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  • Will wait for India to build dam, when they do so, we will destroy it: COAS

    Will wait for India to build dam, when they do so, we will destroy it: COAS

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has pledged to defend the country’s water rights at all costs, even if the forces have to destroy any controversial dam that India seeks to build on the Indus waters.

    “We will wait for India to build a dam, and when they do so, we will destroy it,” the army chief reportedly told members of the Pakistani-American community present at a black-tie dinner hosted by Adnan Asad, Pakistan’s honorary consul in Tampa, Florida, on Saturday.

    “The Indus River is not the Indians’ family property. We have no shortage of resources to undo the Indian designs to stop the river,” he added.

    The COAS said that India projected itself as a “Vishwa Guru [global teacher]” while its intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), was involved in transnational terrorism, citing incidents in Canada, Qatar, and the arrest of Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav. Jadhav was apprehended red-handed by law enforcement agencies in 2016 while infiltrating Pakistan from the Saravan border area of Balochistan with Iran.

    Condemning India’s “unprovoked aggression” across the Line of Control (LoC) during the four-day conflict in May, he mocked New Delhi’s reluctance to admit battlefield losses. He thanked US President Trump for his “strategic leadership” in preventing an India-Pakistan war and other global conflicts.

    The field marshal said that Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) was “not India’s internal matter but an unfinished international agenda”, vowing support for UN resolutions.

    Around 150 guests, including Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Ambassador Rizwan Shaikh, embassy officials, and prominent members of the diaspora, were present at the event.

    In Tampa, the army chief also attended the US Central Command (Centcom) change-of-command ceremony. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Sunday, the field marshal’s engagements included the retirement ceremony of General Michael E. Kurilla, Commander of Centcom, and the Change of Command in which Admiral Brad Cooper assumed charge.

    The ISPR said FM Munir praised Gen Kurilla’s “exemplary leadership and invaluable contributions in strengthening Pakistan-US military relations” and expressed confidence that Admiral Cooper “would take this partnership forward to address shared security challenges”.

    Munir’s trip came six weeks after his unprecedented lunch with the US president at the White House, a privilege usually reserved for heads of state or government. Following the meeting, Trump praised Munir, saying he was “honored ” to meet the general.

  • Thieves snatch watch worth over Rs18 million from Yusuf Raza Gilani’s son

    Thieves snatch watch worth over Rs18 million from Yusuf Raza Gilani’s son

    Member of the National Assembly (MNA) and one of the sons of Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani, Abdul Qadir Gilani, was robbed in Barcelona, Spain, where thieves snatched his gold-plated watch worth over Rs18.4 million.

    “I bought [the watch] 13 years ago, back when gold was cheaper; now it is three times higher,” Qadir Gilani was quoted as saying by Geo News on Monday.

    He stated that he was “with his family, and the watch was in my hand,” adding that his host in Barcelona was also robbed.

    “As long as there is life, there is the world; such things come and go,” said Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) lawmaker Gilani.

    The Gilani family of southern Punjab, Multan, is a well-known political dynasty. Brothers Abdul Qadir Gilani, Ali Musa Gilani, and newly elected MNA Qasim Gilani all serve in the National Assembly (NA). Their other brother, Ali Haider Gilani, is a PPP Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) in Punjab.

    In a rare coincidence, MNAs Ali Musa, Qasim, and Ali Haider were all born on the same day, 10 April 1986, making the present NA home to a set of twins in the form of Ali Musa and Qasim.

    In August 2024, unsubstantiated allegations surfaced that former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, along with MNAs Ali Qasim and Abdul Qadir, and their sister Fiza Batool Gilani, had travelled to London using public funds.

    Ali Qasim said the visit was completely private, funded by the family, and “did not cost a penny” to Pakistani taxpayers.

  • Arij Fatyma reveals she was diagnosed with rare cancer

    Arij Fatyma reveals she was diagnosed with rare cancer

    Former actress Arij Fatyma has opened up about her diagnosis with a rare and aggressive form of cancer, speaking publicly for the first time about the health challenge she encountered earlier this year.

