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Author: News Desk

  • ‘I don’t know if he has left, the law will take its course’; Azma Bukhari on Rajab Butt

    ‘I don’t know if he has left, the law will take its course’; Azma Bukhari on Rajab Butt

    Popular YouTuber Rajab Butt has once again found himself in trouble, but this time, the situation is far more serious. The vlogger is facing backlash after launching a perfume named ‘295’, which many are associating with a section of Pakistan’s blasphemy law. It has sparked outrage, leading to legal action against him.

    A case was registered at Nishter Colony police station under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). According to the FIR, a citizen accused Butt of insulting religious sentiments and violating the sanctity of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. The complainant also alleged that Butt’s marketing strategy was promoting indecency and negatively influencing the youth.

    Addressing the controversy, PML-N leader Azma Bukhari was asked whether Butt had fled Pakistan. She responded, “I don’t know whether he has left [the country] or not. The government has nothing to do with this. An FIR has been registered, so the law will take its course.”

    Speaking about the growing trend of controversial content creation, Bukhari criticised social media influencers, saying, “These YouTubers—I don’t follow them. But in general, I have always spoken against content that doesn’t represent our society or our moral ethics.”

    She further condemned social media stunts for views, referencing a viral video where a couple filmed an ultrasound reveal in front of the Kaaba.

    “They get millions of views, and I am shocked, thinking, ‘People are watching this?’” she added.

  • ‘Faisal Ch removed from PTI legal committee on Imran Khan’s orders’

    ‘Faisal Ch removed from PTI legal committee on Imran Khan’s orders’

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary-General Salman Akram Raja claimed on Tuesday that, following orders from incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan, lawyer Faisal Chaudhry has been removed from the PTI legal committee.

    Speaking on a private media outlet, Raja described Faisal’s role as “negative” and said, “Today, Khan sahab ordered his removal from the legal committee… The matter had been ongoing for a while, and today, it reached its conclusion. We have removed him from the legal committee.”

    According to media reports, after Imran Khan was informed of Faisal Chaudhry’s recent statements, the PTI founder approved his removal from both the legal committee and the PTI lawyers’ WhatsApp group. All legal responsibilities and cases assigned to him were also withdrawn.

    Raja further claimed that although a list of six individuals was submitted to meet Imran Khan, Senator Hamid Khan and lawyer Uzair Bhandari were not allowed to meet him.

    He stated that the jail administration removed two names from the approved list and added Babar Awan’s name instead. “I spoke to the jail authorities and questioned why they were violating the prisoner’s decision by not allowing those I had listed,” he added.

    When asked by the programme host, “Did you object only to Awan’s meeting with Imran Khan today and not next week?” Raja replied, “Yes, absolutely. We had proposed his name for next week.”

    Meanwhile, Faisal’s brother and former Minister for Science and Technology, Fawad Chaudhry, gave a scathing response to Raja following the announcement. Sharing a clip of Raja’s statement on X (formerly Twitter), Fawad used a derogatory term and wrote, “He [Raja] has been placed here just to remove so-and-so.” 

    Former PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat, who had previously had a verbal spat with Raja, also weighed in on the matter via his official X account: “The dismissal of Faisal Chaudhry and the humiliation of Dr. Babar Awan in just one day are just two examples of how the party is being weakened by egotistical individuals. I predict that the downfall of these sick-minded people will be dreadful and very soon. Given the speed at which they are destroying the party, I hope that the turn for Khan Sahib’s removal comes soon as well.”

  • Argentina crush Brazil 4-1 in FIFA World Cup qualifier

    Argentina crush Brazil 4-1 in FIFA World Cup qualifier

    Argentina delivered a stunning performance to defeat Brazil 4-1 in a high-scoring match. The World Cup champions started strong, scoring three goals in the first half and completely outplaying their rivals.

