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  • Pakistani women break barriers as short film Permanent Guest premieres at TIFF

    Pakistani women break barriers as short film Permanent Guest premieres at TIFF

    Pakistani short film Permanent Guest has been selected for its world premiere at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), with director Sana Jafri and the film’s lead cast representing the country on the global stage.

    The launch marks a significant milestone as Jafri becomes the first Pakistani woman to debut a short film at TIFF, now in its 50th year.

    Actress Nadia Afgan shared her excitement on Instagram, highlighting the whirlwind of activities — from interviews to photoshoots — and celebrating the opportunity to showcase Pakistani talent internationally.

    She shared pictures from the red carpet. “Red carpet dreams come true! I’m absolutely thrilled to be here at TIFF with an incredible community of filmmakers and artists from around the world. I’m still pinching myself, being part of “Permanent Guest,” a film that’s breaking barriers as the first Pakistani woman-directed short film to make it to TIFF.”

    The actress also thanked Sana Jaffri, saying: “Huge thank you and jadoo ki jhappi to the brilliant director @sanajafri14 for bringing this powerful story to life and for being a trailblazer in our industry. I have so much love and respect for this brave incredible girl. You are a queen.”

    She also tagged her co-stars and said working with them was an “absolute dream”.

    The team of Permanent Guest are visiting different events in Toronto, sharing their experience working together and the importance of highlighting such issues.

    Set in Lahore, Permanent Guest tells the story of 26-year-old Fatin, who is preparing for a neighborhood wedding with her mother, Yasmeen. Their plans are disrupted by the unexpected arrival of Fatin’s uncle, Shabeer, triggering unresolved trauma. The film confronts the sensitive topic of childhood sexual abuse within South Asian households, challenging the silence that often surrounds such issues.

    The cast includes Rasti Farooq, Nadia Afgan, Salman Shahid, Ali Tahir, and Hiba-i-Zahra. With its poignant narrative and powerful performances, Permanent Guest joins a small but growing list of Pakistani short films featured at TIFF, following Darling by Saim Sadiq and Bhai by Zarrar Khan.

  • ‘Great player, but not a leader’: Salman Butt on Babar Azam

    ‘Great player, but not a leader’: Salman Butt on Babar Azam

    Former Pakistan skipper Salman Butt has reignited debate on social media after questioning Babar Azam’s leadership qualities during his captaincy stint.

    Speaking on a podcast on a YouTube channel, Butt acknowledged Babar’s stature as one of the best batters in the world but argued that captaincy was never his strong suit.

    “I don’t think Babar was one of those players who had that kind of leadership bond you mentioned. I’ve been very clear about this since the time he was captain. Yes, he reached a T20 World Cup final, an Asia Cup final, but it wasn’t his leadership that took us there,” Butt said.

    He pointed to an instance from the last T20 World Cup, where Pakistan suffered a shocking loss against the USA.

    “Babar was once asked about that Super Over decision, whether he was the one to give Mohammad Amir the super over. His answer was that it was a collective decision with the coach involved. That is not a captain’s answer. To come out on the mic and express that shows weakness that you cannot own a decision,” Butt explained.

    The former opener stressed that Babar’s persona is not that of a natural leader.

    “I think we should have preserved him as a top top player and let others take the responsibility. His persona is not that of a leader. Being a great player doesn’t make you a captain,” he declared. 

    Butt is not the first to question Babar’s captaincy. Despite leading Pakistan in 148 matches across all formats with a win percentage of 56.7, his tenure did not deliver any major trophies. While his batting remained world-class, criticism over his tactical decisions eventually led to him stepping down from the role.

    After facing criticism over his strike rate in the T20 format, Babar Azam was dropped from the team. His last international T20 match was on December 13, 2024, against South Africa in Centurion. He is also not part of the squad for the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.

    White-ball head coach Mike Hesson also made it clear that he needs to improve his strike rate to make a comeback in the team.

