Author: News Desk

  • Missing three-year-old found begging outside Karachi mosque

    Missing three-year-old found begging outside Karachi mosque

    Karachi police on Tuesday arrested a couple along with their son-in-law for allegedly kidnapping a three-year-old boy who was later found begging outside a mosque in Shah Latif Town months after his disappearance.

    According to SHO Sadaruddin Mirani, Hussain Ali, a child with an intellectual disability, went missing on May 4 while accompanying his father, Asif Hussain, at their roadside vegetable stall in Sector 17-A of Shah Latif Town. When initial search efforts failed, the family lodged a complaint at the Shah Latif Town police station.

     A formal kidnapping case was registered on May 27 on the complaint of the child’s uncle, Nasir Hussain, under Section 363 of the Pakistan Penal Code (731/25).The family, originally from Multan, had been desperately searching for the child.

     Asif Hussain recounted the painful ordeal, saying, “My son wandered off while I was working. When I returned home shortly after, he was nowhere to be found. We searched everywhere but there was no trace of him. Reporting his disappearance to police was our last hope.”


    He went on to say that the family was greatly impacted by the prolonged uncertainty, particularly his wife, whose health gradually deteriorated.


    “We kept praying and, by the grace of God, our son has finally been found. We are grateful beyond words,” he said.


    The breakthrough came on Monday when a friend of Hussain Ali spotted him near Farooq-e-Azam Mosque in Sector A-16. The boy recognised his missing friend outside the mosque with a man later identified as a professional beggar who was allegedly forcing the child to beg.


    “I saw a suspicious man with a child who looked like my missing friend. I immediately alerted his uncle, who was inside the mosque,” the boy said.


    The suspect, named as Shaharyar, was caught by the uncle and locals and beaten before being handed over to the police.


    Shaharyar confessed under questioning that the kidnapped child had been given to him by his in-laws. Police arrested the alleged criminal couple after receiving this information.


    Residents of Shah Latif Town told the media that several children had been abducted in the area recently, fueling suspicion of an organised kidnapping gang. 

    They urged the authorities to launch a thorough investigation into the disappearances.

  • Ozzy Osbourne dies at 76, weeks after farewell concert in Birmingham

    Ozzy Osbourne dies at 76, weeks after farewell concert in Birmingham

    Legendary heavy metal artist Ozzy Osbourne has passed away at 76, weeks after performing what was described as his farewell concert at Villa Park in Birmingham.

    His family issued a statement confirming his death on Wednesday morning. “It is with profound sadness that we announce our dear Ozzy Osbourne has departed this morning. He was with his family and enveloped in love,” the statement read. 

    Earlier this month, Osbourne performed at Villa Park in front of 42,000 fans, during which he expressed his gratitude to the audience, saying: “You can’t imagine how I feel – thank you from the depths of my heart.” 

    The event, titled ‘Back to the Beginning,’ was described as Osbourne’s “final farewell” and featured performances by Metallica and Guns N’ Roses. For the first time in two decades, Osbourne reunited with original Black Sabbath members, Tony Iommi, Terence “Geezer” Butler, and Bill Ward, concluding the electrifying event on July 5.

    Fellow musicians have paid tribute on social media. Metallica shared a photo with Osbourne on X, accompanied by a broken heart emoji.

    Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones remarked that it was “a lovely farewell concert.” Black Sabbath’s official account shared a photo from the Villa Park performance with the message: “Ozzy Forever.” UB40’s Ali Campbell said Osbourne “shaped a culture” and called him “a true Birmingham legend.” Elton John described him as a “trailblazer” and noted that he was “one of the funniest individuals” he had ever met.

    Ozzy Osbourne, born John Michael Osbourne in Aston, Birmingham, on December 3, 1948, co-founded Black Sabbath in 1968. The band’s debut album, Black Sabbath, entered the UK Top 10 in 1970, followed by iconic tracks such as Paranoid, Iron Man, and War Pigs. Over the years, the band sold more than 75 million records worldwide.

    Osbourne was dismissed from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to struggles with substance abuse, but he made a successful solo comeback with Blizzard of Ozz in 1980 and Diary of a Madman in 1981, both achieving multi-platinum status. He was later inducted into both the UK Music Hall of Fame and the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as a solo artist and as a member of Black Sabbath.

    In recent years, Osbourne was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and suffered injuries from a fall in 2019, which forced him to cancel multiple tours. He is survived by his wife, Sharon, their children Aimee, Kelly, and Jack, two older children, Jessica and Louis, and several grandchildren.

