Author: News Desk

  • Indian academic faces arrest for Facebook post

    Indian academic faces arrest for Facebook post

    Ali Khan Mahmudabad, a political science lecturer at Ashoka University, was taken into custody on Sunday in New Delhi after he put up a Facebook post about India’s recent military action against Pakistan. His arrest followed a complaint lodged by Yogesh Jatheri, the general secretary of the youth branch of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Haryana.

    The complaint surfaced shortly after Mahmudabad expressed on May 8: 
    “I am delighted to see numerous right-wing commentators praising Colonel Sophia Qureishi, but perhaps they should also equally vocally demand that the victims of mob lynchings, indiscriminate demolitions, and others who are targets of the BJP’s hate speech be safeguarded as Indian citizens.”

    Colonel Qureishi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh had been conducting press briefings on Operation Sindoor, India’s violation of international law initiated on May 6. The operation, which involved missile and drone strikes, led to a charged response by Pakistan. The military stand off between the two nuclear-armed nations concluded with a ceasefire announced on May 10. 

    Mahmudabad’s comment referenced Colonel Qureishi’s background as a Muslim officer, highlighting the inconsistency in celebrating diversity within the military while simultaneously targeting Muslim communities in India. His remarks led to a summons from the Haryana State Commission for Women, which asserted that he had insulted female officers and incited communal discord.

    On May 14, Mahmudabad issued a public statement refuting the allegations. He claimed his comments had been taken out of context and misunderstood. He maintained that the post recognized the military’s restraint while urging consistent treatment of citizens by the state. “There is nothing at all misogynistic about my remarks,” he stated. “In fact, the essence of my comments was about protecting the lives of both civilians and soldiers.”

    He also condemned the misuse of legal avenues to suppress political discourse, describing the summons as an overreach by the Women’s Commission. He asserted that his academic pursuits and public pronouncements have consistently aimed to foster peace, unity, and adherence to constitutional principles.

    An open letter, endorsed by over 1,200 academics and public figures, expressed solidarity with Mahmudabad, asserting that his remarks underscored the military’s strategic moderation and upheld the secular ideals espoused by India’s founders.

    Mahmudabad has indicated his intention to take legal action against those making defamatory statements and continues to assert his entitlement to free speech.

  • India’s much-hyped satellite launch fails after technical fault

    India’s much-hyped satellite launch fails after technical fault

    India’s space agency, known for its low-cost projects, experienced a technical issue during the launch of its PSLV-C61 vehicle, causing it to fail to place the EOS-09 surveillance satellite into its intended orbit.

    In Sriharikota, in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, the Satish Dhawan Space Centre launched the EOS-09 Earth observation satellite on Sunday morning using the PSLV-C61 launch vehicle.

    “During the third stage, there was a fall in the chamber pressure of the motor case, and the mission could not be accomplished,” said V. Narayanan, chief of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

    In a statement to local media, he added, “We are studying the entire performance and we shall come back at the earliest.”

    India, the most populous country in the world, has a relatively low-budget aerospace programme that is rapidly approaching benchmarks set by major space powers.

    Since the 1960s, it has conducted space research, successfully launching both domestic and foreign satellites.

    In 2014, India placed one of its satellites into orbit around Mars.

    In August 2023, India became the fourth country, after China, Russia, and the United States, to land an unmanned spacecraft on the Moon. ISRO’s ambitions have continued to grow since then.

    Its first attempt to land on the Moon in 2019, however, was unsuccessful. Sunday’s PSLV mission marks the third documented setback in ISRO’s history, with the first dating back to 1993.

    Narayanan stated that ISRO would review the mission’s performance and provide further details on the issue.

    According to local media reports, a failure analysis committee will be formed to investigate the agency’s most recent setback.

  • India has pulled out of Asia Cup 2025: reports

    India has pulled out of Asia Cup 2025: reports

    A major twist has emerged in the fate of the next Asia Cup, as Indian media reports suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to withdraw from the upcoming tournament. 

