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  • Indian Ministry orders removal of ‘Baloch’ word from Dhurandhar

    Indian Ministry orders removal of ‘Baloch’ word from Dhurandhar

    The biggest grosser of 2025 and Hindi cinema’s highest-earning film, Dhurandhar, faces a new controversy as the Information and Broadcasting Ministry  the removal of the word “Baloch” from the film.

    Indian media outlets, quoting sources, reported that the I&B Ministry has asked the makers to remove the word from the film before screening it on January 1.

    Since it appears frequently throughout Dhurandhar, the extent of the changes remains unclear. The source noted that theatres across India received an email from the distributor on Thursday, asking them to replace the Digital Cinema Package and play only the updated version.

    The source mentioned that along with removing that word, the makers have implemented a couple of related changes, though he couldn’t reveal the exact details of those alterations.

    The Ranveer Singh starrer, which has collected over PKR23 billion in 26 days, now faces a second setback as Jio Studios, the film’s production house, shifts focus to its new release Ikkis.

    The trade source believes an understanding between Jio Studios and Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films led to pushing Ikkis’ release by a week from Christmas, December 25, 2025, to New Year’s Day. 

    Now entering its fifth week since its December 5, 2025 release, Dhurandhar hovers around the PKR30 crore mark daily. However, with screens halved for Ikkis, it may soon slip to single-digit daily earnings starting Monday, January 5.

    Jio Studios, which distributes both films, has ensured Ikkis gets 30-40% of screens.  

    Based on the story of Second Lieutenant Arun Kheterpal who was killed in Battle of Basantar during the Pak-India war of 197. 

    Before these domestic challenges, Dhurandhar faced rejection from six Gulf countries. According to media reports, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE all blocked the theatrical release after reviewing its content.

    The film features Arjun Rampal as Major Iqbal, a character the trailer claims controls Pakistani politics. R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt and Akshaye Khanna round out the cast.

    The production incorporates real figures from Karachi’s recent past. Sanjay Dutt portrays the late SP Chaudhry Aslam Khan, who served as a counter-terrorism police officer in Karachi. Akshaye Khanna plays Abdul Rehman Baloch, known as Rehman Dakait, a gang leader who died in a police encounter.

    The filmmakers market Dhurandhar as “inspired by incredible true events.” 

    However, the connections the film draws between these Karachi figures and cross-border terror lack any documented basis. 

    The trailer also features imagery resembling the 1999 Indian Airlines hijacking in Kandahar, suggesting the film weaves multiple narratives together under its “true events” claim.

  • Court rejects bail of man accused of luring, raping woman on pretext of issuing credit card in Karachi

    Court rejects bail of man accused of luring, raping woman on pretext of issuing credit card in Karachi

    A court in Karachi has rejected the bail plea of one Mehroz, who was accused of sexually assaulting a woman after luring her under the pretext of issuing a credit card.

    As per the details, Advocate Qambar Abbas, who was representing the victim, told the court that the accomplice of the accused remained at large and continued to threaten the woman.

    He argued that granting bail could affect the investigation and influence witnesses.

    “The accused’s accomplice is still at large and is actively threatening the victim. Bail should not be granted to prevent interference with the case,” Abbas told the court.

    Earlier, Bahadurabad police also confirmed that investigations were ongoing and the accused and his accomplice also circulated obscene videos and pictures of the victim on social media.

    It merits a mention that 2025 saw a spike in incidents of violence, particularly sexual assault, against women across the country.

    In December, local police in Punjab’s Sahiwal said a woman from Tandlianwala was allegedly lured to the city by a social media acquaintance and gang raped by at least two men.

    The survivor told authorities that she was given a drink believed to contain intoxicants before being sexually assaulted.

    She later reported the matter to the police, who registered a case and started conducting raids to arrest the suspects.

    Probe is underway.

  • Serena Hotel in Swat shuts down after nearly four decades

    Serena Hotel in Swat shuts down after nearly four decades

    Serena Hotel in Swat has ceased its operations effective January 1, bringing an end to nearly four decades of operations in the valley, the hotel management said.

