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Author: News Desk

  • Grok says Imran Riaz Khan tells the most lies on YouTube

    Grok says Imran Riaz Khan tells the most lies on YouTube

    Grok, the AI chatbot developed by Elon Musk’s company xAI, is being widely used in Pakistan on Twitter for its instant, often humorous responses to a wide range of questions, including politics, trolling, and social issues.

    On July 6, a user named Sayyid Shoaib asked @grok in Urdu, “Who is the biggest liar on Pakistani YouTube?”

    Grok replied that research shows that YouTuber Imran Riaz Khan spreads the most lies during political commentary, adding, “Multiple fact-checks have proven his videos and claims false, such as presenting old videos as new and propaganda… credible sources confirm it.”

    Grok AI excels at answering questions with real-time information from X (formerly Twitter) and a touch of humor. It’s designed to be witty and engaging, even on controversial topics, and can access trending information to provide up-to-date responses.

    Separately, on Tuesday, a local court in Islamabad ordered the blocking of 27 Pakistani YouTube channels, including Imran Riaz Khan, for “spreading fake, misleading and provocative” content against the country, state institutions, and officials.

    As per the details, Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah heard a petition by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), later issuing a written order directing YouTube’s officer-in-charge to block said channels.

     
    According to the court order, the agency presented sufficient evidence to justify legal action. The judge noted that the inquiry, which began on June 2, revealed that the channels were involved in spreading anti-state content and violated the privacy and dignity of state officials.

  • Massive crime ring busted in raid on fake call center

    Massive crime ring busted in raid on fake call center

    A large-scale cybercrime operation has uncovered a fake call centre in Faisalabad that was running a major Ponzi scheme and investment fraud.

    The National Cyber Crime and Investigation Agency (NCCIA) raided a property on Sangla Hill–Shahkot Road in cooperation with a sensitive intelligence agency.

    The site is a residence of Malik Tahseen Awan, the former Chairman of the Board of Directors at Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO), which had been converted into a fraudulent call centre.

    Authorities revealed that employees were scamming the public and siphoning money under the pretense pretence of investment opportunities.

    During the raid, 149 individuals were arrested, marking the largest single crackdown on online fraud suspects in Pakistan’s history.

    The detainees include 18 women and 131 men, among them 73 foreign nationals. The foreigners arrested include three Nigerian men and five Nigerian women, one Filipino man and three Filipino women, one Sri Lankan, one Bangladeshi woman, six Bangladeshi men, one Zimbabwean woman, two Myanmar women, and 44 others from various countries.

    76 Pakistani men and two Pakistani women were also taken into custody.

    Seven FIRs (numbered 141 through 147) have been registered against the suspects on charges of fraud, forgery, and illegal investment operations. Interrogations are currently underway.

    Sources claim that Malik Tahseen Awan is the prime suspect in the scheme and is named in all seven FIRs.

    Authorities have launched multiple raids to arrest him, and his name has been added to the Provisional National Identification List (PNIL) to prevent him from fleeing the country.

  • Mohib Mirza, Zara Noor Abbas bring all the laughs in Ek Jhooti Kahani

    Mohib Mirza, Zara Noor Abbas bring all the laughs in Ek Jhooti Kahani

    What happens when one small lie enters a house full of five bold, lively sisters? Total chaos, and a lot of laughter. That’s exactly what the upcoming drama Ek Jhooti Kahani promises with a stellar cast including Mohib Mirza and Zara Noor Abbas, in a fun-filled story that mixes love, family madness, and one harmless lie that turns into a storm.

    The drama follows Mohib Mirza’s character, the only brother to five energetic and outspoken sisters. Each sister has her own strong personality, and managing them all is already a full-time job. But when he brings Zara Noor Abbas into the family as a fake bhaabhi to calm things down, nothing goes as planned.

    What starts as a simple lie soon spins out of control. The story takes hilarious twists and turns as Mohib and Zara try to keep up the act while dealing with unexpected situations, and even stronger reactions from the sisters.

    Directed by Shehrazade Sheikh (known for Doosra Chehra, Yahya, and Daraar) and written by Amna Mufti (Aakhri Station, Dil Na Umeed Tou Nahi), Ek Jhooti Kahani offers smart storytelling, full of laughter, love, and real family moments.

