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  • Six cops martyred in blast targeting armoured vehicle in KP’s Tank district

    Six cops martyred in blast targeting armoured vehicle in KP’s Tank district

    Six police personnel were martyred after an improvised explosive device (IED) struck an armoured police vehicle in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Tank district, police said Monday.

    The armoured personnel carrier was targeted within the Gomal Police Station’s jurisdiction as it traveled towards Tank.

    Among those martyred was an additional station house officer (SHO), the statement by the police added.

    Following the attack, Rescue 1122 shifted the bodies of the police personnel to the Tank District Headquarters Hospital.

    Police officials said the area had been cordoned off and a clearance operation was underway. 

    Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari expressed grief over the martyrdom of the police personnel.

    In a statement issued by his office, he paid tribute to the police officers and prayed for the elevation of their ranks. 

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif ordered an immediate investigation into the incident and directed authorities to bring those responsible to justice at the earliest.

    The premier also reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicate terrorism from the country.

    KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi sought an immediate report from senior police officials regarding the incident.

    “The brave men of KP Police embraced martyrdom to protect the lives and property of the people,” Kundi was quoted as saying.

    “These actions by Indian-backed Fitna al Khwarij cannot dampen our morale,” the governor said.

    He also urged the provincial government to take practical steps to ensure peace in the province.

    Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack and paid tribute to the martyred police personnel. In a statement issued by the ministry, he said, “The courageous men of the police sacrificed their today for the nation’s peaceful tomorrow.”

  • VIDEO: Mohammad Rizwan retired out by Melbourne Renegades in BBL, internet calls it ’embarrassing’

    VIDEO: Mohammad Rizwan retired out by Melbourne Renegades in BBL, internet calls it ’embarrassing’

    Mohammad Rizwan’s difficult Big Bash League (BBL) season took an embarrassing turn when Melbourne Renegades captain Will Sutherland retired him out during their clash against Sydney Thunder on Sunday.

    The decision came in Rizwan’s 300th T20 match as the Renegades attempted to boost their scoring rate in the final overs and keep their playoff hopes alive. 

    The team has not officially cited a reason for the retirement, while Rizwan showed no signs of injury.

    After Thunder put the Renegades in to bat at Sydney Showground Stadium, Rizwan walked in at number four following a solid start. The top order had scored 83/2 in 9.1 overs, setting up a platform for a competitive total.

    However, the Pakistani wicketkeeper batter struggled to maintain momentum when the team needed him most. He managed only 26 runs off 23 balls, hitting two fours and a six before Sutherland called him back to the pavilion at the end of the 17th over with 12 balls remaining and the score at 154.

    The gamble backfired. The Renegades added just 16 more runs and lost four wickets in the final 12 balls, finishing at 170/8. Sutherland himself fell after Hassan Khan’s straight drive deflected off bowler Daniel Sams’ fingers, running the captain out for 1 off 1.

    While the Renegades have not provided an official explanation for retiring Rizwan out, observers on social media widely attributed the decision to his slow strike rate during a crucial phase when the team needed quick runs.

    Social media erupted with reactions. “Very good call by Melbourne team,” one fan wrote, while another added sarcastically, “And results replacement made 01 run… wahoo.”

    Another user highlighted the collapse: “After Rizwan, last 12 balls and 10 runs and 4 wickets down.” While one user call this moment, “Embarrassing.”

    The 33-year-old joined the Renegades hoping to rediscover his form and secure a spot in Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad. He last represented Pakistan in T20Is in December 2024.

    Instead, things have gone from bad to worse. Rizwan has scored just 167 runs in eight innings at a poor strike rate of 101.82. His best score stands at 41 off 38 balls against city rivals Melbourne Stars.

    The team has won only three of seven matches and sits seventh on the table with six points.

  • Punjab’s wearable cams plan opposed by healthcare workers

    Punjab’s wearable cams plan opposed by healthcare workers

    Healthcare professionals and hospital staff across Punjab have raised strong concerns over the Punjab government’s move to mandate body cams for hospital staff, warning that the decision was made without stakeholder consultation and risks violating patients’ privacy and dignity.


