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  • Ex-Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina awarded death sentence

    Ex-Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina awarded death sentence

    A court in Bangladesh has sentenced deposed former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to death, concluding a months-long trial that found her guilty of ordering a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising last year.

    The ruling by the International Crimes Tribunal – Bangladesh’s domestic war crimes court located in Dhaka – was delivered amid tight security and in Hasina’s absence after she fled to India in August 2024.

    It comes months ahead of parliamentary elections expected to be held in early February, which Hasina’s Awami League party is not allowed to contest.

    While the verdict has added to fears of fresh unrest ahead of the vote, reports said it can be appealed in the Supreme Court.

    Hasina’s son and adviser Sajeeb Wazed, however, told Reuters that they would not appeal unless a democratically elected government took office with the Awami League’s participation.

    Earlier, prosecutors told the court that they had uncovered evidence of her direct command to use lethal force to suppress a student-led uprising in July and August 2024.

    According to a United Nations (UN) report, up to 1,400 people may have been killed during the protests between July 15 and August 5, 2024, with thousands more injured — most of them by gunfire from security forces. 

    Hasina was represented by a state-appointed defence counsel who told the court that the charges against her were baseless and pleaded for her acquittal.

    Ahead of the verdict, Hasina dismissed the accusations and the fairness of the proceedings, asserting a guilty verdict was “a foregone conclusion”.

  • Mahira–Fawad enthrall in ‘Neelofar’ trailer as countdown to release begins

    Mahira–Fawad enthrall in ‘Neelofar’ trailer as countdown to release begins

    The official trailer for the Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan starrer Neelofar was released online today, setting off a strong wave of anticipation as the 12-day countdown begins for its nationwide cinema release on 28th November. With pre-sale tickets now live across Pakistan, audiences are gearing up for one of the most talked-about films of the year.

    Starring Pakistan’s most iconic on-screen pair, Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan, Neelofar marks a major milestone as Fawad takes on the role of producer for the first time. 

    The trailer introduces Mahira as Neelofar, a visually impaired woman whose gentleness and quiet resilience form the emotional core of the story. Fawad appears in a more restrained, introspective role as a man caught between love, responsibility, and the consequences of choices he cannot undo.

    Visually, the trailer stands out for its warm, poetic cinematography. 

    Soft lighting, intimate framing, and a muted colour palette give the film a timeless feel, while the score adds an undercurrent of nostalgia and
    longing. 




    The film also introduces Madiha Imam in her cinematic debut, joining an ensemble cast that includes Behroze Sabzwari, Atiqa Odho, Sarwat Gillani, and Gohar Rasheed. Directed by Ammar Rasool in his first feature film, Neelofar promises a layered, performance-driven narrative.

    Early reactions online have praised the trailer as “powerful,” “emotionally charged,” and “a standout for Pakistani cinema,” adding to the growing buzz around the film.

    With just 12 days left until release, the countdown to Neelofar has officially begun.

    Tickets are now available for pre-sale at cinemas nationwide.

  • TikToker in Multan arrested for uploading objectionable videos

    TikToker in Multan arrested for uploading objectionable videos

    National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Multan has arrested a TikToker Usman Shabbir for allegedly uploading objectionable videos of a man on social media. 

    According to reports, the content creator allegedly uploaded intimate or explicit footage without the subject’s consent.

    The NCCIA produced Usman in a Multan court, which granted a three‑day physical remand so investigators can recover more videos, examine his phone, and perform forensic checks. 

    This case follows earlier incidents across Pakistan involving social media creators accused of producing “immoral” or indecent content.

    In September 2025, Swabi police in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa arrested a TikToker identified as Abdul Mughiz. 

    According to officials, Mughiz was creating videos while dressed as a woman and uploading them to TikTok, sparking “severe resentment and anxiety” in the local community. 

    The FIR filed in his case fell under Section 294 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which penalizes “obscene acts” in public. 

    After his arrest, Mughiz reportedly confessed and pledged to “refrain from such immoral activities” going forward. 

    But that is not all. In February 2025, Punjab Police arrested another TikToker, Haider Ali, in Multan after he filmed an “inappropriate” video outside the Government Graduate College for Women in Burewala. 

    In the video, Haider used disrespectful language toward female students and adopted a troubling attitude. After the footage went viral, a photo of him handcuffed and standing beside two female police officers also made rounds online. 

    According to reports, Haider Ali admitted to wrongdoing during questioning and expressed remorse. “All female students of degree college are my sisters,” he said, pledging not to repeat such behavior. 

    In a separate incident, police in Mansehra also arrested two TikTokers for harassing women online, including one who posted videos featuring weapons and ammunition. 