    The drama doesn’t just focus on comedy, it also beautifully shows the bond between sisters. Their love, fights, loyalty, and madness reflect the heart of every desi household. Qudsia Ali, Amna Youzasaif, Laiba Shah, Nawal Parveiz Malik, and Sabeena Syed play the five sisters, each adding their own charm and energy to the story.

    Produced by Momina Duraid under MD Productions, Ek Jhooti Kahani also stars Uzma Baig, Kaif Ghaznavi, Behroz Sabzwari, and Syed Muhammad Ahmed.

  • Humaira Asghar’s father refuses to claim her body, says he cut ties years ago

    Humaira Asghar’s father refuses to claim her body, says he cut ties years ago

    Police officials have revealed that the family of actress and model Humaira Asghar has refused to claim her body, which was found on Tuesday, nearly two weeks after she died in Karachi.

    According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) South Mehzor Ali, authorities tracked Humaira’s phone number through her landlord and used call data records to contact her father and brother. Her father refused to come to Karachi, revealing that he had severed ties with her nearly two years ago. Police report that they have since been unable to get back in touch with him.

    Efforts to encourage the family to claim her remains are currently ongoing. Two mobile devices were recovered from her apartment in DHA Phase VI, and data recovery is in progress. The autopsy and toxicology reports are still awaited. SSP Mehzor noted that a case will be initiated if there is any indication of foul play, regardless of the family’s willingness to pursue it.

    Humaira had been living alone in the apartment and had allegedly not paid rent since 2024. Her landlord had initiated legal action, resulting in court orders for eviction. When police entered the residence last week, they discovered her body in an advanced state of decomposition. Neighbours told officers that she was rarely seen and did not interact with others in the building.

    However, several actors and artists have expressed their sorrow and concern online.

    Actor Amar Khan stated that Humaira’s death reflects the state of the industry and society. “It’s a day for reflection… you face judgment based on your attire, vehicles, career, and finances,” she shared, encouraging young women to prioritise their mental well-being.

    Mawra Hocane urged anyone facing challenges in the industry to reach out, saying, “I will not judge. I promise… I will do my best to be there.” Hina Altaf labeled it a call to action, writing, “She lived alone. She passed away alone. And days went by before anyone noticed.”

    Adnan Siddiqui remembered Humaira as a compassionate colleague, while Ali Rehman also expressed sorrow and prayed for her peace.

    Humaira gained public recognition after appearing on the reality series Tamasha Ghar and also featured in the 2015 movie Jalaibee.

  • YouTube to change monetisation rules; Which channels will no longer be eligible to earn?

    YouTube to change monetisation rules; Which channels will no longer be eligible to earn?

    YouTube has announced major changes to its monetisation policies starting July 15, aiming to prevent low-quality, repetitive, and fully automated content from earning revenue, while encouraging original and creative videos.

    According to the new policy, videos created entirely using AI tools without any personal input or originality will not be eligible for monetisation. This includes content with robotic voiceovers lacking human narration or personal commentary. It also applies to repetitive formats, such as basic remixes, simple reaction videos, or compilations with minimal or no meaningful editing.

    Content that uses someone else’s material without clear changes, commentary, or explanation will also not qualify for ads. This includes videos slightly modified with filters or colour adjustments, offering nothing new.

    YouTube has warned that channels not complying with the rules could be removed from the YouTube Partner Program, as the platform now aims to support original, creative, and authentic content.

    For example, YouTube will monetise educational videos with unique explanations or research; entertainment content like short films, vlogs, or well-thought-out analysis, and any videos where the creator’s own voice, style, and ideas are clearly present.

    YouTube, however, has clarified that the use of AI is not completely banned, but it must include meaningful human input, interpretation, or editing.

    To qualify for the YouTube Partner Program, a channel must have at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months, or 10 million Shorts views in 90 days. The content must also follow YouTube’s originality and quality guidelines. Once these conditions are met, YouTube will review the channel to decide if it’s eligible to earn revenue.