    The policy was announced on Friday by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who said body cameras would be made compulsory for nurses, ward attendants, security guards and pharmacy staff excluding doctors – following complaints about the conduct of staff and negligence in public hospitals.



    Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) President Dr Izhar Ahmed Chaudhry termed the decision “ill-conceived” and warned that it could backfire.



    “This is unbelievable. If at all this is decided and practically applied, it will not be a useful technique to improve the health delivery system,” he told a private media outlet. “It will bounce back and give a bad name to the government.”



    Dr Chaudhry said the government had failed to consult any relevant forum before announcing the policy, calling it “illogical, impractical and insane,” and argued that it infringed upon the fundamental rights of both patients and healthcare professionals.


    “It violates essential privacy of patients and professional liberty and confidentiality of the health professionals during treatment, which is mandatory and cannot be violated under the law,” he added.



    He further alleged that the authorities were deliberately making working environments more hostile, adding that the decision appeared to be part of a broader effort to sell out the health institutions and deliberately make the working conditions miserable with each passing day.


    The Young Doctors Association (YDA) Punjab also criticised the announcement, with its president Dr Shoaib Niazi saying the organisation had not been consulted.


    “I was not consulted at all. This decision came from the higher-ups, and it’s a useless act,” he said, pointing out that similar directives such as restrictions on mobile phone use during duty hours had previously been issued but were never enforced.




    Dr Niazi expressed concern that constant recording would compromise patient confidentiality, particularly in sensitive hospital areas.



    “This move will compromise patient privacy and confidentiality, for example, in the gynaecology and labour wards. Moreover, the footage will go to the IT department, and anyone can access it without patients’ consent,” he pointed out. 


    He also questioned the feasibility of the plan, citing existing financial constraints within public hospitals.


    “The security guards have not been paid salaries for the last three months in Mayo Hospital. How will the government provide bodycams? How will they implement such a structure? Where will the money come from?” he asked.


    Dr Niazi added that the presence of cameras would discourage honest professional judgement and feared the policy could eventually be extended to doctors as well. He said the YDA Punjab President will soon hold a press conference to address the issue in detail.


    Nurses and allied health workers have echoed similar concerns. Muqaddas Tasneem, a member of the Punjab Young Nurses Association and a staffer at Children’s Hospital Lahore, said nurses, despite being key stakeholders, were excluded from the decision-making process.


    “The govt didn’t consult us at all and decided on its own. However, we have to follow the orders and act upon the directions,” she said.


    Junaid Tariq, president of Allied Health Sciences at Lahore General Hospital, said ward staff and other allied workers were neither informed nor consulted. 


    “We are unable to understand the purpose of this order. It fits in with the responsibilities of security guards, but it will compromise the privacy of patients. It will compromise the confidentiality of patients’ medical records. The nature of our work does not relate to security,” he opined. 


    Former Punjab caretaker minister for health Dr Javed Akram also questioned the practicality of the proposal, saying he was unaware of any formal plan.


    “It was not possible that something like this will happen, as it was inconceivable. How will they do it to so many people?” he asked.


    Dr Akram raised logistical concerns, particularly regarding monitoring and implementation. “How will they watch or analyse those (healthcare officials) with bodycams? What if the employees with cams have to go to the restrooms? Will they take the cam off each time?”

  • Bruno Fernandes’ X account hacked after FA Cup defeat

    Bruno Fernandes’ X account hacked after FA Cup defeat

    Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes fell victim to a social media hack late Sunday night, with hackers posting a series of bizarre and offensive messages on his X account.

    The incident occurred just hours after Fernandes played the full 90 minutes in United’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in the third round of the FA Cup.

    The first unusual post read, “Join Macclesfield FC. Excited for the future.” The message referenced sixth-tier Macclesfield, who had knocked holders Crystal Palace out of the competition on Saturday.

    Shortly afterwards, another post appeared stating, “At the end of the day I will always be a winner. No matter what,” with a money bag emoji.

    The hacker then published several posts, including remarks aimed at female footballer Alisha Lehmann and social media personality KSI. 

