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Category: National

  • Google thinks a pound is worth Rs. 9, leaving Pakistanis questioning reality

    Google thinks a pound is worth Rs. 9, leaving Pakistanis questioning reality

    Google Search is currently displaying the British Pound (GBP) at Rs. 9 against the Pakistani Rupee, despite the actual market value being around Rs. 377. The discrepancy appears to be a data or display error on Google rather than a change in the currency market.

    Banks, currency dealers, and forex platforms in Pakistan continue to trade the British Pound at the standard rate, which remains hundreds of rupees higher than the value shown on Google.

    This is not the first instance of incorrect exchange rates appearing on Google Search for Pakistan. In a previous instance the US dollar was displayed at around Rs. 140 while its real market value was at least Rs. 280. The error caused confusion before it was corrected.

    Currency exchange rates shown on search engines are typically sourced from third-party providers. Errors can occur due to glitches, delayed updates, or incorrect data feeds. In countries like Pakistan, where exchange rates are closely monitored due to inflation and currency fluctuations, such mistakes can be misleading.

    Officials and market participants have not reported any change in the official exchange rate of the British Pound. Users are advised to consult official bank rates, licensed exchange companies, or the State Bank of Pakistan to confirm accurate currency values instead of relying solely on search engine results.

  • Pakistani who crossed border by mistake freed after 25 years in Indian jail

    Pakistani who crossed border by mistake freed after 25 years in Indian jail

    A Pakistani citizen who spent 25 years in Indian prisons after accidentally crossing the border while hunting has finally returned home, following orders from the Indian Supreme Court.


    Asghar Ali, a resident of Chak 170-P near Sadiqabad in Rahim Yar Khan district, reached his hometown on Sunday, where he was warmly welcomed by local residents who had gathered to greet him.


    According to official and family accounts, Ali mistakenly crossed into Indian territory in 2000 during a hunting trip. He was arrested by Indian security forces and charged with terrorism and espionage, despite maintaining that he had unintentionally trespassed and that he was not involved in any militant or intelligence activity.


    An Indian court initially sentenced him to imprisonment until 2010. However, despite completing his sentence, Ali remained in custody after being accused of involvement in an alleged attack while still in prison, leading to a further conviction.



    After a legal appeal, the Indian Supreme Court reviewed the case and ordered his release, enabling Ali to return to Pakistan after a quarter of a century behind bars.


    Speaking after his arrival, Ali described the hardships he endured during his detention, citing repeated physical abuse and prolonged suffering throughout his incarceration. He also said that false allegations were repeatedly made against him to extend his imprisonment, reiterating that his initial arrest had resulted solely from an accidental border crossing during a hunting expedition.

  • French visas for sale? FIA uncovers fraud involving FBR officer

    French visas for sale? FIA uncovers fraud involving FBR officer

    The FIA Anti-Corruption Circle in Islamabad has exposed a visa fraud scandal involving a second secretary of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), authorities said.


    According to the FIA, Atiqur Rehman, who is a serving second secretary at the FBR, fraudulently included two private individuals in an official government delegation by falsely presenting them as FBR officials, helping them to obtain French visas in exchange for Rs5.3 million.


    The investigation found that the French Embassy was misled through official government email correspondence, which falsely verified the two individuals, Muhammad Kamran and Aamir Shahzad as FBR employees. One of the men is a driver, while the other is a property dealer, the FIA said.


    Following the discovery of substantial evidence, the FIA registered a criminal case against the FBR officer and others involved. The agency has also decided to review visas issued to all FBR officers in light of the fraud.


    Kamran and Shahzad were reportedly offloaded and arrested at Islamabad International Airport by FIA immigration staff on suspicion. Investigators said the illicit funds were transferred to the FBR officer through banking channels, and complete financial records have been secured.


    An FIR has been registered at the FIA Anti-Corruption Circle Islamabad and a formal investigation is currently underway. Authorities added that Atiqur Rehman will be arrested shortly.

