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  • Experts urge swift regulation as estimates put Pakistanis’ crypto investments at $30 billion

    Experts urge swift regulation as estimates put Pakistanis’ crypto investments at $30 billion

    Experts have urged the government for swift but careful regulation of cryptocurrencies and virtual assets in the country as Pakistanis are estimated to have invested between $20 billion and $30 billion in asset-backed crypto instruments.

    According to reports, experts at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) Conference warned that Pakistan could lose out on $25 billion in economic opportunities if it delays regulation of the same amid a global financial shift toward digital currencies.

    They projected that crypto trading by Pakistanis could reach a staggering $300 billion, nearly equal to the country’s current GDP of around $400 billion. However, they cautioned that these figures are based on estimates since Pakistan lacks a legal framework to regulate or document crypto activities, leaving the true scale of investment unverified.

    Experts at the conference also raised concerns over weak regulations and cybersecurity risks that could hinder progress. They recommended that Pakistan adopt a cautious, phased approach to legalising cryptocurrency and introduce a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) as a first step. The CBDC could significantly reduce the costs associated with remittances from overseas, they said.

    They agreed that digital finance has the potential to lower remittance costs, expand financial inclusion and align Pakistan with global fintech trends. However, they stressed that delaying regulation could result in Pakistan missing a transformative economic opportunity.

    Meanwhile, Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has said that Pakistan aims to advance the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) from a business perspective.

    At the same conference, the finance minister indicated that legislation for a Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, established through an ordinance, will be enacted soon.

    It may be noted that reports in September claimed that Pakistan has formally launched the licencing process for cryptocurrency exchanges, marking a key milestone for the country’s digital finance sector.

    The Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority has invited global crypto service providers to apply for licences to operate in the country, they said.

    Under the new framework, companies seeking licences must hold permits from global regulators, comply with strict “Know Your Customer” (KYC) requirements, and provide detailed corporate disclosures.

    In March, the government established the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) to regulate and integrate blockchain technology and digital assets into the national financial system. The council’s formation followed the appointment of Bilal bin Saqib as Chief Advisor to the Finance Minister for crypto affairs.

    The PCC was tasked with promoting and incorporating blockchain and cryptocurrency innovations into Pakistan’s economic framework.

  • Doctor Nabiha reveals wedding outfit, jewelry cost more than Rs2 crore

    Doctor Nabiha reveals wedding outfit, jewelry cost more than Rs2 crore

    Clinical psychologist and and social media influencer Nabiha Ali Khan recently married her close friend Haris Khokhar in a private ceremony at the residence of Maulana Tariq Jameel, who personally conducted the Nikah. 

    Photos and videos from the event have gone viral on social media.

    Nabiha Ali Khan shared details of her wedding look, revealing that her off-white outfit, designed by well-known designer Hina Salman, cost around Rs1 crore, while her jewelry was valued at approximately Rs1.5 crore, making her total bridal look worth over Rs2 crore.

    Haris Khokhar complemented her by wearing an off-white sherwani, creating a coordinated and elegant appearance.

    She expressed excitement that Maulana Tariq Jameel personally officiated the Nikah, a decision the religious scholar came to just two days before the wedding. The ceremony included a small number of guests, including prominent personalities like Farah Iqrar.

    While many congratulated the couple, others debated the extravagance, posting comments such as: “FBR will check her tax,” “MashaAllah,” and “Jewelry looks artificial, one crore dress heard for the first time.”

  • Pak-Afghan talks suspended with no breakthrough: Kh Asif

    Pak-Afghan talks suspended with no breakthrough: Kh Asif

    Weeks into Islamabad-Kabul negotiations with the help of mutual friends, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that the same have been suspended with “no plans for the fourth round of talks”.

    Appearing on Geo News’ ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath’, the defence minister said there was “a complete deadlock” as negotiations had entered an “indefinite phase”.

    He thanked Turkiye and Qatar for their “sincere efforts” to mediate tensions between the two neighbouring countries, and revealed that the mediators had supported Pakistan’s stance.

    “They support our stance. Even the Afghan delegation agreed with us… however, they were not ready to sign a written agreement,” Asif said, adding that Pakistan would only accept a formal and written accord.

