Current Final

Blog

  • Controversial ‘golden hands’ sculpture removed from Islamabad’s Margalla Avenue

    Controversial ‘golden hands’ sculpture removed from Islamabad’s Margalla Avenue

    The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has confirmed the removal of two globe-holding hand sculptures that were installed by a private housing society on Margalla Avenue, also known as Iran Avenue.

    According to reports citing the CDA, the housing society installed the globe-holding hand sculptures without obtaining the necessary design approval from the relevant department. Following intense public criticism online, the CDA directed the society to take down the structures, which have now been removed.

    Earlier, the installation, which the society said was part of a corporate social responsibility initiative, became a target of memes and jokes for its lack of aesthetic appeal and unclear symbolism. Many people on social media questioned how such a structure could appear in a prominent public space without proper approval.

    Reports further said that efforts to remove the sculptures had already begun but were delayed due to rain. After the backlash, the CDA clarified that no formal permission was given for the models and that any public structures must be approved by the authority first.

  • Spain to investigate Barca star for ‘hiring dwarfs for birthday entertainment’

    Spain to investigate Barca star for ‘hiring dwarfs for birthday entertainment’

    Spanish authorities have launched an investigation into Barcelona footballer Lamine Yamal after a disability rights group accused him of an act they described as “intolerable” and harmful to the dignity of individuals with dwarfism.

    According to the Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE), part of the Spanish Confederation of People with Physical and Organic Disabilities (COCEMFE), people with dwarfism were hired purely for promotional and entertainment purposes during Yamal’s 18th birthday party on July 13.

    “It’s unacceptable that in the 21st century, people with dwarfism continue to be used as entertainment at private parties,” said ADEE president Carolina Puente. “The dignity and rights of our community are not entertainment for anyone, under any circumstances.”

    The Association warned that such behaviour has an even bigger impact when it involves high-profile figures like Yamal, as it shapes social attitudes among younger generations.

    ADEE has called for legal and public action over the incident, arguing that it reinforces harmful stereotypes about people with dwarfism and other skeletal dysplasias.

    Lamine Yamal has yet to respond publicly to the criticism. The Spain international, who recently turned 18, enjoyed a strong season with Barcelona, helping the club secure both LaLiga and Copa del Rey titles. He is expected to wear the club’s iconic No.10 shirt next season.

  • Arshad Nadeem reveals fake promises of plots after Olympic win

    Arshad Nadeem reveals fake promises of plots after Olympic win

    Pakistani Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem has revealed that some of the rewards he was promised after his historic win at the Paris Olympics turned out to be fake, especially the plots that were pledged for him. 

    He confirmed that apart from the plots, all promised cash prizes were given to him.

    Speaking to the media in London on Monday, Arshad shared that while he received most of the announced prizes, the promises of land plots turned out to be fake.


    “They showered me with announcements of rewards. If you look at the plots that were promised, they were all fake. But Alhamdulillah, I have received all the other prizes,” Arshad said.

    He further added that his main focus right now is on his own training and future goals. “Right now, I am concentrating fully on myself because the targets ahead are very big,” he explained.

    Arshad also mentioned that he continues to support and train young athletes in Pakistan whenever he can. “Our youth come to us for training and Alhamdulillah we do train them. But I keep my main focus on myself,” he said.

    Arshad was promised over PKR 300 million in cash rewards and various gifts after winning the gold medal in javelin at the Paris Olympics 2024.

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced PKR 150 million for him, while the Punjab government pledged PKR 100 million and a new car. The Sindh government announced PKR 50 million and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister added another PKR 5 million. Private sponsors and banks also promised him cars, lifetime free fuel, and even an apartment.

    However, Arshad confirmed that while he received the cash prizes, the promised residential plots were never delivered.

  • ‘Open-minded Pakistan’; Indians react to Ramayana on Pakistani stage

    ‘Open-minded Pakistan’; Indians react to Ramayana on Pakistani stage

    A theatre group in Karachi has gained widespread appreciation after staging the Hindu epic Ramayana with a modern touch. The performance at the Karachi Arts Council was presented by drama collective Mauj, combining tradition with artificial intelligence to enhance storytelling.

