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  • Angeline Malik announces she is ‘cancer-free’

    Angeline Malik announces she is ‘cancer-free’

    Following her latest medical scans, Pakistani director, producer, writer and actor Angeline Malik has announced that she is now “cancer-free”.

    In an Instagram post, Malik announced that the scans showed no signs of the disease, describing it as an important step in her recovery.

    “Today I am cancer-free,” she wrote, adding that the risk of recurrence, however, remained. 

    Malik said that while the results were encouraging, the journey toward full recovery continued as doctors typically require patients to have clear reports for two to five years before considering them fully cancer-free.

    Monitoring sometimes extends up to ten years, she added.

    Malik also reflected on the emotional aspects of her treatment, saying some days bring hope and others fear, but she faces each phase with determination. 

    She expressed gratitude for the present while remaining prepared for the future.

    Her post drew an outpouring of support from fans, friends and fellow members of the entertainment industry, who shared prayers and messages of encouragement.

    Malik had earlier this year revealed that she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

  • Rajasthan panchayat in India bars married women in 15 villages from using smartphones

    Rajasthan panchayat in India bars married women in 15 villages from using smartphones

    A village panchayat in Rajasthan’s Jalore district has decided to prohibit married women and daughters-in-law in 15 villages from using camera-enabled mobile phones starting January 26. Under the decision, women will be allowed to use only basic keypad phones for voice calls.

    The resolution was ratified during a gathering of the Sundhamata Patti panchayat of the Chaudhary clan, which took place in Ghazipur village on December 21. The meeting was led by community leader Sujanaram Chaudhary. Panch Himmataram presented the proposal, which was accepted following discussions among panchayat officials and community elders.

    According to the decision, daughters-in-law and young women will be barred from carrying smartphones to weddings, public events, or while visiting neighbors. They are permitted to possess and use only keypad phones for calls. 

    In an interview, Chaudhary explained that the decision was made by Panch Himmataram after consultations with the community. “After deliberations among panch members and community participants, it was concluded that daughters-in-law and young women should exclusively use keypad phones for communication,” he stated.

    The resolution contains a limited provision for education. Per the panchayat’s guidelines, school-aged girls who need smartphones for their studies may use them at home. However, they are prohibited from bringing mobile phones to social occasions, weddings, or to the homes of neighbors.

    Clarifying the rationale behind the decision, Chaudhary noted that children frequently use the mobile devices of women in their homes, which can harm their eyesight due to prolonged screen exposure. “Some women hand their phones to children to distract them, enabling them to attend to daily responsibilities,” he remarked.

    The ban will be enforced in Ghazipur, Pawali, Kalda, Manojiyawas, Rajikawas, Datlawas, Rajpura, Kodi, Sidrodi, Aldi, Ropsi, Khanadewal, Savidhar, Hathmi Ki Dhani, and Khanpur.

  • Hania Aamir reacts to marriage rumours

    Hania Aamir reacts to marriage rumours

    Continuing her streak of witty social media comebacks, actor Hania Aamir has this time addressed rumours of her “upcoming marriage”, leaving fans in fits of laughter.

    “Hania suna ha ap shadi karne wali ha [Hania, I’ve heard you are about to get married],” commented a fan on an Instagram post by Hania.

    The actor responded with, “Mene bhi suna he hai [I have also only heard].” 

    Screenshots of the reply quickly went viral and fans took to the same comment section to flood it with laughing emojis. 

    This marks the latest in a series of cheeky exchanges between Hania and her Instagram followers.

    Just days earlier, she responded to a fan asking her why she had not used singer and her former partner Asim Azhar’s song on a new reel.

    “Tum log yaind daalna shuru kr dete ho [you people start with unnecessary chaos],” Hania replied.

    The response resonated with her audience as they reacted with “Hahaha slayed it girl!” and “Kamaal kr diya kya reply dia hai [Amazing… what a response]”.

    Fans have watched closely since Hania and singer Asim Azhar, who dated until their 2020 breakup, appeared in renewed proximity. Asim’s recent album includes tracks and teasers that some listeners believe reference their past relationship.

