Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • Afghan refugees’ repatriation to begin today as voluntary return deadline ends

    Afghan refugees’ repatriation to begin today as voluntary return deadline ends

    The process of repatriation for Afghan refugees residing illegally in Pakistan is set to begin today (Tuesday) as the March 31 deadline for voluntary return has expired.


    Pakistan launched the deportation drive in 2023 following a spike in suicide attacks that the government believes were carried out by Afghan nationals. Islamabad also blamed them for smuggling, militant violence, and other crimes.

    Sources affiliated with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Home Department said that the deportation of Afghan refugees will commence today (April 1).

    Despite requests from the Taliban government, the federal government decided last week not to extend the deadline for the deportation of Afghan refugees.

    The government also requested the provincial authorities’ records of Afghan students in KP by March 27 to update the Foreign National Security Cell’s dashboard, which tracks foreign nationals.

    Meanwhile, officials in the Khyber district say that temporary camps have been set up in Landi Kotal and Peshawar to facilitate the refugees’ repatriation.

    According to a report by Radio Pakistan, a total of 878,972 Afghans residing illegally in Pakistan have returned to their home country so far.

    Human rights organisation Amnesty International has called on Pakistan to revoke its “opaque” Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan, which involves the deportation of Afghan citizens and other undocumented immigrants.

    In a statement, Amnesty warned that Islamabad’s March 31 deadline for Afghan refugees would further worsen their hardships.

    It merits mention that Pakistan is home to 2.1 million documented Afghan refugees, in addition to hundreds of thousands of undocumented Afghan nationals who have been living in the country for decades.

    “Out of the total 2.1 million, 1.3 million Afghan refugees are those who have obtained Proof of Registration Cards. Over 52% of them are in KP,” said United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) spokesperson Qasier Afridi.

    He added that around 800,000 Afghans have obtained Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC), with the majority residing in KP.

    The country has hosted millions of Afghans for nearly five decades. Hundreds of thousands have returned to their homeland in recent years, yet over 2.1 million still reside in KP and other provinces.

    Pakistani authorities set March 31 as the deadline for all illegal Afghan nationals, including those holding ACC cards, to return to their country.

    There are tens of thousands of Afghans who were born in Pakistan and have hardly ever visited their homeland.

    Many are deeply concerned as the deadline approaches, particularly during the holy month.

    Peshawar hosts the highest number of Afghan nationals of any city. Thousands run their own businesses, while others have been employed in the city for decades. They reside in various urban, suburban, and rural areas alongside the local population.

    In 2023, the government had set an October 31 deadline solely for unregistered foreigners, after which a large number of undocumented Afghans returned to their homeland via Torkham and other border crossings.

  • Four relatives who ‘gang-raped, murdered’ 9yo girl, shot dead in police custody

    Four relatives who ‘gang-raped, murdered’ 9yo girl, shot dead in police custody

    Four accused in the case pertaining to the gang-rape and murder of a 9-year-old girl in Bahawalpur were killed in custody following an attack on a police vehicle, officials said.

    According to reports, the accused were killed by their accomplices’ firing on a police party near Southern Bypass when the suspects were being transported for recovery in connection with the case.

    Police said they were attacked by motorcyclists within the limits of Saddar Police Station, leading to an alleged encounter with the gunmen in darkness, resulting in the death of all four accused.

    The suspects, identified as Umar, Ans, Kamran and Mahmood, were relatives of victim Fiza Bibi, a student of class three.

    The police had arrested the accused two days ago under the supervision of ASP Agha Fasihur Rehman, with SHO Rao Shehzad Babar and his team successfully tracing the culprits following a DNA match.

    According to reports, the perpetrators – two uncles and two cousins of the victim – assaulted the little girl and then slit her throat.

    A special investigation team headed by ASP (Sadar) Circle had been formed to conduct investigation into the case.

    Fiza Bibi had gone missing when she left her house to fetch water from a nearby water pump. The family, along with locals, were looking for the minor when they had spotted her coming from a nearby agricultural field, bleeding from the neck. The girl had passed away shortly after.

    Following the incident, Bahawalpur DPO Asad Sarfraz Khan had assigned ASP Agha Fasihur Rehman and SHO Rao Shehzad Babar the task of tracking down the perpetrators.

    The investigation was carried out with the help of the Forensic Science Agency and Crime and Cyber Division (CCD). The murder weapon was also recovered.

  • PAKvNZ: Chapman ruled out of second ODI

    PAKvNZ: Chapman ruled out of second ODI

    Star Kiwi batter Mark Chapman was ruled out of the second ODI against Pakistan after suffering a hamstring injury.

    According to reports, Tim Seifert was inducted into the Black Caps squad in place of injured Chapman.

    Champan had challenged Pakistan bowlers in the first ODI at the Mclean Park in Naiper and went on to score his career best 132, helping the Kiwis put Pakistan on the backfoot after early dominance.

