Author: News Desk

  • 11yo girl survives three days in Mediterranean sea by holding onto tubes

    11yo girl survives three days in Mediterranean sea by holding onto tubes

    An 11-year-old girl has survived three days in the stormy Mediterranean Sea by clinging on to two tyre tubes after the shipwreck.

    According to reports, the girl was discovered by a non-governmental organisation, Compass Collective, as they were on their way to another emergency. It was then that the rescue team heard the minor’s cries for help.

    According to the organisation, the girl is most likely the only survivor among 45 people on board a vessel that sank off the coast of Italy.

    “It was an incredible coincidence that we heard the child’s voice despite the engine running,” said Matthias Wiedenlübbert, the rescue organisation’s chief.

    The young migrant had a simple life jacket and two inner tubes around her waist
    Caption

    The team heard the child’s call for help at 3:20 am local time and immediately launched a rescue mission in the dark. They also alerted the rescue control centre in Rome.


    While the little girl is originally from Sierra Leone, the boat had originally departed from Sfax, a port city on Tunisia’s coast. Her boat had hit the dayslong storm that prevented many rescue boats from setting sail and that was why she remained stranded.

    The girl told the rescue team that she had been in contact with two other people from the boat for a while but had not heard from them in two days.

    An official statement by Campus Collective said that even though the girl was suffering from hypothermia, she was actually saved by the two tubes and a life vest.

    “The girl had no drinking water or food with her, and although she was suffering from hypothermia, she was responsive and alert,” the statement read.

    Notably, the central Mediterranean route between Tunisia, Libya, Italy and Malta is one of the most dangerous migration routes in the world, with over 24,300 deaths or disappearances since 2014.

    Missing Migrants Project of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), on the other hand, reported over 30,000 deaths during the same period.

    The IOM says it is likely that several other deaths remain unrecorded.

    Compass Collective alone has saved 1,653 people in distress at sea since it began its operation in August 2023.

  • Imran Khan’s trusted people were involved in attacking him, claims Faisal Vawda

    Imran Khan’s trusted people were involved in attacking him, claims Faisal Vawda

    Senator Faisal Vawda on Thursday claimed that close aides of former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan were involved in the attack that left him shot in the leg during a rally at Wazirabad in 2022. 

    Appearing on Hum News’ FAISLA AAP KA with Asma Shirazi, Vawda said, “When Imran Khan finds out that his trusted people were involved in the attack on him, it will shake the ground beneath his feet.”

    He dismissed social media claims that Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was aware of the Wazirabad attack, stating, “If someone says that Imran Khan was mindful of the incident, then he is an idiot.”

    The Senator also discussed journalist Arshad Sharif’s murder, emphasising that the verdict in the case would be the last nail in the coffin, adding, “If the courts do not reveal the details of the cases, then I will speak up.”

    Former PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry, who was present in the panel along with Vawda, stated that revealing details of the Wazirabad attack on Imran Khan would be beneficial.


    Faisal Vawda chimed in, “You should also find out who the beneficiaries of the firing were; then you will know the whole story.”

    On November 3, 2022, Imran Khan, along with other party leaders, was injured, and one party worker was killed when a gunman opened fire on the party founder’s container as the convoy reached Wazirabad’s Allah Wala Chowk.

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    According to the Punjab police, the deceased was identified as Muazzam Nawaz.

    Fawad Chaudhry, who was also present in the convoy, told Reuters hours after the incident, “It was a clear assassination attempt. Khan was hit, but he’s stable. There was a lot of bleeding. If the shooter had not been stopped by people there, the entire PTI leadership would have been wiped out.”


    PTI leaders Ahmed Chattha and Chaudhry Yousuf along with party workers Omer Meyer and Rashid were wounded in the incident, PTI social media had claimed.

    Following the firing, Imran Khan was immediately shifted to Shaukat Khanum Hospital in Lahore, while the rest of the injured people were taken by ambulances to the nearby Wazirabad Institute of Cardiology, Reuters reported.

    Four days after the attack occurred, a First Information Report (FIR) was lodged at the City Police Station in Wazirabad with sub-inspector Aamir Shahzad as the complainant.

    The FIR was registered under various charges, including terrorism, murder and attempt to murder, with sections 302, 324, 440 and Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 included. 

    According to the FIR text, Imran Khan and other PTI leaders were headed to Wazirabad from Allahwala Chowk when, at 4 pm, the accused, Naveed, opened fire from the left side of the container, killing Muazzam, son of Nawaz of Bharoki Cheema, who was a participant in the rally.

