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Author: News Desk

  • American woman’s search for love leaves Karachi police struggling

    American woman’s search for love leaves Karachi police struggling

    A trans-continental love story that started online has now turned into a major headache for Karachi police.  American national Onijah Andrew Robinson flew to Pakistan earlier this week to marry her boyfriend but things took a dramatic turn when the man she came for ghosted her.

    She arrived in Karachi hoping to meet Nidal Memon, who she says she fell in love with after online interactions.

    However, when she reached his apartment in the Garden area, she found the door locked. Instead of leaving, she sat in the parking area and refused to leave until she met him.

    Karachi police initially moved her to a women’s police station, but after she created a fuss, they had to bring her back to the apartment complex.

    At first, she demanded $5,000, but later, she raised the amount to $20,000 along with Pakistani citizenship.

    ASP Defense Faiha Sodhar stated that the woman appeared to be mentally unstable and was being moved to a secure location for her safety. Meanwhile US diplomatic sources acknowledged the situation but refused to comment.

    The Pakistani man at the center of the love story has been missing since Onijah arrived in the country. No one has seen him, and it’s unclear if he will ever meet the woman who traveled across the world for him.

    The unexpected love story has now turned into a legal and security nightmare for authorities, leaving many wondering what happens next.

    Earlier,the American woman, who was dumped by her “online” boyfriend in Pakistan, has refused to return home, it has emerged.

    Onijah Andrew Robinson had on October 11 reached Karachi to marry 19-year-old Nidal Memon whom she met on social media. She had become distraught after the boy’s parents refused to get the two married, leading to a flood of her videos and pictures from the airport on the internet.

    According to reports, her stay in Karachi extended beyond her visa’s validity, leaving her stranded. Eventually, an NGO provided financial assistance and a ticket for her return. However, at Jinnah International Airport, she refused to go back, delaying Qatar Airways flight QR 611 to New York via Doha by 36 minutes.

    Reports quoted officials as saying that she first declined immigration and later refused to board the aircraft.

    Despite police and the Airport Security Force (ASF) escorting her to the departure lounge, she resisted boarding, citing various excuses. Security protocols prevented authorities from forcing her onto the plane.

    After months of struggle in Karachi, she was handed over to airport police when her visa expired. She was also admitted to the airport emergency clinic due to a flu before her scheduled departure.

    After several hours of efforts by authorities to send Robinson back to her country, a two-member team from the US Consulate arrived at the airport. In a discussion with airport officials, the US Consulate’s team said that its aim was to convince Robinson to return home.

    However, they insisted that they could not force her to leave if she did not want to go. Later, police revealed that Robinson refused to seek help from the team and took off in a taxi to an unknown location.

    Reports quoted her as saying that she was going to her husband.

  • Mohammed Siraj reportedly dating Bigg Boss 13 finalist Mahira Sharma

    Mohammed Siraj reportedly dating Bigg Boss 13 finalist Mahira Sharma

    Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj is making headlines for his rumoured relationship with actress Mahira Sharma, who was a finalist in Bigg Boss 13.

    A few days ago, legendary singer Asha Bhosle’s granddaughter, Zanai Bhosle, called Siraj her “brother” on Instagram. This put an end to the rumours that Siraj and Zanai were in a romantic relationship.

    Indian media reports now claim that Siraj could be in a relationship with Mahira. The speculation started when fans noticed Siraj liking her Instagram pictures. Additionally, both celebrities have followed each other on social media.

    Reports suggest that close sources to both the cricketer and the actress have confirmed their relationship. They stated that the two are quite close but want to keep their romance private for now.

    Mahira Sharma gained fame from Bigg Boss 13, a highly popular season won by the late Sidharth Shukla. She was previously in a relationship with fellow Bigg Boss contestant Paras Chhabra, but they later broke up.

    With the growing buzz around Siraj and Mahira’s relationship, fans are eagerly waiting for an official confirmation from the duo.

  • First three matches of Champions Trophy sold out

    First three matches of Champions Trophy sold out

    Cricket fans are surely very excited for the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy in Pakistan, as tickets for the first three matches have already sold out.

    According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), tickets for the matches between Pakistan and New Zealand, Australia and England, and Pakistan and Bangladesh are sold out.

    PCB initially released 30 percent of the tickets for online sale and has now announced that the second phase of ticket sales will begin on February 3.

    All of India’s matches will be played at a neutral venue in Dubai.

    The Champions Trophy will start on February 19 in Karachi, with the opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand. The next big matches include Australia vs England in Lahore on February 22 and Pakistan vs Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.

