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  • French influencer tortured to death during 10-day live stream challenge

    French influencer tortured to death during 10-day live stream challenge

    A shocking incident in France has claimed the life of popular social media influencer and former soldier Raphael Graven, who died during a brutal live stream on Kick that lasted for 10 days.

    According to media reports, investigators are probing the horrifying circumstances of his death, which took place at his residence in the town of Conte. Reports revealed that during the live stream, Graven was subjected to physical abuse, deprived of sleep, and forced to endure extreme pain.

    Graven was known online as Jean Pormano or JP, had over one million followers, and was widely recognised for taking part in dangerous and extreme challenges. His live sessions often involved humiliation and abuse, making him notorious on the internet for pushing boundaries to entertain his audience.

    In this fatal session, Graven was coerced into performing difficult and life-threatening challenges for more than a week. According to reports, his broadcast on the platform Kick suddenly stopped when viewers noticed he was no longer moving.

    Footage from the stream showed Graven lying motionless on a mattress. At one point, someone threw a water bottle at him, but he did not respond. It is alleged that two other influencers were behind the abuse, repeatedly assaulting him during the live stream.

    Authorities stated that Graven endured 10 days of continuous torture, including severe beatings and sleep deprivation.

    French officials have launched an investigation into the case. Clara Chappaz, the minister for digital affairs, called the incident “horrific,” while Children’s Commissioner Sarah El Haïry described it as “heartbreaking” and urged online platforms to take strict action against violent content to protect vulnerable audiences, especially children.

  • ISPR rubbishes Suhail Warraich’s claims of ‘interview with army chief’

    ISPR rubbishes Suhail Warraich’s claims of ‘interview with army chief’

    Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has denied claims that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir gave an interview to journalist Suhail Warraich during his recent visit to Brussels.

    COAS Munir was in Belgium last week to attend high-level meetings and various events where he addressed a wide range of issues, including Pakistan’s foreign policy, defence strategy and security challenges.

    In his Aug 16 column for Daily Jang, senior journalist and analyst Suhail Warraich claimed that he had a meeting with the army chief in Brussels and asked the latter several questions, including ones related to politics.

    With the claim going viral, ISPR has categorically stated that Warraich fabricated the story “for his own benefit”, emphasising that the army chief did not mention the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) or its founder Imran Khan at the event in Brussels where Warraich claimed to have had the two-hour one-on-one meeting with him.

    The ISPR chief further clarified that Warraich was only one of several participants who attended the ceremony in Belgium’s capital, and called out Daily Jang for publishing an “unverified story”, saying the news platform should have confirmed it before publication.

    Earlier, Warraich had in his column titled “Field Marshal Sey Pehli Mulaqaat [First Meeting with The Field Marshal]” claimed that during the meeting, he posed tough questions to COAS Munir, which were answered with clarity.

    The journalist wrote that when he asked the field marshal about rumours suggesting that a plan was underway to remove President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif from their posts, he termed it a complete lie.

    When pressed that such news stemmed from civil and military agencies, the army chief was quoted as saying that it was impossible. “However, the army chief maintained that elements behind such rumours were those who oppose both the government and the establishment and seek to create political anarchy,” wrote Warraich.

    To a political question, Warraich quoted the army chief as saying that “political reconciliation is possible through a sincere apology”, adding, “In this context, he recited on stage verses from the Holy Quran regarding the creation of Adam and the role of Satan, along with their translation.”

    In another column printed August 17 titled “Musafair Banam Qaidi 804 (From a Traveler to Prisoner 804)”, the journalist advised Imran Khan, “If reconciliation is possible through an apology, then immediately doing it and getting out of jail is pragmatism.”

  • Egyptian minister’s private video leaked in bid to stop gas deal with Israel

    Egyptian minister’s private video leaked in bid to stop gas deal with Israel

    An anonymous group has released a grainy video that allegedly shows a serving Egyptian minister in a sexual video call, warning of further leaks if two demands are not met.

    In the footage, an individual wearing a mask can be heard saying that unless Cairo halts its $35B gas deal with Israel and opens the Rafah crossing on the Egyptian border to end the blockade of Gaza, more leaks will follow.

    He alleged that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi handed over the country’s keys to its enemy, adding, “You’re dragging all of us by the neck and putting us as hostages in the enemy’s hands.”

    The warning comes after El-Sisi’s government signed a record $35B agreement earlier this August with NewMed Energy and Chevron, the operators of Israel’s Leviathan gas field, potentially deepening Egypt’s energy dependence on Israeli supplies as part of an expansion of a landmark 2018 deal between the two countries.

