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  • Fawad Khan, Wahaj Ali spotted at star-studded National Icon Awards

    Fawad Khan, Wahaj Ali spotted at star-studded National Icon Awards

    The National Icon Awards 2023 were held on Sunday with the top celebrities of Pakistan in attendance to watch their colleagues be honored for contributions to the field of arts and culture.

    Popular A-listers like Mawra Hocane, Wahaj Ali and Fawad Khan were present at the ceremony.

    Actor Wahaj Ali received the National Icon Award 2023, while veteran actors Meera and Resham watched on along with the outgoing Minister for Information, Marriyum Aurangzeb.

    Nadia Jamil shared a clip of the outfit she wore to the awards, thanking Marriyum Aurangzeb for recognising an industry that had been aching for the respect and support of the state.

    The actress also lauded producer Zulfikaar’s comments on the need for smaller cinemas which are cheaper, since bigger cinemas charge around Rs 1500-2000 per person to watch a film.

    Producer and actor Humayun Saeed called it a “privilege and honor” to be acknowledged by the state, and praised them for implementing the Film and Music Legislation which will help revive the film industry.

    Actor Fawad Khan spoke about hoping that the film industry becomes independent to the point that it doesn’t need to rely on the government for support.

  • ‘We will fight internal and external challenges,’; General Asim Munir’s message on Independence Day

    The Azadi Parade was held on Sunday at Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul, with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, serving as the chief guest.

    The cadets presented a spectacular display of drill parade, while a special tribute was paid to the martyrs who laid their lives for the motherland.

    The army chief commended Commandant Ifthikhar Hassan Chaudhry for an inspiring parade on August 14.

    Reminding his audience that Pakistan was created as a result of the tremendous vision of its forebears and their sacrifices, General Munir then raised the slogan, “Pakistan ka matlab kya, La ilaha illallah.” [What is the meaning of Pakistan? There is no God but Allah.]

    He also mentioned that Pakistan is the land of opportunities, and the nation should struggle hard for the progress of the country.

    “We will continue to rise in line with the aspirations of our forefathers and the people of Pakistan, for the bright future of coming generations,” Gen. Asim Munir vowed.

    “We will fight our internal and external challenges,” he added.

    The COAS said that the Pakistan Army will never think twice about making a sacrifice to protect the nation’s territorial integrity, all-encompassing security, and national development initiatives.

  • Imran’s nephew, Hassan Niazi arrested in Abbotabad

    Imran’s nephew, Hassan Niazi arrested in Abbotabad

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and Imran Khan’s nephew Hassan Niazi got arrested in Abbotaabad late on Sunday night. Hassan Niazi’s father, political analyst Hafeez Ullah Niazi, confirmed the arrest in a tweet.
    Sources have told Daily Pakistan that Hassan Niazi, who is also a lawyer, got arrested from his friend’s house in Abbotabad. Hassan Niazi had been in hiding since May 9, to avoid arrest.
    In footage recorded outside Lahore’s Corps Commander’s House, aka Jinnah House, Hassan Niazi could be seen holding the Corp Commander’s uniform that he had stolen from inside the premises.

    Two of Imran Khan’s sisters and Hassan Niazi were named as declared offenders in a case involving the attack on the Jinnah House by a court last month.
    Hafeez Ullah Niazi, Hassan’s father, has said in a tweet that he “hopes no law would be violated.”


    Following Imran Khan’s arrest from the Islamabad High Court on May 9, a mob of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters set fire to and vandalised the Corps Commander House in Lahore. The house, originally a property of Quaid-e-Azam, is also known as Jinnah House.

    Hassan Niazi has been handed over to Quetta Police by Abbottabad Police. Lahore police have also written a letter to the Ministry of Interior Quetta office to bring the accused to Lahore in light of the cases against him regarding the May 9 incidents.

    According to the details provided by ARY News, Hassan Niazi’s case has now been forwarded to the military court. However, police have said that Hassan Niazi was transferred from Quetta to Rawalpindi to face the military trial.

    The court directed the IG, CCPO, and SHO to present Hassan Niazi before the court if they had him.

    Hassan’s father, Hafeezullah Niazi, had requested the Lahore High Court to seek the release of his son. It is mentioned in the petition that Hassan Niazi should be presented before the court.



  • Hina Parvez Butt’s son protects her after she is attacked in London

    Hina Parvez Butt’s son protects her after she is attacked in London

    Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leader Hina Parvez Butt has been attacked by supporters of political arch-rivals Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) during a trip to London. The former legislator took to X (formerly known as Twitter) on August 14, at 1:13am PST, posting a video in which she can be seen coming under attack by PTI supporters in front of her son, as they threw bottles at her and hurled abuses. She questioned whether such people are defaming Pakistan or not.

