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Author: News Desk

  • HUM TV assistant director Nizamuddin Gillani shot dead in Islamabad

    HUM TV assistant director Nizamuddin Gillani shot dead in Islamabad

    Nizamuddin Gillani, an assistant director at HUM TV, was shot dead in Islamabad on Wednesday.

    According to initial reports, the alleged shooter is believed to be his cousin. The motive behind the killing remains unknown, and police have launched an investigation.

    Gillani, known for his television projects like Neem, reportedly died on the spot. His body has been moved to a local hospital for a post-mortem examination. A First Information Report (FIR) has also been registered, and authorities have confirmed that the suspect has been identified.

    Law enforcement officials arrived at the scene shortly after the incident and are now looking into the circumstances behind the tragic shooting.

    The sudden loss has shocked the media industry. Colleagues and celebrities have expressed their grief and are calling for justice.

    Actor Ameer Gilani, who worked closely with Nizamuddin on the drama Neem, took to social media to share his sorrow. 

    He wrote, “SYED NIZAMUDDIN GILLANI, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR HUM ENTERTAINMENT SHOT DEAD BY COUSIN IN ISLAMABAD. Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Rajioon. Nizam was our AD on Neem, very simple and sweet. What has the world come to? So sad.”

  • ‘It was crazy’; Ertugrul star Engin Altan shares wild stories of Pakistani fans

    ‘It was crazy’; Ertugrul star Engin Altan shares wild stories of Pakistani fans

    Turkish actor Engin Altan Düzyatan often speaks fondly about Pakistan, and in a recent interview, he shared some interesting and funny moments from his visit to the country.

    Düzyatan is famously known for playing the role of Ertugrul in the Turkish drama series Diriliş: Ertuğrul in Pakistan after the drama was dubbed in Urdu and aired on PTV in 2020. The show gained massive popularity not only in Pakistan but also in India and Bangladesh. 

    In his recent interview, he shared, “My visit to Pakistan was truly amazing,” noting that “Pakistani people love the Ertugrul series.”

    He recalled his visit to Pakistan during the coronavirus pandemic. “I once visited Karachi during COVID. Interestingly, no one in Pakistan seemed to believe in the virus. They kept saying it was a lie and that no one dies of it. And, surprisingly, no one was dying there.”

    The Turkish actor also shared a fan encounter. “I had just arrived in Pakistan and was unpacking my luggage in my room when suddenly a bunch of people walked in. I said, ‘This is my room,’ but they replied, ‘Yeah, yeah, come, come, we’re here for pictures,’ without any regard for social distancing. It was crazy!”

    He also shared an incident when he was surrounded by a wave of fans. “Later, I visited a famous mosque and was meeting with the Imam when, all of a sudden, the mosque got flooded with people. Around 4,000 to 5,000 people rushed in. There was no security, and the crowd became so overwhelming that the national guards had to step in and rescue me. I was shocked, but to be honest, it was an amazing experience.”

  • Major Pakistani wins that isolated India after clashes

    Major Pakistani wins that isolated India after clashes

    Islamabad has secured a major diplomatic win on the global stage, while New Delhi faces global isolation following the Pakistan-India conflict last month.


    Pakistan appointed on key roles

    Pakistan has been appointed to pivotal roles in the subsidiary bodies of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Wednesday, including chair of the UNSC’s 1988 Taliban Sanctions Committee and vice-chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee.

    These committees are responsible for overseeing the implementation of sanctions, including asset freezes, travel restrictions, and arms embargoes, on individuals and groups that pose a threat to peace and stability in the region.

    IMF, ADB approve billions of dollars for Pakistan

    Key international financial institutions have aligned support in quick succession to Pakistan, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approving a $1B tranche disbursement on May 9 and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) approving $800M on June 3.

    The disbursement was approved under the ongoing Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and allowed an additional arrangement for the $1.4 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). This was done at a time when Pak-India tension was at its peak.

    ADB approved an $800 million programme to strengthen fiscal sustainability and improve public financial management in Pakistan earlier this week.


    Foreign policy is at its strongest in decades

    While no country came out in support of New Delhi, including its traditional friend Russia, Pakistan’s allies China, Azerbaijan, and Turkey openly backed Islamabad while it was defending its sovereignty and integrity.

    After the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) shot down six Indian fighter jets, including Gen 4.5  Rafales, a $4.2 billion deal for the acquisition of JF-17 Thunder Block III aircraft, jointly produced by Pakistan and China, was reportedly signed between Baku and Islamabad, media outlets reported last month.

