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  • ‘Ready to die for Pakistan’: HSY defends Fawad, Mahira & Hania amid backlash during Pak-India tension

    ‘Ready to die for Pakistan’: HSY defends Fawad, Mahira & Hania amid backlash during Pak-India tension

    Renowned fashion designer Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (HSY) has come to the defence of movie stars Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, and Hania Aamir after they faced criticism for not speaking out more strongly against India during recent tensions. HSY said he knows all three personally and believes they are “true Pakistanis who are even ready to give their lives for the country.”

    In a recent interview, HSY addressed the public’s disappointment towards the actors.

    When asked about the backlash, he said, “Yes, they didn’t speak the way people wanted them to, but they did speak in their own way.”

    He added that people had higher expectations of them because of their status in the industry.

    “The public must have thought Fawad, Mahira, and Hania would react strongly against India, which perhaps they didn’t, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t patriotic,” he said.

    “According to my understanding, they gave a reaction, but people found it lacking,” he added.

    Standing up for his fellow celebrities, he added, “I know all three of them well. The criticism they’re facing is understandable, but I will stand by my fellow actors.”

    Talking about Fawad Khan, he stated, “Fawad is a patriotic Pakistani. He speaks less in general, but he has a deep love for the country.”

    Praising Mahira, he shared, “Mahira is also a staunch Pakistani. She is ready to die for her country.”

    About Hania Aamir, he said, “Hania is new in the industry, but she’s my friend and I know her well. She, too, is a true patriot ready to give her life for Pakistan.”

    Fawad and Hania faced backlash for not using strong language against India during heightened tensions. While all three actors condemned the attacks on May 7, their statements were seen as too mild by many.

    However, Mahira Khan reportedly gave a strong statement during the Pakistan-India tension, which was appreciated by her fans and supporters.

  • Australia confirms white-ball tour to Pakistan next year

    Australia confirms white-ball tour to Pakistan next year

    Australia has confirmed its white-ball tour to Pakistan, scheduled for early next year.

    Todd Greenberg, the new CEO of Cricket Australia, shared his thoughts during an online press conference, saying, “I believe this will once again be a good tour of Pakistan. The series against Pakistan is an important part of our schedule. There has been good communication between Australia and Pakistan regarding both red-ball and white-ball series.”

    He added, “We are looking to find more opportunities for series, which we definitely will. We want to play a series in Pakistan. In 2022, after a long gap, we toured Pakistan, and that tour was very successful. The Australian team received a warm welcome, and it would be great if more series like that happen.”

    Greenberg also spoke about the Big Bash League (BBL), stating, “We will welcome as many Pakistani players as possible in the BBL. Without a doubt, Pakistani players are very popular in the community. We aim to attract players from around the world for the BBL.”

    He continued, “If leading Pakistani players come, they will definitely enjoy playing here. The presence of top players benefits the league, their teams, and franchises. Discussions regarding Pakistani players are currently ongoing, and I am hopeful that we will secure the participation of a few players for the next edition of the BBL.”

    Australia last toured Pakistan in 2022, marking their first visit in 24 years.

  • ADB approves $800m package to back Pakistan’s fiscal reforms

    ADB approves $800m package to back Pakistan’s fiscal reforms

    The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has cleared an $800 million policy based loan and guarantee package to help Pakistan improve its public finances and push long-overdue economic reforms. According to reports, the approval came under the second phase of the “Improved Resource Mobilisation and Utilisation Reform Programme” which focuses on rectifying how the federal government collects and spends money.

    Reports reveal that Pakistan is set to receive a $300 million policy-based loan, which will be utilized to support reform efforts. Moreover, the ADB is offering a $500 million policy-based guarantee which is the first of its kind by the Manilla based lender. 

    Reports suggest that this guarantee could allow Pakistan to raise upwards of $1 billion in additional financing from commercial banks. This is because the ADB’s guarantee helps commercial banks limit their risk exposure as the ADB will be liable to pay the banks in case Pakistan defaults on its loan agreements.  