  • Shahzad Akbar, Adil Raja attacks planned on a social media group chat

    Shahzad Akbar, Adil Raja attacks planned on a social media group chat

    Shahzad Akbar and Youtuber Adil Raja were reportedly targeted in a series of attacks last year that were planned and coordinated through a social media chat group, sources told a private media outlet. 


    The assaults were carried out on December 24, December 31, 2025, and January 10, 2026, raising concerns about organized efforts to harm political figures.


    Four men have been charged in connection with the attacks: Louis Regan, Karl Scott Blackbird, Clark Anthony McAulay, and Doneto Brammer. Three of the accused – Blackbird, McAulay, and Brammer – appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court wearing tracksuits, showing no visible tension. Public records indicate that the men collectively have convictions for more than 40 offences.


    According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Blackbird and McAulay conspired to assault Adil Raja and cause bodily harm in late December 2025. Blackbird also conspired to assault Shahzad Akbar during the same period. 


    Brammer, on December 31, allegedly possessed a revolver without authority and conspired to damage Akbar’s property by fire, intending to endanger his life. Regan faces charges of conspiring to assault both Raja and Akbar at their homes in Chesham and Cambridge on December 24. Investigators said the assailants filmed the attacks and shared the videos within the same chat group, which reportedly included a number still being traced.


    In a separate development, Interpol has dropped the case against Shahzad Akbar in the high-profile Al-Qadir Trust case, confirming that he is no longer “subject to an Interpol Notice or Diffusion,” a private media outlet reported. Interpol sources said Akbar, the former accountability chief under former Prime Minister Imran Khan, is no longer a subject of interest, and his details have been removed from the Interpol database. The case had been entered at the request of the Pakistan Interior Ministry.


    Reports quoted sources that told a private media outlet that Akbar, through his lawyers, argued that the cases against him were politically motivated, that the £190 million settlement had been approved by the federal cabinet, and that the funds were deposited into the state treasury, not paid to him personally.

  • Police recovers decomposed body from DHA apartment in Karachi

    Police recovers decomposed body from DHA apartment in Karachi

    A man was found dead inside his apartment in the Defence Housing Authority in Karachi late on Saturday night, police said on Sunday.

    Officials at the Darakhshan police station said the body was discovered in a flat located in Florida Homes, Phase V. Police said the Crime Scene Unit was called to the apartment to collect evidence from the scene.

    After the completion of initial procedures, the body was shifted to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre for medico-legal examination. Doctors at the hospital reserved the cause of death after conducting a post-mortem examination, police said.

    According to police, the body was in a decomposed condition and appeared to have been lying inside the apartment for the past 15 to 20 days. A police officer said there were no apparent injury marks visible on the body.

    Later, the deceased was identified as 53-year-old Adnan Ameer Baig. Police said Baig had been residing alone in the apartment and was unemployed.

  • Threatening wife with divorce, second marriage now punishable offenses under new domestic violence law

    Threatening wife with divorce, second marriage now punishable offenses under new domestic violence law

    Pakistan’s parliament approved a comprehensive domestic violence law that criminalises threatening a wife with divorce or second marriage, or forcing her to live with other family members against her will.

    A joint session of parliament passed the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2026, which applies to the federal capital Islamabad. The law extends protection to wives, children, elderly family members, adopted children, transgender individuals, and anyone living together in a household.

    Under the new legislation, verbally abusing a wife, children, or other household members, as well as causing emotional or psychological distress, now constitutes a criminal offense. Offenders face up to three years in prison and fines reaching 100,000 rupees.

    The act defines domestic violence to include physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse that causes fear or physical and psychological harm to the affected person.

    Specifically prohibited behaviors include stalking disabled or elderly household members, forcing a wife to cohabit with others against her will, and violating the privacy or dignity of family members.

    The law criminalizes threatening to cause physical harm to a spouse or other household members, making allegations against any household member, and willfully neglecting the care of a wife, children, or other household members.

    Sexual exploitation and economic abuse both fall under the act’s provisions. Courts can impose an additional six months imprisonment if offenders fail to pay fines.

    The legislation mandates swift judicial action. Courts must hold hearings within seven days of receiving a complaint and deliver verdicts within 90 days.