    According to reports, the billion-dollar deal, which will supply Egypt with gas, is the largest export agreement in Israel’s history.

    Reports suggest that the agreement, which extends until 2040, will supply Egypt with an extra 130 billion cubic meters of Israeli gas, tying Cairo to an unprecedented level of energy reliance on its former adversary, while Gaza continues to suffer under siege and famine.

    Throughout Israel’s ongoing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, Egypt remained under harsh criticism for not making extra efforts to bring a halt to the suffering and killing of Palestinians. 

    For the last months, Israel has been weaponising aid. Vast quantities of relief supplies are stranded in warehouses across Jordan and Egypt while Palestinians continue to starve and die.

    Tension flared in recent months when Israel’s blockade of food in Gaza led protesters and critics to call for Egypt to open its side of the Rafah border to allow aid into Gaza.

  • T-bill auction draws bids of Rs1.385 trillion, govt raises Rs527 billion

    T-bill auction draws bids of Rs1.385 trillion, govt raises Rs527 billion

    Pakistani banks and companies invested a staggering Rs1.385 trillion in Treasury bills (T-bills) on Wednesday, seeking to park their funds in risk-free instruments. According to reports, the federal government’s latest auction exceeded its target, raising more than the amount set to mature.

    This indicates a strong demand by the corporate sector for short-term debt. The high demand suggests that Islamabad could have slashed yield rates and potentially managed to bring in sufficient funds through the auction of T-bills.

    However, reports reveal that the federal government did not reduce the cut-off yields, suggesting that the interest rate may remain fairly anchored in the coming periods. 

    As per reports, banks have preferred longer-term 12-month bonds, which reveal their predictions about interest rates not increasing in upcoming monetary policy committee sessions. 

    Data from reports reveal that bids worth Rs556.5 billion came for 12-month T-bills, with the federal government raising a whopping Rs275.7 billion through the 12-month maturity period. Islamabad also managed to raise Rs73 billion, Rs41.3 billion, and Rs23 billion from one, three and six-month bills, respectively.

    As per the details, the auction managed to receive total bids of Rs1.385 trillion against the Rs450 billion target, exceeding by over 207 percent. The government reportedly accepted Rs527 billion against Rs445 billion maturing this period. 

    For reference, the maturing amount refers to the sum the government must repay to previous investors in T-bills during this period. The strong demand underlined banks’ and financial institutions’ reliance on T-bills as secure short-term investments.

    According to reports, banks continue to invest larger funds in government securities per annum as Islamabad’s fiscal needs grow. In the budget for fiscal year (FY) 2024-25, interest payments alone constituted half of the expenditure from the Rs18 trillion budget.

    Details from reports suggest that the government is likely to rely extensively on bank borrowing during FY 2025-26. Even with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) exceeding revenue targets for the first month of FY 2025-26, experts predict that collections could fall short of targets, causing the government to borrow funds to plug the budget deficit.

    Revenue collection has reportedly improved in recent years; however, Islamabad still reports that citizens and businesses alike continue to evade taxes.

  • Bizarre theft in Karachi as burglars leave behind drawings on walls, mirrors

    Bizarre theft in Karachi as burglars leave behind drawings on walls, mirrors

    Burglars looted valuables worth nearly Rs0.9 million from a house in Gulshan-e-Hadeed, Phase II, in Karachi and left behind bizarre drawings that shocked the family.

    According to media reports citing police, the thieves stole two bridal dresses worth Rs300,000, 25 branded embroidered suits, Rs300,000 in cash, three packed mobile phones worth Rs50,000, two smartwatches, electronic items worth Rs50,000, artificial jewellery worth Rs150,000, and a large suitcase priced at Rs35,000. Police said the total loss is still being assessed.

    What disturbed the family most were the bizarre signs left on the walls. The burglars reportedly used lipstick to draw cartoons and circles, marked children’s photographs with red symbols, decorated a mirror with strange patterns, and even wrote a message in English Bollywood style, according to investigators.

    The complaint filed by Shehryar Ali, son of Sajjad Hussain, stated that the suspects broke into the third floor of his house when no one was home. The family returned around 11 pm and found the entire floor ransacked.

    Steel Town police have registered a case and started an investigation to trace the culprits.

  • Court grants interim relief to Ducky Bhai’s wife in gambling case

    Court grants interim relief to Ducky Bhai’s wife in gambling case

    The Sessions Court Lahore has restrained the arrest of YouTuber Ducky Bhai’s wife, Aroob Jatoi, until August 30.