    Director Yoheshwar Karera said he had no fear or hesitation in bringing Ramayana to the Pakistani stage. “To me, bringing the Ramayana to life on stage is a visual treat and shows the Pakistani society is more tolerant than it is often given credit for,” he said.

    The play received praise from both critics and audiences for its creative presentation, live music, and strong performances. Art and film critic Omair Alavi said, “The narrative is top class as the Ramayana is a story that resonates with millions around the world.”

    Rana Kazmi, who played Sita and also produced the play, explained her connection to the project: “I was intrigued by the idea of bringing the ancient tale as a living, breathing experience for audiences.”

    The staging of Ramayana in a Muslim-majority country not only highlighted cultural openness but also caught the attention of Indian audiences, who flooded social media with positive reactions.

    One user wrote, “Open-minded Pakistan.”

    Another commented, “In culture there is no place for religion. It will blossom.”

    One said, “First time I’m seeing Indian press praising Pakistani art. This is beautiful!”

    Another person shared, “Incredible to see the Ramayana inspiring creativity across borders!”

    One user wrote, “This is in such a spirit of positivity! There should be more news items like this,” clearly wishing for more such cultural exchanges.

    Someone chimed in with, “Great move, it’s all about learning another culture and having the tolerance as a human,” while another added, “Seemingly Pakistan is giving more freedom for cultural stages. That’s something to celebrate.”

    A user, sharing a personal note, commented, “So glad to read this. Being a Sindhi from Mumbai I am happy to see this. My parents and forefathers were from Karachi.”

    Meanwhile, India’s own Ramayana adaptation by director Nitesh Tiwari is also in the spotlight. With Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Yash as Ravana, the film is being made on a massive ₹1,600 crore budget and will release in two parts, Diwali 2026 and Diwali 2027.

  • Punjab to launch ‘No Bird Zones’ around Lahore airport to prevent bird strikes

    Punjab to launch ‘No Bird Zones’ around Lahore airport to prevent bird strikes

    Punjab government will establish ‘No Bird Zones: in and around Lahore to reduce the risk of bird strikes near airports after Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed several departments to enforce strict actions aimed at reducing bird presence along aircraft flight paths.

    The district administration, Wildlife Department, and Environment Protection Authority have been tasked with the operation. Aerial safety barriers, known as ‘ring fencing’ will be implemented in specific areas to deter bird gatherings. Additionally, the government has launched Punjab’s first Wildlife Force to undertake field operations, overseen by Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, who also manages environment protection, climate change, and wildlife portfolios.

    A range of enforcement actions has been initiated to eliminate factors attracting birds around airports. Unlawful slaughterhouses and poultry farms will be closed, and strict waste disposal regulations will be enforced for bakeries and other establishments. Businesses lacking environmental protections, such as poultry farms, slaughterhouses, and bakeries, will be prohibited from operating near airports. The processing of leather tanning in open spaces will also be banned.

    Further restrictions include an outright ban on scattering grains on rooftops and in public areas like shrines, along with a ban on breeding pigeons and large-scale pigeon flying within designated zones. Disposing of garbage or food waste in open locations near airports has been completely forbidden, and the use of covered waste bins is now compulsory.

    Wildlife Rangers have been ordered to commence operations without delay. Various sites, including Lahore Eastern Bypass, Manawan Hospital Dahoori Wala, PKLI, Chungi Amar Sidhu, Ichhra, and Chah Miran, have been designated No Bird Zones where these operations will begin.

    As per a notification from the Punjab government, rigorous enforcement of the Punjab Wildlife Act will be pursued. Breaches will lead to arrests, penalties, and fines. The notification highlighted that bird strikes during takeoff, landing, and low-altitude flights significantly contribute to aircraft accidents.

    The government cited statistics from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), noting that over 90 percent of bird strike incidents occur below 3,000 feet.

  • Man reunites with parents 32 years after abduction

    Man reunites with parents 32 years after abduction

    A man abducted at the age of two has finally reunited with his parents after 32 years. 

    Muhammad Asif, who was kidnapped in 1992 from the area around Bari Imam in Islamabad, said on the emotional moment:  “I only ever had one wish, to one day meet my parents.”

    Social worker Waliullah Maroof, who frequently posts videos of cases pertaining to missing persons on social media to assist in reuniting families, made the reunion possible.  