  • Allu Arjun arrested after stampede at ‘Pushpa 2’ screening

    Allu Arjun arrested after stampede at ‘Pushpa 2’ screening

    Indian actor Allu Arjun has been arrested after his appearance at a movie screening allegedly caused a stampede that resulted in the death of a woman on Friday, police and local media reported.

    A huge crowd had gathered at a theatre in Hyderabad to catch a glimpse of Allu Arjun as he arrived for the screening of his film “Pushpa 2: The Rule.”

    Arjun, 42, was arrested on suspicion of three offences, including causing hurt by dangerous means, a police officer told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

    The victim of the December 4 stampede was a woman in her 30s attending the screening with her son, who was also seriously injured. The woman’s family later filed a complaint against Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management, media outlet India Today reported.

    Arjun said he was “deeply heartbroken” two days after the accident. “While respecting their need for space to grieve, I stand committed to extend every possible assistance to help them navigate through this challenging journey,” he wrote on X.

    Arjun is hugely popular in southern India, and the Pushpa film franchise has made millions at the box office.

    He won best actor at India’s National Film Awards for his title role in the first instalment of the series, released two years ago.

  • FBR launches crackdown against Shark Tank Pakistan contestants

    FBR launches crackdown against Shark Tank Pakistan contestants

    Startups that participated in the first season of Shark Tank Pakistan are reportedly under investigation by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) over potential tax discrepancies. The news came to light through a LinkedIn post by Ahmed Rauf Essa, CEO of Telemart, who revealed that multiple startups from the show have received tax notices from the FBR, and some are facing legal action for allegedly underreporting their financials.

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    As per a report by TechJuice, Essa pointed out that several of these startups have disclosed less than 20% of their financial figures to the tax authorities, a stark contrast to businesses like his own, which report 100% of their financial data to avoid complications. He expressed that he had foreseen such scrutiny, noting that the FBR had been closely monitoring businesses featured on the show. Some startups have already reached out to Essa for advice regarding their ongoing legal cases.

    This development underscores the challenges startups in Pakistan face, particularly those that gain public attention through platforms like Shark Tank Pakistan. It highlights the importance of transparent financial reporting and compliance with tax regulations.

    Industry experts recommend that startups prioritize professional financial management and adherence to tax laws to avoid such issues. Legal advisors stress the importance of accurate reporting, particularly for businesses pitching on national platforms where they attract significant scrutiny.

    Reactions within the startup community have been mixed. While some entrepreneurs support the push for greater transparency, others are concerned about the potential negative impact on innovation and growth. Many argue that the country’s tax policies need to be more supportive of startups to foster a conducive environment for entrepreneurship.

    The FBR has not yet issued a public statement on the matter, while the startups involved continue to deal with the complexities of compliance, transparency, and legal scrutiny.

    A few days ago, Shark Tank Pakistan saw its biggest investment ever when Usman Bashir, CEO of BrakeTime, invested Rs1.5 billion ($5 million) in Saraaf, a Karachi-based startup specializing in commodity and mineral sourcing. The deal included Rs80 crores for 20% equity and Rs70 crores as a line of credit with a 3% royalty fee. This record-breaking investment showcases the growing potential and confidence inPakistan’ss entrepreneurial sector, surpassing even the largest deals made on other Shark Tank shows worldwide.

  • Hania Aamir’s reaction to being included among Top 50 Asian stars will have you rolling on the floor

    Hania Aamir’s reaction to being included among Top 50 Asian stars will have you rolling on the floor

     Actress Hania Aamir’s hilarious take on being named one of the Top 50 Asian celebrities will have you laughing out loud.

     The Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum actress took to Instagram to write: “They’re saying I’m the 9th most influential Asian of 2024. I think I’m famous. Will take minimum 5 business days to get back to you. Thanks.”

     Hania Aamir has captured international attention by earning the title of the top Pakistani star and securing the 9th spot on the renowned Top 50 Asian Celebrities in the World list, published by a UK-based weekly.

     What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that she’s the only Pakistani actor to land a spot in the top 20, surpassing global icons from Hollywood, Bollywood, music, TV, literature, and social media.

    Other prominent Pakistanis making the list include Riz Ahmed at 11, Zayn Malik at 21, Fahad Mustafa at 23, Shazad Latif at 24, Arooj Aftab at 33, Hiba Bukhari at 37, Atif Aslam at 41, and Sajal Aly at 48.

    Earlier, Pakistani renowned actress Hania Amir has expressed that her fame makes her fearful of how she will answer to Allah Almighty.

    In response to a question, she discussed her social media posts, saying, “I want everyone to be happy. If someone is facing mental health issues, they should know what the solution is and who they can talk to. Because talking about mental health is no longer considered taboo.”