    In the video she shared, her son can be seen protecting her by holding her and gently patting her back.

    She has decided to take the matter of assault in London up with the city’s police and press charges against the harassers today as reported by Murtaza Ali Shah.

    Journalist Ailia Zehra condemned the act of violence by mentioning that attacking a woman in front of her child is a despicable act.

    Broadcast Journalist Najia Ashar stated this act is disgusting and there is no justification for such behavior.

    Digital Journalist Saadia Ahmed also questioned the act.
    https://twitter.com/khwamkhwah/status/1690887290590314497?s=20

    No matter what one’s political ideologies are or what political party one supports, attacking and abusing has no justification ever.

  • Who said NO to a civil award this year?

    Who said NO to a civil award this year?

    On June 18, Dawn News’, Snaullah Khan tweeted that a senior anchor has refused the presidential award being offered by the government, stating that it goes against his professional responsibilities. He then asked his followers to guess, the name of the TV host, including Kamran Khan, Hamid Mir, Sohail Warraich, Nadeem Malik, Shahzeb Khanzada, Saleem Safi, Chauhdary Ghulam Hussain in his list of probables.

    On August 13, Sanaullah mentioned while quoting his previous tweet that he has been following the process of awarding of civil honours for a long time and has observed that a lot of journalists use their connections to be nominated for the award, but Geo’s Shahzeb Khanzada refused the prestigious award after it was offered to him, stating that it might impact his neutrality.

    Sources told The Current that Shahzeb Khanzada was informed about his name being recommended for the civil awards back in May. He politely declined, saying he doesn’t want his impartiality to be questioned as he is a professional and would like his work to remain professional and unbiased.

    Khanzada’s fellow journalists are applauding him on the decision.

    Dunya’s Ajmal Jami called Khanzada’s refusal “commendable”.

    Journalist Asad Ali Toor stated in a tweet that he is proud of Shahzeb Khanzada.

    Editor Investigation at Hum News, Zahid Gishkori, commended Khanzada’s decision while mentioning that something similar was done by his executive former editor Zia ud Din.

    Journalist and Columnist Shahnila Ammar Sikandar mentioned that journalist Talat Hussain also refused to take Pride of Performance award during Nawaz Sharif’s government.

  • Celebrities send out prayers and hopes for a prosperous tomorrow on Independence Day

    Celebrities send out prayers and hopes for a prosperous tomorrow on Independence Day

    On August 14, the National Independence Day of Pakistan, entertainment and sports stars are celebrating the occasion by sharing messages of hope and prosperity with their millions of followers. Let’s see what some prominent figures have to say.

    Singer and activist Shehzad Roy shared a song by Imran Akhood, who wrote a song about every Pakistani’s right to make a fair living.

    Actor and producer Humayun Saeed prayed for Allah to bless the nation with strength and traits that lead to progress and prosperity.

    Cricket player Shaheen Shah Afridi celebrated the day with a post on his Instagram stories, praying for peace and prosperity.

    Singer and actor Ahmed Ali Butt shared an Instagram post where he hoped one day, Pakistan would truly meet the definition of ‘Azaadi’ by being ‘debt-free, progress-minded and not suppressed.”

  • What are Pakistani politicians saying on Independence Day?

    As Pakistan celebrates its 76th Independence Day, let’s take a look at what the country’s leaders chose to highlight in their messages.

    Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has congratulated the nation on Independence Day in a prerecorded video, filmed before his arrest on August 5. He has also gave a message to Pakistan’s youth that they need to struggle hard to achieve success, adding that there is no need to go abroad to earn money.  Iman Khan has also said that Pakistan was Allama Iqbal’s dream, and as a nation, we need to struggle hard for its success.

    On the other hand, the outgoing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his best wishes to the nation on Independence Day.

    He also paid tributes to Quaid-e-Azam in a tweet posted on Monday:

    “On the 76th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence, I join the nation in paying rich tributes to the Quaid-i-Azam, and hundreds of thousands of unsung heroes of the freedom movement for their selflessness, sacrifices, and devotion to the cause of Pakistan. The Quaid’s statesmanship was a critical factor in shaping Pakistan’s story”.

    The vice president of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), Maryam Nawaz Sharif, wrote “Pakistan Zindabad” in her tweet.

