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Author: News Desk

  • Top Haqqania seminary leader among 6 killed in Nowshera suicide attack

    Top Haqqania seminary leader among 6 killed in Nowshera suicide attack

    At least six people, including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Samiul Haq (JUI-S) emir Maulana Hamid Ul Haq, were killed and 12 others injured when an explosion ripped through Darul Uloom Haqqania in Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Inspector General Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed said.

    As per the details, the explosion at the seminary’s mosque occurred in the front rows during Friday prayers that attract a large number of worshippers every week.

    The top cop said that the blast claimed the life of the historic seminary’s Vice Administrator Haq while his son, Sani Haqqani, was said to be in critical condition. Citing initial reports, he added that it appeared to be a suicide bombing targeting the top religious leader.

    The mosque is located at the heart of Akora Khattak’s Dar Ul Uloom Haqqania with Dar Ul Hadith situated next to it. It is a large building where senior students carry out their studies. In the vicinity, there also are hostels and residential quarters, including those of Haq and his sons.

    The explosion, that comes a day before the seminary’s annual break during Ramzan has, been draw widespread condemnations, including one from KP Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur, who termed it a deplorable act.

    The KP CM ordered authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the incident and submit a comprehensive report besides ensuring the best possible medical care for the wounded.

    “Targeting innocent people in a place of worship is an inhumane act,” he said and emphasised that all available resources should be utilised to bring the perpetrators to justice. 

    Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) spokesperson Aslam Ghauri said that the incident in Akora Khattak was deeply tragic. “We pray for the martyrs to be granted the highest ranks in the hereafter.”

    It merits a mention that Haq was the son of influential religious scholar and former senator Maulana Samiul Haq, who was killed in Rawalpindi in 2018.

    The news of his death had come at a sensitive time with religio-political parties out on the streets protesting the Supreme Court’s acquittal of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman, in a blasphemy case.

    The chief of his own faction of the JUI, Sami was unable to take part in the protest that was underway against Bibi’s acquittal due to road blockades and had returned home. His driver/gunman had left the house for approximately 15 minutes when he was stabbed.

    Yousaf Shah, the maulana’s spokesman, had said the attacker’s identity and their motive were not immediately known.

    With police starting an investigation into the killing, they had arrested Sami’s secretary Syed Ahmed Shah on murder charges.

    A senior police official had told media that the arrest came about after the police investigating team examined Shah’s first and last statements, which were conflicting.

  • ‘Two more years’: Journalist predicts timeline for Imran Khan’s release

    ‘Two more years’: Journalist predicts timeline for Imran Khan’s release

    Senior journalist Muneeb Farooq, while speaking on the ARY News program on February 27, revealed key political predictions for Pakistan, including a possible timeline for Imran Khan’s release.

    “Till 2027, there will neither be a national government nor general elections in between. And Imran Khan will not be released during this time. These are a few things that are not going to happen,” declared Muneeb Farooq.

    His statement prompted a response from the show host, Muhammad Malick, who remarked, “You’re speaking as if you’re part of the constitutional bench deciding the final orders on these issues.”

    Malick’s comment brought a smile to the faces of all participants, while Muneeb Farooq replied: “I am just a small journalist, and what I’m sharing is simply news; these three things will not happen till 2027. I was very hopeful that some political space could be recovered for Imran Khan.”

    He added, “That did not happen, and the situation has become even more serious. Other senior journalists can correct me if I’m wrong, but PTI and other opposition parties currently have no leverage to negotiate with either the government or powerful sectors.”

    Muneeb Farooq went on to say that this current system “was stitched together, [and] it has now become strong,” adding that “It is actively pushing its opponents back and instilling fear. That is why this system is here to stay for a while.”

    He also opined that any dialogue between government leaders and PTI members would be futile, as the government lacks the power to make significant concessions to PTI.

    “Can they [government] guarantee PTI that elections will be held in two years? No, they can’t. Can they offer them [PTI] some political space for Imran Khan? No, they cannot,” Muneeb added.

    In early January, Muneeb Farooq quoted a “powerful person” as saying that ongoing negotiations between the government and PTI would yield no results unless Imran Khan admitted to his past political mistakes.

