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  • RT India deletes fake news post about Shehbaz Sharif’s meeting with Putin

    RT India deletes fake news post about Shehbaz Sharif’s meeting with Putin

    RT India deleted and later issued a clarification about an X post regarding Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin during an international forum in Turkmenistan, after the claims we’re exposed as false. 

    The controversy began when RT India posted a video claiming to show Prime Minister Sharif waiting for almost forty minutes to see President Putin before joining the Russian leader and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a meeting. The post claimed Sharif remained in the meeting for approximately 10 minutes before leaving.

    The tweet was later deleted, with RT India issuing a clarification on X (Formerly twitter) stating:

    “We deleted an earlier post about Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif waiting to meet Vladimir Putin at the Peace and Trust Forum in Turkmenistan. The post may have been a misrepresentation of the events.”

    The incident occurred on the International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust in Ashgabat, which brought together several global leaders, including Putin, Erdogan, and Sharif.

    Reports state that after their delegations exiled the room, Presidents Putin and Erdogan were holding talks in a restricted format. 

    Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reported that Prime Minister Sharif later joined the meeting, having initially expected a separate discussion with President Putin in another room.

    Pakistani media reported that Sharif interacted with both leaders and discussed issues of bilateral and regional importance. During the visit, the prime minister also met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

    Following the forum, Prime Minister Sharif posted on X about his meeting with President Erdogan, describing him as a “time-tested and trusted friend of Pakistan.” He said the two leaders reaffirmed cooperation in trade, energy, defense, connectivity, and investment, and exchanged views on regional and global developments, including Gaza and Afghanistan.

    The RT India post triggered reactions from several Pakistani political figures and commentators on X. Many accounts that are sympathetic to PTI used the now-deleted false news to score political points. 

    Former accountability adviser Mirza Shahzad Akbar wrote: 

    “From an orderly PM to an international gate crasher….”

    PTI leader Dr Shehbaz Gill posted: “What a shameful and mannerless man, unfortunately representing our great Pakistan. The Pakistani nation deserves better leadership. Shahbaz Sharif has always been socially backward. Being the middle brother among siblings, often ignored by parents, may lead him to such silly acts.”

    RT India’s clarification acknowledged that its initial post may not have accurately reflected the sequence of events.

  • David Willey reveals why players prefer PSL over IPL

    David Willey reveals why players prefer PSL over IPL

    England cricketer David Willey has praised the Pakistan Super League (PSL) over the Indian Premier League (IPL), giving the Pakistani tournament a significant endorsement.

    In an interview with Indian media, Willey highlighted that PSL offers foreign players better assurance of playing time and security of playing compared to the IPL.

    “You don’t know what the auction will look like in the IPL. However, players get more security and assurance of playing time in the PSL,” Willey said.

    He explained that different players have different priorities when choosing between leagues. “Every player has their own situation. Some feel they will get more playing opportunities in the PSL rather than sitting on the bench in the dugout for 10 or 11 weeks,” Willey added.

    Several prominent cricketers have already announced their decision to skip the IPL in favor of the PSL.

    South African captain Faf du Plessis and England all-rounder Moeen Ali have both confirmed they will leave the IPL to play in Pakistan’s premier T20 league.

    Australia’s Glenn Maxwell has also announced he will not play in the IPL this year. Reports now suggest Maxwell is considering joining the PSL, which would add another major name to the tournament’s roster.

  • Lazawal Ishq unavailable on YouTube in Pakistan after complaints

    Lazawal Ishq unavailable on YouTube in Pakistan after complaints

    Full episodes of the reality show Lazawal Ishq can no longer be accessed on YouTube in Pakistan. The programme’s team said in a statement that the show might not be viewable in the country “due to political reasons.”

    The team posted on Instagram that viewers in Pakistan could still watch the show using virtual private networks (VPNs). “Due to political reasons, our show may not be accessible in Pakistan,” it said.


    Hosted by actress Ayesha Omar, the show has been described by its creators as the first Urdu reality series centered on love. It features eight participants from Pakistan who live together in a villa in Istanbul.


    The show’s format resembles international dating programmes such as Love Island, where participants form connections and explore compatibility over the course of the season. Lazawal Ishq is adapted from the Turkish reality show Aşk Adasi.

    Before its removal in Pakistan, 50 episodes were released on YouTube. While clips remain available on the channel, full episodes cannot be accessed locally. The show continues to be available in other countries. YouTube did not respond to AFP requests for comment on why the content was restricted.


