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Dubai real estate maintains rapid momentum in 2025

Dubai real estate

DUBAI: The emirate’s real estate market continued its record-breaking momentum in 2025, as property transactions surged further in November, according to monthly data released by the Dubai Land Department (DLD).

During the first 11 months of the year, Dubai’s total real estate transaction value reached AED 624.1 billion (approximately PKR 47.68 trillion), reflecting a strong year-on-year growth of 49.6 percent. Experts attribute the increase to high off-plan demand in key communities and strong investor confidence in the city’s booming construction sector.

In November alone, 769 transactions were recorded, with a combined value of AED 3.51 billion (about PKR 268 billion). The most expensive apartment sold during the month fetched an impressive PKR 15.51 billion.

Putin wants to end Ukraine war, says President Trump

Putin

Washington: US President Donald Trump has said that the meeting between his special representative Steve Otchkov, Jared Kushner, and Russian President Vladimir Putin went well.

Speaking to the media, Trump stated that it was too early to comment on the outcome, as progress now depends on both sides.

He claimed that President Putin is willing to end the war in Ukraine, adding that his administration has helped halt eight conflicts worldwide—five of them through tariff strategies. “I want to save lives, which is why we are working to stop wars across the globe,” Trump said.

Trump further disclosed that his aides are scheduled to meet Ukrainian negotiators today. Commenting on Venezuela, the US.

 President said that the military build-up around the country is not merely a pressure tactic, confirming ongoing operations against drug-carrying vessels and hinting at potential ground action soon.

He added that the US has full information about Venezuela’s infrastructure, including its roads, homes and plants.

‘Stranger Things’ season 5 sets new Netflix record with 59.6m views

‘Stranger Things’

New York: Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things has shattered global viewership records, with Season 5 drawing an impressive 59.6 million views within just five days of release, marking the biggest opening of the year.

According to international media, Season 5 has now registered the largest opening for any English-language series on the platform, also becoming the third-biggest launch in Netflix history. The top two spots continue to be held by the Korean phenomenon Squid Game Seasons 2 and 3.

In a remarkable achievement, the Season 5 debut outperformed the previous season by 171%, reflecting the franchise’s surging fan excitement. Even before release, the hype was so high that Stranger Things made history by placing all five seasons simultaneously in Netflix’s Top 10 rankings.

Reports indicate that the first four episodes of Season 5 are already streaming, with three more set to drop on Christmas Day, while the grand finale episode is scheduled for New Year’s Eve.

In Netflix’s weekly charts, Kevin Hart’s comedy special Acting My Age claimed the second spot with 9.2 million views, while Jingle Bell Heist topped the film category with 19.3 million views.

CCTV footage shows child falling into open manhole in Karachi

CCTV footage

KARACHI: Disturbing CCTV footage has emerged showing a child falling into an open manhole near NIPA Chowrangi in Karachi.

The video captures the child leaving a shopping center with his mother and running toward his father when he suddenly falls into the uncovered manhole. Witnesses report that the child’s parents screamed for help, prompting bystanders to rush to the scene and attempt a rescue.

Tragically, the three-year-old’s body was recovered 14 hours later, about one kilometer away in a nearby drain.

This incident highlights a growing public safety concern in Karachi, where 24 citizens, including five children, have died this year after falling into open drains and manholes.

The case has once again sparked calls for stricter oversight of city infrastructure and accountability for municipal authorities to prevent such avoidable tragedies.

Floods and natural disasters kill over 1,250 across Asia

Floods

Jakarta: Severe floods and other natural disasters across several Asian countries, including Indonesia, have claimed the lives of more than 1,250 people.

Over the past week, floods, storms, and landslides have devastated the region, with Indonesia reporting 753 deaths due to heavy rains and widespread flooding. Approximately 650 people are still missing in the country.

Sri Lanka has also been severely affected, with over 390 fatalities reported from landslides and heavy rains, while many remain missing. Thailand has experienced massive flood surges submerging dozens of villages and claiming 176 lives. In Malaysia, three deaths have been reported, though thousands have been displaced and hundreds are still in emergency shelters.

Millions of people across Asia have been affected, with homes, crops, infrastructure, and essential services suffering extensive damage. Landslides have cut off access to several villages, roads have collapsed, and bridges have been washed away, hampering relief efforts.

Emergency Response and Relief Efforts

Authorities in affected countries have declared emergencies. Military personnel, naval and medical aircraft have been deployed to deliver food, water, medicines, and other assistance to those in need. International organizations, including the United Nations, are coordinating with local authorities and offering aid.

Environmental Concerns and Future Risks

Experts warn that human factors, such as illegal logging and deforestation, have weakened natural barriers, exacerbating the impact of disasters. Climate change and warming oceans have intensified monsoons and storms, increasing the likelihood of future flooding. Specialists urge affected nations to prioritize better disaster management, forest protection, and climate adaptation strategies to mitigate future losses of life and property.

Kite flying allowed in Punjab with conditions

Kite flying

LAHORE: The colorful tradition of kite flying returns to Punjab after 25 years, with the government issuing a structured legal framework for safe Basant festivities.

Governor Punjab Sardar Salim Haider signed the ordinance allowing the celebration of Basant with certain restrictions, violations of which may result in fines and imprisonment.

Key provisions of the ordinance include:

Kite flying had been banned in Punjab since 2001. After 25 years, it is now permitted under strict regulations.

Children under 18 years old are prohibited from flying kites; parents or guardians will be held responsible for any violations.

