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  • Gigi Hadid endorses Pakistani animated film ‘The Glassworker’

    Gigi Hadid endorses Pakistani animated film ‘The Glassworker’

    Supermodel Gigi Hadid has shown support for The Glassworker, Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animated feature film, by sharing stills from the movie on her Instagram story.

    Her gesture has given the film global attention and highlighted rising appreciation for Pakistani cinema.

    Directed by Usman Riaz, The Glassworker took more than ten years to complete. The film tells the story of Vincent, a young apprentice glassblower, and Alliz, a gifted violinist, whose lives connect during a time of war.

    The story touches on themes of love, loss, and the struggles of life during war, all brought to life through beautiful, hand-drawn animation.

    The movie has already been praised for its animation and storytelling, winning recognition at several international film festivals. It has also been selected as Pakistan’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards.

    As The Glassworker continues to make waves internationally, it stands as a proud moment for Pakistan and a reminder of the power of storytelling through art.

  • Maria B in trouble over remarks on transgender community

    Maria B in trouble over remarks on transgender community

    An inquiry has been initiated against fashion designer Maria B at the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).

    According to reports, Naeem Butt alias Seema Butt filed an application with the NCCIA, alleging that Maria B spoke against the transgender community on social media. The applicant claimed Maria B propagated against the transgender community on social media and that transgenders were hurt due to her propaganda.

    The NCCIA has launched an inquiry into the case and summoned Maria B on August 26.

    The controversy began when Maria B shared clips of a gathering online, condemning the event, claiming minors were present, and describing it as an attempt to normalize values inconsistent with cultural and religious traditions. She also linked the gathering to foreign influence, stating she would continue highlighting such events despite anticipated backlash.

    Following the videos, police arrested several transgender individuals for organizing what was described as an “objectionable” private gathering. The arrests prompted widespread attention after clips of the event, reportedly showing 50 to 60 participants, circulated on social media.

    The matter went to a magistrate in Lahore, who dismissed the case, stating the police provided no incriminating evidence. The court observed that no eyewitnesses were present, no statements were recorded, and no proper documentation allowed entry into the private property. The magistrate suggested the defendants were implicated based on “forged and concocted facts” and denied the police’s plea for a 10-day physical remand, releasing all the transgender persons. Their lawyer, Haider Butt, confirmed their release.

    Conversely, transgender rights advocate Nayyab Ali dismissed the accusations, noting that those in the videos were not affiliated with the rights movement and questioned whether Maria B’s sharing of the clips amounted to dissemination of “fahashi.” 

    Human rights activists and legal experts have expressed concerns that morality laws are ambiguously worded, prone to arbitrary application, and often disproportionately affect marginalized communities.

  • Major target-killing, terror network busted as CTD arrests four linked to India’s RAW

    Major target-killing, terror network busted as CTD arrests four linked to India’s RAW

    The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on Saturday said that it found involvement of the Indian intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) in the target killing of a man in Sindh’s Badin and arrested six suspects in this connection during a joint operation with federal intelligence agencies.

    According to CTD, a major terrorist network and safe houses operating in Karachi were also unearthed. An entire network working for RAW has been exposed, with six suspects in total arrested so far.

    In a press conference held in Karachi, CTD Additional Inspector General (AIG) Azad Khan stated that the suspects were arrested on July 8 in connection with the killing of 45-year-old Abdur Rehman on May 18 in Badin’s Malti. According to Khan, Rehman was a local barber known for his welfare work.

    During interrogation, investigators discovered a wider network allegedly run by RAW handler Sanjay Sanjeev Kumar, based abroad, who remained in contact with the suspects and orchestrated the plot.

    According to AIG Khan, before carrying out the killing, the suspects conducted reconnaissance for five days in Matli. CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts identified three of the apprehended men at the crime scene, adding that Indian media had celebrated the murder, which further underscored the involvement of RAW.

    Additionally, the network included a gang formed by a suspect named Salman, comprising Umair, Sajad, Obaid and Shakeel. Investigators confirmed that the money transferred through bank accounts for the operation provided proof of terror financing. Following these findings, a case of terrorism financing was also registered.

    From their possession, authorities recovered a 9mm pistol, a 30-bore pistol, mobile phones, and a motorcycle, he added.

    AIG Khan stressed that RAW’s involvement has been fully established, as the suspects had admitted to working as agents for the Indian agency, noting their travel history was also in the possession of investigators.

    Khan confirmed that more arrests are expected as the investigation into suspects’ statements, recoveries, bank transactions, and RAW’s role continues.

  • Mahira Khan shares heartfelt birthday note for director Asim Raza

    Mahira Khan shares heartfelt birthday note for director Asim Raza

    Star Mahira Khan just reminded everyone why her bond with film director Asim Raza is one of the most cherished friendships in the industry. The superstar took to Instagram to share a heartfelt birthday wish, and fans cannot stop talking about the love-filled message.