    The trailer begins with Omar entering the villa and introducing the contestants, who are expected to form relationships throughout the show’s planned 100 episodes. After its release, Omar faced criticism online, with some users claiming the show “promotes obscene and unethical content.”

    Omar responded on Instagram, writing: “This is not a Pakistani show it is a Turkish production, but naturally, people in Pakistan can watch it.”

    Despite the backlash, the show gained attention on social media, with its first trailer receiving over two million views. Conversations online highlighted differences in perspectives between younger viewers and more conservative audiences in Pakistan regarding dating and representation.

    A petition was filed with the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), requesting a ban. The petition argued that the show went against “Pakistan’s religious and social values by showing unmarried men and women living together.”

    Pemra confirmed it had received “numerous complaints” but stated it does not have authority over digital platforms. The regulator suggested approaching the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, which oversees online content. The PTA did not respond to requests for comment.

    This is not the first instance of content being restricted on YouTube in Pakistan. Last year, the drama Barzakh was removed following complaints that it promoted LGBTQ relationships.

  • Pakistan loses third consecutive match in Pro Hockey League

    Pakistan loses third consecutive match in Pro Hockey League

    Pakistan suffered another defeat in the Pro Hockey League, losing 7-3 to the Netherlands in their third match of the tournament in Santiago, Argentina.

    The Netherlands dominated the match, scoring seven goals against Pakistan’s three. Muhammad Sufyan Khan scored two goals for Pakistan while Rana Waheed Ashraf added one, but their efforts could not prevent the heavy defeat.

    Pakistan will play its fourth match on December 15 against host nation Argentina.

    Pakistan has now lost all three of its matches in the first phase of the Pro Hockey League. The team previously lost to host Argentina 3-2 in their second match, while their opening fixture saw the Netherlands defeat them 5-2.

    The consistent losses have put Pakistan under pressure as they prepare to face Argentina next. The team will need to regroup and improve their performance to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat in the tournament.

  • Lahore resident faces Rs2.3 million in traffic fines on 500 motorcycles

    Lahore resident faces Rs2.3 million in traffic fines on 500 motorcycles

    A Lahore resident has found himself at the center of a traffic violation scandal after authorities discovered 500 motorcycles registered under his name, accumulating over Rs2.3 million in fines.

    Sadiq Khan, a resident of Garhi Shahu in Lahore, came under scrutiny when a traffic warden stopped a motorcycle registered in his name at Campus Pull. The initial stop revealed an outstanding e-challan of Rs12,000 against the vehicle.

    However, further investigation uncovered a far more extensive problem. Records showed that authorities have registered a total of 500 motorcycles under Sadiq Khan’s name. The Safe City Authority has issued 2,071 traffic challans against these vehicles so far.

    The accumulated fines against Sadiq Khan now total Rs23,88,700.


    This incident follows a similar controversy that emerged earlier in November when a motorist received five separate fines worth Rs50,000 in a single day. 

    The Karachi citizen, Hakimullah, reported that all five challans were generated on October 30. Three of the challans were recorded at 12:03 pm in Mauripur while the fourth and fifth were issued ten minutes later at 12:13 pm in Hasan Square.

    Hakimullah stated that authorities imposed all fines for failing to wear a seatbelt. He expressed shock after discovering that paying them would cost him Rs50,000. 

    Punjab has recently implemented a new traffic enforcement framework introducing sharply higher fines, electronic ticketing, and a penalty-points system for driving licenses under the Punjab Motor Vehicle Ordinance 2025. 

    Under the new regulations, fines for common violations range from Rs2,000 to Rs20,000, a significant increase from the previous Rs100-500 range. Motorcyclists caught speeding now face Rs2,000 penalties, while car drivers could be fined up to Rs5,000.

    The revised system includes signal violation fines of Rs2,000 to Rs15,000, wrong-way driving penalties of Rs2,000 to Rs15,000, and rash driving fines between Rs3,000 and Rs15,000. 

    The ordinance also introduces a points-based mechanism where each violation results in a deduction of two to four points, with licenses suspended once a driver accumulates 20 points within a year.

    Red-signal violations carry penalties of Rs2,000 for motorcycles, Rs3,000 for three-wheelers and Rs5,000 for cars. Overloading violations have also been reclassified, with fines ranging from Rs3,000 for rickshaws to Rs15,000 for trailers.

  • Chaudhry Aslam’s widow to make film to reclaim his story

    Chaudhry Aslam’s widow to make film to reclaim his story

    The widow of slain Karachi police officer Chaudhry Aslam has said she will produce a film based on her husband’s life and work.

