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  • TikToker gang-raped in Haripur after being lured with job offer

    TikToker gang-raped in Haripur after being lured with job offer

    A 26-year-old TikToker has reportedly been gang-raped in Haripur’s Khanpur tehsil after being lured by a job offer, a complaint registered on Thursday with local police has said. 

    A First Information Report (FIR) was registered at Khanpur Police Station under Sections 34 (common intention), 376 (rape), 392 (robbery), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

    The woman, who is from Taxila, said she was contacted by one of the suspects through her TikTok account and was offered a job at a hotel in Khanpur.

    She stated in her complaint, “The suspect called me for an interview. When I reached the bus stop, they picked me up in their car and drove a few miles away, where they forced me to strip at gunpoint.”

    According to the FIR, the car was driven by an unknown man, while the second suspect was in the front passenger seat. The two men then allegedly raped her and fled the scene, taking her mobile phone, Rs3,000 in cash, and a gold pendant. She was left abandoned on the roadside.

    The incident reportedly took place on Wednesday at around 8pm.

    In recent months, several similar cases have been reported across the country. 

    In June, Hafizabad police carried out raids to arrest eight suspects who allegedly kidnapped a couple and subjected them to sexual and physical assault. In May, a stage actress was reportedly gang-raped by four men near Nishtar Chowk in Sadiqabad. In March, Punjab police arrested three suspects accused of gang-raping a woman in Lahore.

    Police in Haripur are investigating the case and searching for the suspects.

  • Indian TV host accuses Trump of accepting ‘crypto bribe’ from Pakistan

    Indian TV host accuses Trump of accepting ‘crypto bribe’ from Pakistan

    Controversial Indian TV host Arnab Goswami has accused United States (US) President Donald Trump of taking a ‘crypto bribe’ from Pakistan after Trump said that he “loves Pakistan”.

    “Trump should be investigated along with his family, whether any of them are beneficiaries of any crypto deal with Pakistan,” Goswami said in a clip that went viral on social media.

    Speaking to reporters on Wednesday on the White House lawn, ahead of a luncheon with Field Marshal Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Asim Munir in Washington, DC, US President Donald Trump said, “I love Pakistan”.

    Referring to last month’s military standoff between Pakistan and India, the US President lauded Field Marshal Munir’s efforts towards protecting the country and de-escalation.

    “I stopped a war between Pakistan and India. This man [Field Marshal Asim Munir] was extremely influential in stopping it from the Pakistan side,” he stated.

    Following the meeting, Trump said that he was “honoured” to meet Field Marshal Munir for talks held at the White House’s Cabinet room.

    Commenting on Trump’s appreciative statement about Pakistan and its leadership, Goswami said, “Trump is for Pakistan. Trump is beginning to sound like a member of the Pakistan armed forces. The number of times he says, ‘I love Pakistan’ is embarrassing himself (sic).”

    ‘Pakistan knows Iran very well, better than most’: Trump following meeting with COAS Munir

  • Two police personnel martyred while dining in Swabi

    Two police personnel martyred while dining in Swabi

    Two police officers have been killed after unidentified men on a motorcycle opened fire on them in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

    The attack happened late Friday in the jurisdiction of IDS Gadoon Police Station. Reports say the officers were eating at a local restaurant when two men entered the premises and shot them at close range.

    The martyred officers have been identified as Constable Jamal Din and police van driver Zahid. Security forces and rescue teams arrived at the scene and shifted the bodies to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Topi for legal formalities.

    Police cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to catch the attackers. An investigation is currently under way.

    Funeral prayers for the officers were held at Police Lines Shah Mansoor. Regional Police Officer Mardan Najeebur Rehman, District Police Officer Swabi Muhammad Azhar Khan, SP Investigation Iftikhar Ali, other police personnel, and the martyrs’ family members attended the ceremony.

