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  • Police on the hunt for man who harassed little girl in Multan

    Police on the hunt for man who harassed little girl in Multan

    A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against an unidentified man for sexually harassing a minor girl as she was walking through the street in Multan’s Mustafa Colony.

    According to the FIR registered on Tuesday at Bahauddin Zakariya Police Station, the complainant said he was on patrol when he saw a video on WhatsApp showing an unidentified man sexually harassing an eight or nine-year-old minor girl.

    The FIR further read that the CCTV footage of the incident has been confiscated by police via USB, which would be sent to PFSA, adding, “An unidentified man sexually harassed a girl, committing an offence under Section 377-B.”

    The FIR was registered after a video of the incident surfaced online. The footage shows two children passing through the street when a man appeared on the scene, grabbed the girl and kissed her on the face.

    The footage also shows that when the other child, who appears to be a toddler, started crying, the man ran away, escaping the scene.

    Earlier, Punjab Police arrested a man after footage showing him allegedly molesting a minor girl in Punjab’s Kasur district went viral online.

    Man booked for sexually abusing minor girl outside her house in viral video

    Kasur District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Isa Khan said in a statement that the suspect was arrested in an injured condition. “The suspect had molested a little girl playing in a street in Shah Inayat Colony three days ago,” he added.

    The police said that the suspect was caught at Dhanpat Road where he pulled out a pistol to escape arrest. However, he was shot during a firing exchange and was arrested in an injured condition, which then shifted to Kasur District Hospital for treatment, the statement read.

    Last year, around 3,364 child abuse cases were reported from across the country, according to a civil society report. The report, Cruel Numbers 2024, by Sahil was prepared based on data collected from 81 national and regional newspapers across the country.

  • Misbah Nosheen says ‘Humraaz’ script was changed without approval

    Misbah Nosheen says ‘Humraaz’ script was changed without approval

    Writer Misbah Nosheen has spoken out about the backlash surrounding the ongoing drama Humraaz, revealing that major changes were made to her original script without her consent.

    In a recent YouTube interview, Nosheen expressed regret over how the drama turned out on television, attributing the altered structure and pacing to decisions made by the channel.

    “There were changes made in it, and obviously those changes were made with the intention of improvement, but instead of improving things, they actually made them worse,” she said. “And I deeply regret that, because a whole structure, the entire story I had built, the entire plot, the theme, was completely changed.”

    Nosheen also admitted that the backlash she received from viewers was valid. “Because of that, I faced a lot of backlash, and people had many questions, and they were absolutely right and valid. The pace of the story was slowed down a lot, and since it’s a thriller, a suspense story, its pace isn’t supposed to be slow. It should be fast, cut-to-cut, and that wasn’t the case,” she said.

    She further added, “So some things in the process messed it up. The script was ruined. And because of that, it didn’t have the impact that it was supposed to have.”

    Humraaz, directed by Farooq Rind and starring Ayeza Khan, Zahid Ahmed, Amna Ilyas, and Feroze Khan, has faced growing criticism from fans despite its promising cast and high production value. Many viewers have criticised the storyline for being illogical and full of plot holes.

    Earlier, writer Rida Bilal also distanced herself from her drama ‘Behroopia’ over similar concerns, saying that the final version shown on TV was completely different from what she originally wrote.

    According to media reports, Rida raised serious concerns about how her script was changed without her approval.

    “Nothing in the drama Behroopia is portrayed how I wrote it, from the characters to their tones and dressing,” she said.

    Rida explained that the changes were so major that the drama no longer felt like her work.

    “There is an entire sequence in the drama which replicates the Noor Mukaddam incident, which was not written by me,” she added.

    “They’ve even removed my name from the project’s credits, which I’m relieved about,” she said.

    The scene in question reminded viewers of a real-life tragedy that shocked Pakistan in 2021.

    Noor Mukaddam, a 27-year-old daughter of a former Pakistani diplomat, was brutally murdered on July 20, 2021, in Islamabad. According to police, Noor was held hostage for two days, tortured and then beheaded with a knife.

    In May 2025, the Supreme Court of Pakistan upheld Zahir Jaffer’s death sentence, confirming that he will remain on death row. He is now seeking a presidential pardon, while jail officials have requested a medical board to assess his condition. So far, he has been declared mentally and psychologically fit, with no signs of illness or brain disorder.

    Rida Bilal’s statement sparked a wave of support on social media.

  • Humayun Saeed celebrates 52nd birthday in style with star-studded bash in Karachi

    Humayun Saeed celebrates 52nd birthday in style with star-studded bash in Karachi

    Actor Humayun Saeed celebrated his 52nd birthday with a grand celebration at a hotel in Karachi, hosted by the newly formed Lifestyle Journalists Association.