    Held every two years, the Asia Cup is known as a prestigious tournament, especially with the highly anticipated encounters between arch-rivals Pakistan and India.

    According to Express Sports, India is unlikely to take part in the event due to the country’s strained relationship with Pakistan.

    Tensions between the two nations recently escalated after India carried out airstrikes under peration Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam incident on April 22. 

    In retaliation, Pakistan responded with full force with the Pakistan Air Force shot down six Indian aircraft, including three Rafale jets.

    Pakistan’s military operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos was launched in the early hours of May 10, striking several Indian military installations. By the time of Fajr, Pakistan had destroyed a BrahMos missile storage site in Beas, an air base in Adampur, and an airfield in Pathankot. Later, Pakistani drones flew over New Delhi. Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder jets destroyed India’s $1.5 billion S-400 missile defence system in Adampur.

    The BCCI is also reportedly unhappy with the fact that Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, is currently serving as the chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), which organises the tournament. This has reportedly played a role in their decision to withdraw.

    “The Indian team can’t play in a tournament that is organised by the ACC, the chief of which is a Pakistani minister. That’s the sentiment of the nation. We have verbally communicated to ACC about our withdrawal from the upcoming Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, and our future participation in their events, too, is on hold. We are in constant touch with the Indian government,” Express Sports quoted a source as saying.

    The Asia Cup has been one of the most respected cricket tournaments in the region. But with India pulling out and the absence of the high-voltage Pakistan vs India clash, the tournament may lose much of its charm.

    Since many of the event’s sponsors are from India, there is also a possibility that the Asian Cricket Council may cancel or delay the tournament. As of now, the future of the Asia Cup remains uncertain, and all eyes are on what happens next.

  • PSL 10: Playoffs line-up confirmed as Lahore Qalandars seal final spot

    PSL 10: Playoffs line-up confirmed as Lahore Qalandars seal final spot

    The playoff stage of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 has been finalized after Lahore Qalandars defeated Peshawar Zalmi in the 29th match of the tournament on Sunday.

    The match, played in Rawalpindi, was delayed due to strong winds and rain and was reduced to 13 overs per side. Peshawar Zalmi won the toss and opted to field first.

    Batting first, Lahore Qalandars posted a competitive total of 149 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 13 overs.

    In reply, Peshawar Zalmi could only manage 123 runs for eight wickets, falling short by 26 runs. With this victory, Lahore Qalandars secured the last remaining spot in the playoffs. Karachi Kings, Islamabad United, and Quetta Gladiators have already qualified for the next stage.

    Following the loss, Babar Azam’s Peshawar Zalmi bowed out of the tournament. This marks the first time in PSL history that Zalmi has failed to qualify for the playoffs. Multan Sultans had already been eliminated from playoff contention earlier in the tournament.

    Quetta Gladiators currently lead the points table with 15 points from their 10 matches. Karachi Kings follow in second place with 12 points from 9 games. Lahore Qalandars, after completing all 10 of their league matches, hold the third spot with 11 points.

    Islamabad United sit in fourth place with 10 points from 9 matches. Peshawar Zalmi also finished with 10 points but missed out on qualification due to net run rate. Multan Sultans had a disappointing season, earning just 2 points from 10 matches and finishing at the bottom.

    The final league match between Karachi Kings and Islamabad United will be played on Monday, and the final playoff match-ups will be determined based on the teams’ positions on the table.

  • Rajab Butt apologizes to man he assaulted after video of incident goes viral

    Rajab Butt apologizes to man he assaulted after video of incident goes viral

    Popular YouTuber Rajab Butt has responded to the viral video, which netizens claimed showed him assaulting a man alongside his friends, by issuing an apology to the victim.

    The footage, which surfaced on Friday, triggered massive public backlash and drew police attention.

    According to reports, the incident occurred in Lahore, where Rajab Butt and his associates were seen attacking a man seated inside a car. The footage went viral across various platforms, igniting fierce criticism from the public.