    He said the Afghan delegation wanted verbal assurances to be accepted, which is not possible in international negotiations.

    The defence minister further revealed that the mediators had done their best but eventually lost hope.

    “If they had even a little optimism, they would have asked us to stay. Our return empty-handed shows that even they have given up on Kabul,” he said, reiterating that Pakistan’s position remained firm and clear.

    “Our only demand is that Afghanistan must ensure its soil is not used for attacks on Pakistan,” he said and went on to warn that Pakistan would respond if provoked.

    “If there is any attack from Afghan soil, we will respond accordingly,” he said. The defence minister, however, maintained that ceasefire would remain intact for as long as there was no aggression.

    Earlier, Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime continued negotiating in Istanbul following an extension of ceasefire that came after deadly cross-border clashes last month.

    The talks collapsed after Pakistan refused to accept the Taliban delegation’s “illogical” arguments and refusal to address Islamabad’s concerns regarding cross-border terrorism.

    With mediators persuading Pakistan to give the talks another chance, the third round of talks had started Thursday, in an effort to ease escalating tensions.

    The Istanbul meetings followed the earlier five-day talks that resulted in a last-minute interim agreement.

    It merits a mention that Khawaja Asif had also in last week of October warned of an all-out war with Afghanistan if negotiations between Islamabad and Kabul failed to resolve the issues.


     
    Speaking to journalists in Sialkot, the defence minister said that the country’s armed forces and police were sacrificing their lives to safeguard the nation, and the reason we sleep peacefully is because our protectors remain vigilant.


     
    “Pakistan hosted Afghans for 40 years, and those we are negotiating with in Doha all grew up in Pakistan,” he had said in reference to the negotiations.

  • US official claims ‘containing’ Iranian plot to kill Israel’s Mexico ambassador

    US official claims ‘containing’ Iranian plot to kill Israel’s Mexico ambassador

    Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps plotted to assassinate Israel’s ambassador to Mexico but the bid was foiled and there is no current threat, Reuters quoted a United States (US) official as claiming.

    While the Iranian embassy in Mexico called the accusations “entirely false”, Mexico’s government also said that it had “no information regarding an alleged attack plan”.

    Earlier, the US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the plot against Ambassador Einat Kranz Neiger had been active through the first half of 2025.

    “The plot was contained and does not pose a current threat,” the official was quoted as saying, adding that it was just the latest in a long history of “Iran’s global lethal targeting of diplomats, journalists, dissidents and anyone who disagrees with them”.

    This, the official said, was something that should “deeply worry every country where there is an Iranian presence”.

    While the official declined to say how the plot was foiled and did not offer further details about the operation, Israel’s Foreign Ministry thanked the security and law enforcement services in Mexico for “thwarting a terrorist network directed by Iran that sought to attack Israel’s ambassador in Mexico”.

    The Iranian Embassy in Mexico, on the other hand, said the accusation was “entirely false”.

    “We will never tarnish the good reputation of Mexicans, our friends. We consider betrayal of Mexico’s interests as betrayal of our own interests, and respecting Mexico’s laws is our highest priority,” a news agency quoted cited the embassy as saying.

    According to Reuters, the US and its allies have frequently alleged that Iran and its proxies have sought to launch violent attacks against Tehran’s opponents. Iranian officials have rejected the allegations, saying they are politically motivated.

    A dozen other countries have condemned what they called a surge in assassination, kidnapping and harassment plots by Iranian intelligence services.

    Britain’s domestic spy chief, MI5 Director General Ken McCallum, last month said that Iran was “frantically” trying to silence its critics around the world.

    He went on to cite how Australia had exposed Iranian involvement in antisemitic plots and Dutch authorities had revealed a failed assassination attempt.

    It merits a mention that the report comes months after deadly clashes between Iran and Israel.

    The clashes, dubbed the “Twelve-Day War”, continued from June 13 to June 25, starting when Israel bombed military and nuclear facilities in Iran in a surprise attack, assassinating prominent military leaders, nuclear scientists, and politicians. Dozens of civilians were also killed.