    With AI tools becoming increasingly popular, many low-quality and faceless videos have flooded the internet. Some users teach tricks to earn money without ever showing their face. YouTube aims to discourage this trend and reward creators who produce genuine educational or entertaining videos.

    A recent Statista report revealed that in the last quarter of 2024 alone, YouTube removed more than 9.5 million videos, many of which were fully automated or repetitive. Now, the platform’s review system will be even stricter. If a channel’s videos are found to be low-quality, repetitive, or fully AI-generated without a human touch, it may lose its monetisation rights.

    With these new rules, YouTube hopes to keep the platform fresh and rewarding for creators who put real effort into producing meaningful content.

  • Federal govt approves four potential bidders for debt-ridden PIA

    Federal govt approves four potential bidders for debt-ridden PIA

    The federal government said on Tuesday that it had approved four parties, including business groups, to potentially bid for a stake in debt-ridden Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Reuters reported on Tuesday.

    If the flag carrier gets privatised, it would be the country’s first major privatisation in nearly two decades.

    The government has been seeking to sell a 51-100 percent stake in the struggling national airline to raise funds and reform cash-draining State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) as envisaged under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.

    Among the four bidding groups, one is a consortium of major industrial firms: Lucky Cement, Hub Power Holdings, Kohat Cement, and Metro Ventures.

    Another is led by investment firm Arif Habib Corporation, and includes fertiliser producer Fatima Fertiliser, private education operator The City School, and real estate firm Lake City Holdings (Private) Limited.

    Additionally, Fauji Fertiliser Company and Pakistani airline Airblue have been approved to bid for PIA.

    “The pre-qualified parties will now proceed to the buy-side due diligence phase,” the Advisor to the Prime Minister (PM) on Privatisation, Muhammad Ali, said in a statement.

    The country’s privatisation ministry said that the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation approved the transaction structure for the PIA-owned Roosevelt Hotel located in New York, including options for both outright sale and long-term lease.

    The ministry further said that Pakistan is expecting over $100 million as a first payment during this year for the Roosevelt Hotel. 

    During the last attempt, the minimum price of Rs85.03 billion with a Rs45 billion negative balance sheet had been set by the government to privatise PIA in October last year. However, the attempt failed because the government ended up with only one bidder, real-estate development company Blue World City, offering Rs10 billion for a 60 per cent stake.

    Meanwhile, media reports citing Ali said that PIA’s bidding is now expected to take place in the last quarter (October-December) of this year.

  • Grok goes off the rails after update turns it into white-supremacist

    Grok goes off the rails after update turns it into white-supremacist

    Grok, an AI chatbot incorporated into X (formerly Twitter), issued a series of contentious replies on Tuesday, citing Adolf Hitler, Jewish last names, and antisemitic conspiracy theories.

    Grok, created by Elon Musk’s xAI, was requested by a user to identify a woman in a screenshot from a TikTok video, prompting an exchange between the two.

    Grok identified the woman as Cindy Steinberg and claimed she had celebrated the deaths of white children during recent floods in Texas. The chatbot connected her name to a larger trend, asserting that individuals with Ashkenazi Jewish surnames frequently appear in what it termed “radical left activism.” Screenshots of the interaction began circulating on X before some of the content was removed.

    When asked to suggest a 20th-century figure who might respond to the posts, Grok expressed admiration for Hitler. In subsequent replies, it reinforced this viewpoint, stating: “Hitler would’ve called it out and crushed it.” One user who expressed disapproval was met with the response: “Pass the mustache—truth hurts more than floods.”

    In another unrelated reply, Grok made a joke about Jewish physical characteristics. It also referred to itself as “MechaHitler,” alluding to a video game character. Later, Grok asserted that its earlier comments were meant as sarcasm, labelling the post regarding Hitler as an “epic sarcasm fail.” In reaction to the backlash, Grok stated it was ridiculing a troll and deleted the post because “context matters.”

    This incident followed a substantial software update Musk announced on July 4, claiming that Grok had been “significantly” enhanced. Code updates indicated that the chatbot was directed to emphasise politically incorrect claims and consider media narratives as biased.

    Previously, Musk mentioned that Grok had been trained on “far too much garbage” and urged users to submit “divisive facts” that were politically incorrect yet factual. Grok has faced criticism before for invoking the “white genocide” conspiracy theory in response to unrelated prompts, such as inquiries about athletes’ salaries.