    Noreen Aslam told a private news channel in an interview that a controversial Indian film has misrepresented her husband’s role. “In India the film ‘Dhurandhar’ has been made against our forces their intentions have never been clear for Pakistan,” she observed. 

    She said that the portrayal reduced Chaudhry Aslam’s work to operations in Lyari, while ignoring his involvement in counterterrorism campaigns. According to her, “If they wanted to make a film, they should have made it on the TTP; instead, they made a film only on Lyari.”

    Noreen Aslam stressed that her husband’s career cannot be defined through a single operation. “Chaudhry Aslam played major roles; we will make a film or bring it to life in the form of a drama because India limited his character only to Lyari.”

    She said the project aims to show the full extent of his work. “His character was not limited to Lyari  he fought against the TTP and confronted some of the most dangerous networks,” she pointed out, adding that the film will present what she called her husband’s real legacy and the timeline of his service.

    The comments came after the release of the Indian film Dhurandhar on December 5, which has prompted debate across Pakistani and Indian audiences. Viewers have said the film reduces Karachi to repeated scenes of explosions and violence.

    Chaudhry Aslam Khan Swati served in the Sindh Police from the 1980s until his assassination in 2014. He worked on operations targeting organised crime groups, militant networks, and gangs across Karachi. 

    On January 9, 2014, he was killed in a car bomb attack on the Lyari Expressway along with two police personnel, including his guard and driver.

  • Pakistan issues final warning to social media platforms, cites Brazil-style action

    Pakistan issues final warning to social media platforms, cites Brazil-style action

    Pakistan issued a final warning on Thursday to major social media platforms, urging them to align with local regulations and take decisive action against militant content or face consequences similar to those experienced in Brazil, where X was briefly suspended last year.

    During a briefing with foreign media in Islamabad, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and Minister of State for Law and Justice Aqeel Malik stated that the government had officially expressed its concerns to platforms such as X, Meta, Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, TikTok, and Telegram.


    The ministers conveyed that Pakistan expects these companies to enhance moderation efforts, strengthen collaboration with law enforcement, and implement tools designed to detect extremist activity before it spreads.

    Chaudhry declared, “This is our last warning. These companies must comply with Pakistani laws, establish offices in Pakistan, and use AI and algorithmic tools to identify terror-linked accounts,” Chaudhry said.

    He mentioned that authorities had discovered several accounts connected to regional militant organizations across different platforms.

     “These accounts are linked to organizations already proscribed by the United States and the United Nations,” he emphasized, highlighting what officials described as cross-border online activity contributing to radicalization and security challenges.

    The warning references Brazil’s approach, noting that in June of the previous year, the South American country’s Supreme Court temporarily blocked X after the platform declined to remove accounts accused of disseminating misinformation related to the 2022 presidential elections. 

    The ban was lifted in October after X paid a fine of $5.1 million and appointed a local representative as mandated by Brazilian law.

    Chaudhry remarked that Pakistan had consistently raised the matter, including a comprehensive briefing to platforms on July 24, yet the responses remained “insufficient.” 

    He described X as the least cooperative, whereas TikTok and Telegram exhibited relatively better compliance.

    Officials indicated that the government has also requested platforms to supply IP addresses of accounts associated with militancy and to prevent the creation of duplicate accounts through advanced filtering systems.

    Malik stated that the issue had been discussed not only with the companies but also with the governments of the countries where these platforms are headquartered. 

    “Pakistan is a frontline state against terrorism and continues to pay the price for global terrorism. The world must cooperate with Pakistan in this war,” he said, warning that failure to comply might force the government to take action against non-cooperative platforms.

  • Case No.9:  Between friendship and justice, Rohit finally chooses himself

    Case No.9: Between friendship and justice, Rohit finally chooses himself

    The best episode of the season wasn’t what we expected. It was way, way, better. Episode 24 of Case No. 9 signals that the tide has finally changed in favour of Sehar (Saba Qamar) and it seems unlikely that Kamran (Faysal Quraishi) will get out of this one.

    We expected Rohit (Junaid Khan) to do the right thing from the very beginning because we saw how he reacted when he found Sehar at Kamran’s house. But his journey to the truth has also been fascinating. Torn between his best friend and his wife Manisha (Navin Waqar) who is on Sehar’s side, Rohit found it all difficult to understand since the beginning – but also not difficult.

    The most beautiful character of this series can arguably be Rohit, played so wonderfully by Junaid Khan. We know from the very beginning that Rohit can save the day, but we also understand – and also don’t understand – how torn he is between saving his best friend, who saved him from a mob, and doing the right thing. 