    According to reports, Azerbaijan is expanding its initial purchase of JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets, increasing the number from 16 to a striking 40 units.


     
    Conversely, India’s foreign policy remains flawed. Canada has not extended an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the G-7 summit, to be held from June 15 to 17 in Kananaskis, Alberta.

    G-7 is a grouping of seven of the world’s richest countries, comprising the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Canada and Japan. However, India has been invited to join the summit every year since 2019.


    Kuwait lifts visa bans on Pakistan

    Following the conflict between nuclear-armed countries Pakistan and India, Kuwait lifted a 19-year-long visa ban on Pakistani citizens and resumed issuing a wide range of visas to Pakistani nationals on May 28.

    Pakistan’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Zaffar Iqbal, had revealed in a statement that Pakistan and Kuwait are also in the advanced stages of finalising a new labour Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

  • Indian police arrest popular Sikh YouTuber over allegations of links to Pakistan

    Indian police arrest popular Sikh YouTuber over allegations of links to Pakistan

    Indian police have arrested popular Sikh YouTuber Jasbir Singh on charges of spying for Pakistan on Tuesday.

    According to reports, Sikhs in India are once again being targeted by the Narendra Modi- led government. 

    Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav has alleged, “YouTuber Jasbir Singh was associated with a Pakistani network,” adding that the network was also in contact with travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra and Shakir alias Jatt Nandwa.

    Indian media, already under intense global scrutiny for the disinformation it disseminated during the stand-off with Pakistan, has claimed that Jasbir Singh visited Pakistan in 2020, 2021, and 2024 and that phone numbers linked to Pakistan were found on his mobile device.

    Indian outlets further accused Jasbir Singh, the creator of the Jan Mahal YouTube channel, of being part of a covert network, alleging that he was also in contact with “Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish.”

    Modi government appears to be targeting expressions of Sikh identity on social media by labelling them as acts of espionage. Sikh YouTubers and digital activists are reportedly under strict surveillance.

    Not only are accounts being shut down and posts being deleted for expressing Sikh identity online but supporters of Sikhs for Justice are also being booked under harsh laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Cases of treason are being registered for merely speaking the word Khalistan, and ordinary Sikh citizens in Indian Punjab are increasingly being placed on intelligence watch lists.

    In May, Indian vlogger Jyoti Malhotra, who runs the channel’ Travel with Jo’, was also arrested on similar charges. Days after Pakistan’s Operation Bunyan Um Mursoos hammered Indian military targets, officials detained six of their own citizens, including Malhotra, accusing them of being in touch with the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi.

  • Famous Pakistani food brand brings chutneys to Costco

    Famous Pakistani food brand brings chutneys to Costco

    A new product sampling roadshow at Costco Canada is garnering attention not just for its flavours but also for its Pakistani origins.

    National Foods, a Pakistani company known for its packaged spices, sauces, and chutneys, has launched a six-week tour showcasing its dipping sauces at select Costco outlets.

    The tour began at the Mississauga warehouse (3180 Laird Rd), where it will continue until June 8. Two additional locations are planned for the upcoming weeks at Thorncliffe Park-42 Overlea Blvd –June 10 to June 22, and Kingston-1015 Centennial Dr- June 24 to July 6.

    Shoppers can sample and purchase any four bottles of sauce for $8.99. The flavours offered, organised by spice level, include Mango Chilli, Chilli Garlic, Tangy Tamarind, Red Chilli, and Green Chilli. The sampling area has attracted a consistent number of visitors, with customers adding bottles to their carts alongside fast food items like chicken fingers and fries.

    A video shared by @costcomarkhameast on Instagram captures the excitement around the booth. In the comments, numerous viewers acknowledged the brand’s roots, calling it a “proud moment” and highlighting the prominence of a Pakistani brand at an international retail chain.

    One user remarked, “Wow, it’s from Pakistan,” while another said, “Congratulation National, it’s about time.”

    Founded in Karachi in 1970, National Foods has grown to be one of Pakistan’s leading food brands. Its products are already sold in a number of countries at South Asian grocery stores, but this Costco roadshow presents the brand to a broader, more diverse audience.

    For many members of the Pakistani community abroad, the sauces represent more than just flavour; they evoke a sense of familiarity and recognition. The inclusion of a locally established Pakistani brand at Costco signifies a moment of cultural visibility through food, in a space that seldom showcases South Asian companies on this scale.