  • No opening ceremony, pre-photoshoot for Champions Trophy: report

    No opening ceremony, pre-photoshoot for Champions Trophy: report

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy 2025 will not have an opening ceremony as two teams are arriving late in Pakistan, media reports have claimed. A pre-tournament press conference and a photoshoot featuring the eight captains in Karachi have also been cancelled. 

    According to reports, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Australia (CA) have shared their travel plans with the ICC. England will arrive in Lahore on February 18, while Australia will reach Lahore on February 19. Bangladesh and India will land in Dubai on February 15, while Afghanistan will arrive in Islamabad on February 12. New Zealand and South Africa will already be in Pakistan, as they will play a tri-nation ODI series in Lahore and Karachi from February 8 to 14.

    The first match of the tournament between Pakistan and New Zealand is scheduled for February 19 in Karachi.

    Reports reveal that England has decided to take a one-week break after their white-ball series in India, which ends on February 12. Similarly, Australia will finish their series in Sri Lanka on February 14 and take a four-day rest before arriving in Pakistan.

    An ICC official, speaking anonymously, mentioned that although both the ICC and PCB were interested in organizing an opening ceremony, the arrival schedules of England and Australia made it impossible. Managing players’ workload is now a major priority, and teams have the right to decide their travel plans. The host country only takes responsibility once the teams arrive, reports said.

    Due to their late arrival, England and Australia have also decided to skip warm-up matches. Each team was allowed two practice games, but both agreed to enter the tournament without playing any warm-ups. This decision is similar to what teams did in previous ICC events, including the 2024 tournament in the USA and the West Indies.

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) clarified that discussions were held regarding an opening ceremony, but no official confirmation was made. A PCB official stated that while plans were in progress, some misunderstandings led to the impression that an opening ceremony would take place.

    Reports mention that, despite the cancellation, PCB is still planning special events to celebrate hosting a major ICC tournament after 29 years. The board is focusing on organizing activities before the Pakistan vs. New Zealand match on February 19. The stadiums have been upgraded, and significant efforts have been made to prepare for the tournament. More details about the planned event will be shared later.

    The PCB also confirmed that any opening event required all teams to participate, which was not possible with clashing travel schedules.

    Pakistan will host at least 10 matches of the tournament, while Dubai will host three, including India’s matches and the first semi-final. If India does not qualify for the final on March 9, it will be held in Lahore at Gaddafi Stadium. However, if India qualifies, the final will take place in Dubai.

  • Man jailed for sharing friend’s ‘indecent’ images with her fiancé

    Man jailed for sharing friend’s ‘indecent’ images with her fiancé

    A man in Karachi has been sentenced to six years in jail for sending indecent photos of a friend to her fiancé.

    Judicial Magistrate (East) Yusra Ashfaq sentenced Muhammad Anas to a total of six years in prison on three counts for sharing indecent images and videos of a female friend with her fiancé on WhatsApp in an attempt to blackmail her.

    The magistrate stated that the convict has been found guilty of the offences under Sections 20 (dignity of a natural person), 21 (modesty of a natural person and minor), and 24 (cyberstalking) of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016. Thus, he was given a two-year imprisonment on each count.

    In the complaint, the woman told the FIA Cyber Crime Cell that in 2019, she had a relationship with Anas and was forced to share her private images and videos with him on his demand.

    The convict never sent a marriage proposal for the complainant, so when she got engaged to someone else, Anas allegedly retaliated by sharing her indecent images and videos with her fiancé, sister, and aunt on their WhatsApp numbers.

    The court observed in the final verdict, “The primary motive behind the accused’s actions appears to be rooted in exploiting the complainant’s trust and personal relationship to coerce and blackmail her. The complainant testified that she was in a relationship with the accused for several years, during which she voluntarily shared private images and videos with him.”

    Moreover, the court mentioned that the convict “later weaponised that material by sharing it with her fiancé and family members, violating her privacy and dignity.

    “It confirms that obscene images and videos of the complainant were indeed transmitted from the accused’s device. The technical report substantiates that the device recovered from the accused was used for the transmission, making the forensic examination a pivotal aspect of the case. The importance of forensic examination in this case cannot be overstated,” the court added. 

    The verdict further read that “this act of distribution suggests an intent to harm the complainant emotionally and socially, possibly as a means of revenge or control, following the breakdown of their relationship. The evidence presented, including the complainant’s testimony and forensic analysis, underscores this motive.”

