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Newsdesk

PM Shehbaz forms committee on One Constitution Avenue case

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PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a committee to review the One Constitution Avenue case and directed the Islamabad administration to suspend any action until a final decision is reached.

According to an official statement, the committee will be headed by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, with Minister of State Talal Chaudhry, the Cabinet Secretary, and the Commerce Secretary as members.

The committee has been tasked with submitting its report within one week. It will hear all stakeholders and affected parties without discrimination, allowing them to present their concerns before reaching conclusions.

Meanwhile, Talal Chaudhry stated that legal violations had occurred in the One Constitution Avenue project. He reiterated that the government remains committed to eliminating encroachments and illegal constructions, adding that the law applies equally to all.

He said the company that acquired the lease for the project violated its terms, noting that the land had originally been leased to three companies for hotel development purposes.

However, around 250 residential apartments were allegedly constructed in violation of the agreement.

Chaudhry further revealed that the plot was auctioned in 2005 and financed through bank loans, but the group later defaulted and went bankrupt.

The matter was subsequently taken up by the National Accountability Bureau, where commitments were made to compensate through commercial properties despite lacking legal grounds.

He added that the Capital Development Authority had clearly stipulated that the land could only be used for hotel purposes. The lease agreement was eventually cancelled in 2016 after CDA took control of the project.

Talal Chaudhry also noted that the case was reviewed by the Public Accounts Committee in 2014 and later referred for investigation, while court proceedings including those during the tenure of former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar also examined the matter.

Officials maintained that the property is currently under CDA control and that further action will proceed in accordance with the law once the committee submits its findings.

Palestinian FA Chief declines handshake with Israeli official at FIFA congress

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Palestinian FA Chief

At the 76th FIFA Congress, a moment of tension emerged when Jibril Rajoub, president of the Palestinian Football Federation, refused to pose for a photo or shake hands with an Israeli representative.

The incident occurred when Gianni Infantino invited Rajoub and Bassem Sheikh Suleiman, vice president of the Israeli Football Association, to join him on stage.

According to reports, Infantino gestured for Rajoub to come forward and even attempted to guide him by the arm, but the Palestinian official stood firm on his position and declined.

Vice President of the Palestinian Football Association, Susan Shalabi, later stated that Rajoub made it clear he could not shake hands with the Israeli official.

In his address, Infantino urged both sides to work together, calling for cooperation within global football.

However, Shalabi criticized the move, saying Rajoub’s intended message—focused on rules and justice—was overlooked.

It is worth noting that the Palestinian Football Association has recently filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, seeking action against Israeli clubs operating in settlements in the West Bank.

Umar Gul backs Kingsmen for strong showing in PSL 11 eliminator 2

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Umar Gul backs

LAHORE: Former Pakistan Test fast bowler and current bowling coach Umar Gul has expressed confidence that Hyderabad Kingsmen can deliver an impressive performance in the second eliminator of the Pakistan Super League Season 11.

Sharing his views, Umar Gul said an exciting contest is expected between Hyderabad Kingsmen and Islamabad United at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday night.

He noted that Hyderabad Kingsmen have made a strong comeback after suffering four consecutive defeats earlier in the tournament, building solid momentum heading into the crucial knockout clash.

Umar Gul added that even an individual player’s strong performance can significantly impact the overall team result.

He highlighted that along with improved batting, Hyderabad Kingsmen’s bowling unit has also shown notable progress, making them a competitive side in the high-stakes encounter.

Meesha Shafi challenges Rs 5m damages order in LHC

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Meesha Shafi

LAHORE: The long-running legal dispute between singer Ali Zafar and singer Meesha Shafi has entered a new phase after Shafi approached the Lahore High Court challenging a recent decision by a sessions court.

According to details, Meesha Shafi filed an appeal through her counsel, Advocate Saqib Jilani, contesting the sessions court ruling that had ordered her to pay Rs 5 million in damages in favour of Ali Zafar.

