Author: News Desk

  • Four arrested for rape of 14-year-old with cognitive disabilities

    Four arrested for rape of 14-year-old with cognitive disabilities

    Four men involved in the alleged gang-rape of a minor with cognitive disabilities earlier this month in Lahore have been arrested, a leading English newspaper reported on Tuesday.

    According to a First Information Report (FIR) registered on May 20, the 14-year-old victim was taken to the washroom of a mosque on May 9, where the four suspects allegedly raped her.

    “They threatened the mentally challenged girl, warning her that if she told anyone about the incident, they would kill her,” the FIR stated, adding that the suspects later dropped the girl outside her home.

    According to the complainant, the girl had been visibly distressed and frightened since the incident and only disclosed what had happened to her parents a day before the FIR was registered.

    A social media post by Punjab Police stated that action had been taken on the complaint and all four suspects were taken into custody.

    Separately, the Prosecutor General of Punjab, Syed Farhad Ali Shah, took notice of the incident and summoned the investigating officer on Thursday (today), along with the case record.

    Declaring it a “high-profile case,” the provincial prosecutor general stated that strict legal action would be taken against the suspects. “A special prosecution team will be deployed to follow up on the case,” Shah said.

    Pakistan’s anti-rape laws provide for either the death penalty or imprisonment ranging from 10 to 25 years.

    Last month, in April, Punjab police arrested five suspects for their alleged involvement in the gang rape of a child in Muzaffargarh. 

    In another incident, in March, a woman was reportedly gang-raped by armed robbers in Faisalabad’s Sandal Bar area after the robbers tied up her husband with a shalwar drawstring.

  • Moeed Pirzada purchases US house worth more than $1 million after fleeing Pakistan

    Moeed Pirzada purchases US house worth more than $1 million after fleeing Pakistan

    YouTuber Moeed Pirzada jointly purchased a luxurious 1000 yards house worth $1.05 million in Potomac, Maryland, one of the most expensive areas near the capital of the United States (US), less than ten months after fleeing the country on October 30, 2022, The News reported on Thursday.

    Citing threats to his life, the YouTuber left Pakistan months after the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan’s government was ousted in a no-confidence motion. He first went to the United Kingdom (UK), where he stated he was constantly changing his location to avoid danger.

    Addressing his source of income, Pirzada said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that he sold his old family house in the UK to buy the property in the US.

    Publicly available records from UK Companies House and the UK Land Registry suggest that Pirzada’s wife Najma Naheed Pirzada purchased a property there in 2006 and sold it in April 2023.

    The News, however, reported that the UK property was never declared in Pakistan, making it a clear case of asset concealment under Pakistan’s tax laws. Furthermore, official documents in Pakistan indicate that his wife has not declared any source of income.

    The US property, bought by Pirzada and his wife on August 15, 2023, has increased in value by $131,550, placing its current estimated worth at $1.2 million.

    In a post on X, Pirzada claimed that all the funds to buy the property in the US after selling their house in the UK were transferred through legal banking channels to the US.

    The News cited the UK Land Registry to report that the England property had remained in the possession of Najma Naheed Pirzada since October 13, 2006. A charge was registered on the property on November 3, 2008.

    Despite the couple being registered taxpayers, official records from Pakistan reveal that this UK property was never declared by either Pirzada or his wife.

    The YouTuber registered a company called MNP Multimedia LLC in March 2023, before selling the UK property, however, the official record in Maryland suggests that MNP Multimedia LLC was registered on March 3, 2023 — just a few months before the Potomac property was purchased in August.

    After one month, the company updated its official address to the newly acquired luxury house in the US. The company has yet to file an annual financial report.

    Before leaving Pakistan, the duo operated an organisation called Global Village Space.

    Although Pirzada was an active taxpayer in Pakistan, his spouse, despite being registered with the tax authority, neither filed tax returns nor paid any taxes until 2022. Pirzada’s admission of selling the UK property, the UK Land Registry document, and Pakistan’s official records confirm that the property was concealed from Pakistani tax authorities.

  • ‘I always stand with Pakistan Army’: Arshad Nadeem on Neeraj Chopra’s comments

    ‘I always stand with Pakistan Army’: Arshad Nadeem on Neeraj Chopra’s comments

    Pakistan’s star javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has chosen not to respond to Indian athlete Neeraj Chopra’s recent comments about their relationship, saying that the current tense situation between Pakistan and India is not the right time to talk.

    When asked about Chopra’s statement while speaking to the media on Wednesday, Nadeem said, “I don’t want to talk about it because of the situation between Pakistan and India. I always stand with the Pakistan Army.”