  • ‘Sorry for the distress’: ARY UK broadcaster apologizes to Meesha Shafi in defamation case

    ‘Sorry for the distress’: ARY UK broadcaster apologizes to Meesha Shafi in defamation case

    Singer Meesha Shafi has won a defamation case in the UK against ARY’s broadcaster New Vision TV (NVTV). The case was settled out of court, with the channel airing an official apology.

    NVTV admitted that its broadcast had created a “misunderstanding” and stated: “We are sorry if our broadcast caused Meesha Shafi any distress.”

    The case was related to a report aired by ARY UK on December 5, 2020. In 2023, a UK High Court ruled that the broadcast was defamatory towards Meesha. The court found that the channel wrongly claimed Meesha Shafi was deliberately avoiding court orders in Pakistan over a period of two years.

    The court also said the channel portrayed Meesha as “someone who does not comply with legal requirements laid down by a court and engages in such behaviour repeatedly.”

    A clip from the original broadcast, submitted in court, stated, “She [Shafi] came to Pakistan, did her work and left. Singer Meesha Shafi threw the court orders to the winds. She came to Pakistan, recorded a song and then returned to Canada. She did not present herself in court. Ali Zafar has filed a defamation lawsuit against Meesha.”

    The High Court noted that such statements could seriously damage Meesha’s image. It stated: “Such an assertion would have the tendency of lowering the claimant [Meesha] in the estimation of right-thinking people generally… Given the claimant’s standing, the words complained of are likely to have a seriously adverse impact on the way the claimant is treated.”

    The court also acknowledged that Meesha Shafi is a “very high-profile Pakistani celebrity” known for supporting women’s rights.

    In 2018, Meesha Shafi accused singer and actor Ali Zafar of sexual harassment a case that became one of Pakistan’s most high-profile #MeToo moments. In response, Zafar filed a Rs1 billion defamation case against her, and she later filed a counter defamation suit.

    Her original harassment complaint was dismissed in 2019 on technical grounds. However, in 2021, the Supreme Court of Pakistan agreed to hear her appeal to decide whether her case falls under the country’s workplace harassment law.

  • Pakistan secures $20 billion in external assistance

    Pakistan secures $20 billion in external assistance

    Pakistan has managed to secure approximately $20 billion in external financial assistance during the first 11 months of fiscal year (FY) 2024-25, exceeding its annual target of $19.2 billion. According to reports, this figure includes approximately $6.89 billion in fresh loans and grants, while the majority of the assistance was in the form of legacy rollovers.

    China and Saudi Arabia granted rollovers of $3 billion each, while the United Arab Emirates granted Pakistan a rollover of $2 billion.

    Despite Pakistan exceeding the annual target, the Economic Affairs Division’s (EAD) latest report outlined that inflows of foreign economic assistance dropped by 8.7 percent during the first 11 months of FY 2024-25 compared to the same period last year, when inflows stood at a respectable $7.55 billion.

    It merits a mention that the $6.89 billion figure does not count the $2 billion received from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the ongoing $7 billion Extended Fund Facility program. The reason behind this is that these IMF disbursements are recorded separately by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). 

    Reports have highlighted how including IMF disbursements and the rollovers results in total foreign assistance reaching $20 billion in the 11-month period. As per the data, Pakistan’s overall rollover portfolio from Saudi Arabia, China, and the UAE is estimated to sit at $12.7 billion, comprising loans and safe deposits.

    Reports suggest that delays in the IMF program deterred many commercial lenders, contributing to the 8.7 percent drop in foreign economic assistance. Last year, inflows were higher due to timely IMF tranches.

    Commercial financing from UAE-based lenders showed some recovery, reportedly reaching $903 million, but it remained far below the $3.8 billion annual target. Aside from delays from the IMF’s side, credit rating concerns and tough economic conditions have played their role in the fall in foreign economic assistance. 

    As per reports, multilateral creditors disbursed $3.37 billion during the first 11 months of FY 2024-25, recording an uptick from $3.14 billion the previous year. Reports suggest that bilateral disbursements witnessed a significant drop on a year-on-year (YoY) basis as well, falling by 45 percent, causing aid to fall to a measly $487 million from its previous value of $889 million.