  • Uzbekistan creates history, qualifies for FIFA WC for the first time

    Uzbekistan creates history, qualifies for FIFA WC for the first time

    The Uzbekistan football team created history on Thursday after qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time ever. A 0-0 draw with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) secured them a spot in the 2026 tournament, which will be held in North America.

    Playing in Abu Dhabi, Uzbekistan’s goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov made several key saves in the second half to deny the UAE and secure a goalless draw. The UAE needed a win to remain in contention for automatic qualification, but the result means they will now progress to the next round of qualifiers. Uzbekistan’s qualification is particularly historic, marking their first since gaining independence in 1991.

    In Group C, Australia took a big step toward qualification with a 1-0 win over Japan in Perth. Aziz Behich scored the winning goal in the 90th minute. Even though Japan had already qualified, Australia needed the victory to stay ahead of Saudi Arabia, who also won 2-0 against Bahrain with goals from Musab Al-Juwayr and Abdulrahman Al-Obud.

    Australia are now three points ahead of Saudi Arabia. The two teams will play on Tuesday in Jeddah. Australia, however, have an advantage in goal difference, which means they can afford to lose by as many as four goals and still qualify as runners-up behind Japan.

    In Group B, Jordan moved close to qualification with a 3-0 victory over Oman after a hat-trick by Ali Olwan. The team now awaits for the result of the South Korea vs Iraq match to confirm their qualification status.

    Meanwhile, Indonesia also kept their World Cup hopes alive. A 1-0 win over China guaranteed their place in the fourth round of qualifying. Ole Romeny scored the only goal with a penalty just before halftime in Jakarta. The loss ended China’s chances to succeed.

  • Malir Jail escapee records video message before committing suicide

    Malir Jail escapee records video message before committing suicide

    A 25-year-old inmate who escaped during the mass jailbreak at District Jail Malir earlier this week has died by suicide in Madni Colony in  Karachi’s Mauripur. 

    Police identified the deceased as Raza, a resident of Ranchore Line.

    Police were alerted after the body was found, and the deceased was shifted to Civil Hospital, Karachi, for medico-legal formalities. 

    SHO Sardar Ali Abbasi of the Mauripur Police Station claims that Raza was in his sister’s house when he died.

    He is believed to have taken his own life while alone in the house.

    Raza was incarcerated at Malir Jail on March 30, 2022, in connection with a drug case that was filed at the Eidgah police station.

    The jailbreak, which took place between Tuesday and Wednesday night, resulted in the escape of more than 200 inmates, including Raza. 

    126 escapees have voluntarily returned or been re-arrested thus far.

    Police are searching Karachi for the at least 90 prisoners who are still on the lose.

    A video statement recorded by Raza shortly before his death has been found. In the video, Raza says, “We all climbed over each other to get out while gunfire erupted inside the jail. I thought it was an earthquake.” 

    He further adds, “I was injured while escaping. I walked around the whole night, and then a man took me to Civil Hospital.” He also adds that he is innocent.


     He says he spent the night there before returning to his family. 


    Raza’s suicide has raised serious questions about the psychological condition of the escapees and the management of the prison system.

  • PCB forms observatory committee to oversee selection, domestic cricket affairs

    PCB forms observatory committee to oversee selection, domestic cricket affairs

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formed an oversight committee to monitor player selection and other related matters, according to media reports on Thursday.

    Former Pakistan cricketers Sikandar Bakht and Sarfaraz Ahmed will reportedly lead the committee, which will also review and address issues within the domestic cricket circuit.

    Meanwhile, changes in the national team leadership are under discussion. According to sources, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan is likely to be removed as Pakistan’s ODI captain. A final decision on the matter is expected in the coming days.

    Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has already begun consultations regarding a potential change in captaincy. Among the possible candidates, current T20I skipper Salman Ali Agha is being considered a strong contender to take over the 50-over format as well. Along with the new captain, Hesson is also expected to name a new vice-captain.

    Earlier, there were reports that all-rounder Salman Ali Agha will soon be named Pakistan’s Test captain.

    Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), former cricketer Basit Ali shared a picture of Salman and captioned it, “Congratulations on the red-ball captaincy too, one captain for all three formats.”