  • ‘Free Imran Khan’: Trump aide Grenell meets Imran Khan’s sons in US

    ‘Free Imran Khan’: Trump aide Grenell meets Imran Khan’s sons in US

    United States (US) President Donald Trump’s Envoy for Special Missions, Richard Grenell, took to X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday to share a photo where he’s meeting jailed former premier Imran Khan’s sons Suleman Khan and Kasim Khan, advising them to “stay strong”.

    He welcomed his “friends” in California, writing, “I loved hanging out with you [Suleman Khan and Kasim Khan] today.”

    “There are millions of people around the world who are sick of political prosecutions. You are not alone. #freeimrankhan,” he added.

    When a social media user with the handle @AsadMalik123 thanked him for meeting Imran Khan’s sons upon the request of the Pakistani American Public Affairs Committee (PAC) and appreciated his “sincere leadership in working towards releasing #imrankhanPTI”, Grenell responded, “Thank you! We are in this fight together.”

    Following the crackdown of security forces on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) demonstrators on November 26, 2024, in Islamabad, Grenell initially posted on his account on X in favour of Imran Khan, writing, “Free Imran Khan!”. However, he did not receive much attention at that time.

    He was discussed in Pakistani politics on December 15, when Trump appointed Grenell as his aide in his administration. His social media posts then were amplified by PTI supporters.

    In December last year, during his appearance at the US media outlet Newsmax, Grenell claimed that Donald Trump shared a host of allegations with Imran Khan. “There are a lot of the same allegations just like President Trump, where the ruling party put him in prison and created some sort of corruption allegations and false allegations (sic),” he said.

    Come August 5, Imran Khan will have completed two years in jail, as in 2023, on the same day, he was apprehended from his residence at Zaman Park Lahore, shortly after his conviction in the Toshakhana case. Currently, he is being held in Adiala Jail Rawalpindi under B-class facilities due to his status as a former premier.

    AI reveals corruption allegations against Richard Grenell

    Khawaja Saad Rafique hits back at Richard Grenell over silence on Gaza

  • BJP government plans major step to control BCCI

    BJP government plans major step to control BCCI

    The BJP-led Indian government has taken a major step by deciding to bring the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) under the proposed National Sports Governance Bill.

    According to media reports, the bill is scheduled to be presented in Parliament today (Wednesday).

    The move aims to officially bring the BCCI under the Ministry of Sports’ jurisdiction for the first time. It also seeks to align India’s sports governance framework with the Olympic and Paralympic charters.

    While the BCCI has traditionally operated independently without relying on government funding, the proposed bill could bring structural changes to the Board. According to media reports, the bill is likely to increase the maximum age limit for office-bearers from 70 to 75 years.

    However, BCCI President Roger Binny may still have vacate his post due to age concerns. Vice President Rajeev Shukla’s tenure is also reportedly nearing its end.

    The BCCI has long functioned autonomously, but the BJP government’s decision to include it under the National Sports Governance Bill signals a significant shift in how top sports bodies may be regulated moving forward.

  • Qatar officially in the race to host 2036 Olympics

    Qatar officially in the race to host 2036 Olympics

    Qatar has officially submitted its bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, marking a significant step in the Gulf state’s ongoing push to establish itself as a global sports hub.

    The energy-rich nation previously hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2022 and, according to media reports, aims to diversify its economy by hosting major international sporting events.

    Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said, “If awarded, Qatar would become the first country in the Middle East and North Africa region to host the Olympic Games.” In a statement released by the Qatar News Agency, he added, “The bid for the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games marks a new milestone in our nation’s journey.”

    He emphasised, “This bid builds on Qatar’s strong track record of successfully hosting major international sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup 2022.”

    During the football World Cup, Qatar faced international criticism, particularly from human rights groups like Amnesty International, over the treatment of migrant workers. Reports claimed that thousands died during World Cup projects. However, Qatari authorities denied these allegations, stating that only 37 workers died, with just three deaths linked to work-related incidents.

    President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, stated, “Doha has made sport a central pillar of its national strategy.” He added, “Ninety-five percent of the infrastructure needed to host the Games is already complete, and we have a comprehensive plan to finish the rest.”