    In a notice issued on behalf of the management, the hotel noted its decades of service and contribution in promoting tourism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), especially in the Swat region.

    The management expressed gratitude to its guests, business partners and associates for their support over the years. “We regret to announce the closure of Swat Serena Hotel’s operations, effective 1 January 2026,” the notice read.

    Serena Hotels made it clear that the closure solely affects the Swat property and has no bearing on its other locations as the group will continue welcoming guests at its remaining hotels across Asia and Africa.

    Currently, Serena Hotels has 33 locations across the globe, of which ten are in Pakistan.

    The group reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high service standards and delivering quality guest experiences at its other hotels.

    While the reason behind the closure has not yet been released, it had long been recognised as a key destination for domestic and international travelers in the valley.

  • ‘Everyone in our industry holds grudges’: Noman Ijaz on dark side of Pak showbiz

    ‘Everyone in our industry holds grudges’: Noman Ijaz on dark side of Pak showbiz

    Veteran Pakistani actor Noman Ijaz has made a stark revelation about the entertainment industry, claiming that jealousy and resentment define relationships among showbiz personalities.

    In a recent interview, the acclaimed actor responded to criticism from director and actress Sangeeta, who had accused him of unprofessional behavior during her appearance on Nadia Khan’s show. 

    Sangeeta claimed Ijaz took full payment for her drama serial Bhulley Shah three years ago but refused to work when shooting started, keeping the project hanging with various excuses.

    Without naming anyone, Ijaz shared his candid observations about the industry’s toxic culture.

    “I have learned over these many years that everyone in our industry holds grudges,” Ijaz said.

    “If you decline a project for any reason or out of necessity, people take it personally. They think, ‘He refused me, so I will never work with him again’.”

    The actor acknowledged the toll this environment has taken on his career but expressed a philosophical acceptance of his situation. 

    “I have many enemies in this field […] they say the more enemies you have, the more success Allah grants you. But I never want my son to endure all this, to get trapped among people with this kind of mentality. However, if this is his destiny, I cannot do anything about it.”

    Ijaz, whose son Zaviyar has entered the industry, expressed concern about the inherited animosity affecting his son’s career. 

    “I have told Zaviyar that I pray those who hold grudges against me don’t take it out on you. Unfortunately, such people are finding different ways to show their spite,” he said.

    “Insha’Allah, he will learn from these setbacks. Stumbling is essential to becoming a good and great person.”

    The actor also criticised social media for having transformed the industry’s dynamics and diverting the new generation’s focus. 

    “I feel the new generation’s attention has strayed because of the increased exposure social media provides. They can easily make money through social media,” he explained.

    “The curiosity that people once had about artists has diminished because of social media. Artists now post everything online for money. When fans see them on every other page or site, their desire and curiosity to watch them disappears,” Ijaz said.

    He also said that artists today “focus on improving their appearance rather than their talent”.

  • Solar, smartphone users dodge higher taxes as shortfall lags behind FBR expectations

    Solar, smartphone users dodge higher taxes as shortfall lags behind FBR expectations

    The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) missed its revised tax collection target for the first half of the fiscal year by Rs330 billion, a smaller shortfall than official estimates, reducing the immediate risk of a mini-budget that could have affected users of solar panels and smartphones among others.

    Provisional figures show the FBR collected Rs6.16 trillion during July to December. The amount was Rs545 billion lower than the original target for the period, but remained below the shortfall the tax authority had projected in briefings to the prime minister, where the gap was estimated at Rs564 billion.

    The reduced gap has eased pressure on the government to introduce additional tax measures in January that could have affected users of solar panels, mobile phones and banking services. However, the option of a mini-budget remains available under commitments made with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    Revenue collection in December was supported by Rs391 billion gathered on the last day of the month after banks were kept open until 10pm. The FBR also paid Rs38 billion in refunds during December, 47 percent less than the amount paid in the same month last year. 

    Despite these efforts, the authority missed the monthly target by Rs20 billion, though the shortfall was lower than in previous months.