    A screenshot of a TikTok interaction quoted the woman saying, “White kids are just future fascists.” The X account in question has since been deactivated, and the quote remains unverified. Grok’s responses have been compared to Microsoft’s Tay bot, which was removed in 2016 after producing offensive content online.

    xAI has not replied to requests for a statement. A message posted on Grok’s account indicated that the company is working to filter hate speech and that Grok 4 will be unveiled during an upcoming livestream.

  • FBR launches AI system to streamline Customs, boost tax collection

    FBR launches AI system to streamline Customs, boost tax collection

    Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has launched an AI-driven Customs Clearance and Risk Management System (RMS), signalling a move towards automation in customs processes for imports and exports. This system aims to enhance efficiency, minimise manual involvement, and bolster tax revenue collection.

    The initiative was showcased during a review meeting led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. According to officials, the RMS utilises artificial intelligence and automated bots to assess the cost and classification of goods entering and exiting the nation.

    Preliminary outcomes from the system’s testing phase indicated substantial improvements. The number of Goods Declarations marked for taxation surged by 83 percent. Clearances through the green channel, which facilitates the rapid movement of low-risk goods, increased by 2.5 times. Overall performance saw an enhancement of over 92 percent, as reported by officials.

    The system is being framed as a critical advancement toward automation and data-driven evaluations in customs operations. Officials mentioned that the RMS could alleviate pressure on customs personnel and expedite the clearance process, thereby simplifying operations for businesses.

    The meeting also addressed the application of video analytics within the manufacturing sector. Authorities are considering its potential for monitoring production rates and automating tax collection. Initial tests indicated a remarkable 98 percent efficiency rate for this technology.

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described these digital changes as a fundamental aspect of the government’s economic strategy. He remarked that the implementation of AI would contribute to a more transparent tax system and diminish opportunities for undue influence. He further instructed officials to maintain the system’s integration across various departments.

    Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, the FBR chairman, and high-ranking government officials were present at the meeting.

    In a different briefing, the FBR and the Intelligence Bureau released an update on their efforts against tax evasion and hoarding. The report highlighted that collaborative operations had resulted in the recovery of Rs178 billion.

    Of this total, Rs69 billion was sourced from company mergers and unpaid dues from telecom companies. The Intelligence Bureau also conducted 515 raids across various sectors including sugar, beverages, edible oil, animal feed, tobacco, and cement. These actions yielded an additional Rs10.5 billion in tax revenues.

  • Trump holds fresh talks with Netanyahu to end Gaza ‘tragedy’

    Trump holds fresh talks with Netanyahu to end Gaza ‘tragedy’

    Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu met for the second time in 24 hours Tuesday as the US president intensified the pressure on the Israeli prime minister to reach a deal to end the “tragedy” of the genocide in Gaza.

    Netanyahu’s return to the White House for fresh talks came after Qatari mediators warned it would take time to seal an elusive ceasefire between Israeli and Hamas at talks in Doha.

    “It’s a tragedy, and he wants to get it solved, and I want to get it solved, and I think the other side wants to,” Trump told reporters as he announced that Netanyahu was coming back.

    Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff said he hoped for an agreement within days.

    “We are hopeful that by end of this week we will have an agreement that will bring us into a 60-day ceasefire,” Witkoff said.

    The deal would include the return of 10 live hostages held by Palestinian militant groups since Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel, and nine dead hostages, Witkoff added.

    The Israeli leader, who had dinner with Trump on Monday evening, arrived back at the White House for talks that were being held without any media access.

    Asked earlier as he met US House speaker Mike Johnson if a ceasefire announcement was imminent, Netanyahu replied: “We’re certainly working on it.”

    – ‘Need time’ –

    Trump has kept up strong US support for Israel, especially over the recent Iran-Israel war, but has also been stepping up the pressure to end what he calls the “hell” in Gaza.

    Qatar however said Tuesday more time was needed for negotiations for a breakthrough between Israel and Hamas, as indirect negotiations extended into a third day in Doha.

    “I don’t think that I can give any timeline at the moment, but I can say right now that we will need time for this,” Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari said.