  • Woman booked for chopping off ex-husband’s genitals

    Woman booked for chopping off ex-husband’s genitals

    A woman accused of chopping her ex-husband’s genitals in Daska has been booked on Tuesday after her former brother-in-law registered a complaint against her.

    According to the FIR filed, 30-year-old ex-husband, Amir, is a resident of Harpoki village in Kamoke tehsil, Gujranwala district, and married the accused, Shahida Ilyas from Dharma Kot, in 2021. The two, however, parted ways.

    The victim’s brother, Zubair, said that Amir divorced Shahida and later contracted a second marriage.

    He claimed that on the night of January 26, Shahida invited Amir to her house in Dharma Kot, Daska tehsil, under the pretext of returning their old photographs and some gifts he had given her.

    Upon arrival, Shahida served him juice, which contained strong tranquillizers, leaving him unconscious. She then chopped off Amir’s genitals with a sharp tool, critically wounding him.

    The injured victim was shifted by Rescue 1122 to the Government Hospital, Gujranwala. His condition is said to be critical.

    The local police have registered a complaint, and a spokesperson from Satrah police station told the media that the suspect will be investigated under sections 324 and 334 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which relate to the charges of attempted murder.

    Meanwhile, a news of femicide emerged from Lahore on Tuesday.

    A husband allegedly poured spirit on his wife and set her on fire in the Chohhang area of the provincial capital.

    As per the initial information shared by the police, the incident took place in Boharwala Church Mohalla Talab Chohang.

    The police were informed by the victim’s brother, who revealed that his 25-year-old sister, Ujooj, was set on fire by her husband, Nazim, during an argument. The suspect fled the scene after the crime.

    The police shifted the victim to the nearby hospital and started the investigation.

  • American woman dumped by Pakistani boyfriend refuses to return home

    American woman dumped by Pakistani boyfriend refuses to return home

    The American woman, who was dumped by her “online” boyfriend in Pakistan, has refused to return home, it has emerged.

    Onijah Andrew Robinson had on October 11 reached Karachi to marry 19-year-old Nidal Memon whom she met on social media. She had become distraught after the boy’s parents refused to get the two married, leading to a flood of her videos and pictures from the airport on the internet.

    According to reports, her stay in Karachi extended beyond her visa’s validity, leaving her stranded. Eventually, an NGO provided financial assistance and a ticket for her return. However, at Jinnah International Airport, she refused to go back, delaying Qatar Airways flight QR 611 to New York via Doha by 36 minutes.

    Reports quoted officials as saying that she first declined immigration and later refused to board the aircraft.

    Despite police and the Airport Security Force (ASF) escorting her to the departure lounge, she resisted boarding, citing various excuses. Security protocols prevented authorities from forcing her onto the plane.

    After months of struggle in Karachi, she was handed over to airport police when her visa expired. She was also admitted to the airport emergency clinic due to a flu before her scheduled departure.

    After several hours of efforts by authorities to send Robinson back to her country, a two-member team from the US Consulate arrived at the airport. In a discussion with airport officials, the US Consulate’s team said that its aim was to convince Robinson to return home.

    However, they insisted that they could not force her to leave if she did not want to go. Later, police revealed that Robinson refused to seek help from the team and took off in a taxi to an unknown location.

    Reports quoted her as saying that she was going to her husband.

    Earlier, an American woman named Onijah Andrew Robinson, followed a young Pakistani man’s promise of love all the way from New York to Karachi, only to be abandoned at the airport where he rejected her. 


    Onya was left stranded at Karachi Airport for seven days. Her tourist visa expired, leaving her unable to travel. Unable to find a place to stay, she spent those days at the airport, unable to go anywhere.

    After hearing about Onya’s ordeal, Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori took immediate action. He went to the airport himself, helped Onya get a Pakistan visa and arranged a return ticket for her. She is now able to go back home.

  • Leading British architects behind Cambridge, Oxford University projects to design student accommodation in Lahore

    Leading British architects behind Cambridge, Oxford University projects to design student accommodation in Lahore

    Recognised for their award-winning educational designs, including projects at Cambridge and Oxford Universities, Walters & Cohen Architects have been named by One Homes as the lead design partner for Lahore’s first purpose-built student housing.


    With expertise in designing inspiring, student and community-centric spaces, this collaboration is positioned to establish a flagship development for educational infrastructure in the region.


    One Homes recently announced their foray into Pakistan’s student accommodation market with a plan to pioneer investment into the country’s Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) asset class and develop a nationwide portfolio that meets international standards. 