    The game began with an early goal just four minutes in. Thiago Almada set up Julián Álvarez, who found the back of the net to give Argentina a 1-0 lead. Shortly after, Argentina doubled their advantage with a brilliant team goal. Several quick passes led to Nahuel Molina crossing the ball into the box, where Enzo Fernández calmly finished to make it 2-0.

    Brazil got a lifeline when Argentina’s Cristian Romero made a costly mistake. He lost possession, allowing Cunha to score and reduce the deficit to 2-1. 

    However, Argentina quickly responded. Enzo Fernández provided a perfect cross into the penalty area, and Alexis Mac Allister made no mistake, restoring Argentina’s two-goal lead at 3-1.

    In the second half, Argentina kept control of the game. Coach Lionel Scaloni made a key substitution, bringing on Giuliano Simeone for Thiago Almada. Simeone made an immediate impact, scoring his first-ever goal for Argentina from a tight angle to extend the lead to 4-1.

    Argentina continued to dominate, creating more chances. Scaloni made further substitutions, introducing Facundo Medina, Nico Paz, Ángel Correa, and Exequiel Palacios in place of Nicolás Tagliafico, Alexis Mac Allister, and Julián Álvarez.

    The victory keeps Argentina at the top of the standings. They had already secured qualification for the World Cup before this match, but their commanding win against Brazil further proved why they are the reigning champions.

    On the other hand, Iran has qualified for the FIFA World Cup, defeating Uzbekistan.

    Meanwhile, Syria defeated Pakistan 2-0 in the qualifier match.

  • ‘Same middle-aged dude’: Ali Tareen disappointed as PSL calls Ali Zafar for league anthem, again

    ‘Same middle-aged dude’: Ali Tareen disappointed as PSL calls Ali Zafar for league anthem, again

    The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has once again selected renowned singer Ali Zafar to perform the anthem for its 10th edition. However, the decision has sparked criticism, particularly from Multan Sultans’ owner, Ali Tareen.

    Tareen expressed his disappointment on Instagram, questioning why PSL continues to rely on the same artist rather than showcasing fresh talent. He wrote, “Pakistan has so many amazing artists. Yet almost half of our anthems have been given to the same middle-aged dude. Despite franchises raising concerns about the artist. They talk about making this the biggest PSL ever, yet keep giving space to the same recycled voices.”

    Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently shared a teaser poster for PSL 10’s anthem, featuring Ali Zafar in a masked look. While the title has yet to be revealed, the PCB confirmed the anthem will be released soon.

    Zafar has previously performed multiple PSL anthems, including last season’s “Khul Ke Khel.” However, with PSL 10 being promoted as the tournament’s biggest edition to date, calls for greater diversity in musical representation are gaining momentum.

    The tournament kicks off on April 11, with matches scheduled in Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi, and will run until May 18.

  • Rajab Butt’s ‘295’ perfume lands him in major legal trouble

    Rajab Butt’s ‘295’ perfume lands him in major legal trouble

    YouTuber Rajab Butt keeps on landing in trouble, but this time he may be in over his head. 

    The controversial vlogger is in hot water this time for launching a perfume named ‘295’, reminiscent of the penal code of Pakistan’s blasphemy law. The perfume’s name drew widespread backlash, leading to a case filed against him.

    A case was registered against Rajab Butt at the Nishter Colony police station under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). The charges include offending public sentiments and causing emotional harm. According to the FIR, a citizen accused Butt of insulting religious sentiments and undermining the sanctity of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. The complainant further alleged that Butt’s marketing tactics promote indecency and negatively influence the younger generation.

    The controversy intensified after Butt made remarks in a video referencing blasphemy charges faced by the late Indian rapper Sidhu Moose Wala, and himself. His mention of launching a perfume under the name 295 led to strong criticism from various quarters, including religious groups and social activists.

    This is not the first time Rajab Butt has faced legal trouble. Previously, he was arrested in Lahore for possessing an unlicensed Kalashnikov and a lion cub. A joint raid by the police and the Wildlife Department led to his detention, though he was later released on bail. Despite these incidents, he remains under scrutiny due to his bold and often controversial online presence.