    Victims retain the right to remain in their shared residence. If needed, the respondent must arrange alternative accommodation or authorities will provide shelter home placement. Courts can issue orders requiring alleged abusers to maintain distance from victims.

    The law grants courts authority to order GPS trackers for individuals who commit domestic violence.

    Staring at one’s wife, threatening divorce, or threatening a second marriage now carry minimum sentences of six months and maximum penalties of three years. Similarly, verbal abuse and causing emotional or psychological distress also constitute punishable offenses under the act.

  • Punjab govt bars private schools from forcing parents to buy books, uniform from one particular shop

    Punjab govt bars private schools from forcing parents to buy books, uniform from one particular shop

    The Punjab School Education Department has barred private schools from compelling parents to purchase books, uniforms or other items from specific shops or vendors.

    In a formal directive issued to private educational institutions, the department stated that schools are not permitted to direct parents to designated sellers for uniforms, books or any required school items. The notification said such practices violate the laws governing private schools in the province.

    According to the directive, parents must not be pressured into making compulsory purchases from particular outlets. The department said that any private school found enforcing such conditions would be acting in breach of regulations.

    The notification further advised parents to report violations. Complaints can be submitted to the relevant District Education Authority in their respective districts, it added.

    Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat said, “Private educational institutions are strictly prohibited from forcing parents to purchase books, uniforms or other items from any specific shop or vendor”.

    “Any such violation will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law,” added.

    Hayat said the department is focused on enforcing existing regulations and safeguarding parents’ rights. 

    The directive follows earlier action taken by the Competition Commission of Pakistan against private schools over similar practices. In November last year, the CCP issued show-cause notices to 17 major private schools for selling school-logo notebooks, workbooks and uniforms to students.

    According to details shared at the time, the notices were issued after the completion of an inquiry report. The schools were directed to submit written responses within 14 days.

    The inquiry report stated that the schools were accused of abusing their dominant position by compelling students to purchase logo-branded notebooks and uniforms at higher prices.

    The investigation also found that several schools had undisclosed arrangements with specific vendors for the sale of these items.

  • Pakistani man sentenced to 36 years in Spain for ‘romance scam’ murder

    Pakistani man sentenced to 36 years in Spain for ‘romance scam’ murder

    A court in Spain has handed a 36-year prison sentence to a Pakistani national convicted of killing three elderly siblings in a case linked to unpaid debts arising from an alleged online romance scam.


    In October, a jury found Dilawar Hussain guilty of murdering two sisters and their disabled brother at their home in Morata de Tajuña, near Madrid, in December 2023.


    According to a copy of the verdict reviewed by AFP on Friday, a Madrid court in November sentenced Hussain to 12 years in prison for each count of murder. The court cited a “psychological alteration” as a mitigating factor in determining the sentence. Hussain has since filed an appeal against the ruling.


    The 44-year-old surrendered to police and confessed to the killings after the victims’ partially charred bodies were discovered inside their residence. The siblings, all in their seventies, were beaten to death, with investigators suggesting an iron bar may have been used in the attack.


    During his testimony, Hussain sought forgiveness from the court, claiming he was hearing voices at the time and was not mentally stable.


    Neighbours told Spanish media that the case was connected to a fake online affair. The two sisters reportedly believed they were involved in long-distance relationships with two US servicemen. 


    They were allegedly informed that one of the men had died, while the other required money to cover expenses in order to transfer a share of a multi-million-euro inheritance.


    As a result, the sisters accumulated substantial debts. Court documents state that Hussain, who had been renting a room in their home, loaned them around 60,000 euros (approximately $70,000), which was never repaid.


    The ruling further revealed that months before the killings, Hussain assaulted one of the sisters with a hammer in February 2023. He was sentenced to two years in prison for the earlier attack, though the sentence was suspended as it was his first conviction, in line with Spanish law.

    Separately, Hussain is set to face trial over the alleged killing of his 39-year-old Bulgarian cellmate in February 2024, while he was being held in a Madrid prison pending trial for the siblings’ murders.