    A few days ago, Hania posted a reel featuring Asim’s track “U Got This”, triggering fresh speculation about a possible reconciliation. 

    Observers also noted small coincidences like similar accessories or posting styles from both stars.

  • Sajal Aly breaks silence on marriage rumours with Hamza Sohail

    Sajal Aly breaks silence on marriage rumours with Hamza Sohail

    Actress Sajal Aly has addressed swirling rumours about her alleged wedding plans with fellow actor Hamza Sohail, dismissing speculation that the pair will marry in early 2026.

    The actress took to her Instagram story with a clear message after multiple social media pages began circulating reports about wedding preparations. “Chill guys! Any life news, if ever, will come directly from me,” she wrote.

    Both actors rank among Pakistan’s most popular television stars. 

    Sajal Aly built her reputation through acclaimed dramas including O Rangreza, Gul-e-Rana, Chup Raho, Yaqeen Ka Safar, Ye Dil Mera, Aangan, Dhoop Ki Deewar, Kuch Ankahi, Sinf-e-Aahan and Main Manto Nahi Hoon.

    Hamza Sohail gained recognition through successful serials like Fairy Tale Season 1 and 2, Zard Patton Ka Ban, Burns Road Ke Romeo Juliet and Dil Wali Gali Mein.

    The two first appeared together in Zard Patton Ka Ban, where audiences praised their on-screen chemistry. They reunited for Dil Wali Gali Mein, which solidified their pairing as a fan favourite.

    Neither actor has publicly confirmed any romantic relationship. However, fans responded enthusiastically to the marriage rumours, flooding social media with congratulations and good wishes.

  • Punjab announces free public transport in Lahore during Basant days

    Punjab announces free public transport in Lahore during Basant days

    The Punjab government has decided to provide free public transport in Lahore for three days in February 2026 in connection with Basant-related activities.

    The goal of the initiative, that will extend from Feb 6 to 8,  according to Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari, is to restrict motorcycle use and reduce the likelihood of traffic-related accidents during the festivities.

    A proposal to allow restricted kite-making activities starting on December 30 under rigorous regulatory controls is also being considered by the provincial administration. 

    Bokhari emphasized that the ban on metallic kite strings, chemically coated thread, and any other hazardous materials will not change.
     

    She added that all individuals involved in the production, sale, or distribution of kites would be required to register with the relevant deputy commissioner, warning that violations could lead to deregistration, substantial fines, and jail terms.

    The minister further said that anyone found flying or selling kites without official approval would face harsh punishment, including extended imprisonment.

    Bokhari clarified safety precautions, stating that only cotton-based thread would be allowed for kite strings and that the use of strings with more than nine strands would be strictly prohibited in order to lower the risk of fatal accidents and injuries.


    Separately, a civil society representative stated that a well-run Basant may help Lahore’s tourism industry flourish and generate jobs. 

    The Walled City Authority has been directed by the authorities to conduct a public opinion survey to find out what people think about having a safe and controlled Basant celebration.

  • Tareen group joins race for new PSL franchises after Multan Sultans exit

    Tareen group joins race for new PSL franchises after Multan Sultans exit

    Tareen group has entered the bidding process for new Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises, marking a surprising turn just days before his official departure as owner of Multan Sultans.

    According to media reports, Tareen Group has submitted documents to participate in the auction for two new PSL teams, joining 11 other companies from five countries including the United States, Australia, Canada, UAE and Pakistan. If they meet technical requirements, they will compete in an open bidding process at Islamabad Convention Centre on January 8.

    The development comes as the most expensive PSL franchise prepares to part ways with its current ownership. The board will officially seal the separation on December 31, ending a relationship that grew increasingly strained over recent months.

    Ali Tareen had openly criticized PSL management and a specific official through several podcasts and social media, questioning the league’s structure. When the board sent Multan Sultans a notice, Tareen tore it up on video and posted mocking commentary. The board offered contract renewals with revised fees to all six franchises except Sultans.

