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Author: News Desk

  • Senate approves PECA amendments amid journalists’ walkout

    Senate approves PECA amendments amid journalists’ walkout

    The Senate has approved the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (PECA) Bill 2025 and the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2024 amid a walkout by journalists and protests from opposition members.

    Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain presented the PECA bill on behalf of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

    Hussain stated that the PECA bill was aimed at addressing issues on social media, assuring that it was not directed against journalists from television or newspapers.

    The minister said the opposition was also engaged on the bill through the standing committees of both the National Assembly and the Senate.

    Opposition Leader in the Senate, Shibli Faraz, said it was their responsibility to legislate, but the law was passed without consultation. “They should have consulted those concerned with the PECA Amendment bill,” he added.

    Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) member Kamran Murtaza said the standing committee report presented in the house was incomplete, as his proposed amendments to the PECA Act were neither rejected nor accepted by the committee.

    Meanwhile, the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, tabled by Federal Minister for Law Azam Nazeer Tarar, was approved clause by clause. Tarar stated that the bill aimed to digitise the entire system to align with modern-day requirements.

    Parliamentary journalists, along with the opposition, staged a walkout from the Senate gallery as the PECA bill was presented for approval.

    The proposed PECA Bill 2025 introduces severe penalties, including up to three years in prison and fines of Rs. 2 million for spreading disinformation and fake news.

    A key provision of the bill is the establishment of a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA), tasked with regulating social media platforms and removing unlawful content.

    While supporters believe the amendments are essential to combat fake news and hate speech, critics warn of potential censorship and misuse.

    Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) President Afzal Butt declared it a “black day” for Pakistan’s democracy, media, citizens’ freedoms, and freedom of speech.

    “This day will always be remembered as a black day, and the parties who played their part in getting this black law approved—we will keep reminding them of this [….] We have already announced protests from the PFUJ and Joint Action Committee (JAC), and today they have pushed us to protest even more,” he said.

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Sherry Rehman came to the press lounge to show solidarity with the journalists. “We support the journalists’ amendments. Stakeholders were not consulted on the PECA Act,” the senator said.

  • American woman travels to Pakistan for love; rejected by boyfriend at airport.

    American woman travels to Pakistan for love; rejected by boyfriend at airport.


    An American woman named Onya 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.

  • Star footballer Neymar Junior parts ways with Saudi club Al-Hilal

    Star footballer Neymar Junior parts ways with Saudi club Al-Hilal

    In a major development in Saudi football, Al-Hilal, one of the country’s top clubs, has officially ended its contract with Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr. Both sides mutually agreed to terminate the deal, opening new opportunities for the 32-year-old striker.

    Neymar joined Al-Hilal in August 2023 from Paris Saint-Germain in a massive €90 million ($94 million) transfer. 

    However, his time with the club was cut short after he suffered a serious ACL injury while playing for Brazil. Despite the injury, Neymar was part of the team that won the Saudi League title last season.

    During his time at Al-Hilal, Neymar only made seven appearances, scoring one goal and providing two assists. Although his contract was supposed to run until after this year’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States (June 15 – July 13), both parties decided to end it early.

    Al-Hilal wrote in a statement, “Al Hilal Club Company and Neymar Jr. have agreed to terminate their contractual relationship by mutual consent. The club expresses its thanks and appreciation to Neymar for what he has provided throughout his career with Al-Hilal and wishes him success in his career.”

    With his contract terminated, Neymar’s future remains a hot topic. While rumours suggest he might join Inter Miami and reunite with Lionel Messi, reports indicate he is heading back to Santos FC, his boyhood club in Brazil — an update also confirmed by renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano.

    He will reportedly undergo medical tests and complete formalities to return to the club where he won six titles, including the Copa Libertadores in 2011.

  • ‘Gandapur likely to be removed as KP CM’

    ‘Gandapur likely to be removed as KP CM’

    Days after Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur was removed from the post of provincial party president, journalists seem to have analyzed the fate of his Chief Minister post.