    According to reports, a hearing was held on the case of the alleged promotion of gambling in videos featuring Ducky Bhai and his wife. The Additional Sessions Judge heard the interim bail application.

    Advocate Irfan Kalyat and Advocate Raja Abdul Rehman Ranjha appeared on behalf of Ducky Bhai.

    The court, while granting interim bail, ruled that “the arrest of Aroob Jatoi is restrained until August 30.”

    The court also directed her to cooperate with authorities, saying that “Aroob Jatoi must join the investigation,” and sought a report from the investigator at the next hearing.

    A day earlier, a local court had extended the physical remand of Ducky Bhai for four more days after he was produced before Judicial Magistrate Naeem Wattoo by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).

    He was arrested on Saturday night at Lahore airport and presented before a judicial magistrate, who initially granted a two-day physical remand. He is currently in the custody of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).

    During the previous hearing, Investigating Officer Shoaib Riaz requested a 28-day remand, alleging that the suspect was part of an “international gambling racket.” The court, however, extended the remand till August 23.

    The case was registered by the state through NCCIA Lahore at midnight on August 17 under several sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016, and the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), including Section 13 (Electronic Forgery), Section 14 (Electronic Fraud), Section 25 (Spamming), Section 26 (Spoofing), Section 294-B and Section 420.

    According to the FIR, Ducky Bhai and other influencers allegedly promoted gambling apps such as Binomo, 1xBet, Bet365 and B9 Game for financial gain, which caused significant financial losses to users who invested their savings in these platforms. Investigators claimed to have collected 27 video links from his accounts allegedly promoting these apps, though many are no longer available online.

  • Why are you not married at 37; Female European biker stunned at Pakistan police’s personal questions

    Why are you not married at 37; Female European biker stunned at Pakistan police’s personal questions

    Noraly Schoenmaker, a biker from Holland exploring Pakistan’s northern areas, faced an unusual experience when police officers repeatedly stopped her and asked strange questions during her journey.

    Noraly, one of the most popular female bikers with around 2.9 million YouTube subscribers, said that police stopped her at one point, checked her documents, and then assigned two officers to accompany her. “They kept taking me from one police team to another,” she said in her YouTube video.

    In total, six different police teams interrogated her. During these checks, they asked for her name, age and documents. Noraly said she kept cooperating, but one question left her frustrated. “They asked me why I am not married at 37 and where my husband is,” she said.

    The biker expressed her irritation and questioned the officers. “Do you think it is okay to ask such personal questions from a female tourist,” she said.

    Despite the uncomfortable moments, Noraly also praised Pakistan’s hospitality in the same video. She stopped at a small roadside hotel for breakfast where the owners refused to take money. “You are our guest. Tell us if you need anything else. We will not take any money from you,” they told her.

    Noraly recorded her entire experience and uploaded it on her YouTube channel, where she highlighted both the unnecessary police behavior and the kindness she experienced from ordinary Pakistanis.

  • PCB launches talent hunt program in THESE district schools

    PCB launches talent hunt program in THESE district schools

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the launch of a nationwide schools talent hunt program aimed at identifying and nurturing young cricket talent across the country.

    More than 60 PCB coaches will conduct trials in over 400 schools from 39 districts across Pakistan. Following the trials, a one-day tournament featuring 40-over-per-innings matches will take place next month among the participating schools.

    The top 100 teams from this event will qualify for the Weekend Schools League, and the champion team will earn an international tour. According to the PCB, standout performers from the tournament will also get the opportunity to compete in the PCB Under-15 and Under-17 tournaments.

    Director Domestic Cricket, Abdullah Khurram Niazi, stated that the PCB will fully fund the school talent hunt program. “This initiative will allow children to pursue their education while playing cricket,” he said, adding that PCB also plans to develop and revive 168 school grounds across the country.

    Breakdown of participating schools:

    Total districts: 39
    Total schools: 405

    Punjab (134 schools)

    Lahore (30), Faisalabad (16), Sialkot (11), Gujranwala (11), Bahawalpur (10), Rahim Yar Khan (10), Dera Ghazi Khan (10), Multan (10), Rawalpindi (6), Sargodha (10), Sahiwal (10)

    Sindh (82 schools)

    Karachi (38), Hyderabad (12), Sukkur (8), Mirpurkhas (8), Shaheed Benazirabad (8), Larkana (8)

    Balochistan (81 schools)

    Quetta (16), Naseerabad (12), Pishin (10), Khuzdar (10), Lasbela (6), Loralai (6), Jaffarabad (6), Nushki (5), Killa Abdullah (5), Sibi (5)

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (68 schools)

    Mansehra (12), Swabi (12), Peshawar (10), Bannu (8), Swat (8), Mardan (8), Kohat (7), Abbottabad (5)

    Islamabad and GB (28 schools)
    Islamabad (20), Gilgit Baltistan (8)

    Azad Jammu & Kashmir (12 schools)
    Mirpur (8), Muzaffarabad (4).