    Following the incident, the victim was identified as Shayan, who was reportedly mistreated by Rajab Butt. The driver, Imran, supported Shayan’s case and filed a complaint on his behalf at the Satu Katla Police Station.

    It is important to note that Rajab Butt allegedly assaulted Shayan, not Imran.

    In the complaint, Imran stated that a motorcyclist was riding dangerously in front of his vehicle. When he asked the rider to stop, Rajab Butt and his group blocked the road and began assaulting Shayan without any warning.

    Imran added that he approached the police only after the footage went viral.

    Multiple sources also claim that Rajab Butt and his companions attempted to pressure Imran into withdrawing the complaint.

    However, a new video later surfaced showing Rajab Butt apologising to Shayan and referring to the incident as a “misunderstanding.”

    According to Lahore Police, the matter now appears to be resolved. Rajab Butt has apologised to the affected party, and Imran has withdrawn the complaint.

    Earlier, Butt faced backlash for launching a perfume named “295”, a reference to Pakistan’s blasphemy law. The move sparked widespread criticism and resulted in a case registered against him at the Nishtar Colony police station under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). The FIR accused him of hurting public sentiments and promoting indecency.

     
    The controversy deepened after Butt referenced the late Indian rapper Sidhu Moose Wala’s blasphemy allegations and linked them to himself. His statement and the perfume’s name angered religious groups and social activists.

     
    In response, Butt issued a public apology from Masjid-e-Haram in Makkah, where he recited Darood Sharif, stating:

     
    “My wealth, life, parents, children, and every drop of my blood are dedicated to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).”

     
    He claimed his statements were taken out of context and urged religious scholars and authorities to “cleanse their hearts” and reconsider the charges. He also alleged that a key word was edited out of his video, which led to a fatwa being issued against him.

     
    Despite the apology, TLP leader Haider Ali Shah Gillani filed an FIR against Butt for insulting religious sentiments and hate speech. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison.

     
    Following intense criticism, Rajab Butt announced he would discontinue the “295” perfume, admitting his remarks may have been poorly worded and expressing regret for any offence caused.

  • ‘I like rumors’; Bilal Ashraf on gossip about his personal life

    ‘I like rumors’; Bilal Ashraf on gossip about his personal life

    Actor Bilal Ashraf is often the subject of rumours and speculation, most of it concerning his personal life. 

    The actor recently took to Instagram with a cheeky response to the growing buzz around his private life, particularly the rumors linking him romantically with fellow actor Maya Ali.

    In a humorous Instagram story, he wrote:

    “I like rumors. I find out so much about myself that I didn’t even know.”

    His lighthearted take comes amid a wave of speculation on social media following his recent public appearances and photoshoots with Maya Ali.

    Earlier, the two stars were seen attending a Quetta Gladiators match together in Lahore, sparking renewed interest in their off-screen bond. But it was their photoshoot for Rashid Textile’s lawn collection that truly set the internet ablaze.

    The shoot featured the duo in an elegant and dreamy setting, showcasing their effortless chemistry. The warm, romantic undertones of the campaign left fans swooning and speculating.

    Social media users couldn’t hold back:

    “This is what we call the perfect vibe.”

    “Just get married already”

    “Such a beautiful couple on and off-screen.”

    Though Maya Ali and Bilal Ashraf have never confirmed being in a relationship, their strong friendship and natural rapport have long been adored by fans.

    date, time etc auto load select proeprty one, multipl, group, all) change status bill paid save and submit form. get paid invoice form system and send pdf to all phone numbers on whatsapp incase of discount given to anyone then use one bill generation and the complete bill will load and user can add discount in it

  • Indian travel YouTuber among six arrested for ‘spying for Pakistan’

    Indian travel YouTuber among six arrested for ‘spying for Pakistan’

    Days after the success of Pakistan’s Operation Bunyan Um Mursoos against India, authorities across the border have arrested six of their own citizens, including a travel vlogger from Haryana, for “spying for Pakistan”

    .