    This case further highlights the variety of misuse that authorities are now targeting.

    These developments underscore a broader crackdown by Pakistani law enforcement on social media users who cross legal and moral lines. 

    Authorities are signaling that content which invades privacy, disrespects cultural norms, or threatens social order will not be tolerated, even on social media platforms.

  • Govt signals further amendments may be on the cards as judicial resignations continue

    Govt signals further amendments may be on the cards as judicial resignations continue

    Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry stated on Sunday that the government, along with its coalition partners, is prepared to propose another constitutional amendment if necessary to ensure stability. 

    He noted that parliament has the authority to modify the Constitution, and this power could be utilized again should circumstances require it.

    While addressing a gathering in Faisalabad, Chaudhry remarked that the 26th and 27th Amendments have fostered stability, and future amendments would follow a similar protocol. 

    He emphasized that parliament will collaborate with other political parties whenever an amendment is warranted, asserting that the legislature should be acknowledged as the exclusive authority for such decisions.

    In response to inquiries about judges resigning after the enactment of the 27th Amendment, Chaudhry dismissed their resignations, attributing them to political motivations rather than constitutional issues. 

    He emphasized that judges swear an oath to the Constitution and do not function as a collective that resigns whenever changes are made by parliament. He reiterated that the Constitution embodies the collective will of parliament and the populace, rather than the individual preferences of members of the judiciary.

    He mentioned that all judiciary-related matters, including salaries and responsibilities, are within the jurisdiction of parliament. He characterized the resignations as being associated with rulings he deemed political in nature. 

    He also referenced previous court proceedings, including a comment made by former Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial during cases involving Imran Khan, noting that the broader context has shifted since that time.

    Chaudhry pointed out that there has been significant utilization of suo motu powers in the past, claiming they were employed to unseat elected prime ministers and target governments. He stated that the amendments enacted by parliament were a direct response to that historical pattern.

    Regarding the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s choice to abstain from the forthcoming by-elections in Faisalabad, he noted that the party tends to avoid elections where it anticipates facing opposition. 

    Additionally, he mentioned that security measures for the elections have been finalized through collaboration between the Election Commission of Pakistan and security agencies.

    The minister spoke at a press conference held at the Sunni Rizvi Mosque, where he gained support for his brother Bilal Badar Chaudhry in the by-elections. He expressed gratitude to Pir Faiz Rasool Rizvi for the endorsement, indicating that it would significantly influence various constituencies. He conveyed that religious institutions continue to provide guidance to communities and affect decision-making processes.

    Chaudhry also passed remarks regarding provincial matters, stating that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) administration has been instructed to operate within constitutional boundaries. 

    He contrasted this with the progress taking place in Punjab under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, highlighting initiatives in the areas of transport, water, energy, housing, and infrastructure.

  • Pakistan eyes ‘Digital Nation’ status as IT investments cross $700m

    Pakistan eyes ‘Digital Nation’ status as IT investments cross $700m

    Pakistan is accelerating its drive to become a “Digital Nation,” prioritising IT expansion, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, Federal Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said on Sunday. 

    She noted that the country has already attracted over US$700 million in international digital investments. 

    Speaking to participants at the National Defence University’s 27th National Security Workshop, Khawaja stated that Pakistan’s economic security, strategic stability, and international competitiveness now heavily depend on the digital sector. 

    Parliamentarians, entrepreneurs, journalists, and members of civil society came together for the workshop.

    Khawaja listed the government’s main projects, which include 43 Software Technology Parks, 85 incubators, eight National Incubation Centers, two CEGA centers, more than 400 tech companies operating inside converted malls, and support for more than 4,100 startups through international partnerships with the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Germany, and Jordan.


    She also highlighted important national initiatives including the Prime Minister’s Cloud Programme, DigiSkills 3.0, which is training 4.3 million Pakistanis, the Pakistan Startup Fund, BridgeStart, which sends Pakistani companies to international accelerators, and the SkillTech Initiative. 

    Additional reforms include TikTok’s STEM Feed, Meta’s AI-in-Urdu project, revamped IT and AI curricula, and a semiconductor program that trains 7,200 workers.

    Pakistan has taken part in international events such as GITEX Global 2025, WAIC Shanghai, LEAP Riyadh, the DCO General Assembly in Amman, and the AI for Good Summit in Geneva.

     Khawaja added that Google has completed the formalities to open its office in Pakistan and has signed an MoU to support national digital-skills development.

    The minister also commended Pakistan’s cybersecurity performance during Marka-e-Haq, attributing the success to coordinated efforts between the armed forces, the government, and the private sector under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir.

    Khawaja concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to building a secure, modern, and globally competitive digital nation.