Only cotton thread (“dhor”) is allowed; the use of metallic or sharp-edged threads will incur strict penalties.

Violations can result in 3 to 5 years imprisonment and fines up to PKR 2 million.

Motorcycles used in kite flying must comply with safety measures, and authorities may search suspicious locations or houses; offenses are non-bailable.

First-time violations by minors incur a PKR 50,000 fine, with a second violation attracting PKR 100,000; failure to pay will lead to action against the parent or guardian.

Kite associations must register with the relevant district deputy commissioner. Whistleblowers reporting violations will receive legal protection and encouragement.

Kites must be purchased only from registered sellers, each linked to a QR code; the same applies to kite strings and makers for traceability.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated that this move marks the revival of Punjab’s traditional cultural and festive heritage after three decades, restoring the spirit of Basant while ensuring safety and regulation.

Hania Amir’s Lahori Punjabi-style Urdu video goes viral

Hania Amir

LAHORE: A video of Pakistani glamour girl Hania Amir speaking Urdu in a Lahori Punjabi style has gone viral on social media, sparking a mix of criticism and amusement among viewers.

Some social media users commented that Hania’s accent sounded closer to Haryanvi than Punjabi.

In the viral clip, Hania can be seen conversing with a young man in a playful Lahori Punjabi tone. The young man jokes about making a “burger,” to which Hania humorously replies, imitating him in the same accent, suggesting that if he has made the “burger,” he should give it.

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Hania repeatedly pronounced “burger” as “bardgar” in her Lahori Punjabi style, which added to the humor and made the video even more entertaining. The young man in the video is also seen struggling to hold back his laughter.

While some viewers criticized Hania Amir for her accent, many others praised her playful and innocent demeanor, calling her style endearing.

Cristiano Ronaldo wins fans’ hearts with kind acts and skill

Cristiano Ronaldo

RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo, the famed Portuguese footballer, is admired worldwide not just for his incredible talent on the field but also for his generosity and warm-hearted personality.

Reports indicate that a video of the Saudi club Al-Nassr player has been circulating on social media, which was even reposted by Al-Nassr’s official X account.

In the video, Ronaldo can be seen gently placing his scarf around a young girl standing in front of him during the team lineup, displaying a tender and caring gesture. The girl’s expression of surprise and joy is clearly visible.

Previously, Ronaldo also amazed fans with an extraordinary overhead bicycle kick goal that went viral on social media. The 40-year-old scored this remarkable goal in the 96th minute, a time when most players are exhausted, showcasing his exceptional fitness and dedication.

This goal marked the 954th of his illustrious career and is being hailed as one of the best goals of the current season.

Mufti Muneeb Ur Rehman hospitalized after dengue diagnosis

Mufti Muneeb

KARACHI: Mufti Muneeb Ur Rehman, a prominent Islamic scholar and ex-chairman of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, is currently receiving treatment after being diagnosed with dengue fever.

According to details, Mufti Muneeb is currently under treatment at a private hospital in Karachi.

Mufti Abdul Razzaq Naqshbandi stated that Mufti Muneeb’s condition has improved to some extent, and he has even been offering prayers while in the hospital.

He added that doctors have advised Mufti Muneeb to take complete rest, and it is expected that he may be allowed to return home soon, subject to medical clearance.

The family has appealed for prayers for Mufti Muneeb ur Rehman’s speedy recovery.

Meanwhile, The Directorate of Press Information, Sindh Information Department, has released the latest daily report on the dengue situation, as issued by the Director General Health Sindh.

According to the report:

31 new dengue patients were admitted to government hospitals across Sindh.

27 additional cases were reported from private hospitals.

The total number of hospitalized dengue patients in the province has reached 55.

Government hospitals in the Karachi division admitted 19 new patients.

In Hyderabad, 7 new dengue patients were admitted to government hospitals.

26 patients were discharged from government hospitals after recovery.

12 patients recovered and were discharged from private hospitals.

No dengue-related fatalities have been reported anywhere in Sindh.

The report further states:

A total of 3,039 dengue tests were conducted in government and private laboratories.

Of these, 260 individuals tested positive for dengue.

Karachi laboratories reported the highest number of positive cases at 190.

Hyderabad laboratories confirmed 70 positive cases.

The Directorate General of Health Sindh continues to monitor the situation closely.

Section 144 enforced to bar unrelated individuals from exam centres

Section 144

KARACHI: Divisional authorities have tightened security measures around Intermediate supplementary exam centers, barring the presence of unrelated individuals to maintain fairness and order during the examinations.

Commissioner Karachi announced that Section 144 has been enforced from 2 to 30 December for the duration of the examinations. The entry of unauthorized persons into examination centers will be strictly prohibited without an admit card, the Commissioner said.

The photocopy shops operating within a 200-yard radius of exam centers have been barred from functioning during exam hours. The use of mobile phones and electronic devices has been completely banned at examination centers during exam timings.

Commissioner Karachi warned that strict action will be taken against unnecessary gatherings, crowds, and congestion near exam centers. The immediate action will be taken against individuals carrying weapons near examination centers to ensure peaceful and transparent examinations, the Commissioner added.

Commissioner Karachi said all examination centers have been declared sensitive between 2 PM and 5 M.Th. entry will be restricted for all individuals except examination staff and candidates. The police have been directed to register cases under Section 188 against those violating the imposed restrictions.

The Deputy commissioners and SHOs across all districts have been instructed to ensure effective monitoring throughout the examination period, the Commissioner stated.