Blog

  • Rajab Butt leaves Pakistan after blasphemy allegations

    Rajab Butt leaves Pakistan after blasphemy allegations

    Renowned YouTuber Rajab Butt has reportedly left Pakistan amid blasphemy allegations against him.

    As per the details, Butt has left for an undisclosed location and announced a temporary break from vlogging. His sudden departure comes as he faces potential legal action under the country’s blasphemy laws for allegedly making disrespectful remarks against Islamic figures.

    “I will not upload any new vlog without my mother’s permission,” Butt said during a TikTok live session on Thursday evening, explaining that his mother was deeply concerned about the current situation and had accompanied him to the airport. While he did not disclose his location, Butt went on to added that he would continue going live on TikTok.

    “I’m not saying goodbye to vlogging, but I will wait for the situation to improve. I’ve recorded videos to clarify things and I’ll release them at the appropriate time,” he said further.

    Earlier, a concerned citizen’s petition in a Lahore court accused Butt of using derogatory language about the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in a social media video. According to the petition, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) had already been approached, but no FIR was registered.

    This was not the first time Butt found himself embroiled in legal trouble.

    Butt has remained in the spotlight over the past six to seven months for various controversies. In May, a video went viral allegedly showing him and his associates assaulting a young man. The victim later approached Satu Katla Police Station for legal action. However, Butt issued an apology and called the incident a misunderstanding. The matter was eventually resolved after the victim withdrew the complaint.

    In another serious case, an FIR was registered against Butt and his cousin Salman Haider. Haider was accused of rape, blackmail, and unlawful confinement, while Butt was accused of aiding in detaining the complainant and her sister. He secured bail in the case, and the interim bail of Salman Haider was also extended.

    Earlier this month, Butt was stopped by the Dolphin Force in Lahore as part of a citywide crackdown on vehicles with black tinted windows. During a routine inspection at Thokar Niaz Baig, officers removed black paper from his car windows. DSP Mubashir Awan led the team, and SP Arslan Zahid warned that similar actions would continue across the city.

    The YouTuber also previously sparked backlash after naming his perfume “295” in a reference to Pakistan’s blasphemy law. Amid the uproar, he left the country. In January, he was arrested just a day after his wedding for illegal possession of a lion cub and for displaying weapons.

    He also drew online criticism when he, along with fellow YouTubers Ducky Bhai and Nadeem Nani Wala, launched a paid online course platform. The venture was mocked by fans who pointed out that much of the course content was already available for free on YouTube.

  • PTI calls out ARY News for airing ‘false news’, demands apology

    PTI calls out ARY News for airing ‘false news’, demands apology

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram has criticised ARY News for airing “false news” about an alleged internal rift within the party regarding the distribution of Senate election tickets in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

    Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Akram termed the broadcast ‘baseless,’ alleging that the channel was attempting to malign Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and the family of incarcerated PTI founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    The controversy stemmed from reported differences between KP CM Gandapur, Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan, and KP Adviser on Information Barrister Saif over the distribution of Senate tickets.

    According to ARY News, Imran Khan gave Saif a list of six Senate nominees during a meeting at Adiala Jail and instructed him to announce the names afterwards. However, Gandapur allegedly intervened to stop the announcement.

    ARY further reported that when Saif was urged to resolve the matter through party consultation, he insisted that Khan’s nominations were final. He warned that if any changes were made, he would resign from his post.

    ARY also reported that Gandapur and Aleema Khan wanted to exclude two names from the list, including Mashal Yousafzai, the former special assistant to the KP CM, but Saif stood by Khan’s original picks.

    “I have spoken to Barrister Saif, who is saying he had not spoken to anyone in ARY,” the PTI information secretary said, adding that Aleema Khan was deeply hurt that some people, as part of an organised propaganda campaign, are attempting to malign them.