    Iran retaliated with over 550 ballistic missiles and over 1,000 suicide drones. At least twelve military, energy, and government sites were targeted. The US intercepted Iranian attacks and bombed three Iranian nuclear sites on June 22. While Iran retaliated by firing missiles at a US base in Qatar, the conflict ended with Iran and Israel agreeing to a ceasefire under US pressure.

  • Arusha Saeed wins bronze at Islamic Solidarity Games

    Arusha Saeed wins bronze at Islamic Solidarity Games

    Pakistani wrestler Arusha Saeed has brought pride to the country by winning bronze in Kurash – a kind of folk wrestling – at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games being held in Riyadh. 

    As per the details, Arusha competed in the women’s 57-kilogram category and delivered an outstanding performance to secure Pakistan’s first medal at the games.

    She showcased exceptional skill, talent and determination as she faced some of the world’s top Kurash athletes, proving that Pakistani women can compete at the highest international level.

    The Pakistan Kurash team was led by head coach Muhammad Saad while Muhammad Rafiq and Shahzeeb Nawaz played key roles in preparing and training the athletes. Their tireless efforts and professional guidance were instrumental in achieving the success.

    Nawab Furqan Khan, Pakistan’s representative at the International Kurash Association (IKA), congratulated Arusha, the coaches and the entire team. He said the achievement was a source of pride for Pakistan and demonstrated that Pakistani athletes were earning recognition in both traditional and martial sports on the global stage.

    He added that Arusha’s remarkable performance served as an inspiring example for young Pakistani women, encouraging them to participate in international competitions with confidence and enthusiasm.

  • Lahore police arrest suspect in Ghaziabad shop attack case

    Lahore police arrest suspect in Ghaziabad shop attack case

    Lahore police have arrested Chand Arabi and his accomplice in connection with the attack on a cosmetics shop in Jhelum Market, Ghaziabad Road, on the night of October 20. 

    Police shared the update on their social media accounts, highlighting swift action.

    The suspect harassed a woman and violently attacked shopkeeper Manzoor Ahsan a resident of Bagh Hakeem. 

    A video of the incident had gone viral on social media, showing the culprits physically assaulting Ahsan while using vulgar language. The footage sparked outrage among users, who condemned the attackers and demanded strict action.

    Ahsan was arranging items in his shop with his associates Asad and Saleem when Chand Arabi pointed a pistol at him and struck him on the head and face with the weapon’s butt. Two other suspects also beat Ahsan and threatened to kill him before fleeing the scene while brandishing their weapons.

    Ahsan contacted the police helpline immediately after the attack and later received treatment at Services Hospital Lahore, where doctors issued a medical slip. Assistant Sub-Inspector Sadaqat Ali registered the FIR under Section 506-B of the Pakistan Penal Code and referred the case to the Investigation Wing.

    DIG Operations Faisal Kamran confirmed the arrests and warned that authorities will show no leniency for anyone taking the law into their own hands. 

    Social media users praised Lahore police for their quick response and successful operation.

  • Pakistan down South Africa to reach semi‑final of Hong Kong Sixes

    Pakistan down South Africa to reach semi‑final of Hong Kong Sixes

    Pakistan defeated South Africa by five wickets in the second quarter-final of the Hong Kong Sixes 2025 to secure a place in the semi-finals.

    Pakistan captain Abbas Afridi won the toss and chose to bowl first. 

    South Africa responded with 102 for 3 in their six overs. Jorich van Schalkwyk top‑scored with 40, while Abdullah Bayoumy and captain Jordan Morris managed only 1 run each. Blake Simpson and Ethan John Cunningham remained unbeaten on 26 and 29 respectively. 

    Pakistan’s Muhammad Shahzad took three wickets to restrict South Africa.

    Chasing the modest target, Pakistan wrapped up the game in 3.5 overs for the loss of one wicket with a total of 105. 

    Opening batter Abdul Samad played a blistering innings, smashing six sixes in just ten balls to score 50. Wicket‑keeper batter Khawaja Nafay added 36, while Abbas Afridi chipped in with 12 off 2 balls including two sixes.

    Earlier, Pakistan faced India in their second group-stage match. Rain interrupted the match, with India scoring 86 for 4 in six overs and setting a target of 87. Pakistan managed 41 for 1 in three overs when rain stopped play. Using the DLS method, India won by 2 runs. 