    Islamabad also intended to generate $1 billion through international bonds and expected $9 billion in inflows from China and Saudi Arabia. Reports reveal that the breakdown would be $5 billion in time deposits, while the $4 billion would be SAFE deposits.

    Meanwhile, inflows through the Naya Pakistan Certificates rose to $1.77 billion from $1.05 billion last year. The ADB and World Bank contributed $1.39 billion and $1.23 billion, respectively, showing YoY growth.

  • Vintage vibes and intense silence; ‘Main Manto Nahi Hoon’ teaser is pure cinema

    Vintage vibes and intense silence; ‘Main Manto Nahi Hoon’ teaser is pure cinema

    The much-awaited teaser of Main Manto Nahi Hoon is finally here, and it has taken fans by complete surprise.

    For months, people were guessing when the teaser would drop. Some thought late June, others hoped for early July. But the makers said nothing until now. Out of nowhere, the official teaser dropped, and it’s honestly everything fans were hoping for… and maybe even more.

    From the first frame, the teaser grabs your attention. The visuals are soft, warm, and slightly vintage, like an old movie, but made with a modern camera. The lighting, the colours, and the overall mood feel rich and thoughtful. Every shot was carefully designed to tell a story without saying too much.

    There are no loud sounds. Instead, it uses silence, shadows, and emotion to pull you in. It feels like a tribute to classic cinema but in a modern way.

    The cast is full of big names: Humayun Saeed, Sajal Aly, Sanam Saeed, Saba Faisal, Saba Hameed, Sheheryar Zaidi, Azaan Sami Khan, Musaddiq Malek, Hajra Yamin, Nameer Khan, Asif Raza Mir, Saima Noor, Salma Zafar, Salman Shahid, and Babar Ali.

    The teaser has almost no dialogue until one moment, when Humayun Saeed delivers a line that hits deep, “Suno, yeh jo love hai na… yeh sirf ek sentiment nahi hai. Ek power hai. Aur aisi power hai jo maine kabhi dekhi hi nahi hai. Yes, main Manto nahi hoon.”

    That one line sets the tone for the whole project. It’s emotional. It’s intense. And it hints at a story full of passion, power, and something unforgettable.

    Main Manto Nahi Hoon is written by controversial writer Khalil Ur Rehman Qamar and directed by Nadeem Baig. It’s produced by Six Sigma Plus and Next Level Entertainment.

  • Pakistan’s decision to recommend Trump for Nobel leaves internet divided

    Pakistan’s decision to recommend Trump for Nobel leaves internet divided

    The Government of Pakistan has decided to formally recommend United States (US) President Donald J. Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for “his decisive diplomatic intervention and pivotal leadership during the recent India-Pakistan crisis,” a move that has sparked mixed reactions on social media.


    The recommendation comes hours after the US president, in a post on Truth Social on Friday, announced that he has arranged, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a wonderful treaty between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda in their war, “which was known for violent bloodshed and deaths”.

    “I won’t get a Nobel Peace Prize for this. I won’t get a Nobel Peace Prize for stopping the war between India and Pakistan. I won’t get a Nobel Peace Prize for stopping the war between Serbia and Kosovo. I won’t get a Nobel Peace Prize for keeping peace between Egypt and Ethiopia, and I won’t get a Nobel Peace Prize for doing the Abraham Accords in the Middle East… I won’t get a Nobel Peace Prize, no matter what I do,” reads Trump’s post.

    In a post on X (formerly Twitter) earlier Saturday, the government of Pakistan said, “The international community bore witness to unprovoked and unlawful Indian aggression, which constituted a grave violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, resulting in the tragic loss of innocent lives, including women, children, and the elderly.” 

    The post further read, “In exercising its fundamental right to self-defence, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, a measured, resolute, and precise military response, carefully executed to re-establish deterrence and defend its territorial integrity while consciously avoiding civilian harm.”

    The post noted that at a moment of heightened regional turbulence, the US president demonstrated “great strategic foresight and stellar statesmanship” through robust diplomatic engagement with both Islamabad and New Delhi.