    He clarified that in many cases, such videos result in successful reunions.

    Asif’s kidnappers changed his name from Muhammad Siddiq to Muhammad Asif. Recalling the ordeal, Asif revealed he was kidnapped by a woman who lived with her mother and three brothers in village near Sargodha called Jhanoria.


    Another abducted boy, whom Asif described as being like an elder brother, told him that they had been kidnapped. 

    The residents of Jhanoria eventually started to suspect something. He stated that people assumed they were kidnapped since they didn’t look like their “family,” and at that point the family left the village.


    “We were not even aware that we had been abducted. However, we felt abandoned and frequently heard from others that we had been kidnapped.  I later ran away to Jhanoria again, around age 9 or 10, and ended up in the care of a kind lawyer who raised me and sent me to school,” he added.

    Although not very interested in studies, Asif became an electrician, got married in 2017, and bought a home with his savings.

    His journey toward reuniting with his parents began when he met someone at a goldsmith’s shop and shared his wish to find his parents.

    That person connected him to social worker Waliullah Maroof. “He asked me for details and eventually made the connection with my real parents,” Asif said.

    After a 32-year search, getting together again finally brought closure to the family and gave hope to many others who are still searching for their missing loved ones.

  • Lahore influencer denies animal abuse allegations, claims photos misleading

    Lahore influencer denies animal abuse allegations, claims photos misleading

    An influencer accused of animal abuse in Lahore has responded to the allegations, saying the photos shared online show a misleading version of events.

    In an Instagram story, the influencer, who uses the handle @dejaylazawal, explained that the rabbit found lying in blood had been attacked by a rescued cat. She asserted that she did not harm the animal and shared the image during a moment of emotional distress, expressing regret for posting it.

    She mentioned that her home had become a sanctuary for abandoned and injured animals, which is why, according to her, some might not resemble typical pets. In response to criticism regarding the presence of skulls and other items in her photos, she clarified that they are part of her personal aesthetic and are unrelated to any spiritual or harmful activities.

    The situation attracted attention after images of injured animals, including a white rabbit and a black-and-white cat confined to a small cage, were posted from @dejaylazawal’s account. Screenshots showed the influencer replying to inquiries about the animals with explicit and violent language. Citizens reported the account to authorities, which led to police involvement.

    ASP Shehrbano Naqvi confirmed that DHA police arrived at the location, where they discovered animal remains, blood, and cigarette butts. Officials reported that the influencer laughed upon their arrival, while her father allegedly attempted to prevent their intervention. Authorities suspected potential mental health issues, although no formal diagnosis has been made.

    The Pakistan Animal Rescue Center (PARC) has relocated the surviving animals to a safe shelter, and wild species found at the residence have been handed over to the Wildlife Department. Police have stated that a First Information Report (FIR) will be filed, and the influencer will be prohibited from keeping animals.

    ASP Shehrbano acknowledged citizen Anoshay for bringing the situation to light and encouraged the public to stay alert against animal cruelty.

  • Olivia Rodrigo speaks out against Gaza genocide, encourages donations

    Olivia Rodrigo speaks out against Gaza genocide, encourages donations

    American pop singer Olivia Rodrigo has spoken out about the genocide in Gaza, calling the situation “horrific and completely unacceptable.”

    In a message posted on her Instagram Story, Rodrigo expressed her sorrow over the plight of Palestinians in Gaza. “Parents, children, and families in Gaza are facing starvation, dehydration, and are being deprived of essential medical care and humanitarian assistance,” she stated. She continued, “No child in Israel, Palestine, or in any corner of the globe deserves to suffer as these children are suffering. To give up on them is to give up on our shared humanity.”

    Rodrigo shared that she has donated to UNICEF to help civilians affected by the conflict and encouraged others to contribute if they can.

    This statement comes as Israel continues its attacks under its genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, killing over 58,000 Palestinians since October 7, 2023. The ongoing blockade and airstrikes have caused critical food shortages and restricted access to medical care in the area.

    Rodrigo is not the only artist voicing her worries about the situation. Singer Lana Del Rey recently commented on Instagram, “We pray for Palestine daily. I long for peace among all nations.” Billie Eilish has also condemned Israel’s proposal to relocate Palestinians from Rafah, calling the notion “terrifying.”