    The most widely viewed post targeted Manchester United’s ownership , stating, “let’s get rid of INEOS.” Sir Jim Ratcliffe owns INspec Ethylene Oxide Specialities (INEOS) and serves as a minority owner at the club, overseeing football operations.

    As fans began questioning the posts, Manchester United confirmed that hackers had compromised Fernandes’s account and urged supporters not to engage with any posts or direct messages.

    The hacker then shared that warning on Fernandes’s page, adding,”Make sure you guys stay alert for any hacks.”

    Other posts included challenges such as “1v1 fifa @LukeTheNuke180” and a controversial statement claiming, “jake paul beat AJ but you aren’t ready for that conversation.”

    One post drew attention when the hacked account replied to 18-year-old United player Shea Lacey, who had received a red card against Brighton and later issued a public apology. The reply read, “just don’t do it again.”

    The account continued posting and interacting with users past midnight while club officials worked to regain control.

    Fernandes had maintained his X account since April 2019, accumulating just over 500 posts. His most recent legitimate update came in October, celebrating his 300th appearance for Manchester United.

    As of now, all the hacked posts have been deleted from the account.

  • ‘Massive Instagram data breach’: Meta addresses claims as users receive password reset emails

    ‘Massive Instagram data breach’: Meta addresses claims as users receive password reset emails

    Meta has said there was no breach of its systems after Instagram users reported receiving a large number of password-reset emails over the past few days.

    As per the details, a Meta spokesperson said the company had fixed an issue that allowed an external party to trigger password reset emails for some Instagram users.

    “We want to reassure everyone there was no breach of our systems and people’s Instagram accounts remain secure,” the spokesperson said, adding that users could disregard the emails. 

    They also apologised for the confusion.

    It merits a mention that the statement comes amid concerns that personal data linked to millions of Instagram accounts had been leaked.

    Cybersecurity experts had initially claimed that information related to around 17.5 million accounts had been exposed and released on the dark web. According to those claims, the data included usernames, full names, email addresses, phone numbers, partial physical addresses and other contact details. 

    Passwords were not believed to be part of the leaked dataset, though experts warned that personal information could still be misused for identity or financial fraud.

    The issue was first highlighted on X by security firm Malwarebytes, which said the data had likely been shared with cyber criminals.

    The firm warned users to remain cautious following the reports of the leak.

    Following the publication of the data, thousands of Instagram users reported receiving multiple password-reset request emails. Reports said users received messages claiming a password reset had been requested for their account.

    The emails included a reset password button along with a message stating that the password would not be changed if the email was ignored and advised users to report the request if they had not initiated it.

  • Pedro Pascal, others, raise $5.4 million for children of Palestine, Sudan

    Pedro Pascal, others, raise $5.4 million for children of Palestine, Sudan

    The third Artists for Aid concert has raised $5.4 million for the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) and the Sudanese American Physicians Association (SAPA) during a star-studded event in Los Angeles on Saturday.

    Canadian Sudanese artist Mustafa the Poet organised the concert, while supermodel Bella Hadid and actor Pedro Pascal hosted the evening at the Shrine Auditorium. The event aimed to provide immediate relief for children and medical care in Palestinian territories and Sudan through music and solidarity.

    “I always knew that an artist’s power did not come from their musical knowledge,” Mustafa said while starting the event. “I always knew that an artist’s power comes from the expansion of their empathy,” he added.

    Hadid expressed awe at the turnout while opening the show. 

    “Families living through unimaginable loss, displacement, hunger, violence, tonight we attempt to shield them from genocide, working to erase them. Even remembering is a protest and I truly, truly stand by that,” she said.

    “No matter what we can do in the world by just speaking, by loving and making sure they always feel heard is something that is most important in the entire world. Let’s keep raising our voices and make sure these families and children know how much we stand with them,” she concluded.

    The concert featured an impressive lineup including Alex G, Blood Orange, Clairo, Daniel Caesar, Faye Webster, Geese, Jazmine Sullivan, Lucy Dacus, Mustafa, Noname, Noor Hindi, Omar Apollo, Raphael Saadiq, Rayn Lenae, Rex Orange County, Safia Elhillo, Shawn Mendes, Snoh Aalegra, Tamino and 070 Shake.