    Emma Fan, ADB’s country director for Pakistan, said the country has made headway in stabilizing its economy. As per reports, she outlined how the country has improved macroeconomic conditions and how the ADB’s program will support Islamabad enact reforms that could “strengthen public finances and lay the foundation for sustainable growth”.

    The program targets tax reform at its core, reportedly pushing for clearer tax policy, stronger enforcement, and better compliance. Details from reports suggest that the program will also focus on improving how the government manages its cash, tracks spending, and allocates funds. 

    Measures suggested by the ADB to improve tax policy and compliance include digitalization, making it easier for businesses to invest and to foster an environment conducive to private sector growth.

    Reports suggest that following the ADB roadmap could allow for a reduction in the budget deficit and debt burden. This could allow the government to spend on education, healthcare, and development projects.

    The program includes technical support and coordination with other development partners to help Pakistan stay on track. According to the ADB, the focus is on building long term fiscal resilience which could help break Pakistan’s historic trend of persistently needing emergency bailouts.

    Taking to social media, the finance minister’s advisor confirmed the approval and pointed to the behind-the-scenes effort that made it happen. “Diplomacy led by the Economic Affairs Division and the Ministry of Finance secured majority support at the ADB Board” he said in a post on X (formerly twitter).

  • ‘Better to be released legally’: Mother hands over son who escaped Malir Jail back to police

    ‘Better to be released legally’: Mother hands over son who escaped Malir Jail back to police

    Hours after over 200 inmates escaped from Malir District Jail on Monday night, a mother of one of the escapees handed her son over to the police.

    “My son reached home at 3:00 am after escaping from jail. When I asked him whether he had been released, he told me that he was among several inmates who escaped due to the tremors,” said the mother, who later handed him back to the police.

    “We didn’t have the fare to come to the jail, so we walked here on foot. It’s better to be released legally rather than to escape jail,” she said, speaking to media.

    When asked about the case in which her son was arrested, she alleged that he had been in jail for the past six months on “false theft” allegations. “On the basis of my son’s picture with his friend, he was sentenced,” she added.

    According to police officials, the jailbreak occurred when multiple earthquakes caused cracks in the barracks walls of the overcrowded prison, which reportedly houses between 3,500 and 4,000 inmates.

    Around 80 prisoners have reportedly been recaptured, while more than 130 remain at large as security forces continue efforts to bring the fugitives back into custody.

    Speaking to reporters earlier on Tuesday, Sindh’s Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar stated that none of the escaped prisoners were hardcore criminals, noting that most were involved in petty crimes.

    Describing the incident as one of the most serious jailbreaks in recent years, the minister said the escape took place when between 700 and 1,000 inmates gathered near the main gate following the evacuation.

    Meanwhile, rescue officials reported that three Frontier Corps (FC) personnel sustained injuries during the ensuing stampede and chaos, while one inmate died. The injured officers have been shifted to a private hospital for immediate treatment.

    Speaking to the media, Siraj, one of the rearrested prisoners, said, “When the quake hit, everyone started breaking the gates. Many ran off. I was arrested in a weapons case and went into hiding after escaping.”

  • Why was Sana Yousaf killed? Murderer’s motives revealed

    Why was Sana Yousaf killed? Murderer’s motives revealed

    The inspector general of police in Islamabad has confirmed that 17-year-old TikTok star Sana Yousaf was killed for “rejecting” the advances made by prime suspect Kaka. 

    “This case was a matter of repeated rejections,” Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi said during a presser, adding that the killer had tried to reach out to Sana at least seven to eight times. 

    The police chief stated that the boy’s offers to become friends were repeatedly rejected by Sana. She also rejected his marriage proposals. 

    “On May 29, which was Sana’s birthday, he tried contacting her. He tried for seven to eight hours to get in touch with her, including going to her home,” the IG said. 

    Ali Nasir Rizvi gave out other details of the murder, including that Sana was killed by two gunshots around 5 pm on June 2. The gun that killed her and her iPhone were recovered by the police from Kaka’s possession. 