  • Pakistani-origin doctor abandoned patient mid-operation to have sex with nurse in UK

    Pakistani-origin doctor abandoned patient mid-operation to have sex with nurse in UK

    In a shocking event, a Pakistani-origin doctor in the United Kingdom (UK) abandoned his patient on the operation table to have sex with a nurse.

    According to foreign media reports, 44-year-old Dr Suhail Anjum, a consultant anesthetist, and the nurse were caught in a “compromising position” by a “shocked” colleague at Tameside Hospital in Greater Manchester.

    The incident, which took place in September 2023, surfaced during a fitness practice hearing after the doctor, who had been living in Pakistan, applied to work in the UK once again.

    The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) was told that Dr Anjum had asked another nursing colleague halfway through the surgery to monitor the male patient so he could take a “comfort break”.

    Instead, Dr Anjum entered another operating theatre at the hospital where he had sex with the woman, namely “Nurse C”.

    During the hearing in Manchester, when the General Medical Council (GMC) presented evidence against him, Anjum did not dispute it, saying his behaviour had been “shameful”.

    According to reports, Dr Anjum, who was gone for about eight minutes, returned to the theatre and completed his work. Before the GMC opened the case, Dr Anjum said he did not dispute the facts of the case and admitted engaging in sexual activity with Nurse C.

    Admitting his actions that had the potential to put the patient at risk, he told the MPTS that he wanted to resume his career in the UK, and promised there would never be a repeat of a “one-off error of judgment”.

    “It was quite shameful, to say the least. I only have myself to blame,” the doctor rued, offering apologies to everyone involved.

    “I have always set very high standards for myself because the job is my passion. I don’t know how and why it happened, but I wish I could reverse it.”

    Dr Anjum further said that the incident occurred after a “stressful time” for his family, when he and his spouse were failing “to connect as a couple” after the premature birth of his daughter in January 2023.

    “It took a toll on my personal life, my mental health and wellbeing, and my work at the hospital,” he said.

  • Blasphemy case: Court orders legal action against YouTuber Rajab Butt

    Blasphemy case: Court orders legal action against YouTuber Rajab Butt

    A court in Lahore has directed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to take legal action against YouTuber Rajab Butt over allegations of blasphemy.

    Additional Sessions Judge Shafqat Shehbaz Raja issued a written verdict on a petition filed by the complainant Shehzada Adnan.

    According to the written decision, the complainant had submitted an application seeking the registration of a case over a blasphemy-related matter. The court stated that the petitioner informed them that the NCCIA had failed to act upon his application.

    After hearing all arguments and reviewing the evidence, the court issued a written verdict, directing the NCCIA to proceed with legal action against YouTuber Rajab Butt in accordance with the law. The complainant had filed the petition in July, requesting legal proceedings against Rajab Butt.

    Earlier in March, a case had already been registered against the YouTuber under cybercrime laws.

    In that case, Rajab Butt was accused of “hurting religious sentiments” during the launch of his perfume brand and allegedly mocking Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. Following the registration of the case, Rajab Butt announced the closure of his perfume brand and claimed that he did not mean to hurt anyone’s feelings, as he himself is a Muslim. He then left the country for a period of time.

    Now, the court has officially ordered legal proceedings against him.

    Rajab Butt has also been summoned by the NCCIA in relation to promoting a gambling application. He is accused of advertising gambling apps on social media, similar to fellow YouTuber Ducky Bhai.

    A clip from Rajab’s vlog is also circulating on social media in which his mother calls him and can be heard saying, “We have received a notice,” to which he responds, “What notice?” to which a male voice confirms that it is from NCCIA.

    In his video, he said this is the first notice he has received from NCCIA and he respects the law and his legal team will handle the response.