    Chappell Roan made a surprise appearance during Dacus’s set, delighting fans.

    “My friend cold FaceTimed me a few days ago and said, ‘Can I come sing with you at the show?’ So I’d like to invite my friend Chappell Roan to the stage,” Dacus told the crowd, which erupted in cheers.

    Omar Apollo endearingly forgot the lyrics to his hit “Evergreen (You Didn’t Deserve Me At All)” and sang them off his phone, while Shawn Mendes brought out Maggie Rogers for a duet of “Youth.”

    The night’s most powerful performances addressing the current crises came from Palestinian American poet Noor Hindi and Sudanese American poet Safia Elhillo.

    The PCRF attended the concert and shared on social media how honored they felt to be part of the event alongside thousands of attendees “who showed how global solidarity can become real action, sending a powerful message of care and hope to children who have endured so much in both Palestine and Sudan.”

    The foundation revealed that two evacuated children from Gaza attended the concert.

    “We were especially moved to see Diaa and Ayham, two of our children who were evacuated from Gaza for life-saving treatment abroad, attending the concert in person, thriving and strong once again, just as we wish for all the children we serve,” the PCRF stated.

    The concert marks one of several relief efforts organized to raise funds for Palestine, but appears to be one of the first large-scale efforts for Sudan.

    In October, a Pride and Prejudice table-read starring Ambika Mod and Daisy Ridley raised funds, and in September, a benefit concert hosted by Benedict Cumberbatch, Nicola Coughlan, Florence Pugh, and Richard Gere among others raised $2 million.

    Amnesty International has said that Israel continues to commit genocide in Gaza despite a ceasefire. At least 68,000 Palestinians died in Israel’s genocide that devastated hospitals, schools, and homes.

    Sudan has faced a vicious civil war since April 2023. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the main paramilitary militia fighting the Sudanese military, recently committed reported atrocities in the town of El-Fasher, bringing global attention to the brutal conflict.

    The RSF laid siege to the town for 18 months before finally capturing it. Eyewitnesses described scenes of absolute horror, including bodies lying in the streets, mass executions, rape and torture. 

    The International Criminal Court has stated that the brutalities committed in El-Fasher could constitute crimes against humanity.

  • Here’s Pakistan’s likely squad for T20 World Cup 2026

    Here’s Pakistan’s likely squad for T20 World Cup 2026

    Pakistan will finalise its T20 World Cup squad this week as the national team returns from its Sri Lanka tour, with head coach Mike Hesson set to hold crucial consultations with selectors.

    According to reports, Hesson will arrive in Lahore following the conclusion of the Sri Lanka tour. National T20 squad members are returning home today after completing the series in Sri Lanka.

    Hesson and captain Salman Ali Agha will conduct final consultations with the selectors before announcing the squad. Reports indicate that once consultations conclude, the PCB will announce the squad with approval from Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

    The Board has already submitted provisional names to the ICC for the World Cup. The board can make changes to the names without ICC permission until January 31.

    Reports suggest that the likely players include captain Salman Ali Agha, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Khan, and Abrar Ahmed.

    The list also features Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Salman Agha, and Khawaja Nafay as potential squad members.

    Abdul Samad, Mohammad Wasim Junior, and Usman Tariq may join the team as reserve players.

    The World Cup begins on February 7 and will be played in India and Sri Lanka. 

    Pakistan will play all their matches in Sri Lanka.

  • ‘Case No. 10 will be a murder mystery,’ confirms Shahzeb Khanzada

    ‘Case No. 10 will be a murder mystery,’ confirms Shahzeb Khanzada

    Anchor-turned-writer Shahzeb Khanzada has announced that following the success of his debut project Case No. 9, his next serial, Case No. 10, is on the way. 

    The 39-year-old revealed during an exclusive conversation with Aamna Isani for Something Haute that he has already completed the script for his new project.

    “I have finished writing my new murder mystery story,” Shahzeb said, adding that the overwhelming response to Case No. 9 encouraged him to dive straight into his next project.

    However, the launch timeline for Case No. 10 remains unknown.

    When asked whether Case No. 9 drew inspiration from real events, Shahzeb clarified that the drama is not based on a single incident. 