In her petition, Shafi argued that the trial court did not properly evaluate the facts of the case. She maintained that while she could not fully prove her allegations, Ali Zafar also failed to completely refute the claims made against him.

The appeal further stated that she had previously approached the provincial ombudsperson regarding her harassment allegations, and that related proceedings are still pending before the Supreme Court of Pakistan. It was also argued that the sessions court’s decision should not be enforced until a final verdict is issued by the apex court.

Meesha Shafi has requested the Lahore High Court to set aside the Rs 5 million damages order.

The case remains one of the most high-profile and widely discussed legal disputes in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, drawing sustained public and media attention. With the latest appeal, the long-running case has once again taken a significant legal turn.

Tamil playback singer Swagatha alleges sexual exploitation by music composer

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Tamil playback singer

Chennai: Indian Tamil music industry singer Swagatha S Krishnan has made serious allegations of sexual exploitation, blackmail, and intimidation against a prominent music composer, triggering widespread controversy in the entertainment industry.

In a recent podcast and YouTube interview, the 35-year-old singer revealed that she was forced to leave Chennai and relocate to Rishikesh due to what she described as sustained abuse and exploitation by an influential figure in the film and music industry.

According to her, the accused composer initially presented himself as a mentor and guide, gained her trust, and later used the emotional relationship for alleged exploitation.

She claimed that the incident took place inside a soundproof studio, where she believed she was safe, but alleged that hidden cameras were used to record compromising material, which was later used for blackmail and threats.

Swagatha further alleged that the individual was not only involved in her case but had also behaved similarly with other women.

She also made disturbing claims regarding the alleged recording of minors’ private videos, intensifying the seriousness of the accusations.

She stated that financial pressure, debt, and psychological manipulation were allegedly used to control victims and maintain influence over them.

The singer also claimed that after speaking out, she faced attempts to defame her and damage her reputation through false narratives, leading to severe emotional distress and a prolonged period of mental health struggles.

Although she has not publicly named the composer, the allegations have caused significant unrest in the Tamil entertainment industry, sparking intense debate on social media about abuse of power, exploitation, and silence within the film and music sectors.

Swagatha S Krishnan has previously shared parts of her experience on social media in 2022 and 2023, but she now says she is seriously considering legal action to prevent similar incidents from happening to others.

Rajjab Butt faces backlash over viral restaurant video

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Rajjab Butt faces

Pakistan’s controversial YouTuber Rajjab Butt has once again come under heavy criticism on social media after a viral video sparked allegations of privacy violation and irresponsible content creation.

The video, reportedly recorded at a restaurant, shows Rajjab Butt filming a vlog while dining. However, social media users pointed out that a family sitting behind him appeared visibly uncomfortable during the recording. In the clip, a woman can be seen turning away and attempting to hide her face from the camera, triggering widespread backlash online.

A large number of users criticized the act as an invasion of privacy, calling for greater responsibility from content creators when filming in public spaces.

The issue escalated further after Punjab Assembly member Hina Pervaiz Butt strongly reacted on social media platform X, condemning the behaviour.

She described such conduct as “shameful,” stating that some individuals record videos anywhere without considering the privacy and dignity of people around them.

She also expressed concern over the growing trend of influencers being idolized despite what she termed irresponsible behaviour in public settings.

The controversy has emerged at a time when Rajjab Butt is already facing scrutiny over various legal and personal matters. His private life has remained in the public spotlight, particularly after his marriage to Eman Fatima in 2024 and subsequent separation in 2026.

The couple, who have a son named Kiwan Sultan (born September 2025), reportedly finalized their divorce earlier this year, which Rajjab Butt confirmed in a podcast appearance in March 2026.

The latest incident has reignited debate over influencer ethics, public privacy boundaries, and digital responsibility, with critics stressing that fame comes with social accountability.

