Category: National

  • ‘I got a new life’: Viral video shows Islamabad cop ‘healing’ old man’s back pain

    ‘I got a new life’: Viral video shows Islamabad cop ‘healing’ old man’s back pain

    An undated video of an Islamabad police official ‘healing’ the back pain of an old man has gone viral on social media.

    “Baba jee kiya takleef hai [What’s troubling you, Baba Jee?]”, the cop can be heard as asking the old man in the video, in response to which he complains of backache.

    Another man, who was recording the conversation, asked the old man to walk. Taking away the old man’s walking stick, the police official gently rubbed the old man’s back. Moments later, the cop straightens him up and says, “Mashallah, you’re fine now. Go ahead and try walking.”

    On being asked how he felt, the old man said, “I got a new life.”

    However, the cop did not stop there and asked the old man to take some steps back and run forward. The cop said, “Ab daur kay ana hai ap nay [Now you have to come running],” which too the man appeared able to do.

    With the video going viral, netizens were quick to react to it. One social media user took to X (formerly Twitter), and wrote, “Start from Islamabad and implement this model across the entire country — let’s get rid of beggars once and for all.”

    “The Islamabad police instantly cured a paralyzed man […],” wrote a second user while another wrote, “Islamabad police officer cured a patient with back and joint pain… just one push, and boom — healed!”

    While some called it a “publicity stunt” like that by “televangelists”, other criticised the police official’s action, calling it “disrespectful” towards citizens.

    “You can’t do that. This is wrong, you are not a doctor. So sad,” wrote a user.

  • KP govt will not pass minerals bill till Imran Khan is released: Salman Raja

    KP govt will not pass minerals bill till Imran Khan is released: Salman Raja

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja on Monday claimed that the Mines and Minerals Bill 2025 will not move forward in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly until former prime minister Imran Khan is released from prison.

    Speaking on a private media channel, Raja said, “The bill has been debated, and there is a consensus within the party that it will not be passed unless Imran Khan is freed.”

    He emphasised that the Mines and Minerals Bill 2017 is still in effect in KP, and work will continue according to it. “This is not the time for any fundamental change in the country,” Raja said.

    Stressing the need to clarify the policy regarding minerals in the future, he said, “Two types of policy regarding minerals exist in the world: one is to dig out the rocks and ship them; the other is to refine the rocks and extract the mineral content. On the basis of that, establish the industry in the country.”

    The Secretary General further stated that the party would present its own vision for the bill, emphasising that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is “constitutionally autonomous; we are not under the federal government.”

    The Mines and Minerals Bill 2025 was tabled on March 4 in the KP Assembly after being approved by the provincial cabinet in February.

    PTI has been divided over the bill. Previously, a heated debate reportedly took place between KP Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur and PTI Peshawar Region President Atif Khan in the PTI parliamentarians’ WhatsApp group.

    Media reports claim that the disagreement began when Atif Khan advised PTI Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) in the group not to vote in favour of the bill, declaring it “against the interests of the people of KP.”

    In response, Gandapur directly addressed Atif, asking, “Have you even read the bill? If you do not understand English, I will send you a copy in the Urdu version.”

    Earlier, CM Gandapur, in a video statement, firmly rejected claims that the bill’s amendments were aimed at surrendering provincial authority to any other entity.

    “The powers of the province cannot and will not be surrendered,” he said, adding that such claims were false, fabricated, and “appeared to be driven by personal vendettas.”

    The KP CM further said that the proposed amendments were part of his government’s broader reform agenda aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in the minerals sector. “Vested interests are misrepresenting these reforms for their own benefit,” he added.

  • CM Maryam responds to criticism over Mayo MS firing

    CM Maryam responds to criticism over Mayo MS firing

    Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz has responded to criticism over firing of Mayo Hospital’s medical superintendent (MS) during her surprise visit to the hospital last month, a video of which had gone viral and drawn mixed reaction from the public.

    Addressing the first passing-out parade of the Environment Protection Force on Wednesday in Lahore, the Punjab CM said that after she fired the MS and the principal, the media was flooded with criticism against her action.

    CM Maryam said that she herself deeply respected doctors who served their country, but could not let anyone burden poor patients.

    “When I raided the hospital’s basement, there were boxes filled with medicines that doctors were telling patients to buy from outside the hospital,” she said, adding that patients were being forced to buy medicines from selected pharmacies outside the hospital.

    “When I have reserved around Rs100 billion for free medicines for those seeking treatment at government hospitals, how dare anybody tell poor patients to buy costly medicines from outside?”

    Last month, the provincial chief executive had received flak after she fired Mayo Hospital’s MS Dr Faisal Masood over “negligence” during her surprise hospital visit, which was caught on camera.