    Akram lambasted ARY News for airing a “one-sided story” and not taking his version before broadcasting the report. “Was the Information Secretary of PTI unavailable. Couldn’t you ask Aleema Khan or the [KP] chief minister [for confirmation]?” he questioned.

    Condemning the news report, Akram announced a temporary boycott of ARY News. “We are telling our people that today, no one from PTI will appear on any ARY programme,” he stated.

    He concluded by demanding “an apology” from ARY News.

  • Indian woman’s Illinois shoplifting case prompts visa warning for Indians

    Indian woman’s Illinois shoplifting case prompts visa warning for Indians

    An Indian woman has been charged with felony theft after allegedly attempting to shoplift goods worth over $1,300 from a Target store in Normal, Illinois. Police bodycam footage of the incident, uploaded by the YouTube channel “Body Cam Edition,” has gone viral, sparking widespread debate online.

    Target employees reported that the woman spent almost seven hours in the store before attempting to exit with a full shopping cart without making a purchase. “She was gathering items, checking her phone, moving through the aisles, and ultimately tried to exit through the west gate,” one store employee stated to the officers in the video.

    The footage captures police confronting her as she tries to leave. She continuously begs the officers, offering to pay for the items. “I don’t want to get into any trouble,” she mentions, adding, “I’m really sorry… I’m ready to pay for this.” The officers decline her offer, telling her, “You want to pay for it now, but you weren’t paying for it before.” 

    During her questioning, she informed the police that she did not reside in the U.S. and that her family was located in India. A female officer can be heard asking her, “Are you allowed to steal things in India? I did not think so.”

    Netizens reacted to the incident on social media. 

    One commented, “Who steals for 7 hours? That’s a whole shift at Subway – girl, go apply.” 

    Some users condemned her for allegedly bringing shame to India, with one stating, “She went abroad with the country’s passport to bring disgrace. Because of this one girl’s actions, America’s social media is filled with hatred toward Indians.”

    In response to the viral video, the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi released a warning directing Indian nationals that engaging in criminal activities in the U.S. might result in visa revocation.

    The statement, circulated on social media, indicated, “Engaging in assault, theft, or burglary in the United States will not only lead to legal troubles but could also result in your visa being revoked and make you ineligible for future U.S. visas. The United States upholds law and order and anticipates that foreign visitors adhere to all U.S. regulations.”

    While shoplifting is normally prosecuted under state law, felony charges may be applicable depending on the worth of the stolen items. The woman has been charged, although she has not yet been formally arrested.

  • Coldplay kiss cam puts Astronomer’s CEO, HR chief under online scrutiny

    Coldplay kiss cam puts Astronomer’s CEO, HR chief under online scrutiny

    Coldplay’s lead singer, Chris Martin, reacted on stage after the jumbotron at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts, showed two audience members standing close together during the band’s kiss cam segment on July 16. As the camera zoomed in on them, they quickly tried to hide their faces, drawing attention from the crowd and Martin himself.

    In response to their reaction, Martin jokingly said, “Whoa, look at these two. Alright, come on. You’re OK. Either they’re having an affair or they’re just really shy. I’m not exactly sure how to handle this.” 

    Shortly after, as the camera panned to other fans, he continued, “Holy s*. I hope we didn’t do something bad.”

    The video quickly made its way online, and social media users identified the couple as Andy Byron, CEO of the $1.3 billion tech company Astronomer, and Kristin Cabot, the company’s Chief People Officer. This revelation garnered interest, as Byron is said to be married to Megan Kerrigan Byron.

    Discussions online escalated when internet users began investigating the personal lives of those involved. Megan Kerrigan Byron’s Facebook account, which some users had found and messaged, was subsequently deactivated. Reports indicated that Kerrigan appeared to have removed Byron’s last name from her profiles before deactivating them.

    Byron has not publicly addressed the incident, but his LinkedIn account and other social media pages were reportedly disabled after the footage spread. Cabot has also not issued any statement.