    Additionally, it said that President Trump de-escalated a rapidly deteriorating situation, ultimately securing a ceasefire, “averting a broader conflict between the two nuclear states that would have had catastrophic consequences for millions of people in the region and beyond”.

    “This intervention stands as a testament to his role as a genuine peacemaker and his commitment to conflict resolution through dialogue,” the post read.

    The Government of Pakistan acknowledges and greatly admires President Trump’s “sincere offers to help resolve the longstanding dispute of Jammu and Kashmir between India and Pakistan”, an issue that lies at the heart of regional instability. 

    “Durable peace in South Asia would remain elusive until the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions concerning Jammu and Kashmir,” it emphasised.

    The post concluded by saying that President Trump’s leadership during the 2025 Pakistan-India crisis manifestly showcases the continuation of his legacy of pragmatic diplomacy and effective peace-building.

    “Pakistan remains hopeful that his earnest efforts will continue to contribute towards regional and global stability, particularly in the context of ongoing crises in the Middle East, including the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Gaza and the deteriorating escalation involving Iran,” read the post.

    The recommendation for Trump’s Nobel Peace Prize sparked mixed reactions on social media platforms, with some praising the government for making a smart move amid rising tensions in the Middle East, following Israel’s illegal attacks on Iran, while others are not pleased with the decision.

    “A smart and strategic move by the Government of Pakistan. Recognizing moments that shape peace, not just people. This nomination speaks more about Pakistan’s vision than Trump’s virtue. Well played on the global chessboard,” a user wrote on X.


    “President Trump is the greatest peacemaker in the history of mankind,” another user said. One of the users opined, “Finally, a President that actually deserves it.”

    A user said, “Trump the peacemaker! Peace through strength! Very good of Pakistan to step up and do this. And very well deserved by Trump!”

    Others expressed displeasure with the government’s decision. One person opined, “Nominating Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize mocks justice, peace, and integrity. His legacy fuels division, violence, and global instability — not peace.”

    Another user called the government decision “irrational”. The user wrote, “I have lost the words. Is this the comedy or a drama script? Cause it does not sound rational at all.”

    “That’s it. I’m off to watch the family guy. It’s more realistic (sic),” said one of the users.

  • Govt allows import of five-year old cars

    Govt allows import of five-year old cars

    The federal government has revised the import policy to permit the commercial import of old and used vehicles up to five years of age from September 2025. According to reports, importers are currently not allowed to bring in cars older than three years.

    Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul reportedly clarified during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance, chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, that the revised policy does not apply to vehicles brought in under the Baggage Scheme, which will continue to permit the import of vehicles only up to three years old.

    For reference, the Baggage Scheme allows Pakistanis living abroad to import vehicles into Pakistan under specific conditions. These conditions include a limit on how many cars a person can import each year, and require them to have lived abroad for at least 180 days within the past seven months.

    Reports indicate that in order to protect the local automobile industry, Islamabad intends to impose an additional 40 percent tariff on these older vehicles during the fiscal year (FY) 2025-26. However, over the next four years, this extra duty is expected to be reduced for old and new cars alike.

    Reports suggest that the import of cars up to seven years old could be allowed in the coming years.  However, the authorities will likely ensure that strict quantity and environmental standards are maintained to avoid environmental harm.

    Senator Mandviwalla stressed that overseas Pakistanis should be given the same five-year import window under the Baggage Scheme as commercial importers. 

    Reports reveal that the commerce secretary outlined the strategic abuse of the existing gift scheme as an argument against the import of used vehicles.

    In other automobile-related developments, the Senate Standing Committee on Finance was also informed of a planned three-tier levy on new vehicle purchases, though reports suggest that members were caught off guard when they realised these charges had not been officially included in the Finance Bill for FY 2025-26. 

    The proposed levy structure includes a 1 percent charge for vehicles up to 1300cc, 2 percent for vehicles between 1301cc and 1800cc, and 3 percent for automobiles above 1800cc.