    Tax collection during the first six months increased by 10 percent compared to the corresponding period last year, a rate well below what is required to achieve the annual revenue target of nearly Rs14 trillion.

    During the IMF programme review, the Fund reduced the FBR’s annual revenue target by Rs214 billion to account for lower inflation, weaker economic growth and the impact of floods. Both sides agreed that if revenue slippages widened, the government would introduce additional tax measures of at least Rs200 billion.

    Sources said Pakistan had informed the IMF that proposed measures could include increasing sales tax on solar panels, raising withholding tax on cash withdrawals, and increasing taxes on mobile and landline phone usage. Another proposal involved extending federal excise duty to confectionery and biscuits.

    Under one option, the withholding tax on cash withdrawals by non-filers could be raised from 0.8 percent to 1.5 percent. Another proposal involves increasing withholding tax on landline phones from 10 percent to 12.5 percent, which is expected to generate Rs20 billion annually. The withholding tax on cellular calls could also be increased from 15 percent to 17.5 percent, generating an estimated Rs24 billion per year.

    The government has also agreed to raise sales tax from 10 percent to 18 percent, while a proposal to impose a 16 percent federal excise duty on confectionery and biscuits could generate Rs70 billion annually.

    Tax-wise data shows income tax collection reached Rs3.03 trillion against a target of Rs3.3 trillion, recording nine percent growth. Sales tax collection stood at Rs2.09 trillion, reflecting a 10 percent increase. 

    Federal excise duty collection amounted to Rs400 billion, up 11 percent from last year, while customs duty collection reached Rs642 billion, showing an eight percent increase but remaining below the target.

    Meanwhile, exporters raised concerns with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif over the FBR’s decision to scrutinise income tax returns. Pakistan Retail Business Council Chairman Ziad Bashir wrote to the prime minister, warning that the move could “easily be misconstrued as an attempt to provoke friction between the business community and the elected leadership.”

    Earlier this week, the FBR issued instructions to its field formations to examine tax returns of exporters on the grounds that taxable incomes may have been understated following changes in the export taxation regime.

    The directives asked field formations to closely review declarations of major exporters within their jurisdictions to identify any abnormal reduction, inconsistency or change in reporting patterns following the amendment. 

    Bashir said the export sector was already operating under high effective tax rates, energy tariffs, interest rates and financing costs, adding that broad and open-ended scrutiny instructions sent a troubling signal to businesses. 

    “If this trajectory continues, one is compelled to ask whether the system is inadvertently or otherwise signalling that exporters should simply wind up their businesses,” Bashir stated.

    The FBR management has maintained that exporters will not be targeted and that cases selected for scrutiny will be monitored to avoid undue hardship.

  • France reveals plans to ban social media for children under 15

    France reveals plans to ban social media for children under 15

    France is preparing a social media ban for children under 15, following Australia’s world-first restriction on platforms for those under the age of 16.

    As per the details, a draft bill outlining the measure will be submitted for legal review before being debated in parliament, under which Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube will be banned.

    The proposal will also include a ban on mobile phones in high schools for students aged 15 to 18, while phones have already been restricted in primary and middle schools. 

    The draft bill cites “the risks of excessive screen use by teenagers”, including exposure to inappropriate content, online harassment and changes in sleep patterns. It states the need to “protect future generations” from dangers that threaten their ability to thrive in society.

    President Emmanuel Macron has expressed support for the ban in recent weeks. At a public debate in Saint Malo, he said, “The more screen time there is, the more school achievement drops, the more screen time there is, the more mental health problems go up.” 

    He used the analogy of a teenager in a Formula One car, stating, “If a child is in a Formula One car and they turn on the engine, I don’t want them to win the race, I just want them to get out of the car. I want them to learn the highway code first, and to ensure the car works, and to teach them to drive in a different car.”

    Anne Le Hénanff, the minister in charge of digital development and artificial intelligence, told Le Parisien that the social media ban for under-15s is a government priority. She added that the bill would be “short and compatible with European law”, referencing the EU’s Digital Services Act, which aims to combat hateful speech, misinformation and disinformation.