    “I’d rather lose the team than run it on my knees, but stand tall with my head held high. This is goodbye,” Tareen wrote on social media, following up with an email to officials.

    Reports indicate the board asked him to offer an unconditional apology and delete his social media posts but he refused.

    Current franchise owners cannot bid for new teams under league rules. However, after December 31, Tareen will officially exit the owners’ list, making him eligible to participate.

    Multan Sultans pays an annual fee of 1.08 billion rupees, the highest in PSL. Foreign company valuations push this to 1.35 billion rupees. The new franchises  reportedly could sell for 1.25 to 1.5 billion rupees.

    The 12 bidding companies include mobile phone manufacturers, solar panel firms, real estate groups and other prominent business entities. Several consortiums have formed. Officials will announce results of the preliminary bidding phase on Saturday.

    The winning bidders will own their franchises for 10 years, from 2026 to 2035. They can choose team names from Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad or Gilgit, or propose alternatives subject to board approval. They must pay a one-time fee of one million dollars.

    PSL’s 11th edition will run from March 26 to May 3, 2026, featuring eight teams for the first time.

    Multan Sultans joined PSL in 2017 as the sixth franchise before the third season. Schon Properties bought the team on an eight-year contract, but PCB terminated the agreement the following year over unpaid annual fees. The board temporarily managed all player and coach contracts before issuing tenders for new ownership rights.

    In December 2018, Alamgir Khan Tareen and Ali Khan Tareen acquired ownership. Alamgir became sole owner in 2021. Following his death in 2023, Ali Tareen took over management.

    According to reports, PCB has not decided whether it will manage Multan Sultans directly for the 11th edition or sell the team through bidding.

  • Lahore doctor accuses SP Shehrbano Naqvi of coercion in medical dispute

    Lahore doctor accuses SP Shehrbano Naqvi of coercion in medical dispute

    A doctor based in Lahore has accused Superintendent of Police Shehrbano Naqvi of pressuring him to pay millions of rupees to a patient over a medical dispute, which the officer has denied. 

    Dr. Ali Zain-ul-Abideen claimed that he was forced to make multiple payments to a female patient who had laser eye surgery at his clinic earlier this year. He stated that the surgery took place in April and was deemed medically successful. 

    The doctor asserted that he was called to a police station based on instructions from SP Shehrbano Naqvi, who was then serving as ASP Defence. He alleged that the officer informed him the surgery had been improperly performed and ordered him to reimburse the patient so she could seek treatment elsewhere. 

    Dr. Ali Zain mentioned that the patient had already received Rs400,000 from his clinic, despite her having paid only Rs150,000 for the laser eye procedure. He claimed he informed the officer that the amount had already been repaid, but was allegedly pressured to make additional payments. 

    Under continued duress, he stated he provided three cheques to the patient totaling Rs10 million. He noted that one of the cheques had already been cashed, while his legal team took action to halt payment on the other two through legal means. 

    Dr. Ali Zain asserted that the total amount he has been compelled to give so far stands at Rs7.5 million. He also alleged that the woman seemed to have close connections with police officials. 

    The doctor further alleged that SP Shehrbano Naqvi sent SHO Khurram to his clinic to summon him again. He claimed that during the visit, his clinic guard was detained and locked up without legal grounds.

    Dr. Ali Zain argued that the police have no jurisdiction over determining the outcome of a medical procedure. He contended that without a medical report or a decision from a qualified medical board, law enforcement officials are not qualified to assess the success of a surgery. He maintained that only a medical board has the authority to evaluate such cases. 

    In response to the allegations, SP Shehrbano Naqvi dismissed the claims. She stated that Dr. Ali Zain visited her office only once and was encouraged to settle the matter with the patient. 

    SP rejected the allegations and denied any coercion, harassment or mistreatment, saying that the doctor was not pressured at all.

  • Lahore Police distances itself from ex-constable after TikTok videos go viral

    Lahore Police distances itself from ex-constable after TikTok videos go viral

    Lahore Police has distanced itself from a woman appearing in viral TikTok videos, clarifying that she no longer works for the department.

