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Muneeb Butt wins hearts with his spiritual and family-oriented outlook

Muneeb Butt

LAHORE: Actor Muneeb Butt has captured the admiration of fans with his spiritually-inclined and family-oriented perspective, showcased during a recent podcast appearance.

In the conversation, the rising star spoke candidly about the spiritual and familial influences that shaped his personality, offering listeners a refreshing and heartfelt side of himself.

He shared that he hails from a religious family, especially noting that his mother is a regular observer of prayers and Tahajjud. “A child’s first madrasa is the lap of their mother, and I was blessed with a faith-filled upbringing that nourished my soul,” he expressed.

Discussing his religious inclinations, Muneeb Butt said that he and his family do not believe in publicizing good deeds, as “Allah sees everything and knows our intention.”

He added that if he shares any video of worship or charity, it is only with the hope that even one viewer may be inspired towards goodness — a gesture that, in his view, becomes a form of ongoing charity.

Speaking on spirituality, he added, “People often ask where Allah is, and I tell them that His help arrives even before the hardship does.”

Muneeb Butt’s sincere, humble, and positive stance received widespread appreciation from fans, who praised his grounded personality and extended their best wishes for him.

Taliban arrest four youth for wearing ‘Peaky Blinders’-inspired outfits

Taliban

The Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have detained four young men in Herat for wearing outfits inspired by the British TV series Peaky Blinders.

According to Saif-ul-Islam Khyber, spokesperson for the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, the arrests were made in Jebrael Township on charges of “promoting foreign culture.”

Reports from Afghan media indicate that photos of the young men, dressed in long coats and flat caps resembling the Shelby family characters from the hit series, had been circulating on social media for several days.

In an interview broadcast on a YouTube channel earlier, the youths said they adopted the style because of their liking for the show and claimed they received positive reactions from locals. One of them stated that they also planned to showcase traditional clothing of Afghanistan’s various ethnic groups in the future.

However, the Taliban labeled the fashion choice as contrary to “Islamic values and Afghan culture.” The spokesperson also shared a video in which one of the detained youths expressed regret over his attire.

This is not the first instance of such action, as the Taliban have previously arrested numerous individuals for alleged dress code violations.

Tensions rise between China and Japan over air force exercises

Tensions rise

TOKYO: Tensions between China and Japan have escalated following Chinese air force exercises near Japan’s Okinawa islands.

Reuters reports that Japan claimed Chinese aircraft targeted Japanese fighter jets with radar during two dangerous incidents, a charge that China has denied.

Japanese Prime Minister Sani Takachi described the radar targeting as “a dangerous act that exceeded the necessary limits for safe flight” and confirmed that Japan has formally protested the incidents with China.

China, in turn, warned Japan to cease what it called “defamation and slander,” asserting that Japanese aircraft had interfered with Chinese naval vessels conducting training east of the Miyako Strait. Both sides have issued stern statements, highlighting rising tensions in the region.

Prime Minister Takachi warned that any further violations will come at a “high price,” emphasizing Japan’s commitment to safeguarding its airspace.

CTD Punjab arrests 12 terrorists linked to Indian spy agency

CTD Punjab

LAHORE: The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Punjab has arrested 12 terrorists from Lahore, Faisalabad, and Bahawalpur over alleged links with India’s notorious intelligence agency, RAW.

According to CTD officials, weapons, explosives, and detonators were recovered from the suspects. Additionally, sensitive photographs and videos of key installations and institutions, allegedly collected for RAW, were seized.

The CTD spokesperson stated that images, videos, and location data of a madrasa and a local fair were also recovered from the arrested individuals.

The suspects from Lahore include Sukhdeep Singh, Azmat, Faizan, Nabeel, Abrar, Usman, and Sarfaraz  while Danish from Faisalabad and from Bahawalpur, Rajab, Hashim, Saqib, and Arif, affiliated with the group Fitna-e-Hindustan.

The spokesperson added that the arrests were made with the help of a Facebook ID operated from India under the name “Adil.” Notably, suspect Sukhdeep Singh, a convert from Christianity, had recently changed his religion.

Investigators revealed that the terrorists received significant funding from RAW. Cases have been registered against all the suspects, and investigations are currently underway.

YouTuber Ducky Bhai apologizes to nation after release

YouTuber Ducky

LAHORE: Popular YouTuber Saad Ur Rehman, known as Ducky Bhai, has publicly apologised to the nation after his arrest and subsequent release in the gambling apps case.

In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Ducky Bhai said, “If anyone feels that my video was intended to justify the FIR filed against me, I sincerely apologise.” He added that if any of his content had a negative impact on viewers, he seeks forgiveness from the entire nation.

The YouTuber emphasised that his goal has always been to entertain and present new content. “If any of my promotions or content caused unintended harm, I also apologise for that,” he stated.

