فیچرڈ

Singer and songwriter Bilal Maqsood has announced the fourth season of his popular children’s programme Pakkay Dost, promising a fresh mix of educational songs, entertainment and Urdu-language learning for young audiences. The new season of Pakkay Dost is set to premiere on YouTube on August 22. Maqsood shared the announcement on Instagram, expressing excitement about bringing the programme back with more engaging content for children and families. Maqsood explained that the main idea behind Pakkay Dost is to create healthy and wholesome entertainment in Urdu while making the language feel fun, modern and relevant to children. The upcoming season will continue using music as a way to teach children about different subjects. The programme will explore topics including Urdu, physical fitness, kindness towards animals, vegetables and the human body. One of the performances features actor Syra Yousuf, who can be seen dancing to a song about the history of the Urdu language. The performance introduces children to vocabulary influenced by languages such as Arabic and Turkish while making language learning entertaining. The new educational songs will also teach children about exercise and healthy habits. Other songs will introduce the names of vegetables as well as bones and joints in the human body. According to Maqsood, Pakkay Dost now has more than 50 songs covering a wide variety of subjects and facts. He has encouraged parents to watch the programme with their children, emphasizing that the show has been created to entertain adults as well as young viewers. The singer also said that enjoying the music himself is an important part of his creative process. His approach combines catchy songs with educational themes, allowing children to learn without making lessons feel like traditional classroom activities. With Pakkay Dost Season 4 arriving on YouTube on August 22, Bilal Maqsood is continuing his effort to introduce children to Urdu through music, humour and wholesome entertainment. The new season is expected to appeal to families looking for educational content that can keep children entertained while helping them learn about language, health, nature and their own bodies.

Two police personnel were martyred after armed assailants opened fire on them in Lahore’s Badami Bagh area on Thursday evening, according to police officials. The victims were identified as Sub-Inspector Adeel and Head Constable Asad, both of whom were deployed at Lorry Adda police station. Police said the two officers were attacked within the jurisdiction of Badami Bagh police station. According to initial reports, armed assailants opened fire on the officers before fleeing the scene. Both personnel suffered critical bullet injuries and later succumbed to their wounds. Police have identified Rehan Butt as the alleged main suspect in the attack, while efforts are continuing to determine the identities and whereabouts of his suspected accomplices. DIG Operations Faisal Kamran reached the scene with a heavy police contingent and supervised the initial investigation. The area was cordoned off as investigators collected evidence and examined the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The DIG directed the SP City to ensure the immediate arrest of those involved. Police teams have been deployed across different locations and are conducting raids to apprehend Rehan Butt and the other suspects. Preliminary police information described Butt as a suspected dangerous shooter who was already wanted by authorities. Investigators are also examining whether the attack could be connected to an earlier police encounter involving his brother, Faizan Butt. Police said the case was being investigated from all angles and that further information would be released as the investigation progresses. DIG Kamran described the deaths of the two officers as a tragic loss, saying they had sacrificed their lives while carrying out their duties. He vowed that police would continue their efforts until all suspects were arrested. Punjab Inspector General of Police Abdul Karim also took notice of the incident and sought a report from the Lahore DIG Operations. He directed police to use all available resources to arrest those responsible. The IG paid tribute to the martyred officers and ordered that their bereaved families receive complete care and welfare support. The Lahore Badami Bagh firing has prompted an intensified police operation, with investigators continuing raids and gathering evidence to establish the full circumstances behind the deadly attack.

Pakistan marked its 79th Independence Day with spectacular celebrations, dazzling fireworks and a vibrant display of national spirit across major cities, including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta. The festivities reached a major highlight in Islamabad with the inauguration of the newly built Victory Monument. President, Prime Minister and Field Marshal attended the ceremony, where the national flag was hoisted in the presence of service chiefs, federal ministers and foreign diplomats. Across the country, streets, homes, markets and public buildings were illuminated with colourful lights and decorated with Pakistan’s green-and-white flags. Citizens joined the celebrations with patriotic enthusiasm, while national songs echoed through cities and communities. Karachi took on a festive appearance as residents decorated their neighbourhoods and public spaces. The special Azadi Safari train also travelled from Karachi to Chhor as part of the Independence Day celebrations. Lahore witnessed colourful decorations and lively festivities, while Islamabad was illuminated with spectacular displays. In Peshawar, Quetta and Multan, people also celebrated the national day with great enthusiasm. The Punjab government organised a special Independence Day ceremony featuring performances by renowned singers, adding music and entertainment to the celebrations. From fireworks lighting up the night sky to the widespread display of national flags and patriotic songs, Pakistan’s Independence Day brought citizens together in a nationwide expression of pride, unity and love for the country.

  Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting to assess Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to secure the safe and early release of 10 Pakistani nationals being held hostage aboard the oil tanker MT Honour 25 after it was hijacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia. The tanker, which was operating under the Somali flag, was travelling from Oman to Somalia when it was seized by pirates on April 21. A total of 17 crew members were on board the vessel, including 10 Pakistani citizens. Since the incident, the families of the Pakistani hostages have repeatedly appealed to the government to intensify efforts for their loved ones’ safe recovery. During the meeting, officials briefed the deputy prime minister on the latest developments surrounding the hostage situation and the measures being taken to secure the release of the Pakistani nationals. Dar directed all relevant authorities and stakeholders to maintain close and regular coordination while further strengthening diplomatic efforts with both national and international partners. The foreign minister placed particular emphasis on continued communication with Somali authorities and relevant international organisations. He said sustained diplomatic engagement was essential to creating conditions that could facilitate the safe recovery and repatriation of the hostages. Dar also expressed solidarity with the families of the detained Pakistanis and assured them that the government was closely monitoring the situation. He stressed that all possible efforts were being made to achieve a positive outcome and expressed hope that ongoing diplomatic contacts would ultimately result in the safe return of all 10 Pakistani citizens. Last month, Dar spoke by telephone with his Somali counterpart, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, to convey Pakistan’s serious concern over the hostage situation. During the conversation, Dar emphasised the need to protect the health and safety of the hostages, secure their early release and ensure their safe return to Pakistan. The Somali foreign minister assured Dar that his government was continuing sincere efforts to help secure the hostages’ release as soon as possible. The latest meeting in Islamabad comes amid growing concerns about the deteriorating conditions reportedly being faced by the Pakistani nationals aboard the vessel. In video and audio messages, some of the hostages have described severe shortages of essential supplies. They said food and medicines had run out and claimed that they were receiving only one serving of boiled rice each day. They also reported that clean drinking water was no longer available, forcing them to consume contaminated water. According to the hostages, the lack of safe water has already caused illnesses among several crew members, further increasing concerns about their health. One hostage said their lives remained under constant threat and that gunfire could be heard almost every day in the surrounding area. The situation has renewed attention on piracy along Somalia’s coastline and its potential threat to international shipping. Somali pirate attacks reached their highest level in 2011, when armed groups operated as far as 3,655 kilometres from Somalia’s coastline. At its peak, Somali piracy posed a major threat to one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes, disrupting commercial shipping and placing hundreds of seafarers at risk. Pakistan’s government is now seeking to strengthen diplomatic and international cooperation to ensure the safe release of the 10 Pakistani nationals. Authorities remain engaged with Somalia and other relevant stakeholders as efforts continue to bring the hostages home safely.

Pakistan is celebrating its 79th Independence Day today with patriotic enthusiasm and nationwide festivities. Celebrations began at midnight as homes, markets, government offices and private buildings across the country were illuminated and decorated with national flags and green-and-white decorations. Major cities including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta and Multan have witnessed vibrant celebrations, with fireworks and lighting displays adding to the festive atmosphere. Citizens have taken to the streets to mark the historic occasion, while rallies and patriotic events are being organised in different parts of the country. The celebrations reflect the nation’s enduring spirit of patriotism and commemorate Pakistan’s independence achieved on August 14, 1947. Across cities and communities, people are joining together to celebrate the country’s 79th Independence Day with pride and renewed commitment to national unity and progress.

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday inaugurated a 220-foot-high Victory Monument in Islamabad, commemorating what officials described as Pakistan’s historic victory in the Battle of Haq. The inauguration ceremony brought together the country’s civil and military leadership, including Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the Senate chairman, National Assembly speaker, federal ministers, service chiefs and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Senior diplomats and representatives of the armed forces, civil armed forces and police from all provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan also attended. The ceremony opened with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a presentation highlighting the construction and significance of the monument. President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif subsequently unveiled the monument. Addressing the gathering, President Zardari praised Pakistan’s armed forces for their role in the country’s military success and described the victory as a lasting symbol of the sacrifices made by martyrs and armed forces personnel. He said Pakistan remained committed to peace and that the international community recognized its contribution to regional stability. The president stressed that Pakistan did not seek confrontation and referred to his family’s historical connection with the Kashmir cause. He also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in promoting peace, including its role in facilitating the Iran-US ceasefire. Speaking about Gaza, he condemned the ongoing bloodshed and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian people. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his address, said Pakistan desired peace rather than conflict but warned that its peaceful approach should never be interpreted as weakness. He said Pakistan had emerged as an important force for stability in the region and would continue working to prevent further conflicts. The premier also spoke about the Mecca Defence Agreement and Turkey’s participation in the arrangement, describing it as an important development for peace and security in the Middle East. He reiterated Pakistan’s support for Palestinian rights and said the country’s position on Kashmir remained firm. Shehbaz Sharif urged the Afghan authorities to prevent terrorist elements from using Afghan territory against Pakistan. He also expressed appreciation for US President Donald Trump’s role in helping secure a ceasefire between Pakistan and India, saying the development had helped save millions of lives and expressing hope for stronger Pakistan-US relations. The prime minister called for national unity, saying differences should not turn into hostility and warning that no hostile force should underestimate Pakistan’s resolve. As part of the Independence Day celebrations, the national flag was hoisted at the monument shortly after midnight on August 14. The 220-foot flag was raised in the presence of senior civilian and military leaders, adding a symbolic dimension to the ceremony. At the conclusion of the event, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir presented President Zardari with a commemorative model of the Victory Monument. The monument is expected to serve as a prominent national symbol, reflecting Pakistan’s military history, the sacrifices of its armed forces and the country’s stated commitment to national unity, sovereignty and peace.