    Indian media reports quoted officials as saying that the six people, including vlogger Jyoti Malhotra, were allegedly in contact with officials at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi.

    Jyoti, who runs the YouTube channel Travel with Jo, visited Pakistan in 2023 with a valid visa. During her trip, she reportedly met a Pakistan High Commission staffer, who was declared persona non grata and expelled from India earlier this month.

    According to Indian officials, the vlogger allegedly maintained contact with the high commission staffer besides other Pakistani individuals through WhatsApp, Telegram and Snapchat. Without any publicly shared evidence, the officials have also claimed that Jyoti passed on sensitive information and projected a positive image of Pakistan on her social media platforms.

    It merits a mention that praising Pakistan or showing goodwill towards the country has often led to strong reactions in India. 

    Indian media claimed that Jyoti entered into a personal relationship with one of the Pakistani nationals and even travelled with him to Bali. She is now facing charges under India’s newly introduced Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the century-old Official Secrets Act of 1923. Her case has been handed over to the Economic Offences Wing in Hisar.

    Indian authorities have also arrested 32-year-old widow named Guzala from Malerkotla, Punjab, accusing her of applying for a Pakistani visa and allegedly receiving money from the same high commission staffer. Her friend Banu Nasreena was also arrested, along with three other Indian men, namely Yameen Mohammad over accusations of financial dealings, Devinder Singh Dhillon for alleged filming of military areas, and one Arman for allegedly providing SIM cards and attending a Defence Expo.

    Indian media, quoting officials, said the arrests were part of what they described as a “larger espionage network”, however, no concrete evidence or formal proof has been publicly shared so far and further probe is underway. Meanwhile, the repeated pattern of blaming Pakistan or linking cross-border interaction with espionage reflects the increasingly fascistic tendencies of the Modi government.

    While Pakistan is yet to react to the reports, many believe that Indian authorities often overreact to soft diplomatic gestures, cultural exchanges or even individual travel visits, labelling them unfairly under the pretext of national security.

  • Afridi meets PM; congratulates armed forces on success of cross-border operation

    Afridi meets PM; congratulates armed forces on success of cross-border operation

    Former Pakistan cricket team captain Shahid Afridi met Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.

    Afridi shared photos from the meeting on his social media and wrote, “Today, I had the honour of meeting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.”

    “On the occasion of Youm-e-Tashakur (Thanksgiving Day), I extend heartfelt congratulations to him and our brave armed forces on the remarkable success of Operation Baniyan Al-Marsous.”

    During the meeting, PM Shehbaz presented a shield to Afridi. Federal Minister for Information, Atta Tarar, was also present on the occasion.

    PAK-INDIA WAR

    The situation escalated following the Pahalgam incident in Indian illegally occupied Kashmir on April 22. After this, in the early hours of Wednesday (May 7), India launched airstrikes across several areas in Pakistan, including Kotli, Bahawalpur, Muridke, Bagh, and Muzaffarabad. At least 30 civilians were reportedly martyred, with over 40 others injured.

    In retaliation, the Pakistan Air Force shot down six Indian aircraft, including three Rafale jets. This marked the first time in history that a Rafale jet was brought down in combat.

    A day later, on Thursday, Pakistan also shot down more than 30 Indian drones in various regions of the country.

    However, on Friday night, India launched unprovoked missile attacks on Pakistani airbases.

    After this, the Pakistan army launched “Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos” on the time of Fajr on May 10 and hit several Indian military sites, security sources said.

    According to state-run PTV News, the operation began at 4:38 am, and by 5:52 am, Pakistan had destroyed a BrahMos missile storage site in Beas, as well as an air base in Adampur and an airfield in Pathankot.

    At 6:29 am, PTV reported that Pakistani drones were flying over New Delhi, and by 7:13 am, PAF’s JF-17 Thunder jets had destroyed India’s S-400 missile defence system in Adampur, worth approximately $1.5 billion.