    Chopra, in a recent interview, had said that while the two have always shown mutual respect, they were never close friends, adding that their equation is not the same anymore. “We were never really close friends or anything,” Chopra stated. “But because of this [recent issue], it will not be like before.”

    Despite not commenting further, Nadeem praised Chopra’s performance, congratulating him for crossing the 90-metre mark for the first time in his career at the Diamond League in Doha, where Chopra won a silver medal.

    The Pakistani javelin ace is now focused on the upcoming Asian Athletics Championship, which will be held in Korea from May 27 to 31. 

    “I will try my best to perform well at the event,” he said. “My goal is to throw 100 meters. I’m working hard, and by the will of Allah, I’ll achieve it one day.”

    After the Asian Championship, Nadeem shared that he plans to travel to England after Eid-ul-Adha to begin preparations for the World Athletics Championship. He will be training there alongside his coach Salman Butt.

    At age 28, Nadeem continues to carry Pakistan’s hopes on the international stage and is working tirelessly to reach new milestones in his career.

  • ‘Like, oh my god’; Mahira Khan’s fun accent challenge goes viral

    ‘Like, oh my god’; Mahira Khan’s fun accent challenge goes viral

    Influencer Rida, known as Rozana with Rida on Instagram, shared a light-hearted video featuring actress Mahira Khan at the Love Guru premiere in New York City.

    Rida, who is known for her video explainers, wrote in her caption, “I got to ask @mahirahkhan a couple questions at the premiere of Love Guru NYC. She’s one of the best celebs I’ve ever interacted with, she has a natural smile that’s always on her face. I’ll make a video about my experience abt meeting her later.”

    In the video, Rida asks Mahira, “Can you do your best American girl accent? Like I’m from LA,” to which Mahira responds in an American accent, “Like oh my god. Oh my god. Like that.”

    Rida replies, “You’re a natural.”

    “Thank you. I’m actually kind of okay.” Mahira says.

    Rida then follows up with another request: “Can you do your best southern accent?”

    Mahira laughs and responds, “I can just say ‘All right. All right. All right.’”

    Delighted, Rida says, “I think that’s good. Okay. Oh, thank you so much. I love your movie, Love Guru.”

    Fans flooded the comments section:“She is the best ❤ pure heart”

    “Omg this is AMAZING she’s such a doll”

    “She is my favourite ❤”


    Rida later posted another video with Mahira, showing their excitement over seeing the Love Guru trailer at Times Square.

    She wrote, “It’s an insane experience to see a PAKISTANI movie trailer on the big screens of Times Square make sure to watch Love Guru when it releases on June 6.”

    Earlier, during the Love Guru promotions, Mahira Khan also surprised fans in New York with an unexpected guest Onijah Robinson, the viral sensation.


    In a clip shared on Mahira’s Instagram Story, she said, “Yeah, here in New York and who I have with me.”

    The camera then moved to Onijah, who smiled and said, “Hello, Shabana.”

    Mahira laughed and replied, “Shabana? Oh my God!”

    Love Guru is set to release this Eid ul Azha and brings back Mahira Khan and Humayun Saeed to the big screen after nearly three years. The movie is a fun, comedy-filled love story.

    In the film, Humayun plays a flirtatious bachelor who’s forced to take responsibility after Mahira’s character’s father, played by Javed Sheikh, gives him a serious task.


    The film is written by Vasay Chaudhry and directed by Nadeem Baig.

  • Alex Hales leaves Islamabad United mid-playoffs

    Alex Hales leaves Islamabad United mid-playoffs

    Star English batter Alex Hales has parted ways with Islamabad United during the Pakistan Super League playoffs, leaving the team without a key player ahead of a must-win match.

    Neither Islamabad United nor Hales officially mentioned the reason for his departure.

    Hales was recalled to strengthen Islamabad’s chances in the final stages and made an immediate impact with a blistering 88 off 35 balls against Karachi Kings, helping United secure second place and a spot in the Qualifier against Quetta Gladiators.

    However, his second outing didn’t go as planned; he was dismissed for a duck in the Qualifier at Gaddafi Stadium, where Islamabad lost to Quetta. Now, as United prepare for a do-or-die match to reach the final, they’ll be without Hales, who has exited the squad.

    Taking to social media, Hales thanked Islamabad United and wished the team well for the remainder of the tournament.

    Meanwhile, fellow overseas player Rassie van der Dussen remains with the team for the crucial fixtures ahead.

    Quetta Outclass Islamabad in high-scoring qualifier

    The first Qualifier was played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, where Quetta Gladiators chose to bat first after winning the toss. Despite losing opener Saud Shakeel early, Quetta built strong partnerships throughout the innings.