    In a video shared on Instagram, Arij revealed that she had been diagnosed with choriocarcinoma, a rapidly advancing cancer that can arise following a molar pregnancy, a condition where abnormal tissue develops within the uterus instead of forming a typical pregnancy. Although molar pregnancies are rare, they can occasionally lead to choriocarcinoma.

    She expressed that her diagnosis emerged during a time when she perceived her life as being on track and did not prioritize her health. “In a matter of hours, everything changed,” she reflected.

    Throughout the past four months, she underwent significant surgery and treatment. She chose to keep her illness private due to concerns about judgment and speculation.

    During her health battle, Arij concentrated on two main thoughts: how she would stand before Allah and the impact on her family. “It feels like I have been granted a second chance,” she stated, noting her commitment to living more purposefully.

    She regarded her early diagnosis as fortunate, highlighting that in many instances, the illness is identified too late. Even though she has recuperated, she will require ongoing tests for several years to ensure the cancer does not reoccur.

    By sharing her experience, Arij hopes to stress the significance of regular medical check-ups and the need not to dismiss symptoms. She warned against relying solely on home remedies for serious health issues. “Please educate yourselves. Do not take your health lightly,” she urged.

    The actress also encouraged people not to judge others based solely on their social media appearances, as online personas can often mask private difficulties.

    Her post prompted messages of support from fellow actors.

    Mahira Khan commented, “May Allah bless you with complete shifa. Ameen. Sending you love. Praying for you and your family. Your bravery means a lot to so many who are suffering.”

    Hira Mani, Ghana Ali, Momal Sheikh, and Mariam Nafees were among others who sent prayers and well wishes.

    Arij Fatyma left the entertainment industry in 2019 after the success of her drama Hasad. She lives in Ohio, USA, and works as a digital creator with over 1.7 million Instagram followers. In June, she announced she had begun wearing the hijab, saying she would continue to follow whatever path she felt was right in her faith.

  • Journalist recalls past scandals amid Haider Ali’s arrest

    Journalist recalls past scandals amid Haider Ali’s arrest

    Veteran journalist Saleem Khaliq has linked the recent arrest of Pakistani cricketer Haider Ali in England to a long history of off-field controversies involving national players, calling for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to impose tighter discipline on tours.

    Writing on X, Saleem recalled an incident from 2005 during his first trip to Australia. “One day, I went to a restaurant for lunch, and by coincidence, two Pakistani cricketers also arrived there. Back then, there was not the kind of distance between players and the media that we see nowadays. They both came and sat at my table,” he wrote.

    As they chatted, a waitress approached with something about the order. “As she was leaving, one cricketer said to the other, ‘If she were beautiful, you would have instantly befriended her.’ Hearing this, the waitress returned and quietly whispered, ‘I am from Bangladesh, and I understand Urdu.’ The cricketer was so embarrassed he wished the ground would swallow him and got angry at his friend for making such a comment on his behalf,” Saleem said.

    A few days later, however, Saleem said the same player was caught up in a rape case in Australia and only narrowly avoided serious trouble.

    The incident in Australia he referred to was likely during Pakistan’s 2005 visit for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, when a woman approached the Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA) claiming she had been raped by a member of the touring side. No formal police complaint was filed. The PCB conducted an internal investigation and closed the case citing lack of evidence. Media speculation pointed to a senior flamboyant player, but no name was confirmed.

    Former pacer Shoaib Akhtar later said he was wrongly suspected due to his public profile and that the matter actually stemmed from a misunderstanding between another teammate and the woman. He said the PCB cleared him and that his return home was for fitness reasons, not because of the allegation.

    “I was shocked, he seemed so decent, how could he end up in such a situation? Someone then told me, ‘Do not judge people by the innocence of their face,’” Saleem added.