    It is so difficult for him that he does the wrong thing in episode 23 and goes to Sehar on Kamran’s behest, asking her to take a blank cheque and make this all seem like its a bad dream. So while he is torn between doing the right thing, he also knows the price he has to pay for it – his friendship and his business, both are on the line and those two are very important to him – as they would be to us all.

    We dont know why Rohit decides to do the right thing – is it because of Sehar refusing the money for justice, or Sehar’s mother urging Rohit to look within and decide or Manisha leaving him that makes him realise that he might be giving up more than he had bargained for? 

    But we do know how very hard it was for him and really admire the way he so cleanly, cut throat, directly, says the truth – almost without emotion – just facts. Hiding how he feels on the inside and how he has literally broken the two things he always wanted to protect -his friend and his business. 

    We do know, from the teaser of Episode 25, that Kamran and his lawyer won’t let Rohit go so easily. They are prepared and will attack him to the fullest and it remains to be seen how Rohit handles it. But again, the way this episode showed, in great suspense, how Rohit told the truth was masterful. Because we knew he would – but we also didn’t. And what a big sigh of relief it was.

    Although the episode was all about Rohit, Inspector Shafiq’s downfall is also worth mentioning. The acting, oh, the acting. Gohar Rasheed is a master as the manipulative police officer and when he’s caught lying by his boss, he still doesn’t let up. Shafiq was by far, one of the most well thought out characters and so important as well given the role of the police in crimes. Shafiq is also brought down by Rohit who ruins the man in one clean swoop and Shafiq didn’t see it coming. 

    The judge that seemed iffy in the beginning as someone who might be leaning towards Kamran also shows that taking the law lightly doesn’t go down well. Great acting and the way he asks questions that really make you feel that the law is stronger than we think it is – when we at one time thought the judge was not as interested in knowing the truth, taking Kamran’s side, it has been made clear that he’s listening and judging. 

    The drama has uptil now, really instilled hope in the audience that the laws are real, the court is real and perhaps if a rape survivior stands up for the truth, her truth can also be real. And it’s all uphill from here. Right?

  • Salman Khan reveals he hasn’t dined out for past 25 years

    Salman Khan reveals he hasn’t dined out for past 25 years

    Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has made a surprising revelation about his lifestyle, sharing that he hasn’t eaten dinner outside his home in the past 25 years.

    During a conversation at the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah two days ago, the Dabangg star opened up about his disciplined routine centered entirely around work and travel.

    “It’s been 25 to 26 years since I went out for dinner anywhere,” Salman told the audience. “From home to shooting, shooting to home, and home to airport, airport to hotel and hotel to here (Jeddah), and after this I’ll go back to my shooting once again. That’s just my life.”

    The 59-year-old actor explained that most of his life revolves around his family and close friends, though that circle has significantly shrunk over the years.

    “Most of my life has been spent among my family and friends. Many of those friends have left, and now only four to five old friends remain,” he said.

    Salman clarified that he has no complaints about this lifestyle choice. “I have no objection to this. Either you want to roam around or you want the love and respect from people, and that’s what I work so hard for,” he added.

    This marks Salman’s second appearance at the Red Sea Film Festival. During his visit, he attended the Golden Globes gala dinner and mingled with international stars including Idris Elba, Edgar Ramírez, and Johnny Depp.

    On the work front, Salman’s latest release Sikandar failed to meet box office expectations. He also appeared in a cameo role in Aryan Khan’s debut web series The Ba***ds of Bollywoodand continued hosting the popular reality show Bigg Boss 19.

    The actor will next appear in Battle of Galwan, directed by Apoorva Lakhia.

  • Father and son accused of killing daughter on her wedding day in Bahawalpur

    Father and son accused of killing daughter on her wedding day in Bahawalpur

    A father, along with his son, ended his daughter’s life on her wedding day in the Basti Skhel area of Bahawalpur, as per police reports. The father brought his daughter to his home a day before the ceremony. 

    He and his son did not approve of the marriage. On the wedding day, they both attacked her, killed her, and abandoned her body in nearby fields.

    Authorities stated that the daughter had resided with her paternal aunt since she was young

    A case has been filed, and efforts to locate the suspects have commenced. 

    A similar situation occurred a few months ago in Chak 35 Fateh, where Muhammad Afzal killed his 18-year-old daughter, Sonia Bibi, just before her wedding. 

    Sonia was set to marry her cousin, but her father disapproved of the arrangement. He assaulted her and then fled the scene. She was taken to Tehsil Hospital Chishtian, where she succumbed to her injuries. 

    The police apprehended Muhammad Afzal and filed a case under Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code based on her mother’s complaint.