    The left-hander showcased his dedication and put in all the hard work to frustrate the Pakistani bowlers.

    Chapman’s masterclass allowed other players to further treat the Pakistani bowlers with utter contempt, as the debutant, Muhammad Abbas, did by notching the fastest 50.

    Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the second ODI at Seddon Park in Hamilton tomorrow (Wednesday).

  • After Karachi, earthquake rocks Balochistan

    After Karachi, earthquake rocks Balochistan

    Hours after tremors were felt in Karachi, an earthquake jolted Balochistan’s Barkhan district early Tuesday morning.

    According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake measuring 3.9 on the Richter scale occurred at a depth of 12 kilometres. The epicentre was located 59 kilometres northwest of Barkhan. 

    However, no immediate reports of damage were received.

    On first day of Eid, tremors were also felt in various areas of Karachi around 4 pm. The Meteorological Department noted that the earthquake in the port city had a magnitude of 4.7, with the epicentre situated 75 kilometres north of the provincial capital.

    No damage or injuries were reported.

    It merits a mention that the tremors come within days of the deadly Myanmar earthquake that has so far claimed 2,000 lives.  Rescuers are desperately searching for survivors more than three days after the powerful 7.7 quake, toppling buildings as far away as the Thai capital Bangkok and sending tremors through nearby Chinese provinces.

    The first 72-hours after a quake are widely regarded as the “golden” window to reach victims buried alive under rubble – after that period the chances of survival without a water source diminishes rapidly.

    The epicenter was recorded in Myanmar’s central Sagaing region, near the former royal capital Mandalay, home to around 1.5 million people, as well as multiple historic temple complexes and palaces.

    Meanwhile, foreign aid and international rescue teams have started arriving in Myanmar after the military junta issued a rare plea for help.

  • Mahira Khan channels her inner Chand Nawab in hilarious video

    Mahira Khan channels her inner Chand Nawab in hilarious video


    Renowned actress Mahira Khan has yet again proven that she’s not only a phenomenal performer but also a comedy queen.

    In a social media post, the actress recreated news reporter Chand Nawab’s iconic video with absolute perfection — right down to the unexpected passerby.

    Dressed in a stunning pink kurta shalwar, Mahira took to Instagram to share her take on the legendary reporter’s struggle at the Karachi railway station as he reported mass exodus of out-of-city folks back to their hometowns.

    “Eid aaney waali hai aur train station pe shoot thi – Chaand Nawab toh banta hai ♀,” she wrote.

    In the video, Mahira flawlessly mimiced Nawab’s famous line, “Karachi se log androon-e-mulk Lahore apnon mein Eid manane ke liye aa rahe hain…”

    And just like the original, a passerby makes an unexpected cameo—sealing the nostalgia factor.

    Fans couldn’t get enough of the clip, flooding the comments with laughter and love. “Too good and so cute ❤,” some said while others added, “Hamari Eid hogayi!”

    For those who may not remember, journalist Chand Nawab went viral in 2008 when a blooper-filled news segment of him fumbling during an Eid report took the internet by storm. His struggle became legendary, even inspiring a character in Bollywood’s Bajrangi Bhaijaan.

    With this hilarious tribute, Mahira just made Eid extra special for her fans.

  • ‘Posted it without thinking too much’; Aima Baig shares new singing video after a long break

    ‘Posted it without thinking too much’; Aima Baig shares new singing video after a long break

    Renowned singer Aima Baig has surprised her fans by sharing a new video on social media after a long break.

    Taking to Instagram, Aima Baig posted a video of herself singing the song We Can’t Be Friends by American singer and songwriter Ariana Grande. In the clip, she showcases her vocal talent in a soulful rendition of the popular track.

    Along with the video, Aima Baig wrote in the comment box, “Posted it without thinking too much. If you are listening, please don’t forget to put on your headphones.”

    Her latest post has delighted her 6.6 million Instagram followers, who are expressing their excitement and admiration for her singing.

    Many fans and fellow celebrities have flooded the comments section with praise, welcoming her return to social media.

  • ‘Salman Raja, Shibli Faraz gave Imran Khan list of 23 lawmakers to expel them,’ claims Fawad Ch

    ‘Salman Raja, Shibli Faraz gave Imran Khan list of 23 lawmakers to expel them,’ claims Fawad Ch

    Former Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Fawad Chaudhry, claimed on Friday that party head Imran Khan has been given a list of 23 Members of National Assembly (MNAs) and Senators, with the intention of getting them expelled from the party.

    Appearing on a digital media outlet, Chaudhry claimed that during a recent meeting at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, party secretary General Salman Akram Raja and Leader of Opposition in the Senate Shibli Faraz gave Imran Khan a “23-name list of MNAs and Senators to expel them from the party.”