    Amid the growing backlash, Butt issued a public apology while performing Umrah in Makkah. Standing in Masjid-e-Haram, he recorded a video clarifying his statements and seeking forgiveness.

    In an Instagram video, he recited Darood Sharif and the Islamic declaration of faith, expressing his devotion: “My wealth, life, parents, children, and every drop of my blood are dedicated to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).” He swore on the sacred site that he never intended to offend anyone and urged his followers to “cleanse their hearts” towards him.

    Butt appealed to religious scholars, the Punjab government, and the Pakistan Army to reconsider the charges against him. He claimed that his comments regarding Section 295 were taken out of context, alleging that a key word was edited out of his video, leading to a fatwa being issued against him.

    His apology, however, did not put an end to the controversy. TLP (Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan) leader Haider Ali Shah Gillani formally filed an FIR against Butt for insulting religious beliefs and hate speech. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison.

    In response to the controversy, Butt announced the discontinuation of the “295” perfume. He admitted that his words during the perfume launch might have been inappropriate and expressed deep regret for any offense caused.


    Rajab Butt has frequently found himself at the center of scandals, from legal troubles to provocative social media content. His recent actions have reignited debates on digital responsibility and the boundaries of free speech in Pakistan.

    As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen whether Butt’s apology will influence the authorities’ stance or if he will face further legal consequences.

  • Pakistan excluded from Azlan Shah hockey tournament

    Pakistan excluded from Azlan Shah hockey tournament

    Pakistan has been left out of the upcoming Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament, scheduled to take place from November 22 to 29 in Ipoh, Malaysia.

    Last year, Pakistan reached the finals of the tournament and won the silver medal. The national team received significant recognition from the government for their performance. However, this year, the tournament organisers have not invited Pakistan to participate.

    According to a post by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) regarding the tournament, Pakistan’s name is missing from the list of invited teams. Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) sources have confirmed that they have not received any invitation from the tournament organisers.

    Japan, the team that won the gold medal after defeating Pakistan in the final last year, has also been excluded from this year’s event.

    The teams participating in the 2024 edition of the Azlan Shah Tournament include Belgium, Canada, Germany, India, Ireland, and Malaysia.

  • Iran qualifies for 2026 FIFA World Cup

    Iran qualifies for 2026 FIFA World Cup

    Iran has secured a place for itself in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next year. The tournament will feature 48 teams, with various continental qualifying rounds are currently underway.

    On Tuesday, Iran played against Uzbekistan in a crucial AFC World Cup Qualifier at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, which was enough for Iran to book its ticket to the World Cup.

    Iran needed just a draw against Uzbekistan to qualify, and despite trailing for most of the game, they managed to secure the crucial point. At one stage, Uzbekistan was leading 2-1 until the 83rd minute, when Mehdi Taremi scored a remarkable goal to level the match.

    The match saw early action as Uzbekistan took the lead in the 16th minute through Khojimat Erkinov. In the second half, Iran equaled the score with a goal from Mehdi Taremi, but Uzbekistan quickly responded, with Abbosbek Fayzullaev scoring to regain the advantage. However, in the 83rd minute, Taremi struck again to secure the draw for Iran.

    With this result, Iran earned the necessary points to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. This marks Iran’s fourth consecutive and seventh overall appearance at the prestigious tournament.

    In the third round of the AFC qualifiers, 18 teams have been divided into three groups, with the top two teams from each group securing direct qualification for the World Cup.

    Japan and New Zealand have already qualified, while host nations USA, Canada, and Mexico had automatic berths in the tournament.

  • Brother, father caught killing woman on video, sentenced to death

    Brother, father caught killing woman on video, sentenced to death

    A sessions court in Toba Tek Singh has on Monday sentenced the brother and father of a young woman to death for her murder after the gruesome crime was caught on video. 

