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  • Rajab Butt, Anas Ali among influencers booked for promotion of gambling apps

    Rajab Butt, Anas Ali among influencers booked for promotion of gambling apps

    The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has filed separate cases against three well-known social media influencers, namely Rajab Butt, Anas Ali and Hurairah, accusing them of promoting gambling through online betting applications and deceiving their audiences.

    The complaints were lodged in Lahore under various provisions, including the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), fraud and other applicable laws. The accused allegedly served as brand ambassadors for these gambling platforms, enticing the public to invest money by promising high financial returns.

    Before initiating legal proceedings, the NCCIA had issued formal warnings to the influencers. Authorities claim the influencers’ promotions led thousands of people to invest their savings into these apps, resulting in financial losses amounting to crores of rupees.

    On Sept 6, the NCCIA issued official summons to several high-profile YouTubers and influencers as part of its investigation into the promotion of online gambling and betting apps. Among those called to appear before the agency were Rajab Butt, Iqra Kanwal and Anas Ali. Written notices were also sent requiring their presence for questioning.

    Butt, who has been residing in Dubai and frequently traveling to the UK, is reportedly the central figure in the probe. He has been specifically accused of urging young people to invest in online gambling apps, promoting trading and betting platforms through his social media channels and designing a coordinated scheme to mislead the public and rob them of their money.

    The official notice also said that if Butt fails to appear, it will be assumed that he has no defence or explanation to offer.

  • ‘Time for action is now’: Pakistan urges Security Council to ensure accountability, justice for Palestinians

    ‘Time for action is now’: Pakistan urges Security Council to ensure accountability, justice for Palestinians

    Deputy Prime Minister (PM) and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has called on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), and the broader international community, to act decisively and uphold human dignity while ensuring accountability and justice for the people of Palestine.

    Dar, who is currently accompanying PM Shehbaz Sharif for 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York, called Gaza a “graveyard for humanity and the global conscience” in his national statement at the UNSC meeting on the Middle East situation.

    “Hospitals, schools and markets lie in ruins. The very fabric of society has been torn apart while over 64,000 lives have been lost and over 100,000 have been injured,” he said, adding that the time for words had passed and it was now the “time for action”.

    FM Dar also said that the humanitarian situation in Gaza had reached catastrophic proportions as famine was now a reality, putting over half a million people at grave risk. “Dozens of Palestinians were killed a day, 300,000 people have been uprooted and nearly one million face imminent displacement.”

    “The roar of fighter jets, the plumes of smoke from tank fire and the collapse of buildings… what must this relentless violence mean for women, children and the most vulnerable? And what of the hostages caught in the crossfire whose lives hang in the balance?” he asked.

    Dar said that the “time for action is upon us”, and called for urgent and concrete measures, including immediate unconditional and permanent ceasefire, full unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza and the immediate lifting of the blockade to allow life-saving aid. He also called for a categorical end to any forced displacement of Palestinians from their lands.

    The FM further reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people in their just struggle for dignity, justice and self-determination through the establishment of a sovereign, independent and contiguous Palestinian state on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds al Sharif as its capital.

    He also welcomed the two-state solution conference shared by France and Saudi Arabia, and appreciated the recent recognitions of the state of Palestine by numerous member states.

  • Minor boy raped before being murdered in Karachi

    Minor boy raped before being murdered in Karachi

    A post-mortem report on a seven-year-old boy found dead inside a bag in the Karachi’s Landhi area confirmed evidence of rape, Police Surgeon Sumaiya Tariq said on Tuesday.

    After the victim, identified as Saad Ali, went to buy sweets from a nearby shop on September 18, he went missing. Later, his body was discovered stuffed in a bag left at a garbage dump near Lal Mazar in Landhi.

    The police surgeon stated that the post-mortem report revealed a blow to the head which killed Ali, adding that samples from various body organs have been sent for further chemical examination to ascertain the facts.

    Meanwhile, the victim’s funeral prayers were offered in Landhi 36-B, where the family lives.

    Ali’s father Salman, while speaking to the media, stated that after receiving no help from the police despite filing a report, the family searched for the boy for days.

