BREAKING NEWS
Advertise with us >

Actress Parveen Akbar shares heartbreaking experience at Old Age Home

Actress Parveen Akbar

ISLAMABAD: Senior Pakistani actress Parveen Akbar revealed that a recent visit to an old age home left her emotionally disturbed after witnessing the conditions of elderly women living there.

Speaking on a morning show, Akbar said that seeing the women waiting for their children deeply affected her. “When I returned home, the images of those women stayed with me for several days. They were all longing for their children, and I felt immense sorrow,” she shared.

The actress described women whose eyes were fixed on the door, patiently waiting for visits from their loved ones.

She recounted speaking to one educated woman who told her, “Ask my children. I have two sons and two daughters, but I became a burden for my daughters-in-law and could not live in my daughters’ homes.”

Parveen Akbar highlighted the emotional toll of observing loneliness and neglect among elderly women, emphasizing the need for greater compassion and support for senior citizens in society.

Islamabad set for major digital boost with 30 free Wi-Fi hotspots

Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: The government has announced plans to roll out 30 free Wi-Fi hotspots across Islamabad by December 2025, aiming to improve public access to high-speed internet.

The National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) briefed the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on IT, stating that work on the project is progressing rapidly and the facilities will be fully operational within the stipulated timeframe.

Officials said the initiative is part of the government’s broader policy to strengthen digital infrastructure in the country.

 The free hotspots will be installed near key public areas, markets, and government buildings in Islamabad to provide citizens and students with convenient access to high-speed internet.

The NTC further noted that it currently provides services, including cybersecurity support, to over 3,000 public and private institutions across more than 100 cities nationwide.

Authorities added that the free Wi-Fi project is an important step toward making Islamabad a technology-friendly city and improving digital accessibility for residents.

Suspect involved in hacking and blackmailing women held by Karachi Police

Karachi Police

KARACHI: Karachi police have apprehended a man accused of hacking women’s phones and extorting them for financial gain.

According to police details, the suspect, identified as Sameer Khan, would send malicious links to women, gain access to their mobile phones and social media accounts, and obtain their contact numbers. He then used WhatsApp calls and messages to lure the victims.

Following the hacking, Sameer Khan allegedly enticed and threatened women to meet him, recording videos during these encounters. He later threatened to release these videos publicly unless the victims paid him, thereby committing sexual harassment and extortion.

Investigations revealed that the suspect had successfully extorted money from multiple women. Police recovered two mobile phones and several explicit videos from his possession.

Sameer Khan was arrested within the jurisdiction of Eidgah Police Station, and a case has been registered, with further investigations underway.

Ex-Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath dropped from commentary panel

Glenn McGrath

SYDNEY: Former Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath has been removed from the radio commentary panel, just two days before the start of the Ashes series, Australian media reported.

According to reports, McGrath was dropped due to his association with an online gambling company. The national broadcaster has a strict policy prohibiting employees or affiliates from having ties with gambling firms.

McGrath’s involvement with the gambling company was linked to support for the McGrath Foundation, which he co-founded. The broadcaster stated that the decision to part ways with McGrath was mutual.

This move comes in line with the broadcaster’s policy, which previously affected former fast bowler Mitchell Johnson in 2022 under similar circumstances.

Punjab forms 12 JITs to probe banned TLP cases

Punjab forms

LAHORE: The Punjab Home Department has constituted 12 Joint Investigation Teams (JITs) to probe cases registered against the banned Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).

According to the Home Department notification, 7 JITs will investigate cases in Lahore while 5 will handle cases in Sheikhupura.

The JITs are tasked with investigating cases under anti-terrorism and other serious provisions of the law. Each team will include representatives from the police, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), and intelligence agencies to ensure thorough investigation.

The formation of these JITs followed a request from the Punjab Police to expedite investigations.

Police sources stated that over 75 cases have been registered against the banned TLP, with more than 2,000 individuals named in these cases already arrested.

Authorities emphasized that the move aims to strengthen law enforcement efforts and ensure accountability in cases involving extremist activities.

President Trump designates Saudi Arabia as major non-NATO ally

President Trump

US President Donald Trump has designated Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, marking a significant expansion in bilateral strategic cooperation.

President Trump hosted a dinner at the White House in honour of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. High-profile guests, including Elon Musk and Cristiano Ronaldo, also attended the event.