    Despite the loss, Pakistan finished second in Pool C and advanced to the quarter-finals.

    In their opening match, Pakistan played against Kuwait and delivered a dominant performance. Abbas Afridi again won the toss and chose to bowl. Kuwait scored 123 for 2 in six overs, with Adnan Idrees making 17 and Bilal Tahir 24, while Meet Bhavsar remained unbeaten on 40 and Usman Patel on 31. 

    Abbas Afridi and Maaz Sadaqat took one wicket each. Pakistan chased the target comfortably with one wicket down. Khawaja Nafay remained not out on 25, Shahid Aziz on 23, while Muhammad Shahzad retired hurt on 14. Abdul Samad scored no runs, but captain Abbas Afridi smashed 55 off 12 balls, hitting one four and eight sixes to claim the player of the match award.

    Pakistan squad for Hong Kong Sixes 2025 includes Abbas Afridi (c), Khawaja Nafay (wk), Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Saad Masood, Muhammad Shahzad and Shahid Aziz.

  • Case No.9: The ego will get him

    Case No.9: The ego will get him

    Case No.9 is a drama in which we know the ending. We know that Sehar (Saba Qamar) will get justice and win the case but the suspense is in how.

    Even if the way she gets it wasn’t suspenseful enough, it is her family’s raw emotion on the witness stand in episode 13 this week and the hateful policeman (Gohar Rasheed) in episode 14 that will keep you thinking about the drama long after you saw it.


    The feeling of helplessness, when someone does not fight for justice tears through the family on the witness stand in episode 13. Kamran (Faysal Quraishi)’s lawyer Bokhari (Noorul Hassan) gives the performance of a lifetime. His biting lies and brilliant acting are so intensely portrayed, you can’t help but hate him and feel helpless along with Sehar’s family. The episode is a must watch because you really feel what the family feels when they realise perhaps it would’ve been much, much better if they had just reported the rape on time instead of wanting to hide it because of ‘log kya kahein gay’. 


    But episode 14 also shows that log bohat kuch kehte hain. Sehar’s brother could not help himself on the stand, attacking Bokhari when he’s being questioned. Things come to a head in episode 15 when he engages in a physical fight with men who live in the apartment building they reside in and comment on his sister.

    He is a crucial piece in the story because he shows that our society has a disturbingly deep sense of ‘manhood’ and the ‘protection of the women’ that can only be done by a male family member. God forbid, Sehar had a sister rather than a brother who could ‘protect her’ and show his anger by attacking others. That is what unfortunately the drama shows – that we, as a society, are ready to take justice into our own hands, the hands of men, but are not willing to trust the system.


    But Shahzeb Khanzada isn’t done yet. Clearly he has written the drama invoking all of the characters that reflect society and then you get an inkling that the hero(ine) is yet to emerge. It is Beenish (Amina Shaikh), Sehar’s lawyer, who is going to fight the fight – the right way, but investigating facts and ultimately, as seen in the teaser for the next episode, convince Kamran to answer her questions by doing exactly what we saw with Sehar’s brother – playing to his emotions and pushing his ego.

    It is clear that Kamran, the loaded businessman, will fall because of his own bloated ego and conviction that money will get him anywhere – and in many ways it has. But Beenish isn’t finished yet and we can’t wait to find out what happens next.

  • It’s War: Parents and stereotypes clash in Jama Taqseem

    It’s War: Parents and stereotypes clash in Jama Taqseem

    This week’s episodes of Jama Taqseem, took a very soft but fascinating turn. Laila (Mawra Hocane) and Qais (Talha Chahour) both have their parents living in the same house with the couple.

    Two different mindsets clash, with Qais’ mother worried that Laila’s mother is taking over her ‘son’s house’ and Laila’s mother worried that Qais’ parents want to take over her daughter’s personality.


    The conservative vs. the modern is presented through both parents and what is interesting is that this could only happen when parents, the baras, get involved and things become raw and very direct. 