  • ‘Historic success’: CM Maryam says 148 katcha dacoits have surrendered during operation

    ‘Historic success’: CM Maryam says 148 katcha dacoits have surrendered during operation

    Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz has announced “historic success” in the operation against dacoits in the katcha areas of the province where law enforcement forced 148 criminals to surrender.

    “Alhamdolillah! Historic success in Kacha areas of Rajanpur & RYK. Punjab Police compelled 148 criminals to surrender under #SafePunjab. Bravo!” the provincial chief executive said in a post on X.

    The post comes three days after it was announced that a large-scale, joint operation by Punjab and Sindh police is ongoing in the katcha areas of Rahim Yar Khan, including Machka, Kacha Rajwani and Ronti, with 1,700 personnel, drones and armoured vehicles deployed against bandits.

    According to Bahawalpur Regional Police Officer (RPO) Ghazi Muhammad Salahuddin, Rahim Yar Khan police had cordoned off Kacha Rajwani, with contingents from Rajanpur (Punjab) and Ghotki (Sindh) taking part.

    Sindh police and Rangers were also conducting action in adjoining riverine areas.

    He said 1,700 police personnel had been deployed along with eight drone teams, six bulletproof vehicles and three armoured personnel carriers.

    Modern technology was being used to ensure effective progress and restore law and order in the area, he said, adding that police were conducting action against criminal elements under a coordinated and well-planned strategy.

    The RPO clarified that suspects who renounce criminal activities and voluntarily surrender to the police would not be engaged in encounters and would be produced before the courts in accordance with the law. However, criminals have been strictly warned to lay down their arms and surrender.

    He further emphasised that the operation would continue until the writ of the government was fully established in the riverine areas.

    Rahim Yar Khan District Police Officer (DPO) Irfan Ali Samo said that action against criminals was ongoing and that ensuring the safety of the lives and property of the public remained the top priority.

    According to details, police with a heavy contingent and full combat equipment have launched a decisive operation against bandits after cordoning off the areas of Machka and Kacha Rajwani.

  • VIDEO: ‘Where is my favourite Field Marshal?’ Trump asks PM Shehbaz at World Economic Forum

    VIDEO: ‘Where is my favourite Field Marshal?’ Trump asks PM Shehbaz at World Economic Forum

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) United Kingdom (UK) President Ahsan Dar has revealed details of an exchange that showed Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif and United States (US) President Donald Trump pointing at someone during the signing ceremony of the Board of Peace in Davos.

    Speaking to journalist Murtaza Ali Shah, Dar, who received PM Shehbaz in London on his way back from the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, quoted the premier as saying that he had an excellent meeting with Trump.

    “There are positive developments expected in the coming time, economically as well, God willing, and stability too,” he said.

    Dar said that Trump, during his conversation with PM Shehbaz, also asked, “Where is my favourite Field Marshal?” to which, the premier pointed at Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Asim Munir, and told the US president he was standing right there.

    It merits a mention that a video clip of the exchange also went viral over the internet. It came as a group of leaders and senior officials from 19 countries, including Pakistan, gathered on stage with Trump at a signing ceremony in Davos to put their names to the founding charter of the Board of Peace.

    Originally meant to oversee peace in Gaza after Israel’s two-year war on the Palestinian enclave, the board’s charter envisions a wider role in resolving international conflicts.

    Trump, who is the chairman of the Board of Peace, said they were “in most cases very popular leaders, some cases not so popular”.

    “Every one of them are friends of mine. I like every single one of them,” Trump said about the signatories.

    US officials also unveiled ambitious plans for a “New Gaza” during the ceremony, with Trump describing the devastated Palestinian territory as “great real estate”.

    After Trump’s address, the heads of various countries took turns to sign the board’s charter. Permanent members must also pay $1 billion to join, leading to criticisms that the board could become a “pay to play” version of the UN Security Council.

    While Trump’s plan had sparked concerns that he wants the board to rival the United Nations (UN), the US president said the body will work “in conjunction” with the UN.

    Officials from Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Hungary, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Mongolia, Morocco, Paraguay, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Uzbekistan also signed the document with Trump.