    Finn Allen played a quick knock of 41 runs, while Dinesh Chandimal (48 not out) and Faheem Ashraf (45) powered the team to a big total of 209 for 6 in 20 overs.

    For Islamabad, Ben Dwarshuis and Salman Irshad picked up two wickets each.

    Chasing 210 runs, Islamabad’s innings started on a poor note as Alex Hales was dismissed for zero. However, a steady 71-run partnership between Sahibzada Farhan (52) and Rassie van der Dussen (35) kept hopes alive. After both were dismissed, captain Shadab Khan added only 16 runs, and though Agha Salman fought hard with 44, Islamabad’s lower order crumbled.

    The entire team was bowled out for 179 in the final over, falling 30 runs short of the target.

    For Quetta, Usman Tariq was the pick of the bowlers with 3 wickets, while Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Wasim Jr., and Faheem Ashraf grabbed 2 wickets each.

    With this win, Quetta Gladiators have booked their place in the PSL 10 Final. Meanwhile, Islamabad United will get one more chance in Qualifier 2, where they will face the winner of the Eliminator between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings.

  • ‘It’s weight loss, not surgery’; Alizeh Shah fires back at trolls

    ‘It’s weight loss, not surgery’; Alizeh Shah fires back at trolls

    Actor Alizeh Shah has set the record straight after social media was flooded with rumours about her undergoing plastic surgery.

    The actor, often in the spotlight for her bold fashion choices and active social media presence, became a trending topic once again when netizens noticed a change in her appearance.

    Many users across various platforms speculated that she had undergone cosmetic procedures, to which Alizeh responded with a firm yet simple video that has since gone viral online.

    “Please, for God’s sake! I haven’t undergone any cosmetic surgeries, leave me alone. I’ve just lost some weight, which is why I look different. When I did Ehd e Wafa, I was only seventeen. Everyone on the set knows that it was my mother who signed the contract on my behalf because I didn’t even have an ID card,” she said.

    Alizeh added, “How do you guys expect a person to look the same even after six years? I am currently 23 years old, how can I look like 17.

    This isn’t the first time Alizeh Shah has asked for space. She’s been criticised multiple times for her personal choices and appearance.

    Back in April, she opened up about how online trolling had taken a toll on her. In a post on her Instagram Stories, she wrote, “The trolling, the constant criticism, the negativity didn’t just hurt me emotionally, it’s now affecting my physical health. It reached a point where I had no choice but to isolate myself completely, not just from social media, but from everyone around me.”

  • PTA Chief issues clarification after accusing Aimal Wali of taking ‘charas’

    PTA Chief issues clarification after accusing Aimal Wali of taking ‘charas’

    Chairman of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Major General (retd) Hafeez Ur Rehman issued a clarification on Thursday, one day after he accused Awami National Party (ANP) Senator Aimal Wali Khan of smoking charas (weed) during an official meeting. 

    The row had taken place between the PTA head and Aimal Wali during a meeting of the Senate held at the Parliament House on Wednesday, chaired by Senator Agha Shahzaib Durrani, to discuss the routine agenda. 

    After being accused of ‘smoking charas’ Aimal Wali burst out at the PTA head, saying, “Who gave you the audacity to speak like this [to me],” he asked. 

    The PTA chairman, while apparently attempting to mollify Aimal Wali, offered an apology, saying, “It was a mistake on my part.” However, the Senator did not hold back.

    “If you use drugs or alcohol, then you make such comments. One should never speak falsely. This must not happen in any meeting. How dare a government employee say to me that I came here after smoking weed,” the Senator shouted.

    Eventually, the PTA chairman had to leave the session.

    Following the meeting, Aimal Wali told a reporter outside Parliament House that he would make sure the PTA Chairman was removed from his post. “They are government employees, and we are public representatives,” he stressed. 

    The Senator then took to X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday night to demand Chairman PTA’s accountability over his remarks.

    “I will move a privilege motion against General Hafeez-ur-Rehman for slander and stereotyping. It wasn’t merely a personal attack but an affront to the dignity and integrity of the Senate of Pakistan. Such drunk-on-power officials must be held accountable and removed from their positions,” he wrote.

    In a statement issued by PTA, Hafeez Ur Rehman said that he had no intention of being disrespectful towards Senator Aimal Wali during the “Senate Functional Committee on Problems of Less Developed Areas”, held on Wednesday.

    Chairman PTA said that upon returning to the room, “by Honorable Senator, a light-hearted remark was exchanged with Honourable Senator Aimal Wali,” adding, however, if any unintended offence was caused, he has already extended his unconditional apology before the Honourable Committee. 