    The event was attended by prominent figures from the entertainment industry, including Mustafa Qureshi, Behroze Sabzwari, Adnan Siddiqui, and Shakeel Siddiqui, along with younger stars like Sonya Hussyn, Umer Aalam, and Anum Tanveer.

    Humayun cut a giant black cake with a “Lights, Camera, Action” theme, complete with a picture from one of his films. Close friends from the industry, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Gohar Rasheed, Salman Saeed, Nadeem Baig, and Aijaz Aslam, stood by his side, sharing heartfelt moments, laughter, and plenty of photos throughout the evening.

    Several celebrities took the mic to honour Humayun’s journey. Behroze Sabzwari praised him as both a talented actor and a kind human being. “I’ve never heard him speak ill of anyone,” he said. Mustafa Qureshi, the legendary Noori Nath from Maula Jatt, applauded Humayun’s natural acting style, calling it his defining trait.

    The highlight of the evening included a special video tribute showcasing memorable scenes from Humayun’s blockbuster dramas and films, celebrating his decades-long contribution to Pakistani entertainment.

    The event also spotlighted the recent launch of the Lifestyle Journalists Association, which aims to strengthen connections between artists and media professionals, while offering support to journalists covering the lifestyle and showbiz beat.

  • Trump threatens India with tariffs as high as 25 per cent

    Trump threatens India with tariffs as high as 25 per cent

    United States (US) President Donald Trump has threatened to raise tariffs on Indian imports by as much as 25 percent if a trade deal with the US is not finalised this week.

    “Yeah, I think so. India has been a good friend, but India has charged basically more tariffs, almost more than any other country,” the US President told a reporter aboard Air Force One on Tuesday, adding that a trade deal had yet to be finalised.

    His response came after the reporter asked whether New Delhi would face tariffs of 20 to 25 percent if an agreement was not reached.

    Trump has not yet sent a letter to India setting a new tariff rate.

    On Monday, CNBC quoted US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer as claiming that an elusive India trade agreement would require more discussion between the two countries.

    “They have expressed strong interest in opening portions of their market. We, of course are willing to continue talking to them,” Greer said. 

    “But I think we need some more negotiations on that with our Indian friends to see how ambitious they want to be,” he added.

    According to Commerce Department data, the US imported $87 billion worth of goods from India last year. Meanwhile, India imported $42 billion worth of goods from the US. The top goods the US received from India included pharmaceuticals, communications equipment, such as smartphones, and apparel.

    The US has set a deadline of 1 August for India and dozens of other countries to either reach a trade agreement or face increased tariffs.

  • Second-hand car owners to apply for new number plates under fresh policy

    Second-hand car owners to apply for new number plates under fresh policy

    In a bid to reduce instances of vehicle-related fraud, the Government of Punjab has reportedly announced a new vehicle registration system. According to reports, under the new system, owners of vehicles will be issued number plates instead of the number plate being issued to a particular car.


    Officials from the Excise and Taxation Department have indicated that all vehicles, including motorcycles, registered in Punjab will be associated with the owner’s ID Card. This means that buyers of vehicles can either request for the issuance of a fresh plate or can choose a number plate for their new vehicle from any number plates that are available and are issued in their name.


    If an individual chooses to sell their car, the number plate will not be transferred to the new owner, remaining with the original owner instead. As per reports, vehicle owners will have the ability to give up their old number plate in exchange for a new one when purchasing a new vehicle. 


    It merits a mention that this new registration system will go into effect from the first week of August 2025. Reports suggest that officials from the Excise Department expect these developments to streamline the registration process and improve enforcement efforts. 
    Authorities have also revealed that number plates will now fit into categories, with motorbikes and cars fitting into different automobile types. This means that a number plate issued to a car cannot be used on a bike and vice versa.


    Reports reveal that individuals found to be using a plate on their vehicle not fitting their vehicle type will result with fines being issued to offenders. As per the details, this fine will likely boost compliance with the new regulations as it will range from Rs500 to Rs8,000.


    Moreover, it merits a mention that the aforementioned fine can also be levied upon individuals using a previously issued number plate on a different vehicle. Reports cite officials who confirm that the procedural rules and the summary of legal amendments have already been submitted to the government for approval.


    With the implementation of the new number plate system expected to begin in August it is likely that a surge in the provincial government’s revenues will be noted. This is because compliance with the new law is expected to result in the issuance of fines to vehicles using number plates that are of a different category.