    This incident has led to closer scrutiny of their roles at Astronomer. Byron announced Cabot’s appointment as Chief People Officer last November, praising her expertise in talent management and developing workplace strategies as vital for the firm’s expansion. At the time, Cabot expressed that she was “energized” by her discussions with Byron and Astronomer’s leadership regarding opportunities within the company.

    The situation evolved further when what appeared to be an apology from Byron began to spread online. The message, which referenced Coldplay lyrics and conveyed regret, led many to assume that Byron had addressed the issue. However, Astronomer later clarified that the post had come from a parody account and was not from Byron.

  • Sidhu Moosewala’s posthumous tour raises debate on tribute versus commercial gain

    Sidhu Moosewala’s posthumous tour raises debate on tribute versus commercial gain

    The team of late Sidhu Moosewala has announced a world tour that will use artificial intelligence to recreate the Punjabi singer and rapper’s presence on stage. Named Signed to God, the tour is scheduled for 2026 and will showcase Moosewala’s hit songs through an AI-generated avatar and holographic technology.

    The announcement was made via Moosewala’s official Instagram page, which is handled by his team. Performances are anticipated to occur in Indian Punjab as well as in Toronto, London, and Los Angeles. This technology will merge holograms, augmented reality, and other tools to create a stage experience that aims to make audiences feel as if they are witnessing Moosewala perform live.

    This marks the first posthumous world tour announced for any South Asian musician. The idea of using technology to bring back late artists has already been explored globally. Tupac Shakur appeared as a hologram at Coachella in 2012, and Michael Jackson’s The Immortal World Tour by Cirque du Soleil generated over $370 million. Additionally, Jackson’s hologram performed at the Billboard Music Awards in 2014.

    Moosewala’s upcoming tour has ignited discussion among his supporters. Many are thrilled at the prospect of “seeing” him perform, particularly those who missed his live shows during his lifetime. Conversely, some are sceptical about whether this is in line with what the artist would have preferred.

    Moosewala was recognised for exercising strict control over his creative output. In 2020, he established his own record label, 5911, to independently release his music. His untimely death in May 2022 abruptly ended a career that was deeply intertwined with themes of identity, politics, and marginalisation.

    The utilisation of artificial intelligence to recreate artists has sparked concerns about the extent to which their likeness can be managed posthumously. Fans and critics are questioning whether such tours are tributes or commercial projects designed to keep artists’ legacies active through technology.



    Moosewala was shot dead in May 2022 in Mansa district, Punjab, a day after his state security cover was scaled back. The attack, which involved multiple gunmen, was linked to gang rivalries, according to police investigations. His death sparked protests and widespread mourning among fans in India and abroad.

  • Police reveal Humaira Asghar’s bank balance, say finances were stable

    Police reveal Humaira Asghar’s bank balance, say finances were stable

    In the latest development in Humaira Asghar’s case, police have revealed that the actress had Rs. 400,000 in her private bank account, and her ATM transactions indicated she was not in financial distress.

    A senior investigating officer told the media that while she appeared financially stable, she might have been emotionally or mentally isolated.

    Two national ID cards were also recovered from her flat. One showed a changed date of birth, possibly reflecting the pressure to appear younger in an industry that values appearance over age.

    Actress Humaira Asghar’s nine-month-old body was found in a severely decomposed state inside her flat in Karachi’s Defence area last week. She had been living alone in the rented apartment.

    The body was discovered only when a court bailiff arrived to vacate the flat on the landlord’s request. Humaira had been living alone on rent, and no one had checked on her for months.

    Her mysterious death has sparked more questions than answers. Police investigations are ongoing but have yet to produce any major breakthrough.

    Phone data showed that on October 7, 2024, she tried to contact 14 people, including a well-known director currently in Islamabad, but no one responded.

    Her phone, diary, and even a damaged tablet have become key pieces of evidence. Among the 2,215 contacts saved in her phone, not one could be there for her in her final moments.