Hina Tariq’s remarks on gender roles spark debate on social media

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Hina Tariq’s remarks

KARACHI: Pakistani actress Hina Tariq has stirred debate after sharing her views on women’s rights, feminism, and traditional gender roles during a recent YouTube interview.

Hina Tariq described “feminism” in strong terms, stating that she does not support modern interpretations that, in her view, blur traditional responsibilities between men and women.

During the discussion, she said she prefers men who are strong, decisive, and responsible, rather than overly sensitive or “soft-natured.”

According to her, a man should take charge of planning, financial responsibilities such as paying rent, and expressing affection through gestures like giving flowers and providing emotional support.

The actress added that while she is financially independent herself, she still expects men to fulfil their traditional roles, arguing that women appreciate love, attention, and respect in a more conventional relationship structure.

She further stated that she does not admire women who take on traditionally male roles, such as handling heavy tasks or managing all practical responsibilities independently, suggesting that such roles should remain balanced between genders.

Hina Tariq emphasized that, in her opinion, women are “gentle and beautiful beings” who deserve affection and care rather than anger or conflict.

Her comments have triggered mixed reactions on social media, with some users supporting her views as aligned with traditional values, while others criticized them as being opposed to modern feminist thought.

Jimmy Kimmel faces backlash after controversial joke about Melania Trump

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Jimmy Kimmel

Popular comedian Jimmy Kimmel has come under fire after a joke targeting Melania Trump sparked outrage and political backlash in the United States.

According to international media reports, Kimmel referred to the First Lady as a “future widow” in a satirical remark, prompting anger from US President Donald Trump and Melania Trump.

The White House reportedly called for Kimmel’s dismissal, while concerns have also emerged over potential risks to broadcasting licenses held by The Walt Disney Company. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has initiated an investigation into Disney over the matter.

In response, Kimmel clarified that his comment was intended as light-hearted satire, referencing the 23-year age gap between Donald and Melania Trump.

Meanwhile, Hollywood actor George Clooney came out in support of Kimmel, stating that he is a comedian and that overreaction to satire could set a concerning precedent.

On the other hand, Disney has decided to submit a formal legal response to the FCC as the situation continues to unfold.

FIFA introduces new yellow card rules for 2026 World Cup

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FIFA introduces

ZURICH: FIFA has announced significant changes to yellow card regulations for the FIFA World Cup 2026, aiming to ensure greater player availability during crucial knockout matches.

Under the revised rules, players’ disciplinary records will be reset twice in the tournament to reduce the risk of suspensions.

According to FIFA, all single yellow cards accumulated during the group stage will be cleared at its conclusion, allowing players to enter the knockout rounds without the burden of prior cautions.

A second amnesty will be granted after the quarter-finals, meaning players who reach the semi-finals will no longer face suspension due to earlier yellow cards.

Previously, yellow cards were only wiped after the quarter-finals to prevent players from missing the final due to bookings in the semi-final.

 However, with the expanded 48-team format and additional knockout rounds in the 2026 edition, the governing body has introduced further flexibility.

FIFA also announced an increase in financial incentives, raising the total prize fund for all 48 participating teams by 15 percent to $871 million.

Pakistan street child football team to compete in 2026 World Cup in Mexico

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Pakistan street child

KARACHI: Pakistan’s Street Child Football Team is set to depart for Mexico on Friday to participate in the Street Child World Cup 2026, scheduled to take place from May 5 to 15, featuring teams from 30 countries.

The tournament will include separate events for both boys and girls and serves as a global platform advocating for the rights, protection, and identity of street-connected children through youth-led initiatives.

The Pakistan team, participating under the banner of Muslim Hands an organization dedicated to promoting education and social change through sports will also attend a session of the United Nations General Assembly during their visit.

It is worth noting that Pakistan secured the silver medal at the Street Child Football World Cup 2022 held in Qatar, finishing as runners-up in the international tournament.