    “PTI has only one demand, and that is the release of Imran Khan from jail. Their other demands are not of significant importance […] Khan wants to come out of jail without any restrictions,” the journalist said in a video on his YouTube channel.

    He further quoted the “powerful person” as saying that PTI’s chances would improve if Khan “took ten steps back” and admitted his past political mistakes.

  • Pakistan-India likely to play three matches in Asia Cup 2025

    Pakistan-India likely to play three matches in Asia Cup 2025

    Cricket fans could witness three exciting clashes between India and Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup, which is tentatively scheduled for September.

    The tournament, set to be played in the T20 format, will feature 19 matches and is expected to take place between the second and fourth week of the month.

    While India was initially supposed to host the event, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has decided to stage it in a neutral venue amid political tensions between the two nations. The final venue is yet to be confirmed, but Sri Lanka and the UAE are the frontrunners. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will remain the official host of the tournament.

    The tournament format ensures at least one Pakistan-India encounter in the group stage. If both teams qualify for the Super Four round, they will face each other again. If both sides reach the final, a potential third meeting could happen, making it a thrilling prospect for cricket fans worldwide.

    Eight teams, including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong, will participate in the tournament. However, Nepal, which played in the 2023 edition, has failed to qualify this time.

    With the matches likely to be held in the evening to avoid extreme heat, the 2025 Asia Cup is expected to deliver high-intensity cricket. If Pakistan and India meet three times, the tournament will undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated cricket events of the year.

  • ‘We switch channels when her ads show up’: Students react to CM Maryam’s promotions

    ‘We switch channels when her ads show up’: Students react to CM Maryam’s promotions

    Days after a 60-page advertising supplement in newspapers highlighted Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz’s one-year performance as the provincial chief executive, journalist Mansoor Ali Khan has held a public show at a private educational institution in Lahore, during which he asked students how they reacted to government advertisements.

    As per the details, the show featured an interactive session between students, panelists, namely Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Punjab Chief Organiser Aliya Hamza and CM Maryam’s spokesperson Syed Kousar Kazmi, and the journalist himself.

    When host Mansoor asked a student how she felt about the Punjab CM’s promotions, the student said that she chose to not watch any of those ads. Asked how she felt when ads suddenly popped up on media channels, the student replied, “We switch channels,” leaving the audience, including the PTI leader, in stitches.

    While the student expressed disappointment over the provincial government’s performance and asked Kazmi to “focus less on advertisements”, the spokesperson challenged her, asking to point out a single project that had not actually been introduced.

    When asked why incarcerated former premier Imran Khan was not getting any airtime, Kazmi said that they couldn’t arrange a press conference for a convict, adding that contrary to former prime minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif’s stint in jail under PTI rule, jailed Khan spent hours speaking to his lawyers and journalists.

    PTI’s Aliya Hamza was also questioned about Khan’s use of words like “thieves” and “dacoits” for other politicians and the fact that he himself had now been jailed for corruption in the Al-Qadir Trust case.

    As Hamza attempted to evade the question, instead saying that Khan was only kept in jail so that the current rulers’ “politics won’t end”, the Mansoor chimed in, asking her whether the PTI considered property tycoon Malik Riaz a “corrupt” man.

    If he committed corruption, then he is a corrupt man, she said.

    “Don’t you know about it?” the host asked, to which Hamza said that the same should be proven in court.

    It merits a mention the debate surrounding government ads comes days after leading newspapers published a 60-page advertising supplement showcasing Nawaz’s one-year performance as CM of Punjab.

    Many social media users mocked Maryam Nawaz for focusing on her branding and questioning her marketing technique.

  • Mustafa Amir case: Actor Sajid Hassan breaks silence on son’s arrest

    Mustafa Amir case: Actor Sajid Hassan breaks silence on son’s arrest

    Renowned actor Sajid Hassan has addressed the media regarding his son Sahir Hassan’s involvement in the Mustafa Aamir murder case.