    Saleem noted that many Pakistani cricketers come from poor backgrounds and are unprepared for the sudden fame, travel, and wealth that come with playing at the top level. “It is common for certain women to visit the players’ rooms and some players even book a second hotel room to avoid scandals,” he said. According to him, “Bookmakers take full advantage of this playboy behaviour, trapping players in honey traps and recording videos to blackmail them.”

    He referred to former opener Sharjeel Khan’s statement about being blackmailed with videos before his fixing ban and credited Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam for improving team culture in recent years.

    Turning to the Haider Ali case, Saleem called it shameful that “a player was arrested directly from the ground” during the Pakistan Shaheens’ tour of England. He questioned why the PCB did not send a manager with this tour. “Players are not children, but they still need guidance, to be reminded that on tours they are ambassadors of the country,” he wrote.

    He warned that if influential figures fail to resolve the case quietly, Haider could face prison. “One mistake can not only ruin their career but also disgrace their entire family. Nowadays, women working for bookies often pose as fans. On social media, people also try to befriend players under false identities. Once trapped, a player is blackmailed,” he said.

    Saleem urged young cricketers to be cautious. “Go abroad to play cricket, move around in groups with the team official’s permission, and never go alone to someone’s home on an invitation. The Board must take strict measures to avoid future embarrassment, otherwise be prepared for more such incidents,” he concluded.

    It merits mention that a few days ago, Pakistani cricketer Haider Ali was arrested in Manchester over allegations of sexual assault. According to reports citing England police, the batter has been summoned again in two weeks as part of the investigation and barred from leaving the United Kingdom (UK) in the meantime.

    The alleged incident took place during the recent Pakistan Shaheens tour of England. The PCB has provisionally suspended Haider, confirmed he is under investigation by Manchester Police, and said it will provide him legal assistance to protect his rights. The board stated he will remain suspended until the case is resolved and will face possible disciplinary action after the legal proceedings conclude.

  • Gang rape suspects killed in police operation in Manga Mandi

    Gang rape suspects killed in police operation in Manga Mandi

    Two men accused of gang-raping a minor girl have been killed in a Crime Control Department (CCD) operation in Manga Mandi.

    Police sources claim that CCD was notified of the suspects’ presence in the region. To apprehend them, Inspector Shabbir and his crew carried out a raid. The suspects started shooting when they saw the police.

    The two individuals, who were identified as Shoaib and Zubair, were killed during the exchange. According to the police, their own accomplices were responsible for the gunfire that killed them during the confrontation. To undergo post-mortem examination, the bodies were moved to a morgue.

    According to police, a 12-year-old girl was reportedly abused by the suspects. The Manga Mandi police station had received a First Information Report (FIR) on the incident. The victim is still receiving medical care.

    Head Constable Inamdar was struck in the chest by a bullet during the exchange but was unharmed due to wearing a bulletproof vest.

  • Supertax cut on the cards as govt mulls relief for manufacturers

    Supertax cut on the cards as govt mulls relief for manufacturers

    The federal government is expected to reduce the super tax rate on the manufacturing sector in the upcoming industrial policy. According to reports, the government intends to slash the rate to just five percent over the next four years.

    Reports suggest that in the fifth year, authorities intend to scrap the super tax entirely, allowing industries to benefit greatly. As per the details, the tax will only be removed if the primary balance remains positive. For reference, the primary balance is the difference between a government’s total revenue and its non-interest expenditures.

    However, it merits a mention that this plan is still subject to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) approval. As per reports, the draft of the new industrial policy includes initiatives to assist the manufacturing sector.

    A key proposal intends to increase the minimum threshold for super tax in the manufacturing sector from just Rs200 million to Rs500 million. Moreover, the policy draft reportedly advises increasing the threshold for levying a 10 percent supertax from Rs500 million to Rs1.5 billion.

    Reports have outlined how the policy draft will likely result in only larger manufacturers bearing the super tax, allowing smaller manufacturers to avoid bearing its burden. The aforementioned developments are not final as the policy draft still has to be approved by the federal cabinet later this month.