    While some social media users had lauded the CM for swift action, others had criticised her for an “authoritarian” approach. Some users had taken to X (formerly Twitter), writing that it was “unethical behaviour” towards a respected doctor and “brazen disregard for institutional decorum”.

     “The guy needs to be fired,” the video had shown CM Maryam telling the healthcare minister while pointing at the MS.


     
    “You should be thankful that I am not having you arrested,” she had told the MS, alleging that he was also unaware of the patients’ condition at the hospital.

     
    The action had come after patients and their attendants had reportedly complained to the provincial chief executive about the lack of facilities at the hospital.

  • Bushra Bibi’s sister recalls story of introducing her to husband Imran Khan

    Bushra Bibi’s sister recalls story of introducing her to husband Imran Khan

    The sister of former First Lady Bushra Bibi, Maryam Riaz Wattoo, has claimed that former premier Imran Khan thanked her for introducing him to Bushra Bibi.

    In a video shared by journalist Murtaza Ali Shah on Instagram today (Wednesday), Maryam Wattoo, in response to a question, confirmed that the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had thanked her for introducing Bushra Bibi to him.

    She further claimed that Imran Khan had written her an email, saying, “I [Imran Khan] am thankful to you that you changed my life.”

    When asked about the time she introduced Khan to Bibi, Maryam recalled it was between 2015 and 2016. “Matchmaking was not in my mind at that time. I had requested Bushra Bibi to guide him [Khan] in spiritual matters, to which Bushra Bibi said that she didn’t want to come on media,” she added.

    “Now, they’re the best couple in the world as they stand together despite the odds,” she said.

    “Imran Khan considers Bushra Bibi his spiritual guide and publicly thanks her for changing his life. So what exactly did Bushra Bibi do?” the journalist asked. In response, Maryam said her sister has a kind heart and is selfless. “Khan sahab has often mentioned that Bibi’s religious knowledge is very extensive,” she added.

    When asked to describe Bushra Bibi’s personality, Maryam Wattoo said, “Bushra Bibi is a patient lady, intelligent, and she makes all her decisions with great wisdom.”

    Advising former Special Assistant to the Chief Minister (CM) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Mashal Yousafzai, she suggested that he should limit his comments about Bushra Bibi. “This is my constructive criticism; it would be better not to associate everything with Bushra Bibi,” she emphasised.

    Maryam Wattoo also dismissed claims that the ex-First Lady chaired a political meeting after her release from Adiala Jail, stating that “Bushra Bibi had only met those who had requested to meet her.”

    In October 2024, Bushra Bibi was released from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi after being incarcerated for nine months. In January, Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were convicted in the £190 million case.

    Accountability Court Judge Nasir Javed Rana sentenced the PTI founder to 14 years and his wife to seven years, along with hefty fines, during a proceeding held in a makeshift court at Adiala Jail.

    Imran Khan was convicted for “corrupt practices” and “misuse of authority”, while the ex-First Lady was convicted for “involvement in illegal activities”.

  • Did US delegation talk to govt about Imran? Ayaz Sadiq has the details

    Did US delegation talk to govt about Imran? Ayaz Sadiq has the details

    Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has shared details of his recent meeting with a three-member US Congressional delegation. The delegation arrived on Saturday on a weeklong visit to Pakistan.

    Speaking to media in Islamabad today (Tuesday), Ayaz Sadiq, in response to a question asking whether the US delegation talked about meeting the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan, said that the US delegation “did not even mention Imran Khan.” 

    “I can say with full confidence that as they [US delegation] were leaving, they categorically stated they have no connection to Pakistan’s internal politics,” the speaker of the National Assembly claimed.

    Ayaz Sadiq further said that he had invited PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar and Malik Mohammad Amir Dogar to a dinner during the meeting with the US delegation, emphasising that it was an opportunity for PTI leaders to sit and talk with the Americans “from whom they seek help.”

    Additionally, Ayaz Sadiq stated that no one can be forced to sit and talk about issues [between political parties]. “I had called Akhtar Mengal (Chief Balochistan National Party-Mengal)…. and was also in contact with Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s party (JUI-F),” he added. 

    Moreover, Ayaz Sadiq said that Turkiye has organized a conference on the ongoing situation in Gaza, where a few speakers have been invited. “I will attend the Gaza conference and present Pakistan’s stance,” he added.

    He concluded by saying that as Pakistan speaks up for Kashmir, it is also raising its voice for Palestine, lamenting that children and women are being martyred in Palestine, and the Muslim Ummah has not played the role it should have.

  • ‘Sell your car, donate to Palestine’; Sher Afzal tells Mufti Taqi

    ‘Sell your car, donate to Palestine’; Sher Afzal tells Mufti Taqi

    Former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) member Sher Afzal Marwat has advised renowned Islamic scholar Mufti Taqi Usmani to begin jihad from his own home, days after the scholar issued a fatwa calling for jihad against Israel in response to the ongoing atrocities in Gaza.