    As per reports, Pakistan aims to boost electric vehicle production to 2.2 million units, mainly electric bikes, over the next five years.

  • ‘Rafale down again’; Pakistan hockey captain takes a jibe after defeating France

    ‘Rafale down again’; Pakistan hockey captain takes a jibe after defeating France

    Pakistan hockey captain Ammad Butt unleashed a storm on social media after his side’s thrilling victory over France in the semi-final of the Nations Hockey Cup in Kuala Lumpur. 

    Shortly after the intense match, Ammad shared an Instagram story with the caption, “Rafale down again.”

    The remark wasn’t just a celebration of the win but also a pointed reference to past military tensions between Pakistan and India. 

    During the military clashes in May, Pakistan shot down at least four Indian Rafale fighter jets, which are French-made. Ammad drew a sharp parallel between national pride in sport and moments of military history.

    Pakistan booked their place in the final of the Nations Hockey Cup after a nail-biting 3-2 win over France in a penalty shootout during the first semi-final in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

    Both teams started aggressively, creating chances early in the first quarter, but neither could break the deadlock. In the second quarter, France took the lead in the 10th minute, then doubled their advantage early in the third quarter to go 2-0 up.

    That’s when Pakistan roared back. Rana Waheed Ashraf pulled one back just three minutes later. The momentum shifted, and in the 12th minute of the third quarter, Sufiyan Muqeem converted a crucial penalty to level the score. Just a minute later, Rana Waheed struck again, giving Pakistan a 3-2 lead.

    But France refused to back down. With seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, they equalised through Charlotte Victor to push the match into a dramatic shootout.

    Under pressure, Pakistan held their nerve. Goalkeeper Muneeb ur Rehman delivered a heroic performance, saving three French attempts. On the other side, Afraz, Shahid Hanan, and Rana Waheed coolly converted their penalties, sending Pakistan to the final.

    Pakistan will now face New Zealand in the final on Saturday.

  • Mohammad Haris breaks silence after not getting picked for BBL

    Mohammad Haris breaks silence after not getting picked for BBL

    Pakistan’s aggressive wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris has broken his silence after being overlooked in the Big Bash League (BBL) Season 15 draft.

    Among the 74 Pakistani players registered for the draft, only seven managed to secure spots in various franchises. Haris, who was not picked, acknowledged the importance of leagues but emphasized his current commitment to the national team.

    “BBL is a great tournament and I wish all the participating players the very best,” said Haris. “League opportunities come and go, but right now my focus is on performing while representing the national team.”

    He also praised the ongoing skills development camp, calling it a valuable opportunity to identify and fix past mistakes. “The camp is really helping us identify our errors and correct them. We are working on the areas highlighted by the coaching staff,” he said.

    Haris further added, “At the moment, I’m focusing on improving my defensive technique, which is essential for all formats.”

    While Haris missed out, Pakistani cricketers were otherwise in high demand at the BBL Season 15 overseas draft, with six players selected from over 600 international registrations.

    Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi was the first overall pick by Brisbane Heat, while Haris Rauf, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shadab Khan were also picked by different teams. 

    Shaheen Shah Afridi was picked by Brisbane Heat, while Haris Rauf was selected by Melbourne Stars. Mohammad Rizwan joined Melbourne Renegades, and Shadab Khan was drafted by Sydney Thunder. Babar Azam, who was pre-signed, will represent Sydney Sixers, and Hasan Ali was picked by Adelaide Strikers.

    Pakistan had the most players selected among overseas nations after England. With several of their top T20 stars available for the full season, BBL franchises were quick to secure their services. Shaheen and Rauf will spearhead the fast bowling attacks, while Rizwan and Babar are expected to strengthen the top order.

    Other Pakistani players like Saim Ayub, Hassan Nawaz, Imad Wasim, and Salman Ali Agha were not picked in the main draft but may still be added later if teams decide to fill more slots.

    With Pakistani players now part of six different BBL teams, the upcoming season is expected to attract strong interest from both Australian and Pakistani fans.