demanding stricter enforcement and penalties to protect Pakistan’s natural and cultural heritage.

  • ‘If women started killing for honour, no man would be left alive’: Hania Aamir slams Balochistan honour killing

    ‘If women started killing for honour, no man would be left alive’: Hania Aamir slams Balochistan honour killing

    Hania Aamir has strongly condemned the shocking honour killing incident that recently took place in Degari, Balochistan. 

    The brutal murder, which has left people across the country shaken, is also drawing outrage from the entertainment industry.

    Taking to Instagram, Hania Aamir shared a bold message that read, “If women started killing in the name of honour, not a single man would survive.” Although she did not provide a detailed caption, social media users quickly connected the statement to the Balochistan incident and praised it as a powerful stand.

    Actress Naeema Butt also voiced anger over the tragedy. She shared an image from the incident and wrote an emotional caption: “Want to see cowardice? It’s a gun in your hand. Want to see bravery? It’s a Quran in your hand. That’s the whole story.” Her post quickly went viral and received overwhelming support online.

    Public reaction on social media has been intense, with many users applauding both actresses for their courage and demanding justice, rule of law, and better protection for women.

    A horrific video of the incident went viral recently, showing an armed men taking a man and woman to a remote area, separating them, and then executing them by firing.

    The disturbing footage, filmed amid pickup trucks, shows the woman being handed a copy of the Quran. She then says to one of the men, “Come walk seven steps with me, after that you can shoot me.” As the man follows her, she adds, “You are allowed only to shoot me. Nothing more than that.” The man then aims a pistol and shoots her three times. She does not cry or plead, and simply collapses to the ground after the third shot.

    The video then shows the bloodied corpse of a man lying beside her. The group of men is later seen firing additional rounds at both bodies.

    The woman, identified as Sheetal, had chosen to marry a man of her choice, which led to the murders. 

    According to officials and activists, the suspects include her father, brothers, and other relatives who accused her of violating tribal customs. They handed her a copy of the Quran before carrying out the killing, which they claimed was to preserve “honour.”

  • Documents reveal Humaira Asghar was involved in rental dispute since 2019

    Documents reveal Humaira Asghar was involved in rental dispute since 2019

    Pakistani actress Humaira Asghar, who was found dead in her apartment in Defence Phase 6 in Karachi on July 8, had been involved in a long-standing legal dispute with her landlord, documents obtained by a private media outlet revealed.

    According to the documents, Humaira signed a rental agreement with the landlord on December 20, 2018. After the contract expired, the landlord requested that she vacate the apartment, claiming she had failed to pay the agreed annual 10 percent rent increase.

    The first eviction notice was sent to her on June 3, 2021, followed by a second notice on June 17. The documents further state that the actress failed to pay Rs40,000 in rent during 2019 and 2020. By 2021, the outstanding amount had increased to Rs92,400, and by 2024, the dues had reportedly risen to Rs 535,084.

    Despite receiving multiple court notices, Humaira Asghar did not file a response. On September 21, 2023, a court ordered her to vacate the apartment. Later, on March 26, 2025, the court issued an enforcement order at the landlord’s request.

    On July 8, when the landlord arrived to take possession of the apartment, he discovered Humaira Asghar’s body inside.

    Initially, Karachi Police Surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed estimated that Humaira had been dead for at least a month, based on the advanced stage of decomposition. However, investigators now believe her death occurred back in October 2024.

    Her last Facebook post was shared on September 11, 2024, and her final Instagram update was on September 30. Phone records also show that her last dialled call was made in October 2024, after which her phone remained inactive.

    Investigators discovered that her apartment’s electricity had been disconnected since October due to unpaid bills. The water pipes were dry and rusted, expired food was found in the kitchen, and there were no candles or backup lights present.

    “There were rusted jars, dry pipes, and no signs of electricity or candles in her flat,” an investigator said. “One neighbor returned to the vacant apartment on the same floor in February but by then the smell had faded because the balcony door had been left open.”

    Humaira Asghar Ali rose to fame after winning Veet Miss Super Model in 2014 and was known for her appearance in the reality show Tamasha Ghar in 2022. She also acted in popular dramas including Just Married, Ehsaan Faramosh, Guru and Chal Dil Mere, and appeared in films like Jalaibee (2015) and Love Vaccine (2021).

    Police efforts to locate her family revealed that Humaira’s father had severed ties with her nearly two years ago and initially refused to come to Karachi to claim her body. However, her remains were eventually handed over to her family on July 11.

  • KP leads the way in climate action with massive carbon credit potential

    KP leads the way in climate action with massive carbon credit potential

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is emerging as a national leader in climate action, with its forest and renewable energy sectors poised to earn over Rs32 billion ($113.1 million) annually through carbon credit trading, according to official documents.

    A recent feasibility study by the forest department revealed KP’s ability to market 11.8 million carbon credits through afforestation, improved forest management, and REDD+ initiatives across more than 2 million hectares of land. These efforts alone could generate $113 million annually by tapping into the global voluntary carbon market, which is expected to reach $40 billion by 2050.

    To support this green transformation, KP launched its first-ever Carbon Asset Inventory in collaboration with the UK-funded SEED Programme. The inventory maps renewable energy projects under the Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization (PEDO), evaluating their eligibility for carbon credits and International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs).

    Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur hailed the initiative as a “historic milestone” toward sustainable economic growth, saying it reflects KP’s commitment to clean energy, climate resilience, and attracting global green finance.

    PEDO’s renewable energy portfolio, which includes hydropower and solar projects, has already qualified for leading international standards like Verra, Gold Standard, and the Global Carbon Council. The potential to avoid 5.4 million tonnes of CO₂ annually could generate up to 11.9 million I-RECs, opening substantial revenue opportunities for the province.

    In another significant step, PEDO signed an agreement with the Pakistan Environment Trust to register with Evident, the global I-REC registry, formally entering international renewable energy markets with five projects in the first phase.

    KP’s forest cover has already increased by 6% due to landmark initiatives like the Billion Trees Afforestation Project and the Ten Billion Trees Tsunami Programme. The forest department is now targeting barren land, especially in the southern and tribal districts, for fresh plantations to further boost green cover and carbon sequestration.

    The KP government’s dual approach—expanding forests and clean energy—sets a strong example for climate-smart development. With strategic planning, international partnerships, and a clear vision, the province is well-positioned to turn its natural resources into a powerful engine for sustainable growth.

  • Karachi mom creates rare birth record

    Karachi mom creates rare birth record

    A young couple from Karachi’s Baldia Town has welcomed quintuplets, three girls and two boys in their first pregnancy, a year after getting married.

    According to media reports, the father, Adnan Sheikh, shared that his wife had an emergency C-section in the 29th week of pregnancy. All five babies were born extremely premature as a typical pregnancy lasts between 37 and 40 weeks.

    “We are praying. I request everyone to please pray for our babies’ health,” said Adnan while speaking to the media.

    Following their birth, the newborns were immediately shifted to the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and placed on oxygen support.

    According to the doctors, the babies’ lungs were underdeveloped and their birth weights were dangerously low. While there have been signs of slight improvement, the next few days remain crucial.

    Health experts explained that babies born before 32 weeks face a high risk of complications, including breathing difficulties, brain hemorrhages, infections, and long-term developmental challenges. Hospital staff is reportedly providing the best possible care to save the lives of the newborns.

  • Kashif Zameer blames THIS superstar for Rajab Butt’s legal troubles

    Kashif Zameer blames THIS superstar for Rajab Butt’s legal troubles

    Controversial TikToker Kashif Zameer has stirred up yet another online dispute by claiming that a top Pakistani actor is behind the ongoing legal troubles faced by YouTuber Rajab Butt.

    Appearing on the TV show Suno Tou Sahi, Zameer alleged that the actor in question is superstar Fahad Mustafa, stating that someone close to the actor personally shared this information with him and even showed him evidence.

    When the host asked, “Did you really say that whatever issues you and Rajab are facing are because of Fahad Mustafa,”, Zameer replied, “Yes, I still say the same today.” He added, “A person who knows Fahad Mustafa personally told me that he is behind Rajab Butt’s legal issues. He even showed me evidence.”

    Zameer went on to claim that he “heard a voice note” which had “Fahad Mustafa’s voice.” However, he refused to disclose the contents of the voice note or share the evidence on-air. He further said, “I would also like to tell Fahad Mustafa that before targeting someone, check the facts and see how that person is handling everything. I always stand with Rajab in every issue, and that’s why I’ve also faced similar problems.”

    Zameer suggested that Rajab’s rising popularity may have caused jealousy among certain individuals. “Rajab has gained a lot of fame, and some people can’t handle it,” he said. “Out of jealousy, they are digging up his old videos and making them viral to target him.”

    He also offered advice to the YouTuber. “He should be more careful in his videos,” Zameer said. “People often twist his words and take them out of context, which lands him in trouble.”

    Tensions between Rajab Butt and Fahad Mustafa began when Fahad, during an appearance on Shoaib Akhtar’s show, took a dig at social media influencers and family vloggers. “They are selling their families for content,” Fahad said. “Their content is making kheer in the kitchen, rubbing their mother’s feet, and then going as far as visiting a graveyard… matlab yeh kya hai, yeh kaunsa content hai?”

    He continued, “I can tell both good or bad story, but I will never sell my house for the sake of views. I will never sell myself this way.”

    Fahad also compared influencers and actors: “If you ever go on a shoot or sit on a set, it takes time. There’s a process. They can’t work longer than two to eight hours. And how would they understand? They have their phone and can make something in 10 seconds.”

    Rajab Butt did not hold back in his response. “A senior earns his own respect,” he said in an interview. “Fahad once said, ‘I cannot sell my family through a video,’ but everyone knows how people get roles in dramas.”

    He further stated, “A true senior is someone who earns their own respect. Thank God, I am earning and living on my own, and I have never accepted a role in any drama.”

    Taking a direct jab, Rajab added, “He talks about not selling his family, but he is selling other people’s families. So, it’s better for him to keep his mouth shut.”

    He also criticized Fahad’s game show: “Aren’t you influencing households by shouting ‘I want girls’ on the show? Meanwhile, we’re just sitting in our homes and working.”

    With Kashif Zameer’s explosive statements now in the mix, the feud between Rajab Butt and Fahad Mustafa shows no signs of cooling down.