    Sana Yousaf had a massive followings on both TikTok and Instagram, with 800,000 followers on the former platform and nearly half a million on the latter. She mostly posted videos of herself lipsyncing to Urdu, Hindi and Pashto songs. 

    Just hours before she died, she posted videos on both platforms showing her cutting her birthday cake and celebrating with her friends at a restaurant in Islamabad.

  • Internet praises Islamabad police after Sana Yousaf’s murder suspect arrested within 20 hours

    Internet praises Islamabad police after Sana Yousaf’s murder suspect arrested within 20 hours

    The internet is praising Islamabad Police for the swift action which resulted in the arrest of the prime suspect in the murder of 17-year-old TikTok star Sana Yousaf within 20 hours of the crime. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed the arrest and recovery of the murder weapon.

    Sana was shot dead inside her home in the G-13 sector of Islamabad on Monday. The suspect, known by this alias Kaka, was traced and taken into custody during a late-night operation in Faisalabad. Police say he had a personal connection with the victim, and initial investigations confirm that the motive behind the brutal killing was a personal grudge.

    Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the police in a post on X (previously Twitter): “Well done Islamabad Police. Sana Yousaf murder case traced, accused arrested and weapon recovered within 20 hours.” He added that the masked suspect was arrested just an hour before his statement, and the recovered the pistol used to shoot Sana and her iPhone. The suspect has also confessed to the crime.

    The arrest has sparked strong reactions on social media, with many praising the Islamabad Police and demanding strict punishment.”Well done, ICT Police,” many users wrote. 

    Others also voiced similar sentiments, calling it a job well-done by Islamabad Police and urging that the suspect be made an example so that such acts are not repeated. 

    Comments poured in with messages like “good work, really appreciated” and “Islamabad police, you are our pride.” Many praised the quick response, calling it “an excellent response” and showing confidence in the authorities’ performance.

    Sana Yousaf, originally from Chitral, was a rising star on TikTok with over 800,000 followers and nearly half a million on Instagram. Her videos often featured lip-syncing to Pakistani, Indian, and Pashto songs. Her last post, shared just hours before her death, showed her celebrating her birthday with friends at a local restaurant.

    Police say the investigation is going on and further developments will be shared once the suspect is formally presented in court.

  • Drama writer Saira Raza passes away after heart attack

    Drama writer Saira Raza passes away after heart attack

    Renowned drama writer Saira Raza passed away on June 3 after suffering a heart attack. Fans and showbiz personalities have expressed deep sorrow and offered condolences over her untimely death.

    Saira was known for penning a number of popular dramas, including Dil Mom Ka Diya, Mere Humsafar, Inteqam, and Yahya. Her work has consistently ranked among the most successful in the television industry.

    A day before her passing, her friends and colleagues shared on social media that she had suffered a heart attack and was admitted to the hospital. Many had requested prayers for her recovery.

    Although her family did not issue an official statement, Saira Raza’s friends and colleagues confirmed her passing on social media.

    The news of her death has prompted an outpouring of grief from fans, fellow writers, actors, and directors, who called her passing a significant loss for the drama industry. Many remembered her for her contribution to television and her active presence at various industry events.

  • Pakistan women’s cricket team to play World Cup matches in Sri Lanka instead of India

    Pakistan women’s cricket team to play World Cup matches in Sri Lanka instead of India

    Pakistan’s women’s cricket team will play their matches in the upcoming Women’s World Cup in Sri Lanka instead of India. The decision comes amid ongoing tensions between the two nations, with both sides continuing to avoid playing matches on each other’s soil.

    Earlier this year, the International Cricket Council (ICC) introduced a hybrid model allowing teams in joint tournaments, including the Champions Trophy, to play matches in a neutral third country instead of the host nation.

    Under this model, Pakistan’s group matches in the Women’s World Cup 2025 will be held in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. These matches include key fixtures against teams like India and England. Should Pakistan advance to the semi-finals or finals, those matches will also be hosted in Colombo.

    Meanwhile, the Indian city of Bengaluru will host the tournament’s opening match and possibly the final, provided Pakistan does not reach the final. Other Indian host cities include Guwahati, Indore, and Visakhapatnam.