    Speaking to reporters, Sajid Hassan expressed his grief over the incident, saying, “The murder is a heartbreaking tragedy, and I express my sympathy to Mustafa Aamir’s family.”

    He added, “Since I heard Mustafa’s mother’s message, I have been unable to sleep. Mustafa was like my own son.”

    He emphasised that he wants justice for all those affected by the case, stating, “I only want justice to be done, not only for my son but for all the families connected to this case.”

    Sajid Hassan also voiced his concerns over his son’s treatment by the media and the public. “My son has been declared guilty before the investigation is complete. I am not defending his actions, but I am only demanding a fair legal process,” he said.

    He revealed the toll this ordeal has taken on his family, sharing, “We have become completely isolated socially during this difficult time. Even our relations with neighbours have deteriorated, and there are difficulties at work.”

    Addressing the broader issue, he remarked, “My son’s mistakes should not be used to divert attention from the murder case.”

    He expressed his faith in the judiciary, stating, “I trust the courts, and I want the truth to come out, no matter how painful it may be.”

  • You will now face FIR for overspeeding on motorways

    You will now face FIR for overspeeding on motorways

    The National Highways and Motorway Police (NH&MP) have launched a strict crackdown on over-speeding under the orders of Inspector General Police (IGP) Riffat Mukhtar Raja. 

    Drivers caught exceeding speed limits will face heavy fines, and in some cases, police will register FIRs against them.

    According to a spokesperson from the Motorway Police, vehicles driving over 150 km/h on the motorway will be stopped immediately. The officers will fine the driver and may also file an FIR. The speed limit for cars on three-lane motorways is 120 km/h, while public transport vehicles must not go beyond 110 km/h. Authorities are also working on improving speed monitoring on national highways to prevent accidents and enhance road safety.

    Motorway Police raised fines for various traffic violations in 2023. The fine for over-speeding has increased from Rs750 to Rs2500. The penalty for illegal overtaking has risen from Rs300 to Rs1500. Driving without a license now results in a fine of Rs5000, compared to the previous Rs750. Failure to give way to emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, now carries a Rs1000 fine, while negligent driving now incurs a fine of Rs1500 instead of Rs300.

    The National Highway Authority (NHA) has also introduced an additional toll tax for vehicles without an M-Tag or those with low balances in their M-Tag accounts. This rule has been in effect since February 1. 

    According to an official notification issued on January 31, vehicles without an M-Tag or with insufficient balance will have to pay 25% extra in toll charges. These measures aim to improve road safety and ensure smoother traffic flow on national highways and motorways.

  • Five rape cases reported across Lahore

    Five rape cases reported across Lahore

    Five different cases of sexual assault have been reported across various locations in Lahore. Although cases have been filed, no arrests have yet occurred, prompting concerns about the handling of such offenses.

    Police reports indicate that one incident took place in Manga Mandi, where a woman was reportedly gang-raped by five assailants just four days ago. The victim was said to be en route to buy medicine when she was assaulted. No suspects have been captured by authorities so far, and investigations are still in progress.

    In Shahdara, another incident was reported involving a woman who was learning to sew and was reportedly attacked by a man named Riaz. 


    The FIR states that Riaz exploited the absence of his wife, threatened the victim with a pistol, and then went on to assault her. The suspect also recorded the incident and subsequently blackmailed the woman, demanding Rs. 50,000.


    One and a half months ago, a suspect named Murtaza was accused of raping a little girl in Barki.  According to the authorities, the suspect persisted in blackmailing the victim after committing the crime.  No one has been arrested despite quite a long passage of time. 

    In Raiwind, another incident has been reported involving the alleged assault of an 11-year-old girl three days ago. As per police reports, the suspects have been named as Chand and his accomplice Usman. The police have stated that a FIR has been filed, but there have been no arrests made so far.

    Over in Kot Lakhpat, a man was accused of sexually assaulting a divorced woman by pretending to offer marriage. The suspect allegedly persuaded the woman to end her marriage with assurances of marrying her, only to subsequently assault her. 

    A case has been filed, but police have not yet apprehended any suspects.