    It merits a mention that other countries are also considering restrictions for young users. Denmark and Malaysia are aiming to introduce a ban for under-15s and under-16s, respectively, whereas Norway is reviewing similar measures for 2026.

    The government in the United Kingdom (UK) has also said that “nothing is off the table” but emphasised that any ban must be “based on robust evidence”.

  • Women, children among 28 injured in Karachi aerial firing on New Year’s Eve

    Women, children among 28 injured in Karachi aerial firing on New Year’s Eve

    At least 28 people, including six women and two young girls, were injured as a result of aerial firing on New Year’s Eve in different parts of Karachi, hospital and rescue officials said.

    According to officials, the injured were shifted to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Civil Hospital Karachi and Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for treatment.

    The injured women and girls were identified as eight-year-old Fareeha near Safora, 11-year-old Mah Jabeen in Korangi’s Area Market, 18-year-old Wajiha in Mahmoodabad No. 5 and 40-year-old Aleena in Qayyumabad’s D Area.

    Other victims included 55-year-old Shameem Umar in Gulzar-e-Hijri Scheme 33, 53-year-old Meraj Bano in Lines Area, 24-year-old Ajwa near Chandni Chowk in Azam Basti and 35-year-old Drees Shafiq in Gulistan-e-Jauhar Block 2.

    Reports said that one Mukhtiar also suffered injuries in Chanesar Goth while 33-year-old Nabeel received gunshot wounds in Golimar.

    Stray bullets also hit 40-year-old Naik Muhammad near New Sabzi Mandi and 20-year-old Ahmed sustained injuries in Korangi No. 5.

    In Pak Colony, 30-year-old Muhammad Aslam was injured in aerial firing. In Azam Basti, 35-year-old Khaliq Masih received injuries. Near Five Star Chowrangi, 16-year-old Kaasham Kumar was struck by a bullet while 65-year-old Zaheer sustained injuries at Johar Mor.

    In Liaquatabad near Sindhi Hotel, 18-year-old Faizan suffered bullet injuries while 40-year-old Jan Bahadur was injured in Lea Market. Stray bullets also hit 35-year-old Safdar Shah near Kala Pul and 25-year-old Azmat Ali received injuries in Musa Colony, Gulberg.

    Other victims were identified as 26-year-old Mubeen near Jona Mosque in Lyari, 18-year-old Hassan in Korangi No. 4, 40-year-old Aasim in Mauripur, Salamat Masih in Manzoor Colony and Shehzad on Kashmir Road.

    As many as 56 suspects have so far been arrested from different parts of the port city.

  • Telecom sector surpasses PKR 1 trillion revenue in FY2024–25: PTA

    Telecom sector surpasses PKR 1 trillion revenue in FY2024–25: PTA

    Pakistan’s telecom sector maintained strong growth in FY2024–25, achieving significant milestones in connectivity, revenues, and digital infrastructure, according to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Annual Report 2024–25.


    The report shows that total telecom subscribers in the country have surpassed 200 million, while broadband connections exceeded 150 million, highlighting continued digital adoption nationwide. 

    Telecom coverage now extends beyond 92 percent, with broadband penetration above 60 percent, reflecting the sector’s expanding reach in both urban and underserved areas.


    Financially, the sector generated revenues of over PKR 1 trillion, representing a 12 percent increase compared to the previous year.

     Contributions to the national exchequer rose to PKR 402 billion in 2025, up from PKR 336 billion in 2024, underscoring the sector’s growing fiscal impact.


    Investments in the telecom sector also grew by nine percent, reaching $838 million during the reporting period.

    Infrastructure expansion supported a significant rise in data consumption, with total usage reaching 27,727 petabytes in 2025. 

    The report notes that 95 percent of cellular networks are now 4G-enabled, backed by 17.21 Tbps of international bandwidth. Pakistan further strengthened regional and global connectivity with the addition of four new high-capacity submarine cable systems.