    He said that the family was left with no choice but to initiate a search for the boy on their own after police did not even bother looking at footage from CCTV cameras near the garbage dump where the boy was found.

    Calling for the immediate arrest of those involved in the abduction and killing of his son, Salman also demanded departmental action against police officials, who, according to him, failed to respond to the family’s calls for help in finding the boy.

    On the other hand, the Police claimed to have been in contact with the victim’s family, saying they will file a First Information Report (FIR) following the final rites of the boy.

    Citing a senior police official, a media report stated that two individuals have been arrested so far over their alleged involvement in the rape and killing of the boy. Speaking at a press conference, the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Landhi stated that the suspects, identified as Hasan and Suhail, have confessed to the crime.

    The official added that the suspects admitted to luring the minor boy, who was familiar with them, with sweets and later raping and murdering him.

  • ‘New dancer in the house’: Ushna Shah’s sizzling dance video sets internet on fire

    ‘New dancer in the house’: Ushna Shah’s sizzling dance video sets internet on fire

    Pakistani actress Ushna Shah has once again proven that there’s little she can’t do. There is no doubt that she is a phenomenal actress but we did not know that she is a very good dancer as well. Her new dance video has hit the internet by storm and social media users are not getting over it.

    In a recent Instagram post, Ushna dropped a surprise dance video that has since taken social media by storm. Dancing to Angels in Tibet by Amaarae, the actress is seen confidently grooving in a white shirt and trousers, with her hair flowing freely, giving off a true rockstar vibe. She cheekily captioned the video, “Challo beta aunty ko danshi kar ke dikhao,” and, well, she delivered.

    The internet exploded with praise, and fellow celebrities were quick to hype up Ushna’s unexpected performance. Stylist Tariq Amin dropped clapping emojis, while actress Zoya Nasir lit up the comments with fire emojis. Media personality Hasan Rizvi declared, “Not bad Ushnaaaaaa pushnaaaaa, we have a new dancer in the house!”

    Actress Anoushay Abbasi couldn’t hold back either, commenting “Dayum,” and fans echoed the excitement. “Girl, what?! I never knew you were a great dancer!! ATEE,” wrote one user. Another demanded: “More, more, more!”

    Known for her stellar performances in hit dramas like Balaa, Cheekh, Parizaad, and Habs, the versatile star has now left fans stunned with a talent no one saw coming.

    From powerful acting to powerful views and now killer dance moves, Ushna Shah continues to amaze fans with her range. Whether she’s playing emotionally intense roles on screen or breaking into spontaneous dance, one thing is clear, Ushna knows how to steal the spotlight.

  • Shadab, Ashwin set to play together for Sydney Thunder in BBL

    Shadab, Ashwin set to play together for Sydney Thunder in BBL

    Pakistani leg-spinner Shadab Khan and Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin are set to feature together for Sydney Thunder in the upcoming Big Bash League season.

    Foreign media reports confirm that Ashwin has agreed to join Thunder for the 2025/26 edition, making him the first capped Indian cricketer to play in the BBL. Shadab was picked by Thunder earlier this year and is currently recovering from shoulder surgery.

    The pairing of Ashwin and Shadab promises one of the most exciting spin partnerships in the league. Both are known for their tactical bowling and all-round ability, and their presence could strengthen Thunder’s chances after finishing runners-up in the previous season.

    Cricket fans are likely to view the partnership as more than just a sports move, with a Pakistani and an Indian spinner sharing the same dressing room in Australia’s premier T20 tournament.

  • Stolen mobile phones worth Rs2.2 million might soon be returned to owners in Karachi

    Stolen mobile phones worth Rs2.2 million might soon be returned to owners in Karachi

    Mobile phone owners in Karachi will soon get back their stolen devices worth Rs2.2 million through the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC).

    KEDA President Muhammad Rizwan Irfan said police and CPLC recovered 145 mobile phones during joint efforts, which have now been given to CPLC. He added that another 150 phones will soon be handed over, after which CPLC will return them to their rightful owners.