    Interim Chief Minister of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi, has said in his tweet, “Happy Independence Day. Honoured to join the 14th August function alongside Cabinet members, Judiciary, Army, Administration, and Police officers”. Senator Sherry Rehman has also said in her tweet “Happy Independence Day to all my fellow Pakistanis”.


    On the other hand, former finance minister Ishaq Dar also wrote in his tweet “Happy Independent Day”.

  • English teacher targeted and killed on blasphemy allegation in Turbat

    English teacher targeted and killed on blasphemy allegation in Turbat

    Trigger warning: Murder

    A teacher linked to a language center was shot and killed by unidentified armed men in Turbat town, Kech district. Abdul Rauf, a 22-year-old English teacher, was attacked near a graveyard in the Malikabad area while on his way to an ulema jirga to address allegations of blasphemy.

    Students of the language centre had accused Rauf of committing blasphemy during a lecture, which gained attention on social media. Sudhir Ahmed, the centre’s principal, stated that ulema visited to listen to both sides, with Rauf denying the allegations and apologising for any objectionable words.

    Despite the attempt to resolve the matter, Rauf was killed before reaching the jirga, attended by over 100 ulema. The police were informed, though the family did not file a case. The body was taken to their hometown, Bal Nagor, for burial.

    A case against unknown individuals has been filed, and a special police team is investigating the incident. Authorities discourage spreading hate or unverified news on social media. Rauf was part-time teaching at the centre while studying at Turbat University.

  • 57-year-old Tesla driver collides with truck while relying on driver assistance technology

    57-year-old Tesla driver collides with truck while relying on driver assistance technology

    Trigger Warning: Content includes details of a fatal car collision.

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a crucial inquiry into a fatal incident involving a Tesla Model Y. The collision occurred on July 19, when a Tesla collided with a tractor-trailer truck in Virginia, resulting in the death of the Tesla’s 57-year-old driver. It is suspected that the driver had been relying on Tesla’s advanced driver assistance programmes at the time.

    The Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office provided additional details, revealing that the collision transpired as the tractor-trailer attempted to turn onto a highway from a truck stop, leading the Tesla to slide underneath the trailer. The Tesla driver was pronounced dead at the scene, and the truck driver was issued a summons for reckless driving.

    While authorities initially attributed the incident to the truck driver, the NHTSA is investigating Tesla’s assistance programme due to its supposed capability to account for errors caused by other road users. This investigation is part of a broader series of inquiries, with over thirty investigations into accidents involving Tesla vehicles and their advanced assistance systems, which are suspected to have contributed to 23 deaths since 2016.

    In 2021, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) called on the NHTSA to establish stricter regulations for autonomous driving, citing concerns about limited oversight and reporting requirements for Tesla’s technology.

    Tesla’s Autopilot technology, designed to handle steering, acceleration, and braking within a lane, along with lane changes on highways, requires human supervision. However, the company has not responded to inquiries about the recent incident or the ongoing investigation by Reuters. The NHTSA’s examination raises critical questions about the evolving landscape of autonomous driving and the delicate balance between technological innovation and safety.

  • ‘I’ve been establishment ki aankh ka taara for 30 years’: Shehbaz Sharif

    ‘I’ve been establishment ki aankh ka taara for 30 years’: Shehbaz Sharif

    Talking to journalists in Islamabad on Saturday, outgoing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that he has never denied his links with the establishment, calling himself the apple of their eyes. “When was my relationship with the establishment not good?”

    Last week, Shehbaz lamented being touted as an “establishment’s man”.

    “I was called the establishment’s man, but I did not care about those taunts. I never met army chiefs for personal reasons; the only motive behind those meetings was to ensure that the establishment and governments take the country forward together.”

    Shehbaz Sharif said this during a farewell ceremony at the Prime Minister’s house. Senior reporters, journalists, and anchors came to the event.

    On this occasion, the prime minister was questioned about why, in addition to encouraging investment in the nation, he was attributing General Asim Munir’s leadership to the Bhara Kahu Bypass project’s success

    He said in response that the army chief was to be credited for ensuring the project’s prompt completion.

    On the other hand, Former Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb has explained that Shehbaz Sharif’s statement about being the apple of the establishment’s eye, he said it satirically. 
    Maryam Aurangzeb further clarified that Shahbaz Sharif said, “If I am the apple of the eye, then why was I in Attock Fort, Attock Jail, Adiala Jail, and Kot Lakhpat Jail.” She added that Shahbaz Sharif went to jail during both General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani’s time and General Musharraf’s time.