    Pakistan’s Federal Interior Minister clearly announced in April that the national women’s team would not tour India this year. According to him, it is up to India to decide where Pakistan’s matches will be held.

    The tournament is scheduled to run from September 30 to November 2. Australia, the current world champion, won the previous Women’s World Cup after defeating England in the final.

    However, experts have raised concerns about hosting matches in Sri Lanka, considering that October is among the most humid months in the country, and frequent weather disruptions may impact the flow of the tournament.

    Historically, Pakistan and India have only faced each other in ICC or Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events, even before recent diplomatic tensions. The situation escalated when India refused to tour Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, choosing instead to play its matches in Dubai.

  • Shahbaz Gill booked under PECA over false allegations against police inspector

    Shahbaz Gill booked under PECA over false allegations against police inspector

    A case has been filed against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shahbaz Gill at the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) over false allegations against a Punjab Police Inspector Mazher Iqbal.

    Gill has been booked under sections U/S 20, 24, 24(a) of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 (Amendment 2025).

    According to the First Information Report (FIR) registered on Monday, complainant Iqbal alleged that in one of the videos posted on Gill’s YouTube channel, Gill used “derogatory, obscene and insulting” words, levelling “false allegations” against the complainant.

    Inspector Iqbal further alleged that Gill defamed his family. According to the FIR, the allegations created a rift among the public against the complainant. 

    “The complainant requested to take action against the alleged person as per law, with the further request to get the videos deleted from YouTube,” read the FIR.

    After completing its preliminary investigation, the NCCIA concluded that sufficient grounds existed to move forward with formal charges under PECA provisions.

    It is not the first time that a case has been filed against the PTI leader under the Peca Act.

    In January 2025, Gill, among others, was booked in a case pertinent to their alleged involvement in editing and spreading doctored images/videos of Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz and United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on social media.

    The PTI leader was accused of inciting the public to share “derogatory Al-generated superimposed material against the foreign dignitaries and public functionaries of Pakistan”.

    “The suspects intentionally shared the AI-generated images and videos to deteriorate the good relation of Pakistan with international powers that can cause an irreparable loss to the national interest of the country. They in connivance with others are trying to tarnish the public image of foreign dignitaries and government functionaries,” reads the FIR.

  • Police arrest TikToker Sana Yousaf’s suspected killer from Faisalabad

    Police arrest TikToker Sana Yousaf’s suspected killer from Faisalabad

    Police on Tuesday arrested the prime suspect in the murder of 17-year-old TikTok star Sana Yousaf.

    According to reports, the suspect, who was on the run since after the killing Monday, was traced and taken into custody during a late-night operation in Faisalabad.

    The suspect is known by his alias ‘Kaka’, which he uses on all his social media accounts, police said; however, his real name has not been officially confirmed as of yet.

    While sources suggest the real name could be Umar, they revealed that the accused was a friend of Sana, and the two knew each other personally.

    Earlier reports had already hinted at a personal connection when Sana’s aunt overheard a brief conversation between the victim and the accused before the shooting took place. She had reportedly told him, “You should leave now; there are cameras here. Let me get you some water,” right before the gunshots were heard. This suggested that the accused was not a stranger but someone familiar to the family.

    The suspect was arrested with the help of CCTV footage and technical tracking, and police have also recovered the murder weapon used in the crime.

    Sana Yousaf, who hailed from Chitral and lived in Islamabad’s G-13 sector, was shot inside her home on Monday afternoon. The FIR filed by her mother states that the attacker entered their home around 3:15 PM and fired two bullets directly at Sana, who died from her injuries shortly after being taken to the hospital.

    The case drew widespread attention due to Sana’s popularity on social media. She had more than 800,000 followers on TikTok, and nearly 500,000 on Instagram, where her content featured lip-syncs lifestyle clips, and casual hangouts with friends. Her last video, posted just hours before her death, showed her celebrating her birthday at a restaurant.

    The police have now confirmed that the motive behind the killing was a personal grudge, and further investigation is underway to uncover more details about the suspect’s background and the events that led to the tragic killing.