    Investigators believe she may have slipped while doing laundry. Clothes soaked in detergent were found decaying in the bathroom. The kitchen had no food, raising further concerns about her condition before death.

    Police are also investigating why the odour from her decomposed body went unreported for so long. Residents in the lower flat said they noticed a smell back in November, but the building’s watchman reportedly ignored it.

    On the other hand, her brother Naveed Asghar made some serious claims about her death. In an interview, he said, “My sister did not die accidentally. She was murdered as part of a planned conspiracy. Police officers told me that when the flat’s door was broken open, the back door was already open and the roof window had also remained open. This is why the smell did not spread. We are 90 percent sure this was a murder.”

    He further added, “I believe there should be a full and transparent investigation. The landlord’s complete data and call records must be obtained. It should also be checked how long he has been living in Karachi and whether he has any links to Lahore.”

    Naveed also demanded a detailed probe into Humaira’s travel history. “It is important to know whether she used to travel alone or with someone. That aspect also raises many questions,” he said.

    Expressing disappointment over the lack of cooperation from people in the industry, he said, “Even the cast and crew from her recent projects are not fully cooperating. I don’t understand why they are not speaking openly. Are they afraid of someone? If they are innocent, they should come forward and help uncover the truth.”

  • Currency market experiences dollar shortage despite current account surplus

    Currency market experiences dollar shortage despite current account surplus

    The currency market is experiencing a shortage of foreign currency, with importers, travellers, and students facing difficulty in buying dollars. According to reports, commercial banks are now charging rates higher than the official quoted rates.

    According to the reports, the shortage has occurred despite Pakistan achieving a historic current account surplus following a surge in remittance inflows. Market experts remain stunned over the shortage of dollars, outlining how the shortage persists despite all external payments having been cleared by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

    Reports indicate that importers are facing difficulty in obtaining dollars for their shipments. Currency dealers have revealed that acquiring a letter of credit for even small amounts is becoming difficult as well. These difficulties persist despite exchange companies having sold nearly $5 billion to banks in the fiscal year (FY) 2024-25.

    The aforementioned conditions are akin to those imposed on the economy when the government levies import control measures. Analysts have outlined how the restriction of imports could stifle economic growth in the coming periods.

    An analyst has expressed disbelief regarding the SBP’s decision to tighten the currency market. The analyst’s disbelief stems from the fact that the SBP seemingly has no reason to restrict the availability of dollars in the domestic market.

    This is because Pakistan has met all of its pressing external debt obligations, and the SBP has achieved the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) reserve target.

    The SBP was able to meet the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) $14 billion reserve target as Beijing decided to refinance a whopping $1.3 billion in commercial loans. Moreover, details from reports indicate that China also rolled over $2.1 billion, which the SBP has held in its reserves for the past three years.

    Reports suggest that officials from exchange companies and commercial banks have remained apprehensive about commenting on the situation. Banks have reportedly started charging a premium of up to Rs2.5 per dollar over the SBP’s quoted rate.

    This has caused importers acquiring dollars to face a rate of approximately Rs287.5 per dollar, up from the SBP’s quoted rate of Rs285.16. This is bound to reduce the profit margins of importers, as a depreciation in the value of the rupee makes imports more expensive.

    Aside from importers, travellers and students have also reported difficulties in obtaining dollars, while patients seeking medical treatment abroad have reportedly faced similar issues.

  • Four boys caught subway surfing in New York

    Four boys caught subway surfing in New York

    Four boys recently caught subway surfing in the Bronx are among the 200 people rescued through the New York Police Department’s (NYPD) drone program since it began, according to the department.

    According to the New York Police Department, the boys, aged 16, 15, 12, and 12, were captured by drones climbing up on the northbound 6 express train last Thursday as it went under a bridge and through many above-ground stations in the Bronx.

    According to department-released footage, one of the boys climbed onto the train’s roof and instantly crouched as it went under the Westchester Avenue Bridge. 