  • ‘I will do it again’: Talha Anjum fires back at critics after waving Indian flag during concert

    ‘I will do it again’: Talha Anjum fires back at critics after waving Indian flag during concert

    Singer Talha Anjum has responded to the intense backlash he faced after waving an Indian flag during a performance in Nepal.

    The 30-year-old rapper, known for his blunt attitude and quick temper, performed in front of a massive audience when a fan handed him the Indian flag. Anjum draped it over his back, and the clip spread rapidly across Pakistani platforms.

    Critics reminded him that Indian platforms, including YouTube and Spotify, removed his tracks earlier this year after tensions rose between Pakistan and India in May. 

    They questioned why he chose to show affection to a country where the government has “banned” him.

    Anjum responded directly on X (formerly Twitter) and refused to back down. He wrote, “My heart has no place for hate. My art has no borders. If me raising an Indian flag sparks controversy so be it. I will do it again. I will never care about the media, the war mongering governments and their propagandas. Urdu rap is and will always be borderless.”

    His post triggered a flood of reactions.

    One user commented, “If you had raised both Pakistani and Indian flags together then your words had weight.”

    Another user mocked him, saying, “Views nahi aa rahe kya bhai,” while someone added, “Phir bhi kam nahi mily ga.”

    But not everyone criticised him. Some users defended Anjum’s stance and said art should rise above borders.

    One user wrote, “Raising any country’s flag won’t make you anti-Pakistan.”

    Another encouraged him, adding, “Keep spreading love. Ignore the hate. Real art connects hearts, not divides us.”

    A user praised him, saying, “I support you Talha. A confident nation does not panic over symbolism, it stands firm on values. Shahbash!”

    In July, he faced backlash after he lashed out at fans during a concert in Islamabad when objects were thrown on stage. His outburst sparked a nationwide debate about concert etiquette and artists’ reactions.

    Weeks later, he stirred controversy during an Instagram livestream where he verbally attacked critics who accused him of “selling out.” 

    He said he was tired of constant negativity and pressure.

    Talha Anjum now stands at the centre of yet another heated online battle, but if his latest statement is any indication, he has no plans to back away from his bold, borderless approach.

  • Portugal smash Armenia 9-1 to seal World Cup qualification

    Portugal smash Armenia 9-1 to seal World Cup qualification

    Portugal confirmed their place at the 2026 World Cup with a commanding 9-1 victory over Armenia in Porto on Sunday, producing their most dominant display of the qualifying campaign even without the suspended Cristiano Ronaldo.

    Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves stepped up in style, scoring hat-tricks to lead Portugal to a statement win at home. 

    Renato Veiga opened the scoring in the early minutes, with Goncalo Ramos and Francisco Conceicao adding a goal each as Portugal sealed top spot in Group F.

    Portugal entered the match needing a strong finish after a draw in Hungary and a shock defeat to Ireland earlier in the week. They responded with complete control from kickoff, pressing high and punishing Armenia’s defensive mistakes. 

    Veiga set the tone with a clean strike, before Fernandes and Neves took over the midfield and broke through Armenia’s backline repeatedly.

    Ramos added his name to the scoresheet with a sharp finish, while Conceicao struck late to complete the rout. Armenia struggled to cope with Portugal’s pace and intensity, allowing the hosts to dominate possession and territory throughout.

    The victory ensured Portugal’s qualification at the third attempt and secured their seventh consecutive appearance at the World Cup. 

    Despite Ronaldo sitting the game out, the Euro 2016 champions showcased their depth, creativity and attacking balance, elements that will be crucial as they prepare for next year’s tournament in North America.

    Coach Roberto Martinez praised the team’s response after two difficult outings, highlighting the leadership of senior players and the rise of young talents like Neves. 

    Fernandes, meanwhile, delivered one of his best performances of the campaign, controlling the tempo and finishing with authority.

    Spain and Switzerland also moved within touching distance of qualification over the weekend. 

    Spain maintained their perfect run with a 4-0 win against Georgia, as Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice and Ferran Torres added another. The result kept Spain firmly in control of Group E, with Turkey needing a highly unlikely seven-goal victory in their final match to overtake them. 

    Switzerland also closed in on qualification after a 4-1 win over Sweden, with Granit Xhaka scoring from the spot and Dan Ndoye extending the lead late on. Both European giants now stand just one routine result away from confirming their place at next year’s tournament.

    Portugal, however, will now shift focus to building momentum and refining their squad as they chase their first-ever World Cup title.