    Posting a series of warm, candid pictures with Raza, Mahira wrote, “You are and will always be the One for me.” Her note radiated nothing but pure affection and gratitude for the man who has been a constant in her personal and professional life.

    She continued with a beautiful prayer, “May you be surrounded by music and love, family and all of us who love you so dearly. May there always be sukoon in your heart and in your life. Ameen. InshAllah.”

    “And may we continue to dance to the music only we can hear. And and and… one swan song, we must! Ameen. I love you always and forever,” she added, leaving fans emotional.

    The director didn’t hold back either. Replying to Mahira’s note, Asim wrote, “Thank you, for the light you bring, For lifting my soul and making it sing. May our bond keep blooming, season by season.”

    Fans were quick to shower love on the post, with one user commenting, “So cute ”. Another said, “This post is so wholesome ❤ both of you are absolute gems istg!!” One wrote, “Oh to be an angel like you ,” and someone else added, “O m g this lady .”

    Mahira, who has worked with Asim Raza on hits like Ho Mann Jahaan and Parey Hut Love, hinted that their creative journey isn’t over yet.

  • Pakistan wins two gold medals at Asian Bodybuilding Championship

    Pakistan wins two gold medals at Asian Bodybuilding Championship

    Pakistani bodybuilders delivered an impressive performance at the 57th Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship in Bangkok, securing two gold medals for the country.

    The championship, which runs from August 21 to 25, features top athletes from across Asia. Pakistan’s Ijaz Ahmed and Firasat Ali Khan claimed the top spots in their respective weight categories.

    Ijaz Ahmed dominated the Masters category (ages 50 to 60) and the 80 kg weight division, leaving his Indian rivals behind. Vietnam secured second place in this category, while Malaysia finished third. 

    Despite reaching the finals, two Indian bodybuilders could only secure fourth and fifth positions.

    In the 75 kg weight category, Firasat Ali Khan outperformed strong competitors to claim gold. He defeated three Indian athletes and one Afghan contender to take the top spot on the podium.

    A total of nine Pakistani bodybuilders are participating in the event, representing the country on the international stage. The strong start has boosted team morale, and hopes are high for more victories in the coming days.

  • Atiqa Odho’s mother has a crush on this Pakistani actor

    Atiqa Odho’s mother has a crush on this Pakistani actor

    Senior actress Atiqa Odho has once again showcased her sense of humor by making everyone laugh during a TV program.

    Atiqa Odho, Nadia Khan, and Marina Khan recently admired Danish Taimoor’s performance in the drama Sher on the show Kya Drama Hai.

    While praising Danish Taimoor’s charm, Atiqa said, “He is every generation’s crush. He is even my mother’s crush.”

    She jokingly added, “If someone makes me Danish’s heroine in a drama, it would be fun. There are stories about older women and young men falling in love.”

    Atiqa continued, “If you can’t make me his heroine, then at least make me his khala instead of his mother in a drama.”

    Nadia Khan and Marina Khan burst into laughter after Atiqa’s remarks.


    Marina Khan joked, “If the romantic pair of Danish Taimoor and Atiqa Odho appears on screen, there will be a storm.”


    Nadia Khan added, “People will make all kinds of comments, and the criticism will never stop.”


    Responding to this, Marina said, “People should understand that it’s just a story and nothing more.”

    Atiqa Odho’s witty comments quickly went viral on social media, where fans enjoyed her lighthearted take.

  • ADB eyes backing railway upgrade linking Reko Diq to Karachi

    ADB eyes backing railway upgrade linking Reko Diq to Karachi

    The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has stepped in to fund upgrades to a key section of Pakistan’s railway network after repeated delays in Chinese financing put a strategic mining-linked project at risk.

    According to reports, the ADB has entered advanced talks to arrange $2 billion in financing for the modernisation of a 500km stretch of railway that was previously included in a Chinese-backed plan. The proposed revamp aims to modernise tracks and bridges from Karachi to Rohri near Sukkur.

    As per the details, this project will allow trains on tracks to operate at higher speeds. Reports indicate that the upgraded line will connect to a branch coming from the Reko Diq mining area at Rohri and will transport copper concentrate to port facilities.

    For reference, copper concentrate is a semi-processed form of copper ore, typically containing 20 to 30 percent copper. Reports indicate that the project has become urgent because the line is essential for carrying copper ore away from the Reko Diq mine.

    It merits a mention that earlier this week, the ADB committed a staggering $410 million in financing for the Reko Diq project, under development by Canada’s Barrick Mining Corp. Reports claim that the ADB’s president is expected to arrive in Islamabad next week for further talks.

    Reko Diq project director Tim Cribb disclosed to a leading international news outlet that Barrick and the federal government will jointly pursue financing for the upgrade of the western branch linking the mine to Rohri. Data from reports indicates that production at Reko Diq is scheduled for 2028, with annual output projected to sit at around 200,000 metric tons of copper concentrate.