    She added, “I do not want anyone else to go through the difficulties I have faced regarding mental health. For a long time, talking about mental health was considered taboo, but thankfully, that is no longer the case. I always say that I am afraid of my [public] image; how will I face Allah Almighty?”

    “What will I say? That I made some films and earned a lot of money?”

    Hania Amir also remarked, “It doesn’t suit me; I am not like that. I try to make people laugh, and my social media posts bring joy to people. I’m happy to know this, and I hope they realise that mental health is a common issue that they can talk about.”

    She had given an interview to BBC Asia earlier this year, a video clip of which has surfaced in which she spoke openly about mental health.

  • Rabia Anum, Imran Abbas slam Nasir Adeeb for defaming Reema

    Rabia Anum, Imran Abbas slam Nasir Adeeb for defaming Reema

    Senior scriptwriter Nasir Adeeb has come under fire for derogatory remarks about film star Reema’s past. Several showbiz personalities have demanded that he apologize to the actress.’


    In a recent podcast, Nasir Adeeb claimed that he and director Younis Malik went to Heera Mandi in Lahore to find a heroine for a film. 


    He stated, “We were shown several girls, including Reema Khan.” However, he did not cast her because he “did not like her.” 

    Although Nasir Adeeb did not cast Reema, he acknowledged that she later became a superstar in the film industry.

    Social media users and celebrities criticized Nasir Adib for the weird remarks about the famous actress.  Imran Abbas, Mishi Khan, Sanam Jang, and Rabia Anam were among those who spoke out against him.


    In a social media post, Imran Abbas called Nasir Adeeb’s comments “shameful,” writing, “Even today, some people take pleasure in humiliating and disturbing others by talking about the past of actors.”


    Actress Sanam Jang expressed surprise at Nasir Adeeb’s remarks, questioning why he was discussing someone’s past in this manner.


    TV host Rabia Anam also criticized Nasir Adib and demanded that such podcasts, which tarnish others’ honor, should be stopped. She encouraged women not to lose heart, writing, “Women should remember that some people can criticize them to put them down, but they should not lose heart.”

    In a statement posted on her Instagram stories she wrote.

    “We really need to stop these problematic podcasts..where any random person gets to say whatever they feel like about any celebrity. Just saw a clip and I’m fuming with anger. All I want to say is Reema Khan is an extraordinary person whose transformation is truly unparalleled. She is a wise, intelligent and graceful soul, living a life of respect and dignity. It deeply disturbs me to witness some individuals who, at every opportunity, try to undermine women.

    Dear women always remember:

    ‘When they go low, we go high’-Michelle Obama.”

  • Imad Wasim bids farewell to international cricket

    Imad Wasim bids farewell to international cricket

    Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim has announced his retirement from international cricket on Friday. 

    Imad wrote in a message on Instagram, “To all fans & supporters. After much thought and reflection, I have decided to retire from international cricket. Representing Pakistan on the world stage has been the greatest honour of my life, and every moment wearing the green jersey has been unforgettable.”

    He further wrote, “Your unwavering support, love, and passion have always been my biggest strength. From the highs to the lows, your encouragement has pushed me to give my best for our beloved country. While this chapter comes to an end, I look forward to continuing my journey in cricket through domestic and franchise cricket, and I hope to keep entertaining you all in new ways. Thank you for everything. Pakistan Zindabad.”

    Imad Wasim had withdrawn his retirement before the T20 World Cup 2024.

    Imad has represented Pakistan in 55 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 75 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). He has not played any Test matches for the national team.

    Imad made his ODI debut on July 19, 2015, against Sri Lanka in Colombo, and his T20I debut on May 24, 2015, against Zimbabwe in Lahore.

  • Class nine student found dead in Gujranwala school’s washroom

    Class nine student found dead in Gujranwala school’s washroom

    A young student was found dead in the washroom of a private school in Gujranwala.


    Dawn reports that following the incident, local police booked the school’s principal, his son and three other higher-ups of the institute, situated in the People’s Colony of Gujranwala city area, on Thursday.


    The deceased’s father registered the complaint,  alleging in the FIR that a fellow student poisoned his son to death, seeking a murder case against the alleged suspect.


    The deceased was identified as Awais Ahmed by Rescue 1122 and the police sources who had reached the spot after being informed of the incident.


    The initial investigation suggests that Awais had reportedly left his home for school in the morning but was found dead in a washroom of the school later in the day.


    The boy’s body was shifted to the nearby district headquarters hospital for autopsy. They later handed over the body to the deceased’s family.


    In their statement, the family asserted that Ahmed was fine when he left for school.
    However, the People’s Colony’s police Station House Officer (SHO) said that the police has started an investigation into the matter.