    Prominent journalist Muneeb Farooq took to his YouTube channel on Monday to claim that influential and powerful personalities have emphasised that following Gandapur’s removal from the provincial party president seat, he might be removed from the CM chair too.

    “When I asked powerful persons whether it would be easy to remove Gandapur from the CM chair, they stated that preparations are in full swing to remove Gandapur as provincial chief executive,” Farooq maintained.

    Farooq said that Imran Khan will sideline compromised party leaders. “Imran Khan will prioritise those who dislike the establishment and have no link with them,” he said while referring to the recent appointment of Member National Assembly (MNA) Juniad Akbar Khan as the KP party president and Aliya Hamza as the party’s chief organiser for Punjab.

    Veteran journalist Fakhar Durrani has shared similar insights on his YouTube channel on Sunday about Gandapur’s possible removal as CM.

    He observed that if any PTI lawmaker resigned from the KP assembly in the forthcoming days, then it would be a sign of a new CM in KP.

    Durrani claimed that Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi had a row with CM KP after November 26 protests at Speaker KP Assembly Babar Saleem Swati’s house, noting that she played a major role in Gandapur’s removal from KP party president.

    “Many politicians were barred from meeting Imran Khan on Gandapur’s directive, which ultimately prompted party leaders to raise complaints,” the journalist said.

    Moreover, he claimed that it was not the government that often removed PTI members’ names from a meeting list for Imran Khan, but instead it was Gandapur. “Only Ali Amin’s given names were allowed to visit Imran Khan in jail,” he alleged.

    Recently, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, while speaking outside Adiala Jail Rawalpindi, announced that Akbar will be the new party provincial president

    Raja claimed that Gandapur’s departure from the role was voluntary, allowing him to focus on his responsibilities as chief minister amidst pressing challenges, including law and order issues in the province.

    “This decision aligns with Gandapur’s request, as he wanted to dedicate himself entirely to the governance of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” Raja said, noting that Gandapur has a lot of responsibilities as CM of the province.

    “Imran Khan was angry with Ali Amin Gandapur for taking pictures with Mohsin Naqvi [Interior Minister],” Farooq said while referring to the meeting between Mohsin Naqvi and Gandapur in Peshawar after the November 26 protest march.

  • Kanwal Aftab calls influencers hypocrites after husband’s arrest

    Kanwal Aftab calls influencers hypocrites after husband’s arrest

    TikToker Kanwal Aftab has dubbed influencers as hypocrites, expressing her anger and disappointment over the lack of support from the influencer community after her husband, Zulqarnain Sikandar, was arrested.

    She shared that the main reason influencers fail to grow is that they pull each other down instead of supporting one another, especially during tough times.

    Kanwal mentioned in her Instagram stories that one follower posted a story in support of Zulqarnain, denying all allegations against him. However, none of their influencer friends have come forward to back him publicly.

    She further said, “We have so many friends, but in times like this, no one truly stands by you. Out of 100% of our friends, only a few called to ask about our situation. The rest are silent. It’s easy to call and offer help, but no one follows through.”

    Kanwal criticised fellow TikTokers, saying, “When someone is in trouble, everyone calls just to gossip and enjoy the drama. They watch others’ struggles as entertainment but never help. They say, ‘Let us know if you need anything,’ but when help is needed, no one is there.”

    She also shared her frustration about the influencer community, saying, “This is why I find the social media world so fake. In every other industry, people support each other, but the social media world is full of hypocrisy and lies.”

    Two days ago, Punjab police arrested popular TikTokers Zulqarnain Sikandar, Rehan Malik, and Tayyab Butt. The police filed cases against them for displaying weapons.

    According to the police, Zulqarnain and his friends were arrested for showing off firearms in public.

  • Did Meera really ask Ali Haider to find her a husband? Here’s what happened

    Did Meera really ask Ali Haider to find her a husband? Here’s what happened

    Appearing as a guest on Hasna Mana Hai, legendary singer Ali Haider opens up about the moment actress Meera’s wedding news turned into a surprising request.

    During the film’s shooting in Dubai, Ali Haider received threatening letters from Meera’s fans who did not like the idea of her working with Ali. The letters urged him to stay away from her, with some even saying he shouldn’t be working in the film.