    Maria Bibi was strangled to death by her brother Faisal and her father Abdul Sattar on March 17, 2024 and hastily buried the next day.  The police exhumed her body on March 28 after a video, shot by Maria’s other brother, showed her being strangled to death, went viral on social media sites, prompting severe outrage. 

    Faisal, who can be seen in the three-minute long video strangling a woman lying on a bed, confessed to the crime three days after being arrested. His father can be seen in the video encouraging him and offering him water after the deed was done. 

    An FIR registered under Sections 34 (common intention), 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence, or giving false information to screen offender) and 302 (murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) had been amended and Section 311 (honour killing) had also been inducted in it.

    Maria’s other brother Shahbaz recorded the video while pretending to talk to his other sister. He too was arrested by the police along with his wife Sumaira. 

    Additional Sessions Judge Abdul Hafeez Bhutta wrote in his order: “I convict accused Muhammad Faisal under Section 302(b) PPC and sentenced him to death as tazir for committing the murder of Maria Bibi.

    “I also convict accused Abdul Sattar under Section 302(b) PPC read with 34 PPC and sentenced him to death as tazir for his shared common intention in the murder of Maria Bibi. They be hanged by their necks till they are dead.” 

    The judge singled out the father’s act of giving water to his son after he killed Maria Bibi for stinging criticism. He also said that although Abdul Sattar didn’t kill Maria with his own hands, he did not try to stop the murder and prevented Shahbaz and his wife from stopping Faisal.

    Shahbaz and Sumaira have been acquitted by the court.

  • Indian woman gets husband murdered two weeks after their wedding

    Indian woman gets husband murdered two weeks after their wedding

    A newly-wed bride in Uttar Pradesh, India, hired target killers to murder her husband, two weeks after getting married. 

    Reports in Indian media state that Pragati Yadav, 22, hatched a plan with her lover of four years, Anurag, to kill her husband Dilip just two weeks after marrying him. 

    Pragati married Dilip on March 5 after her family refused to let her marry Anurag. The marriage proved to be a hindrance to meetings between the two lovers, leading to them hatching the plan to get the groom murdered. 

    Police found Dilip lying in a field with multiple bullet wounds on March 18. He was shifted to two hospitals before being taken to Gwalior as his condition worsened. The 25-year-old newly-wed died on March 21. 

    Investigations unearthed that the two lovers had hired a killer named Ramaji Chaudhary for INR200,000 to kill Dilip. The killer and his accomplices took the unsuspecting husband to a field where they beat him up before opening fire at him. 

    The three suspects are now in police custody as the investigation continues to reveal more facets of the murder.

  • Drought warning issued as Pakistan deals with dwindling rains

    Drought warning issued as Pakistan deals with dwindling rains

    The Pakistan Metereological Department (PMD) has issued a drought alert as the country grapples with a significant shortfall in average rainfall. 

    The aftermath of a significantly dry winter season has seen the country witness a 40 percent decrease in rains from September 1, 2024 to March 21, 2025, PMD has stated. 

    Sindh witnessed the greatest shortfall at 62 percent below normal, followed by Balochistan at 52 percent, Punjab at 38 percent, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at 35 percent and Azad Jammu & Kashmir received 29 percent less rain than average.

    In January, PMD had said that parts of Punjab, nearly all of Sindh and half of Balochistan were facing “mild drought” and predicted that “flash droughts” might hit parts of the country in the warmer months. 

    Although recent spells of rains have improved conditions in the central and northern regions of the country, drought conditions still prevail in Sindh, eastern Punjab and the south of Balochistan. 

    PMD also warned of severe water shortage in Tarbela and Mangla dams, while noting that March temperatures in southern areas have been 2 to 3 degrees Celsius above normal. Some regions in the South of the country recorded as much as 200 consecutive days without rain. 

    The PMD warning comes almost three years after record rainfall caused biblical floods in the country in monsoon season, inundating almost 33 percent of the country’s land mass.