Ducky Bhai expressed his full cooperation with the court, saying he would pursue the legal process until the end and accept whatever decision the judge makes.

He also shared details of his and his family’s ordeal over the past three and a half months, recalling the morning of August 16, 2025, when he was preparing to leave for a foreign event after hosting a gathering at home—unaware of the events that would soon unfold.

Ducky Bhai was arrested on August 17, 2025, at Lahore Airport while attempting to travel abroad, accused of money laundering through gambling apps.

He was granted bail by the Lahore High Court against a bond of PKR 1 million and released on November 26, 2025.

Iran confirms deportation of 55 citizens by US

Iran confirms

TEHRAN: Iran has confirmed that 55 of its citizens have been deported by the United States. The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that the deportees are expected to arrive in Iran in the coming days.

Officials said this marks the second mass deportation of Iranian nationals under former President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown policy. In September, the US had identified nearly 400 Iranians for deportation, while earlier, 120 Iranians were deported via Doha to Tehran.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, also criticised the US for not issuing visas to the Iranian football team delegation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw.

IMF board to review $1.2b aid tranche for Pakistan today

IMF board

NEW YORK: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board is scheduled to meet today to consider approval of a $1.2 billion aid tranche for Pakistan under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF).

The package includes $1 billion for general support and $200 million to enhance disaster resilience and sustainable development.

Ahead of the meeting, Pakistan released an IMF-backed report on corruption and governance, fulfilling the Fund’s pre-condition for board approval.

The report follows staff-level agreements reached between Pakistan and the IMF in October, after negotiations held from September 24 to October 8 in Karachi, Islamabad, and Washington.

The discussions reviewed Pakistan’s fiscal performance, financial policies, reforms, and climate-related measures, with the IMF staff mission expressing satisfaction over the country’s economic progress. The Fund also praised the State Bank of Pakistan’s strict monetary policy, recommending its continuation.

Economic experts note that IMF bailout packages are crucial for Pakistan, which has long relied on financial support from bilateral partners such as Saudi Arabia, China, and the UAE, as well as multilateral institutions including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and Islamic Development Bank.

Pakistan continues to face a prolonged macroeconomic crisis affecting foreign reserves, fiscal resources, and the balance of payments. However, since 2022, Islamabad has achieved some successes, including a current account surplus and a significant reduction in inflation.

Naeema Butt’s pictures with Bollywood star Nawazuddin Siddiqui go viral

Naeema Butt

LAHORE: Pakistani actress Naeema Butt has sparked social media buzz after sharing photos with renowned Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

The pictures, posted on her Instagram story, appear to be from a European location, showing Butt looking cheerful alongside Siddiqui.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by NaeemaButt(naima) (@naeemabutt)

She also tagged the Bollywood actor in her post. The images have quickly gathered thousands of likes, with fans commenting and sharing their reactions.

Naeema Butt, known for her hit drama Kabhi Mai, Kabhi Tum alongside Fahad Mustafa and Hania Aamir, has been away from television recently but continues to engage her followers on social media by sharing dance and comedic videos.

Heavy rainfall brings cold wave and stunning views over Masjid Nabawi

Heavy rainfall

MADINAH: Heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightning lashed Madinah and surrounding areas, bringing a noticeable dip in temperature.

Dark clouds suddenly covered the sky before the downpour began, turning the city’s atmosphere serene and refreshing.

During the rainfall, spiritually uplifting scenes were witnessed around Masjid Nabawi (PBUH), with the Green Dome glistening under the rain.

Pilgrims expressed gratitude to Allah for the blessing of Baran-e-Rahmat, capturing the peaceful and faith-inspiring moments.

Following the rain, the weather became pleasant across Madinah and nearby regions, while the intensity of cold increased.

Geoffrey Boycott slams England after second Ashes Test defeat

Geoffrey Boycott

LONDON: Former England captain Geoffrey Boycott has strongly criticised the national side following their defeat against Australia in the second Ashes Test, labelling the team “irresponsible and useless”.

Boycott lashed out at Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, saying they believe only they understand modern Test cricket. “We should stop listening to them now,” he remarked.

Boycott termed the performance in Brisbane a “horror show”, blaming reckless batting and short-length bowling. He insisted that this Australian side was beatable. With England trailing 0-2 in the five-match series, the former captain said the team now needs a miracle. “With this batting and bowling, England can’t win,” he added.

He further stated that England had been planning for this Ashes series for four years, but are now performing poorly. “No one in the England setup is willing to listen to anyone outside their camp. Test cricket has changed, and they think they alone know modern-day cricket,” said Boycott.

Commenting on batter Harry Brook, Boycott questioned his shot selection and footwork, saying fans want to know what is going on in his mind, as he is failing to move his feet effectively on Australian pitches.

Australia won the first two Tests convincingly to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match Ashes series.