The US President approved a major defence package under which Saudi Arabia will purchase F-35 fighter jets and 300 tanks from the United States.

Welcoming the Crown Prince, President Trump said Saudi Arabia and the United States share a long-standing and historic partnership, which both sides are committed to further strengthening. He said the two countries had signed a strategic defence agreement during the visit.

President Trump added that the Middle East was closer than ever to achieving lasting peace, claiming that Gaza was now “far safer than before.” He said several heads of state would be part of the upcoming “Gaza Board of Peace.”

He also stated that Hamas had handed over additional bodies of hostages to Israeli families.

Following Trump’s remarks, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman thanked the US President for the warm hospitality and said Riyadh greatly values its relationship with Washington.

The Crown Prince is currently on an official visit to the United States, during which he held talks with President Trump at the White House.

A statement issued later by the White House said that Washington and Riyadh had reached an agreement on a civil nuclear cooperation framework.

According to the statement, President Trump has approved a major arms package for Saudi Arabia, which includes the supply of advanced F-35 fighter aircraft, while the Kingdom will also acquire nearly 300 tanks from the US.

Video of Ex-Pakistan Captain Younis Khan singing goes viral

Younis Khan

KARACHI: A clip of former Pakistan captain Younis Khan showcasing his singing skills has taken social media by storm.

The clip, shared by former fast bowler Umar Gul, shows Younis Khan singing the Bollywood song “Mere Dost Qissa Yeh Kya Ho Gaya, Suna Hai Ke Tu Bewafa Ho Gaya.”

During the performance, Younis Khan amusingly sang one of the lines incorrectly, prompting laughter from both himself and those listening.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Umar Gul (@umargulofficial)

Currently, several former national cricketers are in Houston for a league event, where Younis Khan showcased his vocal skills during a team dinner.

Fans and attendees praised Younis Khan’s singing talent, with the video receiving widespread appreciation online.

Punjab suggests screening teachers, staff via Sex Offenders Register

Punjab suggests

LAHORE: A proposal has been put forward to make the screening of employees’ sexual offence records mandatory before their recruitment in educational institutions.

According to a two-page letter sent by the Punjab Prosecutor General to the Secretary Prosecution, it has been recommended that all candidates applying for jobs in educational institutions must be verified through the NADRA Sex Offenders Register.

The Prosecutor General stated in the letter that reviewing the sex offender record at the time of hiring is essential, adding that the NADRA Sex Offenders Register is an effective tool for ensuring the safety of children in educational environments. He said a major gap exists in the current hiring system concerning child protection.

The letter further noted that existing background checks do not reveal an applicant’s past sexual crime history, and hiring individuals with a record of sexual offences could pose a serious threat to entire educational institutions. It urged the Law and Justice Department to develop a mechanism to grant access to the Sex Offenders Register.

The Prosecutor General requested that sex offender verification be made compulsory for all educational institutions and that current employees also be checked against the NADRA register. He said such a policy would significantly enhance child safety standards across the education sector.

PM set to inaugurate Karachi Cantt Station’s upgradation project

PM set

KARACHI : Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Karachi on Monday for a one-day visit. He landed at Faisal Base, where Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, the Chief Secretary, and Sindh IG welcomed him.

During his visit, the Prime Minister is set to inaugurate the upgraded Karachi Cantt Railway Station, which has been modernized to provide improved facilities for passengers.

The renovated station now features CIP lounges, enhanced waiting areas, and escalators for the convenience of travelers. Additional amenities include executive washrooms, ATM machines, and free Wi-Fi services, aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and accessibility.

This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to modernize Pakistan Railways and improve infrastructure at key transit points.

Sheikh Hasina convicted of crimes against humanity by Bangladesh Tribunal

Sheikh Hasina

Dhaka: Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has declared former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed guilty of crimes against humanity. The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Muhammad Golam Mortuza, announced the verdict on cases filed against the former premier.

According to international news agencies, Sheikh Hasina faced charges related to crimes against humanity, with the prosecution seeking the death penalty. During the announcement of the verdict, tight security measures were implemented across the country.

The charges stem from the 2024 crackdown on student movements, which allegedly involved widespread violence and mass killings. United Nations data indicate that approximately 1,400 people were killed during the protests that year.

The ruling marks a significant development in Bangladesh’s judicial proceedings concerning allegations of state-led violence and crimes against civilians.