    He emphasized that he holds Aimal Wali and his esteemed family in the highest regard and continues to respect all members of the Senate, reaffirming his unwavering commitment to uphold parliamentary decorum and to serve the nation within the bounds of law and official protocols.

    Maintaining that the campaign run against him on social and political platforms “is based purely on a misunderstanding”, he underscored that his record reflects institutional performance and reforms.

    Calling for a more constructive and positive approach moving forward, the chairman stressed the need to prioritise national interest and unite to address telecom infrastructure concerns.

  • Journalist claims differences between head coach, selection committee already as Hesson drops big names

    Journalist claims differences between head coach, selection committee already as Hesson drops big names

    Sports journalist Qadir Khawaja has claimed a major disagreement between the selection committee and head coach Mike Hesson over the final squad for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh.

    According to Khawaja, the differences emerged during their very first assignment together when the selection committee had finalised the team, but Hesson made last-minute changes, dropping three players and replacing them with his own picks.

    Khawaja claims that the original squad included Abbas Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Haider Ali. However, head coach Mike Hesson opted for Faheem Ashraf, Hussain Talat, and Naseem Shah instead. He added that Hesson insisted on retaining Naseem despite the selectors’ plan to rest both Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah.

    On Wednesday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 16-member squad for the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. Senior players, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan, were notably left out.

    All three matches will be played at the historic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, with the full schedule expected to be released soon.

    All-rounder Agha Salman has been appointed captain for the series, with experienced spinner Shadab Khan named vice-captain.

    The squad features a mix of youth and experience, reflecting PCB’s strategy of grooming emerging talent for future international events while remaining competitive.

    Pakistan squad for Bangladesh T20I series:

    Agha Salman (Captain), Shadab Khan (Vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Khushdil Shah, Muhammad Haris (Wicketkeeper), Muhammad Wasim Jr., Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (Wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub.

    The PCB stated that the inclusion of younger players is part of a long-term vision to nurture fresh talent and provide them with opportunities on the international stage.

    However, the board has not officially confirmed or denied these claims made by the journalist.

  • Paul Stirling creates history for Ireland

    Paul Stirling creates history for Ireland

    Paul Stirling has made history for Ireland by becoming the first-ever Irish cricketer to score 10,000 runs in international cricket.

    The right-handed batter and opener reached this significant milestone when he crossed 37 runs during his innings in the first ODI against the West Indies. He went on to score 54 runs in the match, which was also his 57th fifty in international cricket. Stirling is now the 97th player in the world to score 10,000 international runs.

    Stirling has been a key part of Ireland’s batting line-up for over a decade. He made his international debut in 2008 in an ODI against New Zealand. His T20I debut came in 2009, and he played his first Test match in 2018 against Pakistan. Over the years, Stirling has also scored 16 international centuries for Ireland.

    Top Run-Scorers for Ireland (All formats combined):


    10,000* – Paul Stirling
    6,055* – Andrew Balbirnie
    5,850 – Kevin O’Brien
    5,480 – William Porterfield
    3,732* – Harry Tector

    Stirling is currently opening the innings alongside Andrew Balbirnie, who ranks second among Ireland’s top run-scorers. Kevin O’Brien, renowned for his World Cup century against England in 2011, is third. Former captain William Porterfield, considered one of Ireland’s finest, is fourth, while young Harry Tector is fifth and regarded as the future star of Irish cricket.

  • ‘My North Star’: Pakistani fan’s video with Tom Cruise

    ‘My North Star’: Pakistani fan’s video with Tom Cruise

    A video of Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise meeting a Pakistani fan is going viral on social media.

    Mehrab Ahmed. shared the video of his memorable encounter with Tom Cruise on Instagram.

    Mehrab can be seen enthusiastically telling Cruise how the actor’s film career inspired him during difficult times. 

    Tom Cruise listens attentively and responded with heartfelt encouragement, advising him to “keep moving forward in life with the same passion.”

    While sharing the video, Mehrab wrote in the caption, “In my eyes, Tom Cruise’s importance was always much more than a film star, he was my North Star.”

    He continued, “I had a childhood dream of becoming an actor, but my life took a different turn. I graduated in AI from the UK, and now I teach Minecraft coding to children.”

    Referring to their meeting on May 15, 2025, Mehrab added,   “I stood in front of the man about whom American filmmaker Steven Spielberg said that he saved Hollywood. This man not only saved Hollywood he unknowingly saved me too.”

    He also shared, “I gave a 143-second speech in front of Tom Cruise, and he listened, thanked me, and told me to move forward in life in the same way.”

    Mehrab ended his post with a tribute, “Tom Cruise, who hails from New York, taught me discipline, professionalism, and a hardworking ethic. He revived a dream I had buried deep inside me.”