    According to Rizwan Irfan, the association has so far recovered stolen and snatched mobile phones worth Rs260 million from the market and returned them to citizens.

    He said police, CPLC and the association are working under strict procedures to regulate the sale and purchase of new and used phones. Before buying or selling any device, dealers must verify the IMEI number and the seller’s ID card with CPLC.

    Under the procedure, if a citizen brings a phone for sale and CPLC confirms that it was stolen or snatched, the association immediately hands the device over to CPLC.

    The KEDA president said the procedure currently applies only in Karachi. He urged authorities to expand it across Sindh, which would help recover more stolen and snatched phones.

  • Japan shows interest in investing in Reko Diq mines

    Japan shows interest in investing in Reko Diq mines

    Japan has shown interest in joining Pakistan’s multibillion-dollar Reko Diq copper and gold mining project, expanding its investment beyond the auto sector. The country is seeking collaboration with local and international investors in the mining venture, The Express Tribune reported.

    The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) was briefed about Japan’s interest in the project. The Finance Division assured the committee that foreign remittances would remain stable and no capital flight would occur.

    The proposal includes two types of guarantees: a sovereign guarantee from the government to ensure project completion, and an additional guarantee from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for Balochistan Mineral Resource Limited (BMRL) equity.

    Saudi Arabia has already expressed interest in the project, with plans to acquire a 15 percent shareholding and contribute capital.

    According to the Petroleum Division, the project’s equity is valued at 900 million dollars, with half provided by sponsors and the rest by agencies. State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) will repatriate funds through Pakistan Minerals Private Limited (PMPL) over seven years to meet their 2.145 billion dollar commitment, either as equity or shareholder loans.

    The Petroleum Division said the project aims to raise 3.5 billion dollars in financing while giving priority to healthcare, safety, security, and community welfare. Lenders and creditors are directly handling the financing, and representatives stressed the importance of the project.

    The ECC noted the potential of the Reko Diq project to transform Balochistan’s economy and deliver significant benefits to Pakistan. The Petroleum Division sought approval for final terms and definitive agreements, including permission for PMPL to repatriate funds for the SOEs’ 2.145 billion dollar commitment.

    The foreign exchange needed for the investment will be arranged by Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDC) and Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) from their own resources. If required, the government will provide additional foreign exchange.

    The Petroleum Division also requested approval for BMRL’s repatriation of funds in line with the cabinet’s December 2022 decision. The ECC was asked to authorise the secretaries of the Petroleum and Finance Divisions to finalise and sign the required government guarantees under the Rules of Business, 1973.

  • PTI’s Falak Javed ‘missing’ after arrest for defaming govt, state institutions on social media

    PTI’s Falak Javed ‘missing’ after arrest for defaming govt, state institutions on social media

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activist Sanam Javed’s sister and social media personality Falak Javed Khan has been arrested for defaming government officials and state institutions, it emerged Wednesday.

    “Social media activist Falak Javed Khan has been arrested. We strongly condemn this illegal arrest,” read a post on PTI’s X (formerly Twitter) account.

    Sanam, in a statement on X, also said that her sister was “abducted”, describing Falak as “a staunch supporter of former prime minister (PM) Imran Khan and a fearless voice for many in Pakistan”.

    She further said that shortly after Falak’s arrest, journalist Hassan Ayub shared a picture of her in custody, however, since then, she had been “missing” and no one knows what has happened to her or where she is being held.

    “We urge everyone to raise their voice for Falak Javed. Her life is in serious danger. We strongly condemn this unlawful abduction and demand justice and her immediate release,” Sanam added.

    Earlier, Ayub had in a post on X said that Falak used social media for “illegal activities” and made “false allegations against government personalities and state institutions” in violation of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).

    “Police investigation is ongoing so that the facts come to light. The law is equal for everyone and they will have to answer for their actions,” he said.

    Authorities concerned are yet to issue any statement regarding the arrest.

  • Shakeel Siddiqui reveals refusing massive Bigg Boss offer

    Shakeel Siddiqui reveals refusing massive Bigg Boss offer

    Veteran Pakistani comedian Shakeel Siddiqui has revealed that he turned down a major offer to participate in India’s hit reality show Bigg Boss, despite being promised big benefits and a non-exit, two-month guaranteed stay.