    Social media users are all team Laila’s mom and Mawra Hocane in a recent interview said that she was too. Laila’s mom is bitingly direct, the modern working woman, who raised her only child to be independent and strong. She doesn’t want to live in Laila’s house, preferring the comfort of her own but after realising that Qais’ parents are trying to control her daughter, she decides to stay to give Laila the strength to own her own life. And she does give her that strength. 

    Laila goes to the job interview that she’s been so excited to get but wasn’t planning on going when she finds out that Qais’ parents don’t want her to work.  She only manages to go – and gets the job – when her mother forces her to do it, telling her that she would manage Qais’ parents (and in turn, their criticism) and protect her daughter. Which she does.


    She, sometimes, very intensely, lashes back at the ‘jaahil soch’ that Qais’ parents have of the girl’s parents not being in their son-in-laws’ house, women not working and women having their own lives.


    At this point, you can’t really tell which mother is more judgey but it becomes clearer who is more in the wrong when Abba Jee, Qais’ father (Javed Shaikh) attacks Laila’s father, Asher (Deepak Parwani) for not saying his prayers, passing comments about how Laila’s father doesn’t know how to say his namaz. 


    It’s a classic game isn’t it? Bringing in religion to support your point of view and posturing a feeling of superiority. Abba Jee does that and immediately you realise that no matter what Laila and her father and mother do, it’s Qais’ parents that will ultimately have to change. Because judging people on the way they practice their religion is not okay under any circumstance. 


    If you had to guess what will happen next, it seems as is Qais might be out of a job soon and Laila will be the one working and when the tables turn, Qais’ parents won’t be able to handle their son living on his wife’s income – but he will have to and they will have to accept it. Another stereotype broken so beautifully in this very well made drama.


    We’re all Team Laila’s mom in this series and we can’t wait to see how Laila grows as she accepts that she can be more than someone who compromises to please her husband and his parents. And while there is trouble brewing, only time will tell how Qais will manage it all.

  • BankIslami Strengthens Its Digital Islamic Banking Platform ‘aik’

    BankIslami Strengthens Its Digital Islamic Banking Platform ‘aik’

    Committed to its mission of advancing Islamic banking in Pakistan, BankIslami has further strengthened ‘aik’— the country’s first digital Islamic banking platform offering truly Riba-free banking solutions.

    The upgraded aik platform now delivers a more powerful, intuitive, and seamless user experience, featuring enhanced system capabilities and new tools designed to improve accessibility and provide a customer-friendly digital banking journey.

    Through aik, BankIslami is expanding its digital reach by enabling customers to open current and Bachat (saving) accounts instantly through their smartphones—with just a few clicks. The platform aims to serve diverse customer segments promoting financial inclusion across Pakistan.

    In alignment with the State Bank of Pakistan’s and the Government of Pakistan’s “Go Cashless” strategy, the aik mobile application now supports Raast QR payments, providing Shariah-compliant digital payment solutions for micro and small merchants (SMEs).

    Beyond banking, ‘aik’ is evolving into a comprehensive Islamic lifestyle application. The newly introduced ‘aik Deen’ module enriches the user experience with features such as Azaan alerts, a digital Quran, Islamic calendar, Qibla compass, Hadith and Ayat notifications, and live streaming from Makkah and Madinah.

    Additionally, customers can enjoy modern digital conveniences such as bill splitting, gifting money, referral rewards, and invite-and-earn programs, making banking simpler and more rewarding.

    “As digital adoption accelerates, we continue to innovate with purpose. This upgrade positions aik as more than a banking app, it is a lifestyle companion for customers seeking a Shariah-compliant way of life,” said Ashfaque Ahmed, Chief Officer of aik.

    Rizwan Ata, President & CEO of BankIslami, added: “At BankIslami, we believe that a society free from Riba can only be achieved when Islamic banking is effortless, accessible, and trusted by all. By strengthening our digital platform, we are empowering every Pakistani with a modern, Shariah-compliant alternative, taking a meaningful step toward our mission of ‘Saving Humanity from Riba’.

    With ‘aik’ at the forefront, BankIslami continues to advance its mission of “Saving Humanity by Providing Riba-Free Islamic Banking Solutions”, combining modern technology with Islamic values to make Shariah-compliant banking simple, accessible, and relevant for generations to come.