    Meanwhile, the result of the autopsy report is still awaited, which will ascertain the cause of the death with clarity.


    Additionally, on the direction of Gujranwala City Police Officer (CPO) Rana Ayaz Saleem, the police has booked the principal of the private school, Zubair, his son Abdul Hadi and three other students under section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) on the report of Mohsin Yousaf, the elder brother of the deceased ninth-grade student.


    The brother had alleged that his brother was a good sportsman, and he has been murdered over jealousy by the suspects.


    However, CPO Gujranwala has ordered the Civil Lines Superintendent Police (SP) to hold an inquiry and submit a detailed report on the incident.

    Earlier in September, a teenager from Quetta allegedly murdered a young boy whose partially burned corpse was found on September 20 by the local police. 

    Mushtaq Hussain, also known as Mehdi was arrested by the Quetta police for killing Arman Ali.

    SSP Serious Crimes Unit Zohaib Mohsin told media that the suspect confessed during the investigation to have planned the crime after watching scenes from a crime series on social media.

    Mushtaq explained how he executed the plan to the police team. He took a knife and a hammer, hid them in a school bag, and went to the crime scene, where he found a boy flying a kite. Luring the boy with a juice packet, he then attacked him.

    He maintained that he did not know the boy and claimed he acted based on what he had seen in the series.

  • Here’s proof that Waseem Badami was a very talented child too

    Here’s proof that Waseem Badami was a very talented child too

    Waseem Badami is one of Pakistan’s most popular news anchors, known for hosting news transmissions, political shows, Ramadan specials, and cricket programs. His ability to keep audiences engaged while exploring difficult topics in a fun time has made him a favorite on television. 


    Recently, he shared a heartwarming childhood video on Instagram. The video shows young Waseem confidently reciting a Naat, reflecting his early talent and passion for performing.


    In the Instagram post, Waseem mentioned his involvement in extra-curricular activities during his school years. The childhood video is a charming glimpse into his early days, hinting at the successful career ahead.


    Watch the adorable video of young Waseem Badami reciting a Naat:

  • Talha Anjum is about to make acting debut

    Talha Anjum is about to make acting debut

    Rapper and singer Talha Anjum is set to make an unexpected debut as an actor in an upcoming film, Kattar Karachi, which is already creating a buzz among the fans. The film also stars the talented actor Imran Ashraf, who will be returning to the silver screen in a new role as a mafia boss.

    Alongside the two stars, Kinza Hashmi and Syed Jameel are also set to appear in the film. The trailer for Kattar Karachi promises a cinematic experience filled with drama.

    The crime thriller delves into the gritty underworld of Karachi, combining a noir-inspired visual style with a high-stakes narrative.

    Imran Ashraf’s character, a powerful mafia boss, will reign over the chaotic streets of Karachi, while Talha Anjum, playing the protagonist, will defend his position at all costs.

    Kinza Hashmi also seems to step away from her usual sweet and gentle roles to take on a much stronger, more intense character. Instead of her typical roles in romantic dramas such as Ishq Tamasha, Azmish  and Ruposh. She now portrays a woman involved in Karachi’s tough underworld, showcasing power and determination.

    The intense rivalry between the two leads sets the stage for a dramatic clash of power and emotion, promising Kattar Karachi to be a thriller.

     Talha also posted a poster of his film with the caption, “I’m excited to share this amazing news with my fans—my film “KATTAR KARACHI” is hitting cinemas across Pakistan! Thank you for your unwavering love and support. Here’s to new beginnings and unforgettable journeys!”

    The film will be released in cinemas across Pakistan on 20th December 2024.

    Earlier, as 2024 comes to a close, Spotify finally revealed Wrapped 2024, highlighting the music that the world and Pakistan listened to.

     This years’ Wrapped celebrates the artists, songs and trends that made 2024 a record breaking year.

    This year, rapper, singer and lyricist Talha Anjum has made history by becoming the most streamed local artist in Pakistan for 2024, surpassing Atif Aslam, who held the top spot for three consecutive years.

    Talha Anjum has become a leading figure in Pakistan’s hip-hop scene, starting with just a phone and his passion for rap, he quickly rose from the underground to mainstream success. As a part of Young Stunners, he helped shape the desi hip-hop movement, earning a massive following in both Pakistan and India.

    Despite his big win, Talha honored Atif with heartfelt words, sharing a concert clip on Instagram and writing, “There are charts & then there’s legacy. What Atif bhai is to Pakistani music, to his millions of fans around the world including me is more than any chart or any number.. let’s not get deviated from the real facts here people!! ❤ ”