    Salman recently led Pakistan to a clean sweep over Bangladesh in a home T20I series, boosting his chances as a candidate for the Test captaincy. Reports suggest he could replace current Test captain Saud Shakeel in the red-ball format.

    Salman is already the vice-captain of the Test team and is currently leading Pakistan in T20Is. Basit’s statement has triggered discussions in cricket circles, although the PCB has yet to make any official announcement.

    Sources indicate that two names are being considered for the Test captaincy: Saud Shakeel and Salman Ali Agha, with Salman emerging as the favourite.

    In November 2023, opener Shan Masood was appointed as Test captain, but Pakistan managed only three wins out of 12 Tests under his leadership, losing nine. Their disappointing run in the ICC World Test Championship, where they ended at the bottom of the table, has added pressure on the board to make a leadership change.

    Currently, Pakistan is ranked ninth in the WTC standings and has suffered a whitewash series of defeats against Australia, Bangladesh, and South Africa.

  • One of four who gang-raped woman in front of husband, shot dead in police encounter

    One of four who gang-raped woman in front of husband, shot dead in police encounter

    One of the four suspects involved in the gang rape of a woman in front of her husband was allegedly killed by his own accomplices during an encounter with the Crime Control Department (CCD) near Jorian Bridge, within the Kassoki police precincts of Hafizabad district, on Thursday.

    According to CCD sources, a team conducted a raid on a location along an open drain after receiving information about the suspects’ presence near Jorian Bridge.

    The suspects opened fire on the police, who returned fire. When the firing ceased, police found the body of one of the four suspects involved, identified as Khawar, a rickshaw driver.

    CCD officials stated that Khawar was killed by the gunfire of his own accomplices. The remaining suspects managed to escape.

    The body was shifted to Hafizabad District Headquarters Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

    Police have registered a case against the fleeing suspects under sections 302, 324, 353, 186, and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code, as well as the Punjab Arms (Amendment) Ordinance 2015, based on the report filed by CCD Sub-Inspector Ali Hassan.

    An investigation is underway.

    On May 3, eight individuals, including four named suspects, were charged in connection with the gang rape of a woman that took place on April 25.

    According to reports, the incident took place when the couple, travelling from Nowshera Virkan, stopped at a rest area. While they were on a motorcycle, a man approached them, verbally abused the wife, and physically assaulted her. Shortly after, a group of armed men arrived and forcibly took the couple to a secluded area near a graveyard, as detailed in a first information report (FIR) lodged by the husband at Kassoki Police Station on Tuesday.

    The FIR stated that the suspects tied the husband up, forced him to lie on the ground, and then gang-raped his wife despite his repeated pleas for mercy. Both were subjected to physical violence and robbery; the assailants stole two mobile phones, two tolas of gold, and Rs 2,500 in cash.

    The FIR also mentioned that the suspects allegedly forced the couple to perform sexual acts in front of them, recording the assault on video. The footage was later circulated on social media.

    The FIR was registered only after the video surfaced online. The couple told police they had initially refrained from reporting the crime out of fear.

    Police are conducting raids to arrest the fleeing suspects.

  • ‘Your prayers gave me strength’: Angeline Malik thanks fans in update on cancer battle

    ‘Your prayers gave me strength’: Angeline Malik thanks fans in update on cancer battle

    Pakistani actor-director Angeline Malik, who is currently battling cancer, has thanked her fans for their prayers and wishes, saying they gave her the strength to move forward.

    Malik shared new photos on Instagram and provided fans with an update on her health. In the photos, she appeared to be in good spirits and better health. “Where I am today, and the way I am today, it’s because of the prayers of my fans and loved ones,” she wrote.

    “Prayers make a difference, and I’m with my loved ones because of these prayers,” Malik added.

    Reflecting on the early days of her diagnosis, she wrote, “When I started my fight against cancer, I was lonely and frustrated. I was afraid, uncertain and anxious, but today, it’s not like that.”

    “Some incredible things happened during my cancer treatment. Miracles happened. I started getting better, I am better, and prayers showed an effect. I am truly grateful to my fans and loved ones for praying.”

    Malik also shared that when she was suffering from fear and uncertainty during treatment, she was surrounded by prayers of her fans. “Those prayers gave me the strength to move forward.”

    Instead of calling it a personal fight, she described her journey as a shared battle, writing, “This wasn’t just my battle… it was a joint fight with my fans. Prayers make a difference. They made a difference. Prayers work miracles.”

    She concluded with gratitude for her fans’ continued support and prayers.