    These incidents have sparked worries about women’s safety and the ability of law enforcement to prevent and address such offenses. Although police representatives state that FIRs have been filed, the absence of any arrests has resulted in criticism regarding the slow progress of investigations.


    Officials have guaranteed that steps are being taken to locate the suspects, and investigations are ongoing. Nonetheless, in the absence of prompt arrests, public demand is increasing on law enforcement to act quickly and deliver justice for the victims.

  • Danish Taimoor’s lookalike goes viral on social media

    Danish Taimoor’s lookalike goes viral on social media

    A TikTok user resembling renowned actor and host Danish Taimoor has taken social media by storm.


    A video of the lookalike, identified as Habibullah, has gone viral, showing him mimicking the actor’s style and poses. He has also shared multiple TikTok videos, modeling while lip-syncing to songs from Danish Taimoor’s dramas.


    Social media users are fascinated by his striking resemblance to the actor.

    Some humorously commented that he looks “even more like Danish Taimoor than Danish himself,” while others joke that “he only lacks money.” Some even predicted that he might gain fame just like the viral ‘tea seller’ from the past.


    Check the video below:

    @khush_naseeb_786 #Danish ♬ original sound – SHARU BURIRO
  • PSL 10 schedule announced

    PSL 10 schedule announced

    The schedule for the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been officially announced.

    According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the tournament will kick off on April 11 with a match between defending champions Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars. The six-team event will feature 34 matches from April 11 to May 18. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host 13 games, including the two eliminators and the final.

    A special exhibition match is also planned before the main event, scheduled for April 8 in Peshawar. The teams for this match will be confirmed at a later date.

    For PSL 10, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host 11 matches, including the Qualifier on May 13. Karachi’s National Bank Stadium and Multan Cricket Stadium will host five matches each. 

    The tournament will include three double-header match days, with two taking place on weekends and one on a national holiday (May 1).

    Karachi Kings, the winners of PSL 5, will start their campaign on April 12 against last season’s runners-up, Multan Sultans, at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.

    Multan Sultans, who won the sixth edition of PSL, will face Lahore Qalandars on April 22 at Multan Cricket Stadium, marking the venue’s first match of the tournament.

    Peshawar Zalmi, the champions of PSL 2017, will play five of their matches at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, while Quetta Gladiators, the winners of PSL 4, will play five matches at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

  • Pakistan’s 5G rollout faces delays amid spectrum auction challenges

    Pakistan’s 5G rollout faces delays amid spectrum auction challenges

    Pakistani consumers may have to wait longer to experience 5G technology as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) tackles several challenges in auctioning the 5G spectrum. The issue was highlighted during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecom, chaired by Palwasha Khan, held at the Parliament House on Thursday.

    During the briefing, PTA officials informed the committee that implementing 5G requires a higher spectrum allocation, but several obstacles are hindering progress. They stated that a policy directive from the government of Pakistan is essential for acquiring a new spectrum. While the government permitted 5G trials in 2017, no significant progress has been made since then.

    The officials revealed that an advisory committee has been formed to work on 5G implementation. In November, the PTA hired a consultant who has submitted a report on the matter. The committee was also informed that the case of Telenor’s merger with Ufone is currently under review by the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP). The decision regarding 5G spectrum allocation will be taken after considering the presence of three to four major telecom players in the market.

    Representatives from the Ministry of IT clarified that even after the launch of 5G, not all users will transition to the new technology immediately. They added that the introduction of 5G would also enhance the speed and efficiency of existing 3G and 4G networks. Currently, Pakistan has three categories of frequency bands essential for 5G deployment.

    During the session, officials also provided a briefing on projects undertaken by the Universal Service Fund (USF) over the past three years. The primary mandate of the USF is to expand telecom services to remote and rural areas. Over the last three years, 63 projects have been completed, providing connectivity to various villages across the country.

    PTA officials emphasized that several legal and technical issues must be resolved before the spectrum auction for 5G can proceed. The committee has requested further details on the matter and will discuss the progress in the next meeting. While efforts from the government and PTA are ongoing to facilitate the launch of 5G, consumers will likely have to wait longer before accessing the next-generation network.