    Commenting on the speculation of a potential forward bloc within PTI next month, Chaudhry said, “Speculations about a forward bloc began when inept individuals Salman Akram Raja and Shibli Faraz handed Imran Khan a list of 23 sitting MNAs and Senators.”

    Chaudhry’s remarks came days after expelled Sher Afzal Marwat, in an interview with a private news outlet, claimed that a PTI forward bloc could emerge in the National Assembly and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) assembly next month.

    Marwat claimed that his ex-party wouldn’t be able to launch its proposed protest drive after Eid ul Fitr, advising PTI to accept PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s mediation offer for “face-saving”.

    However, dismissing the reports of a forward bloc emerging within the former ruling party, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, while in an interaction with a private media outlet on Thursday, called it “baseless speculations.”

    The PTI chairman said, “No forward bloc is being formed within the PTI at the provincial or national assembly level,” adding that a difference of opinion does not mean that there is a forward bloc.

    Fawad Chaudhry opined that it is a norm to insult the party members who stand with the party, adding, “unfortunately, this is a norm from top to bottom (in the party).”

    Chaudhry questioned how an individual would stand by the party when sitting MNAs and Senators are being insulted.

    He slammed PTI leadership for attempting to expel current party members. “If you get a chance to visit Adiala Jail and witness a meeting [between PTI leadership and Imran Khan], you will be taken aback that there is only one agenda: to prevent anyone from joining PTI and to find ways to remove those who are already in the party,” he alleged.

  • Eight-year-old boy kills mother over Eid money

    Eight-year-old boy kills mother over Eid money

    In Pakpattan’s Gulzarabad neighbourhood, an eight-year-old boy fatally injured his mother, Sobia Bibi, by stabbing her in the chest with scissors after she refused to give him money for Eid.

    Saubia, who used to support her household through sewing and embroidery work, succumbed to her injuries on the spot due to the severity of the wound.

    Police have taken the minor into custody and begun legal proceedings.

    Gaming and violence

    In June 2022, a 16-year-old boy in India allegedly shot dead his mother with his father’s pistol because she stopped him from playing PUBG. After murdering his mother, the boy called his friends over for a party. He kept the body of his mother in another room, turned on the AC and sprayed air-freshener to keep the smell out.

    As per the police, the boy killed his mother when she was asleep with her 10-year-old daughter lying next to her. He then allegedly threatened to kill his sister if she told anybody about the murder. They have both been placed in a juvenile detention centre.

    “The incident took place in Yamunapuram Colony under PGI police station area. The deceased used to live with her two children at the house. Her husband, who is a JCO (Junior Commissioned Officer), is currently posted in West Bengal. The 16-year-old boy was addicted to the online game PUBG. He told us that his mother used to stop him from playing the game, and this is why he killed her. The minor used the registered firearm of his father to kill the mother,” said Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Qasim Abidi.

    The police said they found the woman’s half decomposed body and submitted it for a post-mortem.

  • ‘I will forever be my father’s little girl’; Mahira Khan’s special tribute to her father

    ‘I will forever be my father’s little girl’; Mahira Khan’s special tribute to her father

    Renowned Pakistani actress Mahira Khan has shared a touching tribute to her father, Hafeez-ur-Rehman Khan, on his birthday.

    Taking to Instagram, Mahira posted a heartfelt message along with several cherished photos.

    In her caption, she expressed deep gratitude, saying,  “I will forever be my father’s little girl. I thank Allah every day that I have the honor of being the daughter of a ‘Sufi Gangsta’ like Hafeez-ur-Rehman Khan. Happy birthday to my most favorite travel companion.”

    She also requested her followers to say a small prayer for her father on this special day.

    The collection of pictures includes precious moments from Mahira’s childhood to the present, reflecting their strong bond.

    Fans, along with showbiz personalities, have flooded the comments with warm wishes for the actress and her father.

    Meanwhile, rumours are circulating about Mahira Khan possibly expecting, adding to the buzz surrounding her recent social media activity.

  • Brazil fires head coach after disastrous World Cup qualifier loss to Argentina

    Brazil fires head coach after disastrous World Cup qualifier loss to Argentina

    The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has sacked national team head coach Dorival Júnior following a humiliating defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

    According to media reports, the decision was made just three days after the loss, following Brazil’s overall poor performance in the 2026 campaign.

    Currently, Brazil sits in fourth place in the South American qualifying standings, trailing their arch-rivals Argentina by 10 points.

    Dorival Júnior was appointed as Brazil’s head coach in January 2024. However, under his leadership, the team failed to impress. Brazil was knocked out of the Copa América in the quarterfinals after losing to Uruguay on penalties. In the ongoing World Cup qualifiers, the team has managed only two wins in six matches, raising serious concerns about their form and prospects.

    The CBF is now expected to begin the search for a new head coach to guide Brazil through the remaining qualifiers and prepare the team for the 2026 World Cup.