  • Case No. 9: When Ego Takes the Stand and Justice Fights Back

    Case No. 9: When Ego Takes the Stand and Justice Fights Back

    Case No.9 Episodes 15 and 16 were like we predicted it! Kamran (Faysal Quraishi) was unable to control his ego and thought he could take down Beenish (Amina Shaikh), in a dream no less and thought he was fully able to make it a reality. He failed of course, revealing that he had no evidence that Sehar (Saba Qamar) had been flirting with him whereas Sehar had evidence that he was the one who was after her. Beenish’s epic takedown of Kamran’s staff member was also full of suspense when the information was being relayed to her by her fellow lawyer. In that moment, when Beenish was given information that could help the case, you couldn’t help but think that doing the right thing is so very hard with so many hurdles.

    But it seems like the hurdles are clearing, as we see Inspector Shafeeq (Gohar Rasheed) also feeling the burn has his superior tells him that Kamran is taking the stand and he might be exposed, we see Kamran’s lawyer pleading with Kamran not to take the stand (when the law gave him the right not to take it), but Kamran’s ego getting in the way and we also see it, in the most complicated way with Rohit (Junaid Khan).

    It is clear that the drama will take the direction of Rohit having to make a choice between his friend who saved him from a blasphemy mob and his friend who is a rapist and he knows about it. He will have to accept that Kamran is not the same person he thought he was but can Rohit’s guilt of convicting his friend get out of his way of doing the right thing? That will be the most important break and crack in the case and Kamran and Rohit’s business and friendship.

    The show is getting so gripping that you have to see the teaser for the next episode because you must know what happens. We see in the teaser that Kiran (Rushna Khan) confronts Rohit and he has a breakdown and a big showdown in court between Sehar and Kamran. 

    While the showdown seems to be one of Sehar finally taking charge of her rights and really letting go and giving it to Kamran, it also seems a bit out of place in this very realistic drama. Are there really outbursts like that in court between a rapist and a rape vicitim? One would like to believe so, despite seeing that Sehar might be taken in for contempt of court, but secretly happy that she faced her attacker and told him exactly what she thought of him. 

    Only time will tell until next week.

  • Gold prices continue to fall in local, international markets

    Gold prices continue to fall in local, international markets

    Gold prices are continuing to decline in international and domestic markets with a $91 per ounce drop to $4,083.

    According to reports the same fell by Rs9,100 to Rs430,662 in the local market while 10 grams of gold decreased by Rs7,799 to Rs369,223. Spot gold fell by 1.9% at $4,092.72 per ounce after earlier sliding more than 3%.

    In other metals, spot silver edged down 2.8% to $50.84 per ounce but is still up 5.2% for the week.

    Reports quoted Director of Interactive Commodities Adnan Agar as noting that gold’s daily high reached $4,148, with a low of $4,097. “After touching the high, prices dipped about $40, when the US session opened. There is strong support at $4,155; if breached, gold could rise to $4,200-4,220. However, if resistance holds, it may retract to $4,080-4,050.”

    The vice president and senior metals strategist at Zaner Metals, Peter Grant said, “We just got into good resistance around the halfway back point and that probably prompted some profit-taking on longs after Monday’s strong gains and perhaps a little bit of speculative selling up there as well.”

  • Ronaldo risks key World Cup opener ban after Ireland red card

    Ronaldo risks key World Cup opener ban after Ireland red card

    Cristiano Ronaldo is in danger of missing at least Portugal’s opening match at next year’s World Cup after being shown a red card in Thursday’s 2-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland.

    According to Reuters, Ronaldo was initially shown a yellow card after elbowing Ireland defender Dara O’Shea during the match in Dublin. 

    However, it was upgraded to a red card, and Ronaldo was sent off for the first time in his international career after the referee reviewed the contact on a pitch-side video monitor.

    “When he tries to get away from the defender, I think the action looks worse than what it actually is,” Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said. “I don’t think it’s an elbow, I think it’s a full body. But from where the camera is, it looks like an elbow. We accept it. 

    It could be a red card, but for the right reasons.”

    Ronaldo will serve his mandatory one-game suspension when Portugal plays host to Armenia on Sunday. Portugal, which still leads Hungary by two points in Group F, can clinch a spot in next year’s World Cup with a victory.

    However, FIFA disciplinary rules state that a ban of at least two matches is required for “serious foul play” and for at least three matches for “violent conduct,” or for “an appropriate period of time for assault, including elbowing.”

    Pre-World Cup exhibitions would not count towards serving a potential match ban, and it could be three weeks before FIFA issues a verdict.

    It is the first red card Ronaldo has received in the record 226 games he has played for Portugal.

    “He is just a captain that has never been sent off before in 226 games,” Martinez said. “I think it was a bit harsh because he cares about the team.”