    According to reports, the policy draft has highlighted measures to revive industrial units and rationalize taxes that the manufacturing sector has to bear. Moreover, authorities intend to introduce a bankruptcy framework to help underperforming businesses restructure more efficiently.

    Access to credit facilities on easier terms is also expected to be granted to manufacturers to support industrial activities. Reports reveal that the policy draft includes plans to increase investment inflows while also boosting the competitiveness of Pakistan’s manufacturers in global markets.

    If authorities remain successful in creating an environment that favours manufacturers, Pakistan could witness a sizable uptick in export earnings, which could close the gap in Pakistan’s balance of trade deficit.

    This could help increase Pakistan’s current account surplus, which stood at $2.1 billion for fiscal year (FY) 2024-25. While the surplus was primarily achieved because of the $38 billion in remittance inflows Pakistan was able to attract, the current account surplus could grow significantly with an uptick in export earnings.

  • Domestic worker beaten to death in Gujranwala

    Domestic worker beaten to death in Gujranwala

    A domestic worker in Model Town, Gujranwala, was allegedly killed after being subjected to assault. 
     
    The victim’s father reported to the authorities that his daughter’s body had visible injury marks.
     
    Further investigation is underway after the owner of the house and his son were arrested.

    In another incident, a 23-year-old domestic worker also died after being beaten in Akhtar Town, Hafizabad.

    His family have claimed that the suspects were pressuring them to agree to a settlement and delay the autopsy.

    According to police, legal action is being taken.

  • Two brothers die under mysterious circumstances in Taunsa, third in hospital

    Two brothers die under mysterious circumstances in Taunsa, third in hospital

    Two minor brothers died under mysterious circumstances at Taunsa Sharif Tehsil Headquarters Hospital (THQ), while their third sibling is under treatment at Nishtar Hospital in Multan.

    Khawaja Ghiyasuddin’s three sons reportedly fell ill unexpectedly and were taken to Taunsa THQ. While Ghulam Muhammad (2) and Moeenuddin (4) were transferred to Nishtar Hospital in a severe condition, one-year-old Umar died while receiving treatment. 

    Ghulam Muhammad also died upon arrival, whereas Moeenuddin’s condition is now said to be stable.

    Newly appointed DPO Tariq Wilayat visited the family’s home in Taunsa to offer condolences and collect details about the incident.

    He instructed a crime scene unit to gather evidence from the children’s residence to determine the cause of death and met with doctors at the THQ to obtain information about their condition.

    The DPO stated that the matter would be investigated from all possible angles.

    In another incident, a biscuit manufacturing unit in Muzaffargarh was sealed by the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) for using expired ingredients in its products. 

    The operation was carried out in Ghazi Pur Dasti, Muzaffargarh district where outdated food coloring and cocoa powder were being ground into powder for reuse, along with expired biscuits.

    The operation was led by PFA Director Operations (South) Shehzad Khan Magsi.

    The plant owner was fined Rs300,000, and authorities immediately destroyed 40 liters of other expired products, 90 kg of powder, and 10,000 kg of stale biscuits.

    PFA Director General Muhammad Asim Javed urged consumers to choose safe, quality food products and warned that fraudulent practices in the food industry would not be tolerated.

    In another incident, a young girl and her father were allegedly shot dead over a land dispute at Basti Jamna Chandiain Gaddai police station limits.

    According to police, Khalil and his daughter Rabia were shot at by Jameel, son of Rasheed, and Shafqat, son of Ismail, over a disagreement regarding a 12-marla plan. They both instantly passed away.

    Police gathered forensic evidence from the location, and DPO Tariq Wilayat went to the location and told investigators to examine  the case from every angle.

  • ‘Illegal and stupid’: Shaniera Akram slams Hania Aamir over bike stunt

    ‘Illegal and stupid’: Shaniera Akram slams Hania Aamir over bike stunt

    Actress Hania Aamir has landed in hot water after a viral video showed her standing on a moving motorbike while a man drove it. Instead of sitting behind the rider, Hania was seen balancing on her feet, sparking outrage over the dangerous stunt.