    As one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper deposits, the mine represents Pakistan’s biggest foreign investment in recent years. A key government official warned that without railway upgrades, the country will face a crisis as it will face difficulties in transporting output from Reko Diq.

    Additionally, while referencing the Karachi-Rohri line, the government official in question also suggested that “the exhausted line will come under even more pressure” without upgrades. 

    As per reports, neither China’s foreign ministry nor Pakistan’s railway ministry provided an immediate comment on these developments. It merits a mention that the ADB has not confirmed the $2 billion financing package yet, which was initially reported upon by a leading international news outlet. However, the ADB acknowledged that discussions with Pakistan on railway sector development remain ongoing.

    The regional lender stressed that “any potential ADB assistance would be subject to comprehensive due diligence and consideration under ADB’s policies and procedures before any commitment is made,”.

  • PCB to release documentary on 10 years of PSL

    PCB to release documentary on 10 years of PSL

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to produce a documentary on the 10 years of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

    According to reports, the documentary will cover the league’s journey from 2016 to 2025, showcasing its highs and lows as well as key achievements.

    The film will dive into major moments, including the transition of PSL from Dubai to Pakistan and the efforts to bring international players into the country.

    Reports revealed that the documentary will also discuss the challenges PSL faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and how the league managed to keep the tournament going in tough times.

    The documentary will further shed light on how PSL climbed to the top among the world’s leading T20 leagues, becoming a global cricketing brand.

  • Illegal pay raises, unlawful allowances at SECP: audit report

    Illegal pay raises, unlawful allowances at SECP: audit report

    The Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has raised alarm over serious irregularities in the financial dealings of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), citing unauthorised salary hikes, illegal allowances, and billions withheld from the national treasury. According to an audit report, the SECP authorised large increases in the salaries of its chairman and commissioners without securing the required approval from the Ministry of Finance (MoF). 

    Reports reveal that the SECP was required to obtain approval from the finance division for any pay increase to be considered legal. However, the commission’s management approved the move in a Policy Board meeting on October 17, 2024. The raises were also backdated to July 1, 2023, adding an extra financial burden on the national exchequer.

    The audit calculated that the SECP’s Chairman Akif Saeed drew a salary package of a staggering Rs41.53 million during fiscal year (FY) 2023-24, translating into an astronomically high monthly payout of Rs34 lakh per month. Moreover, the report revealed that SECP commissioners received Rs35.8 million during the aforementioned period. 

    Apart from the backdated increase in salaries, reports suggest that the SECP unlawfully disbursed entertainment allowances amounting to a whopping Rs110 million to commissioners and staff. 

    The AGP noted that although the SECP Policy Board authorised these raises, it did not possess the legal authority to approve such changes. Moreover, it merits a mention that the allowance and pay hikes were made without authorisation from the finance division. 

    The audit report has recommended that the MoF either authorise the increases in salary to make them legal or reverse the unlawful changes. According to reports, the audit also found that the SECP failed to transfer approximately Rs14 billion into the Federal Consolidated Fund.

    The SECP’s failure to transfer the funds was in violation of the Public Finance Management Act of 2019, under which revenues generated by federal government entities must be deposited into the Treasury Single Account. Data from reports suggests that the withheld funds came from a range of revenue sources, including Rs4.13 billion from licensing and registration, Rs1.91 billion from specialised companies, Rs591.56 million from the insurance sector, and Rs47.77 million from the securities market.

    Reports indicate that the SECP retained a surplus balance amount of Rs6.99 billion, failing to deposit it into the Federal Consolidated Fund.

  • Dutch FM resigns after failing to secure support for sanctions against Israel

    Dutch FM resigns after failing to secure support for sanctions against Israel

    The Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp on Friday resigned from his caretaker government after failing to secure cabinet support on additional sanctions against Israel over its genocide in Gaza.

    Veldkamp, a member of the centre-right New Social Contract party, told reporters that he could not achieve agreement on “meaningful measures” and had repeatedly faced resistance from colleagues over sanctions already in place.

    “I also see what is happening on the ground in Gaza, the attack on Gaza City, and what is happening in the West Bank, the building decision for the disputed settlement E1, and East Jerusalem,” Veldkamp maintained.

    Last month, he declared far-right Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich unwelcome in the Netherlands, citing their role in inciting settler violence against Palestinians.

    His effort also included revoking three export permits for navy ship components, warning of “deteriorating conditions” in Gaza and the “risk of undesirable end use”.

    Following his resignation, all New Social Contract ministers and state secretaries confirmed their support for Veldkamp and reportedly resigned from the caretaker government in solidarity.

    No successor to Veldkamp has been announced as of yet. The caretaker Dutch government, in place since the collapse of the previous coalition on June 3, is expected to remain until a new coalition is formed after elections in October, which may take months.

    The Netherlands was among 21 countries that signed a joint declaration on Thursday condemning Israel’s approval of a major settlement project in the occupied West Bank, calling it “unacceptable and contrary to international law”.