    Notably, countries are no longer required to publicly disclose their bids for hosting the Olympics. The Olympic Games are traditionally rotated across continents. With Paris, Los Angeles, and Brisbane set to host the 2024, 2028, and 2032 editions respectively in Europe, North America, and Oceania, the chances of the 2036 Games taking place in Asia or Africa are considered higher.

    The final decision will be a major responsibility for the newly appointed President of the International Olympic Committee, Kirsty Coventry, the first woman to hold the role. Selecting the host for 2036 will be a key part of her legacy and could mark a new chapter in Olympic history.

  • Shah Mahmood Qureshi acquitted in May 9 case; Yasmin Rashid sentenced to 10-years

    Shah Mahmood Qureshi acquitted in May 9 case; Yasmin Rashid sentenced to 10-years

    An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore on Tuesday sentenced several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including Dr Yasmin Rashid and Mian Mehmood ur Rasheed, to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment each in connection with the May 9 violence case.

    Ex-Punjab Governor Omar Sarfraz Cheema, PTI leader Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, and Afzal Azeem Pahat have also been sentenced by the court in the same case.

    Meanwhile, the court acquitted former foreign minister and PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the same case, who, according to his defence, was in Karachi on the day of the alleged incident. Others acquitted in the same case include Hamza Azeem Pahat, Rana Tanveer, and Aizaz Rafiq.

    An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Sargodha sentenced Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Ahmed Khan Bachar, Member of National Assembly (MNA) Mohammad Ahmed Chattha, and several other PTI workers to 10 years in prison each in a vandalism case related to the May 9 riots, registered at the Musakhel police station.

    Opposition Leader Bachar has announced that he will challenge the conviction in the high court, alleging political victimisation and constitutional violations in the ATC’s judgment.

    In a statement, Bachar asserted that the ruling was not grounded in constitutional principles but was instead politically motivated. “The verdict was delivered in a case that clearly deviated from constitutional standards,” he said.

    He further claimed that legal procedures were not properly followed during the trial. Criticising the government, he stated, “Following the 26th Amendment, the ruling regime has brought the judiciary under its influence.”

    The May 9 cases are linked to the violent protests that erupted across the country following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan from the premises of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in a graft case. The unrest included attacks on public property and military installations, such as the Corps Commander House in Lahore, also known as Jinnah House.

    While multiple PTI leaders and workers were released on bail after their arrests, many still remain behind bars.

  • Mohsin Naqvi arrives in Dhaka as pressure mounts on BCB chief ahead of key meeting

    Mohsin Naqvi arrives in Dhaka as pressure mounts on BCB chief ahead of key meeting

    Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Dhaka ahead of the council’s annual general meeting, scheduled to take place tomorrow, July 24.

    He was warmly received at the airport by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Nazmul Hassan Aminul Islam.

    The ACC’s annual general meeting, to be chaired by Naqvi, is expected to finalize several important matters, including the upcoming Asia Cup scheduled for September. However, tensions have arisen as pressure mounts on BCB President Aminul Islam to withdraw from hosting the meeting.

    According to media reports, BCB board directors have advised Aminul Islam to avoid upsetting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which has objected to the meeting being held in Dhaka. The BCCI cited political tensions with Bangladesh as the reason it cannot send its officials to attend the meeting in person. The Indian board has also expressed unwillingness to participate virtually.

    Reports suggested that BCCI’s stance has been backed by Sri Lanka and Oman, who have aligned themselves with India on the issue.

    Despite the opposition, Mohsin Naqvi remains firm on holding the meeting in Dhaka. However, pressure continues to mount on the BCB to step back. Reports say that BCB directors advised their president not to risk India’s displeasure, but Aminul Islam reportedly responded, “I have given my word for this meeting, and I cannot go back on it now.”

    Meanwhile, at the ICC annual meetings in Singapore, PCB Chief Executive Sameer Ahmed has been trying to convince ACC members to support holding the meeting in Dhaka. India, however, remains adamant about not participating and is still being persuaded to attend the meeting virtually.

  • Bangladesh seal T20I series win over Pakistan

    Bangladesh seal T20I series win over Pakistan

    Bangladesh on Tuesday defeated Pakistan by eight runs in the second T20I in Mirpur, sealing a win for the three-match series with a 2-0 lead.

    After being invited to bat, Bangladesh scored 133 runs in their allotted 20 overs. Jaker Ali was the top scorer with a solid knock of 55 runs, Mehidy Hasan added 33 whereas Parvez Hossain Emon scored 13.