    The woman, identified as Arbab, posted videos dancing to songs from the Indian movie “Dhurandhar,” including the tracks “FA9LA” and “Karvaan.” 

    Social media users began tagging Punjab Police after the videos went viral, prompting an official response.

    Lahore Police posted a statement on X (formerly Twitter) addressing the controversy. “The woman appearing in the circulating video, identified as Arbab, is a former lady constable of Lahore Police who was dismissed from service on September 18, 2024, and has no connection with Punjab Police,” the statement read. “The woman is currently residing in Korea.”

    The videos gained significant traction on social media, with users creating content around themes of Indian spies in Pakistan and Pakistani spies in India using the “Karvaan” song.

    Earlier, in the first week of December, three constables posted in Lahore faced dismissal for making a TikTok video during duty hours inside a police station. The video showed Constables Shahid, Bilal, and Usman performing humorous skits, with a clerk mimicking an officer while sitting at his desk.

    SP Model Town Shahr Bano Naqvi ordered the dismissals after senior officers noticed the viral video and conducted an inquiry.

    Similar cases have emerged across Pakistan. In 2025, authorities banned all police officers from using TikTok or posting personal videos on any social media platform while in uniform or on duty. The ban followed a viral video scandal involving a female police constable who complained that a colleague posted a video of her without consent during training.

    Islamabad Police suspended two officers, Aftab Ahmed and Ehtesham Aslam, over allegations of misconduct and violations of social media rules. The officers received instructions to report to Rescue 15.

    In 2024, Karachi Police suspended an officer after he appeared in a viral TikTok video.

    Police officials say creating videos in uniform breaches service discipline and damages the institution’s credibility.

  • Pakistan gold prices go up amid global spike

    Pakistan gold prices go up amid global spike

    Gold prices in Pakistan increased on Friday as gains were recorded in the international market, rates released by the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA) revealed.

    In the local market, the cost of gold per tola rose by Rs500, bringing it to Rs473,362 for the day. Similarly, the price for 10-gram gold went up by Rs429, reaching Rs405,831.

    Earlier this week, gold prices on Wednesday reached a new all-time high, with the per tola rate increasing by Rs2,000 to hit Rs472,862.

    In the international market, gold prices rose by $5 and now stand at $4,510 per ounce, which includes a premium of $20.

    Meanwhile, silver prices also experienced a rise, with the per tola rate increasing by Rs240 to close at Rs7,945.

  • Emirati president arrives in Pakistan on his first official visit

    Emirati president arrives in Pakistan on his first official visit

    United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday arrived in Pakistan on his first official visit to the country.

    The Emirati president was received at the Nur Khan Airbase by Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir and other senior government members, including Deputy PM Ishaq Dar.

    As President Al Nahyan’s aircraft entered the Pakistani airspace, it was escorted by a formation of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fighter jets. Upon landing, the national anthems of Pakistan and the UAE were played, a 21-gun salute was presented and an honour guard lined up to receive the visiting dignitary.

    Military and traditional bands also performed during reception as children waved flags of both countries.

    The Emirati president is accompanied by a delegation comprising his advisers Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, as well as UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi.

    Several UAE federal ministers and senior officials are also part of the delegation.

    According to the Foreign Office (FO), this marks President Al Nahyan’s first official visit to Pakistan as he previously visited the country on private trips.

    During the visit, he is scheduled to meet PM Shehbaz and discuss bilateral cooperation to review ties across multiple sectors. The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual concern. 

    The FO also said the visit offers an opportunity to deepen the longstanding fraternal relationship between Pakistan and the UAE.

    Earlier, a public holiday was announced in Islamabad in view of the visit. An official notification said that the Islamabad High Court (IHC), district courts, as well as the Senate and National Assembly secretariats remained closed for the day. 

    Banks and essential services, including the Capital Development Authority (CDA), police, Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, however, continued to function.

    Separately, Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz welcomed the UAE president’s visit, calling it a significant step in strengthening Pakistan-UAE relations. She said the visit is expected to further enhance cooperation between the two countries.