    Despite the tension, Ali and Meera eventually became friends and worked together on several commercials and projects.

    But the real surprise came as their friendship grew stronger.

    “One day Meera called me and excitedly told me she had gotten married. However, after some time, she called again, this time sounding upset. She said, ‘Ali Haider, you’ve gotten married, you have children. Don’t you think your friend should also have?’” Ali Haider revealed.

    “Meera asked me, ‘Can you find a friend who would marry me?’” Ali Haider added.

    Ali Haider reassured Meera and promised he would try to help her, but only time would tell how things would unfold.

  • ‘I say Allahu Allah five times a day,’ Bushra Ansari fires back at critics

    ‘I say Allahu Allah five times a day,’ Bushra Ansari fires back at critics

    Legendary actress Bushra Ansari has responded to users criticising her on social media.

    Like many other artists, Ansari also makes vlogs on her social accounts, where she often talks about domestic issues, married life, son-in-law, and social matters on her channel.

    She recently discussed her cheerful personality, second marriage, and the criticism she has received in her vlogs.

    She said, “People tell me that at this age, I should recite Allahu Allah. I say Allahu Allah five times a day; everyone has their own way of remembering Allah.”

    She added, “People ask, how did you get married after 36 years? To this, I tell everyone that I did not get married; it happened. Allah had written that I would get married at this age.”

    She continued, “I have married off my children and raised them. When my daughters were small, if I had been asked to get married at that time, I would never have gotten married. Even if someone had given me 5 or 10 crore rupees and told me to get married, I would have refused.”

    She also said, “I have earned and eaten my entire life; maybe I would not have married yet, but when a person is alone, and what Allah has written, that is what remains.”

    Bushra Ansari’s candid responses have shed light on her personal choices and the criticism she has faced, emphasising her belief in following what Allah has destined.

  • ‘Life at risk’: Imran Riaz calls out Salman Ahmad, tells him to leave him alone

    ‘Life at risk’: Imran Riaz calls out Salman Ahmad, tells him to leave him alone

    Amid claims of applying for asylum abroad, journalist and YouTuber Imran Riaz Khan has called out musician-turned-political worker Salman Ahmad for his social media posts, telling him to leave him alone after having put him and his family’s “life at risk”.

    As per the details, Riaz took to X to clarify that he had “never applied for asylum” abroad and the Junoon guitarist as well as former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) member needed to forgive him for “ever having talked to him”.

    The controversy began when social media user and activist Adil Raja on January 26 claimed that Salman, with his connections in United States (US) government and with President Donald Trump’s aide Richard Grenell, had “obtained an American special emergency visa” for Riaz and his family. 

    “For the past several days, I was extremely worried about the life of @ImranRiazKhan I wasn’t sure if he was receiving my messages. I just had a detailed conversation with him. The good news is he is safe and sound. To all those friends who helped me raise an alarm for @ImranRiazKhan safety, my deepest gratitude. IRK is a respected and responsible journalist. He informed me that the @Refugees @UNHumanRights @amnesty are looking after his situation,” the musician and sacked PTI member said in a subsequent post on X.

    In a separate post, the Junoon band founding member, who also resides in the US, wrote in a separate post: “Dear @soldierspeaks [Adil Raja] and @ImranRiazKhan, I realised that since yesterday both of you and your vast network of fans are going crazy attacking each other, for no reason at all. We as a nation need to be able to support each other during our time of need. My only request is that you both gentlemen speak with me to resolve any misunderstandings. That would be the best for brothers to achieve.”

    He was referring to a war of words that broke out between supporters of both sides due to Raja’s claims regarding troubled Riaz’s whereabouts among other statements.

    “Please @sufisal Salman forgive me that I talked to you. You put me and my family’s life on risk. Please leave us alone and I never ever applied for any asylum to any country. I am in touch with UN, EU and almost a dozens of international organisations but no one did this to me. Jazak Allah [sic]” said Riaz as he finally broke silence on the situation.