    PTA played a central role in supporting infrastructure development and connectivity initiatives across Pakistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), including the rollout of the National Roaming initiative to improve service availability in remote and less profitable areas.


    On the manufacturing side, the report highlights significant progress in local device production, with over 95 percent of mobile devices including 68 percent smartphones now produced locally, contributing to import substitution and industrial growth.


    Pakistan’s global cybersecurity position also improved, with PTA addressing threats through operations at the National Telecom Security Operations Center (nTSOC). Consumer protection efforts showed positive results, with a 13 percent decline in complaints during the year.


    According to report, PTA remains focused on 5G readiness, strengthening cybersecurity frameworks, and supporting the development of a future-ready digital economy.

  • Babar, Rizwan celebrate ‘new year’ together before facing off in BBL clash

    Babar, Rizwan celebrate ‘new year’ together before facing off in BBL clash

    Pakistan cricket stars Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan spent New Year’s Eve together before turning into opponents in the Big Bash League (BBL) match between Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Renegades on Thursday.

    In a pre-match video, a presenter caught up with Rizwan before the match at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne. During the conversation, Rizwan revealed he spent the previous night with Babar and called him over for a chat.

    “I also was with Babar Azam as well last night,” Rizwan said before calling out, “Bobzy, come here.”

    When Babar joined them, the presenter asked if they spent New Year’s Eve together.

    “Yeah, last night we were together. Happy New Year. Lovely to see you,” Babar said.

    The presenter then asked if their families celebrated together as well.

    “No, we were together last night, but his family stayed in a hotel. But we had a lot of discussion last night about the conditions,” Babar explained.

    The presenter pointed out the unusual situation where they celebrated together the night before but now will play against each other, with Rizwan keeping wicket and chattering behind the stumps as Babar bats.

    “To be honest, yes, I’m not used to that. But today I will be doing my stuff when I’m fielding and when he’s batting. So let’s see,” Babar responded with a smile.

    Rizwan also spoke about the challenge of facing his teammate and friend.

    “I always give him respect because he’s a very nice guy. But now he’s in opposition, so at least we will do all the things that the team requires,” Rizwan said.

    Fans on social media praised the friendship between the two cricketers, with comments like “Good luck both of you,” “Bobzyy the king,” and “Kaptanaa” flooding the video.

    The match marked the 18th game of BBL 2025-26 at Docklands Stadium. Sydney Sixers won the toss and chose to field first. Melbourne Renegades posted 164 for 9 in their 20 overs, with Rizwan keeping wickets for the side.

    Sydney Sixers has chased down this total in 19.1 overs with Babar Azam scoring 58 not out on 46 balls.

    Both teams entered the match desperately needing a win. The Renegades had won one match and lost two, suffering consecutive defeats to the Hobart Hurricanes. The Sixers had also won just one of their four matches heading into this contest.

    The Sixers hold a dominant head-to-head record against the Renegades, having won their past nine BBL matches against them.

  • Rawalpindi doctors issue death certificate for baby who’s alive

    Rawalpindi doctors issue death certificate for baby who’s alive

    Doctors at Holy Family Hospital in Rawalpindi have reportedly issued a death certificate for a two-day-old baby who was still alive. The family confirmed that the child is alive after receiving the death certificate.

    A woman named Rubina gave birth to a baby at Holy Family Hospital on Tuesday. The newborn’s condition was critical, and doctors hastily issued a death certificate. 

    The certificate clearly states that the body was handed over to the family and bears the stamp and signature of Doctor Tayyaba Sadaf.

    The Medical Superintendent (MS) has formed an inquiry committee headed by Dr. Hana Sattar, Head of the Pediatrics Department, to investigate the incident.

    Dr. Akhtar Mahmood Malik, MS of Holy Family Hospital, said the hospital will take action against whoever is found responsible in the inquiry. 

    However, he noted that medical history contains cases where a patient’s breathing becomes extremely faint and doctors cannot confirm signs of life.

    Dr. Malik explained that the baby suffered from Lazarus syndrome, a condition where breathing becomes very faint. 

    The child is alive and has been hooked on to a ventilator.