    Speaking to reporters in Islamabad on Tuesday, Marwat said Mufti Taqi Usmani is obligated to initiate jihad personally. “He must sell his underused Mercedes to donate to Palestinians,” he added.

    Earlier this week, during his address at the National Palestine Conference in Islamabad, Mufti Taqi declared that jihad for Gaza had become obligatory for Muslim states. He expressed disappointment over the lack of real support for Palestinian resistance fighters.

    He criticised Muslim states for limiting their response to conferences and resolutions rather than taking concrete steps to defend the Al-Aqsa Mosque and assist Palestinian Mujahideen.

    The former judge of the Federal Shariat Court condemned Israel’s actions during its devastating military onslaught in the Gaza Strip and supported a boycott of products to express solidarity with Palestine.

    However, the scholar emphasised, “Islam is a religion of balance. It is not a religion of vandalising property or hurting someone by merely getting carried away by emotions.

    “Therefore, pelting stones at someone or harming someone’s life and property is forbidden in Shariah. Do protest and boycott, but peacefully; there should be no element of unrest.”

    Separately, footage of vandalism appeared online yesterday, showing a couple of individuals using abusive language and an intimidating tone while vandalising the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) outlet located in the Saddar area of Rawalpindi.

    Later, a First Information Report (FIR) was lodged at the Cantt police station by the manager of the Saddar branch, under sections 148 (rioting, armed with a deadly weapon), 149 (every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object), and others of the Pakistan Penal Code.

    According to the FIR, the incident took place on Sunday, March 13, at 8:30pm. The complainant stated that while he was working as the branch manager, he heard a commotion. Upon exiting his office, he saw 10–12 individuals armed with sticks and rods, abusing other patrons and families in the restaurant while shouting slogans.

    “When we tried to stop them, they abused us and continued to threaten us with violence. I am filing a petition against them. Action should be taken,” the FIR reads.

  • Three police officials martyred, 16 wounded in IED blast in Mastung

    Three police officials martyred, 16 wounded in IED blast in Mastung

    Three police officials have been martyred, and at least 16 others have been wounded on Tuesday morning in a blast targeting a vehicle of the Balochistan Constabulary (FC) in Balochistan’s Mastung district. 

    In a statement, spokesperson of the Balochistan government Shahid Rind stated that a vehicle carrying policemen was targeted with an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) when they were returning from Kalat.

    “Three jawaan (personnel) of the Balochistan Constabulary were martyred in the blast,” the spokesperson confirmed, adding that 16 others were injured due to the blast, out of whom two were in a serious condition.

    Rind stated that all injured cops have been shifted to a hospital, while those seriously injured were being taken to Quetta, about 50 kilometres away from Mastung. He added that an investigation report on the incident has been sought.

    The FC officials were deployed at a sit-in by the Balochistan National Party Mengal (BNP-M), the spokesperson said.

    Mastung Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Younas Magsi, however, put the number of injured people at 18. 

    Magsi said that the policemen were stationed as part of additional deployment with Levies in Mastung’s Kund Mas area, adding that more than 40 cops were returning from duty today when the police vehicle carrying them was targeted.

    “On a daily basis, our policemen used to return to Mastung Police Lines after performing their duties,” the DSP said.

    Chief Minister (CM) Balochistan Sarfraz Bugti strongly condemned the blast, directing Health Minister Bakht Kakar to ensure that the injured were provided with the best medical treatment. “No negligence will be tolerated in the treatment of the injured,” Bugti said.

    He affirmed that the provincial government stood with the martyrs. “The elements involved in the incident do not deserve any concession,” he asserted.

    The incident happened a day after the FC checkpoint in the Galangoor area of Noshki came under attack. During the gun battle, an FC soldier embraced martyrdom.

    As per media reports, armed militants used automatic weapons to attack the Levies post. However, the Levies personnel deployed at the post swiftly took strategic positions on the nearby mountain and returned fire.

    “Due to their [security personnel’s] advantageous position, the terrorists couldn’t reach them, and the attack was effectively foiled,” Dawn News quoted a senior official of the Balochistan Levies as saying. 

    The FC troops deployed at the post returned fire, and in the ensuing exchange of fire, two terrorists were killed, a senior official of the Noshki administration said.

  • Heavy restrictions to be placed on acid sales in Punjab to prevent attacks on women

    Heavy restrictions to be placed on acid sales in Punjab to prevent attacks on women

    The Punjab government is in the process of finalising a bill designed to heavily regulate the sale and purchase of acid in an effort to prevent attacks on women. 

    The Punjab Acid Control Act 2025 was presented by Hina Parvez Butt, Chairperson of the Punjab Women Protection Authority, a leading English daily has reported. The private bill was then sent to the Home Committee for inputs. 

    The updated bill is now ready for being tabled in the Assembly. 