    Meanwhile, social media users expressed anger over Salman’s posts with one user writing: “@sufisal you’re an absolute idiot. Before you spoke nonsense about Bushra bibi and now tried to harm @ImranRiazKhan and his family. Get a life man.”

    “You want popularity here? Do you think that any sane person would appreciate what you are doing. Just stop this BS,” wrote another user.

    Salman, however, remained undeterred in replying to Imran Riaz while plugging in Junoon band’s Azadi song: “Dear @ImranRiazKhan, our collective struggle is to see Pakistan have freedom of speech, free, fair elections, and end to gross violations of human rights, abductions, torture and killings of innocents. That can only happen with the immediate Release of @ImranKhanPTI. Junoon sey aur ishq sey milti hai Azadi / Qurbani ki bahon mein milti hai Azadi.”

    It may be noted that PTI on December 19 terminated Salman’s basic party membership for running a campaign against “the family of Imran Khan”. The action was taken after the musician took to social media to make claims against PTI founder Imran Khan’s wife and former first lady Bushra Bibi.

  • Moin Khan criticises Pakistani players for being overly friendly with Indian cricketers

    Moin Khan criticises Pakistani players for being overly friendly with Indian cricketers

    Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Moin Khan has expressed his disappointment over the overly friendly relationships between Pakistani and Indian cricketers on the field.

    In a recent interview on The Knock Knock Show hosted by actress Ushna Shah, the ex-cricketer shared his concerns about the current behaviour of Pakistani players during matches against India.

    Ushna asked, “Why are Pakistani cricketers now seen taking pictures with players like Virat Kohli, unlike in the past when cricket and entertainment received love across borders.”

    Moin responded, “It hurts me to see our players laughing and joking with Indian cricketers. We used to respect them mutually, but we maintained a professional attitude on the field. There was a time when our team was far ahead of India, but now they have surpassed us. The advantage we created back then is still benefiting them.”

    Moin Khan added that while good relations with Indian players existed in the past, professionalism always came first. “Even if I had a favourite Indian player, I never behaved casually on the field, like checking their bat or being overly friendly. Our players don’t realise the negative message they send with such actions.”

    He further explained that such behaviour could give the opposing team an edge psychologically. “When you act like this, the rival team uses it to dominate you because mentally, you start to lag,” he said.

    Moin also shared how he emphasised professionalism whenever he held a position of authority. “Whenever I was in a leadership role, I always told players not to adopt such behaviour. Even Wasim Akram used to be upset about this attitude. Our players have forgotten how to show aggression on the field.”

    “You would never see players like Wasim, Waqar, or Shoaib joking around, checking bats, or taking selfies with Indian cricketers during matches,” he concluded.

    Moin Khan’s comments come after a number of recent instances of Pakistani cricketers being seen in friendly moments with Indian players. 

    For example, Shaheen Afridi gifted Jasprit Bumrah a special present to congratulate him on the birth of his daughter. In addition, many national cricketers like Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, and Shaheen have shared lighter moments with Kohli during a number of matches.

  • Rabab Hashim shares an unbelievable fan encounter

    Rabab Hashim shares an unbelievable fan encounter

    Imagine receiving 200 messages from a fan and then having them show up at your doorstep with gifts. Actress Rabab Hashim experienced just that.

    Appearing as a guest on Hasna Mana Hai, the host, Tabish Hashmi, asked Rabab about any surprising fan experiences, to which she shared the shocking story.

    “I was receiving a lot of messages from an account on Instagram, around 200 in a day. I thought it was just a random thing, but then something strange happened,” she said.

    The Sila-e-Muhabbat actress was enjoying a day off at home when she suddenly heard the doorbell. “When I opened the door, a woman and a man from interior Sindh were standing outside, holding a basket filled with gifts. They insisted that I accept the gifts because they had travelled a long distance,” Rabab recalled.

    She explained that although she accepted the gifts, the situation grew more uncomfortable when the couple wouldn’t leave. “They stayed outside my house,” she added.

    As they were about to leave, Rabab asked, “How did you get to my house?” She then returned the gifts, saying, “I can’t keep these.” However, she kept receiving strange messages from them.