  • Mahira Khan backs Fawad Khan’s Aabeer Gulaal, urges Pakistani release

    Mahira Khan backs Fawad Khan’s Aabeer Gulaal, urges Pakistani release

    Pakistani superstar Mahira Khan has thrown her full support behind Aabeer Gulaal, the much-anticipated Bollywood romantic-drama starring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, which has released worldwide, except in Pakistan and India.

    Taking to her Instagram stories, Mahira reposted a post calling for the film’s release in Pakistan and added her own fiery endorsement, “Exactly! He is our star! Our cinemas will benefit from releasing the film too.”

    Her comment comes as fans across the globe flock to theaters, while audiences in Pakistan remain deprived due to a lack of clearance from the government.

    The film, originally scheduled for a May 9 release, was delayed and ultimately banned from release in India. It finally saw the light of day on September 12, enjoying a warm reception internationally, but continues to face a roadblock in Pakistan due to the absence of a No Objection Certificate (NOC).

    The film is yet to be cleared for release in Pakistan because of its Indian Origin. However, Aabeer Gulaal has entirely been shot in London and one of its producers – among its three – is a Pakistani living abroad.

    Meanwhile, Aabeer Gulaal is drawing critical acclaim wherever it has been released. A glowing review by a major Indian news outlet, shared on the film’s official Instagram, praised Fawad’s magnetic performance. “Fawad Khan, as always, gives a delightful performance. His looks and smile ensure the battle is half won, while his subtle and impactful act takes care of the rest.”

    The surprise package, however, appears to be Vaani Kapoor, whose performance is being hailed as her career-best. “This is her best performance by miles and viewers will be astonished to see her delivering like a seasoned performer.”

    In a recent interview, Fawad said cinema was begging for such a film because everything is now very intense, dark or dramatic – a thriller or too much of blood and gore. “This is more like a palate cleanser. The best foods are the ones with the simplest ingredients where you can taste everything individually. And that only happens when there’s no complication in it. So, this is that kind of a meal.”

    On the film’s rocky road to release, the superstar candidly admitted, “I was very worried. There was a lot of pressure around the film’s release. But my belief in the story and its message helped me push forward.”

    As Aabeer Gulaal wins hearts across the globe, the only question remains when will it get the green light to do the same in Pakistan.

  • 12 soldiers martyred, 35 terrorists killed: ISPR

    12 soldiers martyred, 35 terrorists killed: ISPR

    At least 12 soldiers were martyred and 35 terrorists killed during two separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) South Waziristan and Bajaur districts between Sept 10 and 13.

    According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the terrorists belonged to Indian proxy Fitna al Khwarij and a heavy cache of weapons was recovered from their possession.

    On details of the action, the military’s media-wing said that an intelligence-based operation was conducted in Bajaur upon receiving information about the presence of terrorists. “During the conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged the Khwarij location, and after an intense fire exchange, 22 Indian sponsored Khwarij were sent to hell.”

    “In another encounter that took place in South Waziristan District, 13 more Khwarij were neutralised by security forces. However, during intense fire exchange, 12 brave sons of soil, having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced Shahadat,” the ISPR added.

    It further said that the killed terrorists remained actively involved in numerous activities in said areas.

    “Intelligence reports have unequivocally confirmed physical involvement of Afghan nationals in these heinous acts. Besides, use of Afghan soil against Pakistan by Fitna al Khawarij terrorists continues to remain a grave point of concern. Pakistan expects the Inteirm Afghan Government to uphold its responsibilities and deny use of its soil for terrorist activities against Pakistan.”

    “Sanitisation operations are being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored Khwarji found in the area, as the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of Indian sponsored terror from the country, and such sacrifices of our brave men further strengthen our resolve,” the statement concluded.

    Pakistan has in recent months been experiencing a surge in terror incidents, particularly in KP and Balochistan. After withdrawing from a ceasefire agreement with the government in November 2022, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) intensified assaults on security forces, police and other law enforcement personnel.

    Fitna al Khwarij is being used to refer to terrorists belonging to the outlawed TTP, while Balochistan-based groups are referred to as Fitna-al-Hindustan to highlight India’s alleged role in terrorism and destabilisation across the country.