    After that, one of the three boys slipped, but the other three came out from between the train cars and stood up.

    The boys were also seen jumping on top of the train as it moved through the Bronx.

     After the NYPD Drone Team shared their descriptions with officers, police were able to stop the train and apprehend the boys before any serious injuries occurred.

    Since the NYPD began using drones in November 2023, authorities state that hundreds of people have been arrested for subway surfing.

    “It’s not a thrill. It’s a deadly risk,” the NYPD wrote in a social media post earlier this week. “Our drone technology has already helped save 200 lives, spotting subway surfers before tragedy strikes. We’re watching from above. Because you matter down here. Ride inside, stay alive.”

    As of July 6, three people have died subway surfing in 2025, compared to two deaths during the same period last year. In 2024, six people lost their lives due to the activity, following five deaths in 2023.

    Carlos Oliver, 15, who was subway surfing on a No. 7 train in Queens over the Fourth of July weekend, was one of the most recent fatalities.

    As the train neared the Queensboro Plaza Station, officials said he lost his balance and fell. He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries.

  • PCB unveils packed women’s cricket calendar for 2025‑26 season

    PCB unveils packed women’s cricket calendar for 2025‑26 season

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released the schedule for the 2025‑26 women’s cricket season.

    The national women’s team will open its season with a three‑match T20 International series against Ireland in Dublin from August 6 to 10, 2025. This will be followed by a high‑profile three‑match ODI series against South Africa in Lahore on September 16, 19 and 22, which will serve as crucial preparation for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2.

    Pakistan Women’s Cricket Calendar 2025–26

    International Events

    
      
    Event/Series Format Venue/Location Dates
    vs Ireland 3 T20Is Dublin 6–10 August 2025
    vs South Africa 3 ODIs Lahore 16, 19, 22 September 2025
    ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup ODI World Cup Sri Lanka 30 September – 2 November 2025
    vs South Africa 3 ODIs & 3 T20Is South Africa 7 February – 2 March 2026
    vs Zimbabwe 3 ODIs & 3 T20Is TBC 24 April – 11 May 2026
    T20 Tri-series (Pak, WI, Ire) T20 Tri-series Ireland May – June 2026
    ICC Women’s T20 World Cup T20 World Cup England 12 June – 5 July 2026
    
    
      

    Domestic Events

    
      
    Event/Series Format Venue/Location Dates
    National Women’s One-Day Tournament Domestic One-Day Karachi 6–24 November 2025
    Women’s U19 T20 Tournament U19 T20 Karachi 15 September – 6 October 2025
    HEC Inter-University Tournament University Tournament TBC October 2025
    National Women’s T20 Tournament Domestic T20 Karachi 24 March – 17 April 2026
    Pakistan U19 tour to Bangladesh U19 International Bangladesh December 2025
    
    
    

    By ensuring a balanced mix of international fixtures and development pathways, the PCB aims to provide regular competition and meaningful opportunities for women cricketers across all levels. With global events on the horizon, the coming months will be vital for shaping a stronger and more competitive Pakistan women’s cricket team.

  • Husband poisons wife, children and father-in-law in Naushahro Feroze

    Husband poisons wife, children and father-in-law in Naushahro Feroze

    A man in Naushahro Feroze allegedly poisoned his wife, children, and father-in-law after his wife asked for a divorce.

    According to the police, the suspect’s wife was upset with him and had approached the court to file for divorce, which deeply angered the husband.

    The enraged husband sent poisoned drinks to his wife’s family through a neighbour’s child.

    The suspect’s father-in-law’s health deteriorated after he drank the poisoned drinks. 

    After being taken to the hospital, he passed away. Meanwhile, the suspect’s wife and children, who were in severe condition, were provided medical treatment at Kandiaro Hospital and later relocated to Gambat.

    The survivors are still in critical condition.

    Police also revealed that the wife had been staying at her father’s home following her dispute with her husband. 

    The suspect has fled and is currently being tracked by the authorities.