  • Shuja Asad raises voice for crew safety amid Karachi’s heavy rains

    Shuja Asad raises voice for crew safety amid Karachi’s heavy rains

    Actor Shuja Asad has urged the entertainment industry to protect its unsung heroes, the workers and crew members who make dramas and films possible but are often overlooked.

    In an Instagram post shared on Wednesday, he began by saying, “I just want to take a moment to highlight something very important. It’s been raining heavily in Karachi, and while many of us actors are fortunate to be looked after on set, I can’t help but think of the unsung heroes of our drama industry, the workers and crew members in our production houses.”

    He added that these hardworking men are the backbone of the industry, yet they are often left without the most basic safety equipment. “No hand gloves, no boots, no rain protection. In conditions like this, it’s not just about discomfort, it’s about life and death. A single slip, a live wire, or unsafe working conditions can cost someone their life,” he continued.

    He went on to say that many of these workers travel long distances from the outskirts of the city just to show up for work, yet they remain the least prioritized. “It’s heartbreaking, because while we, the actors, are privileged and cared for, it is these workers who hold everything together behind the scenes.”

    Concluding his message, he hoped for change: “I sincerely hope that our industry steps up, not just for the glamour in front of the camera, but for the dignity, safety, and wellbeing of those who make it all possible. Let’s not forget them.”

    His appeal was strongly supported by fellow actor Kubra Khan, who reshared his words on her Instagram story and began by saying, “Word. Couldn’t have said it better myself. It honestly breaks my heart to see the people who hold it all together for us, being left behind.”

    She added that everyone on set plays a vital role, not just the stars in front of the camera. “We’re a team, and every single person from our spot bhai to ENG team to the rider/Make up and styling team is equally important. Nobody should be left behind,” she continued.

    Expressing her frustration, Kubra wrote, “I’d like to see a shoot start without them. About time this matter is put on the table and taken care of. When it’s brought to attention and God forbid an accident happens, it’s no longer an accident, it’s Negligence.”

    Actor Mirza Gohar Rasheed, who is also Kubra Khan’s husband, went a step further by resharing her story and added, “Anyone who still ignores it, should be called out.”

    Their comments came after Karachi was hit by heavy rainfall on Tuesday, which killed at least eight people and left thousands stranded across the city. 

    The downpour severely damaged infrastructure, caused drains to overflow, disrupted industrial operations, and left many areas without power and internet for hours. The provincial administration later announced a public holiday in the city to “avoid inconvenience.”

  • Judge Frank Caprio, famous for dispensing justice with kindness, dies at 88

    Judge Frank Caprio, famous for dispensing justice with kindness, dies at 88

    Frank Caprio, the beloved American judge who earned worldwide admiration for his compassionate rulings on the TV show ‘Caught in Providence’ has passed away at the age of 88. 

    His family confirmed the news through an Instagram post on Wednesday, August 21, saying he died peacefully after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

    In a heartfelt statement, the family described Caprio as a man of compassion and humility whose belief in the goodness of people touched millions: “Beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people, Judge Caprio touched the lives of millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond,” the post read. “He will be remembered not only as a respected judge, but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.”

    Caprio began practising law in 1965 and served as a municipal judge in Providence, Rhode Island, from 1985 until his retirement in 2023. His fame grew globally when Caught in Providence started airing, showcasing his unique approach to justice. 

    The program highlighted his warm interactions with citizens facing minor offences such as traffic violations and overdue parking tickets. Known for his empathy and fairness, Caprio often listened to defendants’ personal circumstances and sometimes waived fines, leaving audiences deeply moved.

    His popularity extended beyond television when the program was nominated for a Daytime Emmy in 2021. He also authored the book Compassion in the Court: Life-Changing Stories from America’s Nicest Judge, sharing memorable cases and lessons from his decades-long career.

    Just hours before his passing, Caprio recorded an emotional video from his hospital bed, asking his supporters to keep him in their prayers. “I’m coming to you again asking you to remember me in your prayers once more,” he said in the clip shared on Instagram.

    Frank Caprio is survived by his wife Joyce, five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.