  • ‘Underrated batter’: Moeen Ali names THIS Pakistan legend as his favourite

    ‘Underrated batter’: Moeen Ali names THIS Pakistan legend as his favourite

    Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali has revealed that Pakistan’s Saeed Anwar is his favorite cricketer and one of the most “underrated players” in the history of the game.

    Speaking on his podcast Beard Before Wicket, Moeen praised Anwar’s stylish batting and said the former opener had a huge influence on his own game.

    “Saeed Anwar is a legend, but he is massively underrated. They don’t talk about him enough,” Moeen said, adding that Anwar’s record was probably not as good as some other guys, but the way he played made him his favorite player.

    “He was the guy I tried to copy as much as I could. When I was younger, I used to try and bat like him,” he said and added that many cricketers from that era considered Anwar the best.

    “If you speak with a lot of players from that era, they will say he was the best.”

    Anwar, remembered for his record-breaking 194 against India in 1997, was Pakistan’s leading century-maker in ODIs with 20 hundreds. 

    Known for his graceful yet aggressive stroke play, he inspired a generation of batsmen with his fearless approach at the top of the order.

  • Five Afghan refugees arrested for gang-raping Afghan woman in Haripur

    Five Afghan refugees arrested for gang-raping Afghan woman in Haripur

    Haripur police have arrested five Afghan refugees on Friday for allegedly gang-raping a 21-year-old Afghan woman in the Khalabat Township area, media reports have stated. 

    According to police, the woman lives in a rented house in New Abadi Sector 3 on a valid Pakistani visa while her husband works abroad. On Thursday evening, she was walking towards Afghan Camp No 16 to meet relatives when a man who introduced himself as Bacha dragged her into nearby fields and raped her.

    The woman told police that four of his accomplices soon arrived and also assaulted her one after another. She said one of the attackers slapped and punched her when she tried to resist.

    Police identified the suspects as Nadi, Rozi, Khan Sher, Javed, and Naseer. The victim stated that all of them were Afghan refugees.

    “The initial medical report conducted at the Trauma Centre Haripur has confirmed the offence of rape, while the detailed forensic report will follow from FSL,” Khalabat SHO Inspector Sidiq Shah told a digital media outlet.

    He added that all five suspects have been arrested and booked under Section 375-A of the Pakistan Penal Code. Police will present them before a local magistrate on Saturday to seek physical remand.

  • ‘Never seen so many punches to Israel in one go’: Social media loves Pakistan’s response to Israel

    ‘Never seen so many punches to Israel in one go’: Social media loves Pakistan’s response to Israel

    Netizens have commended Pakistan for its firm and uncompromising response to Israel during an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Thursday, held in the wake of Tel Aviv’s illegal strikes on Doha.


    Initiating his address, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, slammed Israel for violating Qatar’s sovereignty.

    “The brazen and illegal assault is not an isolated incident, rather it is part of a broader and consistent pattern of aggression and violation of international law by Israel that undermines regional peace and stability,” Ambassador Ahmad said.

    He termed the attack on Doha as “yet another manifestation of systematic disregard for international law” by Israel, and its brazen policy of destabilising the region.

    When the floor was given to the Israeli ambassador, he hit back with reference to the United States (US) raid that killed Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden on Pakistani soil.

    Exercising Pakistan’s right of reply, Ambassador Ahmad rejected the analogy as “unacceptable and ludicrous”, accusing Israel of attempting to deflect attention from its own “illegal actions and violations of international law”.

    “Israel is an occupier, a serial violator of the UN Charter and international law, that threatens the international community, humanitarian organisations and even the UN itself… and does so with impunity,” Ahmad said.

    “Despite being the aggressor, it pretends to be the victim. But today, it stands fully exposed,” he added.