     

    In a candid conversation on Ahmed Ali Butt’s podcast, Siddiqui shared that showrunners approached him with an attractive proposal, offering not just a hefty paycheck but also full creative freedom within the house. “Yes… a very big offer. I could do anything and eat anything there,” he admitted. But even with all the perks, Siddiqui declined.

     

    Explaining his decision, he said, “I told them, being the only Pakistani among all Indians would spark chaos and they admitted that’s exactly what they wanted. But I still said no.”

     

    Known for his strong moral stance, Shakeel also touched on the state of the entertainment industry in Pakistan, criticizing “unnecessary vulgarity” in dance performances and expressing his shock over what is passed off as “item numbers” in Pakistani films. Drawing comparisons, he remarked, “Even a boy can look good while dancing like Hrithik Roshan in India. Wearing short clothes is not a requirement.”

     

    Shakeel further disclosed that he was approached multiple times for Pakistan’s reality show Tamasha as well but rejected it too, citing concerns over the quality of participants. “If I ever join, I want other contestants to be senior artists with a proper body of work — not TikTokers,” he asserted.

     

    Addressing criticism over his work in India, Siddiqui reminded audiences that several renowned Pakistani comedians, including Umar Sharif, Babu Baral, and Rauf Lala, also performed there. “I didn’t go to just any show, I worked with celebrities on Sony TV’s Comedy Circus, and also with Kapil Sharma,” he said, emphasizing the prestige of his projects.

     

     In a moment of reflection, the seasoned comedian noted, “I’ve worked in this industry for 35 years… but no one remembers that.”

    It should be mentioned here that Pakistani actress Veena Malik made headlines when she participated in the fourth season of India’s popular reality show Bigg Boss in 2010. Known for her bold personality and controversial statements, Veena quickly became one of the most talked-about contestants of the season. Her on-screen chemistry with Indian actor Ashmit Patel drew significant media attention in both India and Pakistan.

  • Waqar Younis just joked about his missing finger, but do you know what happened to it?

    Waqar Younis just joked about his missing finger, but do you know what happened to it?

    Abrar Ahmed and Wanindu Hasaranga turned the Asia Cup clash into a spectacle of fun when both copied each other’s celebration styles, while Waqar Younis, watching from the commentary box, ended up joking about his missing finger.

    Pakistan’s mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed dismissed Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga in the 13th over, and in a cheeky gesture, celebrated in Hasaranga’s trademark style. Later in the game, when Sri Lanka came out to the field to defend, Hasaranga returned the favour. He celebrated in Abrar’s style after picking up a wicket, leaving commentators and fans in stitches.

    The camera caught the exchanges in close detail, and soon everyone from the crowd to the commentary box was enjoying the fun. Former Pakistan pacer Waqar Younis, while commentating, joked that he wished he could join the fun too: “If I had all 10 fingers, I would also celebrate like Hasaranga after taking a wicket.”

    Waqar’s light remark led fans to recall why the legendary fast bowler is missing a finger. A very young Waqar had a tragic accident while swimming with cousins in a canal in Multan. To jump off a bridge into the water, he tried climbing through iron grills that were already slippery from water, making the future fast bowling legend lose his balance. As his body weight dragged him down, one of his fingers got stuck in the metal bars and was severed.

    The fall also broke three of his ribs. Waqar later shared that, at first, he didn’t even realize his finger was gone. The pain in his ribs and the blood on his body made him think he was hurt elsewhere. Only after looking at his hand did he discover the truth. He was in his mid-teens at the time, close to 15 years of age. 

    Despite that early accident, Waqar went on to become one of Pakistan’s greatest fast bowlers, leading the famous “Two Ws” era with Wasim Akram and inspiring generations of cricketers.

    Pakistan on Tuesday night defeated Sri Lanka by five wickets in a crucial Super Fours match of the Asia Cup.

     Pakistan will now face Bangladesh in a must-win clash on September 25. The Asia Cup final is scheduled to be played on September 28.