  • Chinese firms seek official approval to export donkey meat

    Chinese firms seek official approval to export donkey meat

    Officials from the Ministry of National Food Security & Research have confirmed that two Chinese firms have submitted applications for permits to export donkey meat from Pakistan, representing the initial formal effort to create a legal supply chain from Pakistan to China.

    As per ministry officials, the firms have applied for authorization to operate slaughterhouses and obtain export clearance. These proposals are currently undergoing comprehensive evaluation. If granted permission, the firms would be allowed to process and export donkey meat along with byproducts via Gwadar, which has been designated as the sole location for this trade. Authorities have indicated that any meat processing conducted outside of Gwadar will be strictly forbidden to maintain regulatory oversight and avoid domestic distribution.

    This initiative follows a recent inspection by the Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) at an unlawful donkey meat facility in Tarnol, where officials confiscated roughly 1,000 kilograms of meat and over 50 live donkeys.

    A foreign national found on site was taken into custody, and an FIR has been registered. The seized meat is being destroyed as investigations continue into possible export attempts.

    Officials have expressed concerns regarding unlicensed activities. The ministry has emphasized that only duly authorized operations will be allowed, and any efforts to circumvent regulations will face stringent legal consequences.

    Donkeys are in high demand in China, where their meat is used in cuisine and their hides in the production of e-jiao, a traditional medicinal gelatin. A slaughterhouse in Gwadar began production earlier this year to meet rising demand from China.

    The Donkey Sanctuary, a UK-based animal welfare organization, states that the e-jiao industry requires approximately 5.9 million donkey skins each year. Shandong province in China accounts for nearly 90 percent of the global supply of e-jiao and regards this product as essential to its traditional medicinal practices.

    The donkey population in Pakistan reached 6.047 million in 2024, an increase of more than 109,000 from the previous year, according to a report from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.

  • Govt to grant licenses for crypto operations to banks, exchange companies

    Govt to grant licenses for crypto operations to banks, exchange companies

    In a bid to establish Pakistan as a digital asset hub, the federal government is moving forward with the implementation of its virtual asset regulatory framework. According to reports, stakeholders were briefed on the Virtual Assets Act, 2025, at a high-profile meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday, attended by representatives from exchange companies, banks, and the jewellery sector.

    The Virtual Assets Act, 2025, was approved by the Prime Minister, President, and Cabinet just weeks before it was shared with stakeholders. As per reports, the developments are progressing rapidly.

    The Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) has been established under the Act to serve as an independent regulator, responsible for aligning guidelines laid out by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and other international practices.

    The PVARA has also been tasked with monitoring, licensing and overseeing the operations of virtual asset service providers (VASP). Banks and exchange companies will be granted licenses to operate in the digital asset sector under the new law, according to reports citing the meeting.

    Moreover, the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmed has stated that the SBP is finalising legislation to establish a central bank digital currency (CBDC).

    In recent crypto-related developments, the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) revealed Pakistan’s first-ever government-led Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. PCC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bilal Bin Saqib made the announcement during a keynote speech at Bitcoin Vegas 2025 in Las Vegas, United States.

    The PCC’s CEO delivered his speech to a crowd including high-profile attendees such as United States Vice President JD Vance, Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump. Reports reveal that the PCC’s CEO is attempting to encourage investment inflows into domestic crypto markets.

    Recent reports suggested that in order to facilitate the inflow of crypto-related investments, Pakistani authorities greenlighted the allocation of 2,000 megawatts (MW) of power to individuals who would set up crypto mining operations in the country. However, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reportedly expressed displeasure over the provision of surplus power at uneven rates to different segments of Pakistani society.

    Data from reports suggests that the government intended to provide crypto miners with electricity at eight to nine rupees per unit. For reference, the base rate stands at a significantly higher Rs24 to Rs25 per unit, showcasing the magnitude of savings bitcoin miners would have enjoyed.

  • Pakistan likely to miss out on Olympics cricket qualification under new rules: reports

    Pakistan likely to miss out on Olympics cricket qualification under new rules: reports

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly finalised the qualification pathway for the cricket event at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, and early indicators suggest Pakistan may not play the men’s competition.

    According to media reports, the ICC, following its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Singapore, has agreed on a regional qualification model for the LA 2028 T20 event. This approach, which also has the backing of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), aims to ensure continental representation and promote the globalisation of cricket.

    The men’s T20 tournament will feature just six teams. One spot has already been allocated to the host nation, the United States. The remaining five places are likely to be filled by top-ranked teams from each continent. That list is expected to include India (Asia), Australia (Oceania), South Africa (Africa), and Great Britain (Europe).