    “Al Qaeda was largely decimated due to Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts, and we remain committed to this collective endeavour,” he said, reinforcing that Islamabad’s position was based on facts and international law.

    “Maybe he was offended by my words and I apologise for that, but I make sure my speeches stick to facts. And the fact is, Osama bin Laden was killed in Pakistan, and no one condemned the US for that. When other countries attack terrorists, no one condemns them,” he said.


    Netizens react

    Internet users were quick to react to Pakistan’s “teeth-breaking” response to Israel at the UNSC on the presence of its representative.

    “Pakistan Ambassador to the United Nations Asim Ahmad made brilliant & bold critique of Israel at Security Council, terming Israel as ‘irresponsible rogue state, that is, in fact, worst perpetrator of State Terrorism in Gaza’! Bravo! (sic)” wrote Mushahid Hussain Syed, former chair of the Senate foreign relations committee, in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

    “Teeth-breaking response to Israel from Pakistani ambassador in UN. Well done @Asimiahmad you represented not only Pakistan but [also] all those who think Israel is no more a rogue state but it is a terrorist state. You rightly said a ‘serial violater of international law,’” journalist Hamid Mir said in a post on X.

    A third user maintained that “Pakistan just demolished Israel at the UN” by labelling it precisely: “an occupier, a rogue state, and the embodiment of modern state terrorism cloaked in victimhood. This is called diplomatic belting”.

    “Never seen so many slaps & punches to Israel in one go. Pakistan’s envoy at the UNSC meeting. Bravo, hail,” said one netizen while another wrote, “A real round of applause for [Pakistan] for calling such spade a spade!”

    “Amb[assador] Asim’s statement at the UN Security Council, acknowledging Israel as a brutal rogue state, is not a political statement but Pak State’s stance at this highest level of [the] Council of Nations. Words aside, Amb Asia’s delivery of the statement was like a J10 thunder strike,” a social media user maintained.

    Another user, while singling out a single line from Ambassador Ahmad’s speech, sarcastically asked, “Did the Pakistani representative at the UN just say ‘Israel doesn’t even listen to its friends, if it has any’?”

  • Gunmen open fire outside Indian actress’ home in Delhi

    Gunmen open fire outside Indian actress’ home in Delhi

    Unidentified assailants opened fire outside the residence of Bollywood actress Disha Patani in the Civil Lines area of Bareilly on Friday morning, media reports have stated. The attack reportedly took place around 3:30 AM, according to Bareilly Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anurag Arya.

    The gunmen, who arrived on a motorcycle, targeted the home of retired Circle Officer Jagdish Patani, Disha Patani’s father. Police were alerted immediately after the incident, and a case has been registered at Kotwali police station under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code.

    “Two unidentified bike-borne assailants fired at the residence of retired CO Jagdish Patani. We dispatched police teams to the location without delay. Armed personnel have now been deployed to ensure the safety of the family,” SSP Arya confirmed.

    He further stated that five special teams have been formed under SP City and SP Crime to investigate the case. “Strict action will be taken against those involved. I met the family personally and assured them of full protection,” he added.

    As of now, actress Disha Patani has not issued a public statement regarding the attack.

    This is not the first time that a celebrity’s house is being targeted in India. Just weeks ago, two gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire outside Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s residence in Mumbai’s Bandra area, firing five rounds.

    Indian singer and rapper Sidhu Moose Wala was murdered in a gun attack. He was shot dead by unidentified assailants on May 29 2022. A Canada-based gangster named Goldy Brar and a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility for the killing, which the police said was the culmination of an inter-gang rivalry.

    Disha Patani is known for her roles in hit films such as M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016), Baaghi 2 (2018), Bharat (2019), Malang (2020), and Radhe (2021). She has also worked in Telugu cinema (Loafer, 2015) and international projects like Kung Fu Yoga (2017). Her recent releases include Yodha and Kalki 2898 AD (both 2024), with upcoming titles like B & B: Bujji and Bhairava and Kanguva on the horizon.