    Among those criticizing the act was Shaniera Akram, wife of Sultan of Swing Wasim Akram, who took to Instagram to vent. 

    Sharing the clip on her story, she wrote, “I worked so hard for so many years with hospitals and doctors to try to influence the youth of Pakistan to wear helmets and ride safely. This is like a dagger to my heart! Celebrities have the power to influence millions. It breaks my heart when this is abused.”

    Calling the act “terrifying,” Shaniera stressed the responsibility celebrities hold toward their audiences. “When I see content that shows a much-loved celebrity that millions follow and emulate, completely ignoring their social media responsibilities, it is terrifying. For one stupid post there could be thousands of casualties. This does not sit well with me,” she said.

    She admitted she does not enjoy calling people out, but felt compelled to speak up. “I don’t like to be the one who calls out someone who has 19 million followers, but if I can influence the influencers not to post such reckless or irresponsible content, then it is worth it. Hate me if you want, but I can’t sit back when so many people have died doing these stunts for popularity on their platforms. There is so much more to life. Please ride safely and wear a helmet, if not for yourself, do it for your loved ones whose lives would be ruined if something ever happened to you.”

    Shaniera made it clear she has nothing personal against Hania. “I want you all to know, I have nothing personal against @haniaheheofficial, but she should know better than this. Come on, I shouldn’t have to be pointing it out! It’s not rocket science, it’s illegal and stupid! I’m just a mom, a concerned citizen, and someone who has travelled to universities across Pakistan in my own spare time, begging kids to ride safely and with helmets. I really hope she sees this is not okay and sets it straight with a post that reminds her followers not to copy this kind of behaviour. And thank God nothing happened to her.”

  • Govt anticipates uptick in investment inflows following Pak-US tariff deal

    Govt anticipates uptick in investment inflows following Pak-US tariff deal

    Following the conclusion of a successful bilateral tariff deal with the US, the federal government of Pakistan anticipates a sizable uptick in investment inflows directed towards Pakistan’s mines and minerals sector. According to reports, Islamabad expects mineral exports, especially copper exports, to jump significantly.


    Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan’s latest report to the National Assembly has also revealed that the US expressed interest to invest in mining operations in Pakistan during Pak-US negotiations or reciprocal tariffs. As per the Commerce Minister, it would be “advantageous to export value-added copper (refined) to the US market” as copper exports from Pakistan have not been hit with the 50 percent tariff which other elements such as iron, steel and aluminium have been slapped with.  


    Moreover, the Commerce Minister indicated that Pakistan possessed sizable mineral deposits which it could leverage to reduce its balance of trade deficit with its trading partners. The Minister also claimed that Pakistan ranked fifth in terms of copper reserves. However, it merits a mention that this “rank” was likely based on Pakistan’s broader resource potential. In terms of proven reserves, Pakistan actually ranks 18th, with 12.3 million metric tons, according to data from reports.


    The minister has suggested that copper is in high demand in the international market as it is a critical component in technologies such as renewable energy devices and electric vehicles. Reports reveal that despite possessing a sizable amount of reserves, they have remained largely untapped owing to suboptimal investment levels into mining infrastructure and processing facilities.


    Currently, Pakistan exports the vast majority of its copper ore directly to China, causing the country to miss out on potential exports to the US, the Middle East, and Europe. According to the Commerce Minister, Pakistan could capitalize on the high demand and consequently highlighted “the need for strategic development in the mining sector”.


    He suggested that Pakistan could increase its competitiveness in the global market by investing into technologies that will unlock efficient exploration and extraction of minerals. The Minister’s report revealed that the federal government, in collaboration with the US, would play a key role in transforming Pakistan’s mining sector.


    Reports suggest that the Geological Survey of Pakistan has already been ordered to conduct geological mappings to discover untapped reserves. As per the Commerce Minister, Pakistan will focus its efforts to transition from exporting raw ores to exporting refined copper, alloys, rods, and bars, which will reportedly allow it to attain higher economic benefits from its mineral reserves.