    However, after three days of the conflict, both India and Pakistan announced that a ceasefire was agreed, effective from 5:00 pm IST/04:30 pm PKT (11:30 UTC) on 10 May, with talks set for 12 May.

  • Pakistan’s business community rushes to support Türkiye amid Indian boycotts

    Pakistan’s business community rushes to support Türkiye amid Indian boycotts

    Amid widespread Indian boycotts over Türkiye’s support for Pakistan during last week’s military clashes, the business community in Pakistan has rushed to aid the West Asian nation.

    According to sources in the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce & Industries (FPCCI), the body’s acting president has said that the volume of raw material and other imports from Türkiye to Pakistan should immediately be increased.

    The federation has also called on the business community to express “more than usual” support for Türkiye as India trains its guns on the country for honouring its commitments to, and expressing support for, Pakistan.

    Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has also made an unequivocal declaration of support for the Pakistani people amid heightened regional tensions. “I once again congratulate our Pakistani brothers on their patience, resilience and wise approach,” he said during a cabinet meeting following the ceasefire as a result of Pakistani military’s befitting response to cross-border Indian aggression.

    “God willing, Türkiye will continue to stand with the brotherly Pakistani nation in both good and difficult times,” President Erdogan said, which did not sit well with Indians who have since issued calls for the public to boycott Turkey.

    The boycott gained momentum after reports emerged of Turkish drones being used by Pakistan against India.

    According to reports, India has also barred Turkish firm Celebi from operating at its airports, citing national security concerns — an allegation the company denies. Several Indian universities, including Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jamia Millia Islamia and Maulana Azad National Urdu University, have also suspended academic ties with Turkish institutions.

    “Every hardworking Indian who travels abroad as a tourist understands today that their hard-earned rupee should not be spent on those who help the enemies of our country,” said Rajeev Chandrasekhar, a former federal minister and a member of PM Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

    The social media boycott calls had an immediate impact, with Indian travel sites reporting a sharp spike in cancellations this week.

    According to official data, 330,100 Indians visited Turkey in 2024, up from 274,000 in 2023. Despite rising numbers, Indians made up for less than one percent of Turkey’s foreign visitors in 2024 — a modest share with limited impact on overall tourism revenue.

  • Neelum Munir says she’s proud of General Asim Munir

    Neelum Munir says she’s proud of General Asim Munir

    Actress Neelum Munir has praised Pakistan’s military leadership and expressed pride in Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir following the recent successful military operation against Indian aggression from May 6–10.

    Taking to Instagram, she shared her views on the ongoing situation between Pakistan and India, strongly criticising the Indian ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

    In her story, Neelum wrote, “BJP is destroying India due to its Hindutva ideology. The Indian government keeps making false allegations against Pakistan to divert the attention of its citizens from internal problems and its Nazi-inspired agenda.”

    In a second story, she shared: “Alhamdulillah, Thanksgiving Day is being celebrated all across Pakistan. The battle for truth is a historic victory.”

    She went on to write, “The entire nation, including me, is proud of the brave youth of our army. We are paying tribute to them, and this moment will be remembered for a long time. I am very proud of my army and our Chief of Army Staff, Syed Asim Munir.”

    Neelum Munir, who has starred in several successful television dramas and films, is admired not only in Pakistan but also has a significant fan following across the border. Her strong and vocal stance on national matters often draws public attention and appreciation.

    Meanwhile, tensions between India and Pakistan sharply escalated following the Pahalgam incident in Indian-occupied Kashmir on April 22. In the early hours of May 7, India launched airstrikes in multiple regions of Pakistan, including Kotli, Bahawalpur, and Muzaffarabad, reportedly killing at least 30 civilians and injuring over 40.

    In response, Pakistan downed six Indian aircraft, including three Rafale jets, marking the first instance of Rafales being brought down in combat. The following day, more than 30 Indian drones were reportedly shot down across Pakistan.