    Walters & Cohen are recognised globally for their work on educational and community projects, including the Dorothy Garrod Building at Cambridge’s Newnham College, which received the prestigious RIBA National Award. Their designs combine innovation, sustainability, and a deep understanding of student needs, making them an ideal choice for this groundbreaking project.


    Commenting on the collaboration, Aqib Hassan, Chief Commercial Officer of One Homes, said, “Purpose-built student accommodation is globally recognised as the preferred asset class, for institutional and retail investors alike searching for stable yield-driven returns whilst driving meaningful social impact. We’re delighted to collaborate with a world-leading specialist like Walters & Cohen to deliver this first-of-its-kind development in Pakistan.

    Leveraging the expertise and knowledge of those who have delivered in this space on a global level will ensure we develop top-in-class assets that deliver long-term value for One Homes and our investors.”


    Cindy Walters, Director of Walters & Cohen Architects, shared her excitement about the project, “At Walters & Cohen, we are passionate about designing environments that not only inspire academic excellence but also create meaningful, lasting impact.

     Pakistan’s first purpose-built student accommodation goes beyond architecture; it provides an extraordinary opportunity to create an environment where young women can thrive academically, socially, and personally, and feel confident about their ability to shape a brighter future for themselves and their communities. We are proud to have been entrusted with the concept design for this development which reflects global standards and has the capacity to deliver profound social change.”


    At present, the lack of adequate living options creates significant barriers for students striving to access quality education. By introducing Pakistan’s first purpose-built student accommodation for women, this project not only addresses a critical infrastructure gap but also demonstrates how impact investing and responsible entrepreneurship can drive meaningful social progress.


    This project will include a host of thoughtfully curated amenities, such as a fitness centre, 24/7 security, a shuttle service, and community spaces. Its strategic location in Lahore’s vibrant university district, home to over a dozen universities, addresses a critical gap in Pakistan’s $30 billion student housing market.


    One Homes, founded by serial entrepreneur Zeeshaan Shah, continues to redefine Pakistan’s real estate market by integrating global expertise with local impact. Their portfolio includes landmark developments like One Canal Road, Lahore’s most exclusive residential address, and Amaya Residences and Panoramas in Islamabad.

  • NAB contacts FIA to extradite Malik Riaz via Interpol, source

    NAB contacts FIA to extradite Malik Riaz via Interpol, source

    In an interesting development, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has written a letter to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to extradite property tycoon Malik Riaz in Pakistan, a source said.

    As per a source, the FIA will secure Riaz’s extradition from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) and then hand him over to NAB.

    Interpol is an intergovernmental organisation that facilitates police cooperation among 196 member countries.

     
    Interpol’s work focuses on four pressing areas of international crime: terrorism, cybercrime, organised crime, and financial crime with anti-corruption efforts. 

    Following former premier Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi’s conviction in the £190 million case, commonly known as the Al-Qadir Trust case, on January 17, the accountability watchdog said in a press release that Riaz was an absconder in the same case and they had already frozen a number of his assets.


    “Mr Malik Riaz is residing in Dubai, UAE. He has recently launched a project for the construction of luxury apartments in Dubai, UAE. The general public at large is hereby advised and warned to refrain from investing in the stated project. If the general public at large invests in the stated project, their actions would tantamount to money laundering, for which they may face criminal/ legal proceedings,” the press release read.

     
    The controversial property tycoon, in response to the NAB press release against his Dubai-based project, took to X (formerly Twitter) last week, warning, “I am holding back, but there is a storm within me. If this dam breaks, then everyone’s façade will shatter. Don’t forget that the secrets of the past 25–30 years are preserved along with evidence.”

    “My decision yesterday was the same as it is today: no matter how much oppression you inflict, I (Malik Riaz) will not testify,” he said.

  • Indian high court bans children from theatres

    Indian high court bans children from theatres

    The Telangana High Court in India has recently imposed new restrictions on cinema screenings in the state.


    The court has banned children under the age of 16 from attending film screenings before 11 AM and after 11 PM, following a tragic incident during the screening of Pushpa 2: The Rule.

    The unfortunate incident took place at Sandhya theatre on December 4, 2024, when a stampede resulted in the death of a woman. 

    The tragedy led the court to take immediate action, directing both the state government and cinema management to enforce the new rules.


    Prior to this, the state government had already prohibited shows between 1 AM and 8 AM, however, with the latest ruling, stricter regulations are now in place for special screening, with a clear focus on ensuring children’s safety during cinema visits. 


    The court also expressed strong disapproval over the state government’s approval of extra shows and higher ticket prices, emphasizing the need for responsible management in cinemas.