    “Certain scenes come from real life, such as a powerful character using lawyers to pressure a victim, an incident that actually occurred and found its way into the drama,” he explained.

    “Inspector Shafiq’s investigative approach was also real,” Shahzeb noted, adding that the actual incident was far more harsh and cruel, which the team toned down for viewers.

    Case No. 9 featured an ensemble cast including Saba Qamar, Faysal Quraishi, Rushna Khan, Noor ul Hasan, Aamina Sheikh, Gohar Rasheed, Ali Rehman Khan, Junaid Khan, and Navin Waqar.

    The drama is centered on Sehar, a determined woman seeking justice after being sexually assaulted by a powerful, influential businessman Kamran who uses his wealth and status to evade consequences.

  • Trump claims Iran is seeking negotiations amid protests

    Trump claims Iran is seeking negotiations amid protests

    US President Donald Trump on Sunday claimed that Iran’s leadership had reached out to seek negotiations, as mass anti-government protests continue across the country and tensions with Washington remain high.

    “The leaders of Iran called,” Trump said. He added that “a meeting is being set up” and claimed that Iranian officials “want to negotiate.” Trump, however, warned that “we may have to act before a meeting.”

    His remarks came as Iran faces its largest wave of protests since 2022. Trump has repeatedly said the United States could get involved if Iranian authorities use force against protesters.

    Iranian officials have not released an official casualty count linked to the protests. Figures reported by rights groups could not be independently verified.

    The protests began on December 28 over rising prices before expanding into broader opposition to the authorities. Iran has been governed by the Islamic Republic since the 1979 revolution.

    In Tehran, daily life has been disrupted. Meat prices have risen sharply since the protests began, while many shops have remained closed. Businesses that open shut by late afternoon as security forces deploy in large numbers across the city.

    Fewer protest videos circulated on social media on Sunday, one video shared widely online showed protesters gathering in Tehran’s Pounak district and chanting slogans in support of the ousted monarchy.

    The unrest has emerged as a challenge to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, following Israel’s 12-day war against Iran in June, which was backed by the United States.


    State television aired footage of burning buildings, including a mosque, along with funeral processions for members of the security forces. After several days of protests, state outlets also broadcast images showing traffic moving normally in Tehran.

    Tehran Governor Mohammad-Sadegh Motamedian said in televised comments that “the number of protests is decreasing.” The government declared three days of national mourning for those it described as “martyrs,” including members of the security forces. President Masoud Pezeshkian urged Iranians to take part in a “national resistance march” on Monday.

    Reacting to Trump’s statements, parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Iran would respond to any intervention, calling US military forces and shipping “legitimate targets” in comments aired on state television.

  • Trump posts altered image stating he is ‘Acting President of Venezuela’

    Trump posts altered image stating he is ‘Acting President of Venezuela’

    A digitally altered image shared by President Donald Trump, in which he is referred to as the “Acting President of Venezuela,” has sparked controversy as the United States faces mounting criticism over its illegal actions in the South American country. 


    The post surfaced days after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following a military operation that has plunged Venezuela into political uncertainty.


    The image was posted on Trump’s Truth Social account and appears to mimic an official Wikipedia page, using his presidential portrait alongside the designation “Acting President of Venezuela.” The altered post also lists JD Vance as the country’s vice president, reinforcing the impression of U.S. political control over Venezuela’s leadership. 


    In the early hours of January 3, U.S. forces carried out an illegal military operation across Venezuela, including in the capital, where Maduro and Flores were staying before being taken into custody. 


    The Trump administration has described the operation as part of a broader campaign against drug trafficking and what it terms “narco-terrorism,” though Trump himself has suggested the move was also intended to force regime change.


    Since Maduro’s capture, the U.S. has asserted influence over Venezuela’s political trajectory and its oil sector, with Trump openly expressing interest in overseeing the country’s petroleum industry.


    Following Maduro’s removal, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president on January 5. While the Trump administration has publicly backed Rodríguez, it has also warned that Venezuela will not hold elections in the near term, stating that the U.S. will effectively oversee the country’s transition until conditions are deemed stable.