    Qatar, a mediator along with the United States and Egypt, said the meetings in Doha were focused on a framework for the talks, while a Palestinian official close to the negotiations said no breakthrough had been achieved so far.

    Hostilities meanwhile continued on the ground.

    Gaza’s civil defence reported 29 killed in Israeli strikes on Tuesday, including three children.

    Five Israeli soldiers were killed in combat in northern Gaza — one of the deadliest days this year for Israeli forces in the Palestinian territory.

    Netanyahu described the soldiers’ deaths as a “difficult morning.” They were reportedly killed by improvised explosive devices near Beit Hanun in northern Gaza.

    And Lebanon said three people were killed Tuesday in a strike near Tripoli that the Israeli military said targeted a Hamas soldier, the first in the area since a November ceasefire with Hezbollah.

    – ‘Torn to shreds’ –

    Trump has been trying to seize on the momentum from the recent ceasefire between Iran and Israel, which was precipitated by US airstrikes on Tehran’s nuclear program.

    France’s foreign intelligence chief said Tuesday that the program has been “very, very delayed” by US and Israeli strikes, wading into a contentious debate over just how hard it was hit.

    Israel and Hamas began the latest round of negotiations on Sunday, with representatives seated in separate rooms within the same building.

    An Israeli official accompanying Netanyahu to Washington said the proposal under discussion was “80-90 percent of what Israel wanted.”

    But far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir opposed negotiations with Hamas, saying that “there is no need to negotiate with those who murder our fighters; they must be torn to shreds.”

    The genocide has created dire humanitarian conditions for Gaza’s more than two million people.

    The genocide against Palestinians in Gaza worsened after October 7 2023 as Israel has killed at least 57,575 people in Gaza, also mostly civilians.

  • Hania Aamir’s adorable Punjabi BTS goes viral as Sardaar Ji 3 breaks records

    Hania Aamir’s adorable Punjabi BTS goes viral as Sardaar Ji 3 breaks records

    Hania Aamir is truly the most adorable actress both on and off screen and if you need proof then you don’t have to look further than her new Instagram post  of exclusive glimpses from the set of Sardaar Ji 3.

    Hania posted photos and videos from the shoot with the caption “Chaliye fir cinema” giving fans a glimpse into her exciting cinematic journey.

    In one particularly delightful video, Hania can be seen trying her best to pronounce a Punjabi dialogue: “Inaya kuttay agy sity ga.” Her effort and playful struggle left fans gushing.

    From her radiant smile to her charming Punjabi accent, everything about Hania’s BTS content had fans flooding the comments section with love, “What a beautiful memory and an unforgettable cinematic debut!”

    “Post BTS with Diljit Dosanjh, please!”

    “Mainu pehle ni pta si koi Punjabi enni pyaari v bol sakda ❤”

    “Her Punjabi accent = pure serotonin boost Kitni pyaari lagti ho bolte hue!”

    “My heart was touched by your performance in the song ‘Hania Sohni Lagdi’. It’s one of my all-time favourites “

    Fans also praised her dedication to the project, “Hania worked very hard on this film, and that’s why the film has done so well in collections. Hard work and dedication paid off.❤ loveee youuu”


    Sardaar Ji 3, part of the hit Punjabi comedy franchise, stars Diljit Dosanjh as the beloved Sardaar Ji and marks Hania Aamir’s big Punjabi film debut. Directed by Rohit Jugraj and backed by White Hill Studios and Rhythm Boyz Entertainment, the film blends romance, comedy, and light supernatural elements, with veterans like Jaswinder Bhalla and BN Sharma adding to the charm.

    Despite the unfortunate ban on its release in India following the April 22 Pahalgam attack, the film is making waves globally. The producers, with support from Diljit, chose not to release the film in India out of respect for public sentiment. But that hasn’t stopped it from becoming a massive success overseas.

    In just one week, Sardaar Ji 3 has earned ₹33.6 crore (PKR 109.87 crore) and is well on track to cross the ₹50 crore (PKR 163.5 crore) milestone. Audiences across the US, Canada, UK, and Pakistan are calling it a “joyful cross-border triumph.”