    This model would leave traditional cricketing powerhouses like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand outside the direct qualification bracket, raising eyebrows across the cricketing world.

    Reports indicate that both Pakistan and New Zealand have expressed concerns over the proposed structure, but with formal approval from the ICC board expected soon, a reversal appears unlikely.

    Only one spot will remain after the five continental qualifiers are decided. The ICC has yet to announce how that final berth will be awarded, but it is speculated that it could be given to a Caribbean representative side, a model similar to the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where Barbados represented the West Indies.

    Both men’s and women’s cricket competitions at LA 2028 will be played in the T20 format. Scheduled from July 12 to 29, the women’s gold medal match is set for July 20, and the men’s final is scheduled for July 29.

    Cricket’s return to the Olympic stage comes after a 128-year absence. The sport last featured in the 1900 Paris Games, where Great Britain defeated France in a one-off match to win gold.

  • Imran Khan’s son says he is ‘very hopeful’ of his father’s release after meeting with Trump aide

    Imran Khan’s son says he is ‘very hopeful’ of his father’s release after meeting with Trump aide

    Kasim Khan, one of the two sons of the incarcerated founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan, on Tuesday claimed that he is “very hopeful” that his father will be released following a meeting with United States (US) President Donald Trump’s Envoy for Special Missions, Richard Grenell.

    “He was very kind to spend some time with us … I can’t give details on what we spoke about, but I am very hopeful from that,” he said in an interview with Real America’s Voice (RAV).

    On July 22, Grenell, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a photo where he’s meeting Imran Khan’s sons, advising them to “stay strong”.

    He welcomed his “friends” in California, writing, “I loved hanging out with you [Suleman Khan and Kasim Khan] today.” Donald Trump aide added, “There are millions of people around the world who are sick of political prosecutions. You are not alone. #freeimrankhan.”

    When asked to give names of allies his father has in Pakistan or around the globe, who can help secure Imran Khan’s release, Kasim replied that they are looking “America at the moment”, given that a lot of people there have expressed concern over his father’s incarceration.

    Separately, the party’s Central Secretary for Information Sheikh Waqas Akram on Tuesday denied media reports suggesting that Imran Khan advised his sons against travelling to Pakistan, calling such claims factually incorrect and taken out of context.

    “The news circulating in the media regarding Imran Khan’s children is completely false. Khan has not at all prevented his children from coming to Pakistan,” said Akram in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

    “There should be no doubt that Imran Khan’s children will come to Pakistan; only the date remains to be decided,” he said, adding that Imran Khan’s sons had already informed their father of their plans and did not seek his permission.

    This comes after some media outlets, quoting sources present during a hearing at Adiala Jail, reported that Imran Khan had stated his sons would not be coming to Pakistan to join the protest scheduled for August 5.

    Imran, imprisoned since August 5 2023, is serving a 14-year sentence at Adiala Jail Rawalpindi in the £190 million corruption case and also faces pending trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act related to the May 9, 2023, protests.

  • Chaos in the ground as Hastings bowls crazy over against Pakistan in WCL 2025

    Chaos in the ground as Hastings bowls crazy over against Pakistan in WCL 2025

    Former Australian fast bowler John Hastings bowled one of the most chaotic overs in T20 history as Pakistan crushed Australia by 10 wickets in a World Championship of Legends match in England.

    Playing at Grace Road in Leicester, Hastings bowled an 18-ball over that included 12 wides and a no-ball, yet failed to complete six legal deliveries. The over, which cost Australia 19 runs, handed Pakistan a comfortable win in their run chase.

    The 39-year-old was handed the ball by captain Brett Lee in the eighth over of Pakistan’s innings after Australia were skittled for just 74 runs in 11.5 overs. 

    Hastings started the over with five consecutive wides on the offside. After that, he managed two legal deliveries, which resulted in a single and a four. Then came a no-ball that also would have counted as a wide, sailing high and down the leg side.

    The free hit that followed was yet another wide, again down leg, before conceding a leg bye after switching to bowl around the wicket to left-hander Sharjeel Khan. Another wide followed outside off stump to the right-handed Sohaib Maqsood, before two legal balls brought a dot and a single.

    The over ended dramatically as Hastings bowled five more wides. Three of them drifted down the leg side to Khan from around the wicket, while the final two went almost off the pitch from over the wicket to Maqsood.

    Pakistan openers Sharjeel Khan (32*) and Sohaib Maqsood (28*) cruised to victory without losing a wicket. The Australians, including captain Lee, were visibly stunned as Hastings lost control completely.

    Despite the humiliating defeat, Australia will play in the semifinal against South Africa, led by AB de Villiers on Friday.