    The draft suggests that licenses should be mandatory for the sale of 30 types of acid. No acid will be sold to a person under 18 years of age. 

    People already selling acid will have 30 days to acquire a license and pay the requisite fee. Licenses will be person and space specific and will mention the quantity of acid to be held by the seller at one time. 

    Importers and manufacturers of acid shall also be required to be registered under the Act.

    Acid containers will include printed information, including the name and kind of acid; name, address and licence number; volume and quantity of acid; manufacturing and expiry dates, if any; warning statement including the words “DANGEROUS/CORROSIVE” in red and safety precautions.

    Violators can be imprisoned for three years and fined up to Rs500,000. 

    Offenses under the Act shall be cognisable, non-bailable, non-compoundable and triable by court.

  • US delegation meets COAS Asim Munir, commends armed forces’ role in combating terrorism

    US delegation meets COAS Asim Munir, commends armed forces’ role in combating terrorism

    A delegation of the United States (US) Congress, led by Jack Bergman called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir and discussed a range of issues of mutual interest.

    Thomas Souzzi and Jonathan Jackson were also part of the US delegation that met with General Asim Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.

    “Both sides reaffirmed the importance of sustained engagement based on mutual respect, shared values, and converging strategic interests,” reads the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement issued on Sunday.

    The statement further reads that the visiting U.S. lawmakers commended the Pakistan Armed Forces for their pivotal role in combating terrorism and acknowledged Pakistan’s enduring contributions to regional peace and stability. They also expressed deep appreciation for Pakistan’s resilience and the strategic potential of its people.

    The U.S. congressional delegation underscored their respect for Pakistan’s sovereignty, conveying a strong commitment to advancing broad-based bilateral cooperation, particularly in the domains of security, trade, investment, and economic development.

    The ISPR statement further reads, “General Syed Asim Munir conveyed his appreciation to the delegation for their visit and reiterated Pakistan’s desire to further deepen and diversify its longstanding partnership with the United States in a manner that is mutually beneficial and respectful of each other’s national interests.

    During the meeting, Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were also signed for training collaboration in the field of Information Technology.”

    The congressional delegation had earlier held an important meeting with Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad. During the meeting, the Interior Minister emphasised the country’s role in the fight against terrorism, saying, “Pakistan stands as a wall between terrorism and the rest of the world”.

    According to media reports, both sides discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in the areas of economy, trade, and investment. They also talked about issues related to security, counterterrorism, and border management.

    Speaking on the occasion, Naqvi termed the menace of terrorism a “global challenge” and said that the international community must extend full cooperation to Pakistan. “Intelligence and technology sharing in the domain of counter-terrorism is of utmost importance,” he added.

    The minister further said that Pakistan’s immense sacrifices against terrorism are unmatched in the global context, noting that the visit of US congressmen will be crucial in highlighting Pakistan’s unprecedented role in the fight against terrorism.

    The delegation underscored the need to highlight Pakistan’s role in the war against terrorism, claiming that the Pakistani community residing in the US is very talented and hardworking.

  • Pakistani teen, whom Onijah Andrews fell in love with, breaks silence

    Pakistani teen, whom Onijah Andrews fell in love with, breaks silence

    Pakistani teenager Nadal Ahmed, whom United States (US) citizen Onijah Andrews came to the country for and refused to leave for weeks, has finally broken silence.

    In an interview with a foreign YouTube channel, 19-year-old Nadal confirmed his relationship with Onijah, revealing that the two were still in touch. “We’ve been in a relationship for the past two to two-and-a-half years,” Nadal said.

    “But it was Onijah’s personal decision to come to Pakistan to meet me,” he added.

    Nadal revealed that Onijah stayed in a hotel in Pakistan for nearly three months. “During that time, my family and I stayed in contact with her. She even went shopping with my mother and sisters. They are still in touch with her.”

    He dismissed rumours claiming he had abandoned or deceived Onijah. “I’ve heard people saying that I left her or cheated on her, but that’s not true. We’re still in contact,” Nadal clarified and challenged such people to show him “even a single video” where Onijah said that he left her or betrayed her.

    “These are just baseless assumptions and have nothing to do with reality,” he said and also denied being married to Onijah. “We are not married. I don’t know why Onijah is saying that.”

    “Like any other couple, we love each other. Every relationship goes through ups and downs. We’re working on different projects and will be seen together again soon.”

    Onijah had travelled to Karachi in October 2024 to marry the teenager whom she had met online. But after his family allegedly rejected her and her 30-day visa expired, she made headlines for refusing to leave amid helplessness of law enforcement in sending her back.

    Her statements to the press made her a global sensation with content creators flooding the internet with her story. Onijah travelled back to the US in February, days after her son claimed she was suffering from a psychological disorder. She has, however, retained her popularity, appearing on several US-based digital outlets since her return.