  • Five foreign nationals arrested from fraudulent call center in Islamabad

    Five foreign nationals arrested from fraudulent call center in Islamabad

    The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) arrested five foreign nationals during a raid on an illegal call centre located in Islamabad’s G-10 Markaz after an inquiry into a task-based online scam caused financial losses to victims.

    As per the first information report (FIR) submitted by complainant Aamir Azeem Abbasi, the call centre, operating out of Sardar Plaza, was engaged in impersonating representatives of a fraudulent online earning company. The suspects allegedly lured people, including foreign nationals, into fraudulent easy-money-making schemes. The FIR mentioned that over 60 employees were present at the site.

    A team was formed by the Cyber Crime Reporting Centre (CCRC) Islamabad after obtaining search and seizure warrants from the court. During the raid, digital equipment used in the scam was seized. The five foreign nationals present at the site were unable to provide any legal justification for the equipment and confessed to engaging in electronic fraud.

    According to the FIR, the gang employed internet-downloaded and AI-generated images, alongside false identities, to reach out to isolated or vulnerable individuals via Facebook, Telegram, and WhatsApp. The operation was organized in various tiers: scammers first contacted victims, Telegram receptionists gathered personal information for further exploitation, finance managers oversaw cryptocurrency accounts like Binance to collect illicit funds, and accomplices in countries such as Cambodia drained bank accounts under the guise of online earning schemes.

    The investigation uncovered that the group extorted substantial amounts from both local and international victims by accessing confidential data and misusing it to solicit money. The illicit proceeds were laundered through cryptocurrency wallets.

    The NCCIA filed the case under Sections 13 and 14 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016, along with Sections 419, 420, 34, and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code. Inspector Ashir Aroon was appointed to lead the investigation with consent from the additional director of the CCRC Islamabad.

    After their apprehension, the five suspects were presented before Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah, who granted the NCCIA a two-day physical remand. The suspects are set to appear in court again on July 16.

    The NCCIA indicated that additional legal measures would be taken against those who provided support or protection to the detained individuals. The inquiry into other potential accomplices is still ongoing.

    This raid follows similar operations in Faisalabad, Karachi, Multan, and Lahore in recent months, where multiple suspects were arrested for their roles in online fraud and digital scams.

  • Pakistan names 25-player pool for T20 World Cup

    Pakistan names 25-player pool for T20 World Cup

    Pakistan T20 captain Salman Ali Agha has confirmed that the team management has finalised a pool of 25 players in line with the upcoming T20 World Cup.

    Speaking to the media during the national team’s final practice session before they departed for Bangladesh on Monday, Agha said that strengthening the bench is a top priority. “We are working on building our bench strength so that every player is ready to become part of the team at any time,” he said.

    He explained that the team has a clear strategy for the future. “A pool of 25 players has been formed and these players will be seen in action until the World Cup,” he added. He confirmed that seniors like Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are included in this core group. “Shaheen Afridi’s performance is no secret; he is one of Pakistan’s most important players,” he said.

    Talking about the balance between formats, Agha said, “If our team performs well in Test cricket, other teams will also want to play more Tests with us, but since the T20 World Cup is near, our main focus is on T20 matches right now.”

    On Mohammad Nawaz’s return, Agha said, “Due to Shadab Khan’s injury, we needed a replacement like him, so Nawaz was included in the team. Performance can go up and down, but you cannot ignore any player’s abilities.”

    Regarding the Karachi training camp, he said, “The camp was set up keeping in mind the conditions of current and upcoming matches because here the conditions were favourable for spinners. The team is leaving for the next series with full preparation.”

    When asked about his own captaincy, Agha said, “I do not think about whether I will be captain in the next series or not. My full focus is always on the present series and my aim is to get the best performance out of the players.”

    He acknowledged that Bangladesh could pose a real challenge. “Bangladesh can be a tough team in their home conditions and they have defeated big teams on their grounds in the past,” he said.

    In closing, Agha stressed the importance of consistency and patience in Pakistan cricket. “Consistency in captaincy, coaching and the system is necessary. You cannot prove anything in one or two months. Wherever Pakistan cricket should be, I am ready to play my role for that,” he said.

    The three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Bangladesh is scheduled from July 20 to 24.