    Rishad Hossain and captain Litton Das scored eight runs each, Tanzim Hasan Sakib 7, Mohammad Naim 3, and both Sharif Islam and Shamim Hossain returned to the pavilion for one run each. Towhid Hridoy was dismissed for duck.

    From Pakistan’s side, Salman Mirza, debutant Ahmed Daniyal, and Abbas Afridi took two wickets each. Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf claimed one wicket apiece.

    Chasing 134, Pakistan’s batting lineup collapsed and was bowled out for 125 in the final over.

    Faheem Ashraf stood out with a fighting 51 runs, Abbas Afridi contributed 19, Ahmed Daniyal 17 and Khushdil Shah 13. The rest of the batters failed to deliver with Agha Salman scoring just nine runs, Fakhar Zaman 8 and Saim Ayub only 1. Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz and Hasan Nawaz were all dismissed without scoring.

    Sharif Islam took three wickets for Bangladesh, Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Mehidy Hasan bagged two each while Mustafizur Rahman and Rishad Hossain picked one wicket each.

    The last T20 is scheduled for July 24 in Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium.

  • Brock Lesnar reportedly on ‘banned list’; WWE comeback in doubt

    Brock Lesnar reportedly on ‘banned list’; WWE comeback in doubt

    Brock Lesnar, one of the most popular wrestlers and  UFC fighters, has been added to a “banned list”, former UFC heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier has claimed. 

    A possible inclusion could mean the end of Lesnar’s wrestling career.

    In an interview, Daniel Cormier dismissed the idea that he might face Brock Lesnar in WWE. Instead, he revealed that Lesnar is currently on a banned list. However, Cormier did not explain whether this ban was from WWE, UFC, or their parent company, TKO Group.

    For context, UFC and WWE are now under one parent company called TKO, which was formed after UFC’s merger with WWE.

    Cormier added, “Brock is on the banned list right now. He’s in serious trouble. I can’t say exactly what he did, but it’s bad.”

    Lesnar’s return to WWE looks difficult. Whether the ban came from WWE or TKO, it’s likely to affect his future in wrestling.

    Brock Lesnar was last seen in a WWE ring in August 2023, when he faced Cody Rhodes at the SummerSlam event.

    Many fans expected him to return in January 2024 during the Royal Rumble. However, that didn’t happen. Around that time, Janel Grant, a former WWE employee, filed a lawsuit against former WWE chairman Vince McMahon.

    At first, Lesnar’s name wasn’t mentioned in the case. But it was widely believed that he was involved. In February 2025, his name was officially included in the lawsuit.

    Since then, WWE and TKO reportedly dropped plans for Brock Lesnar’s return.

  • ‘Where are the activists’; Muneeb Butt slams silence over Sabri Qawwals’ murder

    ‘Where are the activists’; Muneeb Butt slams silence over Sabri Qawwals’ murder

    Actor Muneeb Butt has expressed deep sorrow and regret over the brutal murder of members of the Sabri Qawwal family and strongly criticized human rights activists and social leaders.

    In a video statement shared on social media, Muneeb Butt said, “The brutality with which members of the Sabri family were targeted is not only unbearable but also the worst example of cruelty against humanity.”

    He questioned, “Where are all those voices on such tragedies, those human rights organizations and social activists who raise their voices even when terrorists are killed?”

    The actor stressed that speaking up for the oppressed should not be selective. “Raising your voice in favor of the oppressed should not be only for specific situations or purposes, but it should be spoken on every occasion when the sanctity of human lives is violated,” he said.

    Muneeb Butt added, “Three members of the Sabri Qawwal family were killed. What will happen to their families? They were also artists from Karachi like us, who were going to perform to share love.”

    He demanded, “There should be a transparent investigation into the incident, and the culprits should be punished severely so that no artist or common citizen is subjected to such cruelty in the future.”

    The video statement is going viral on social media, and a large number of users have expressed support for Muneeb Butt’s demands.

    The incident he was referring to took place earlier this week in Balochistan.

    At least three members of a Qawwali group from Karachi were martyred, while seven others were injured in a gun attack on a passenger coach near Niemurgh Cross in the Kalat district. They were en route to Quetta to perform at a cultural event when unidentified gunmen opened fire on their vehicle.

    Media reports citing local officials and the provincial government spokesperson confirmed the attack, blaming it on Fitna al-Hindustan, a proxy group allegedly backed by India, which has been involved in multiple such attacks in the region.