فیچرڈ

LAHORE: Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested three men in separate operations in Lahore and Multan as part of a crackdown on cyber harassment, blackmail, threats and the misuse of personal data online, officials said. The operations were carried out on the directions of Director NCCIA Punjab Muhammad Ali Wasim, officials said. In Lahore, the NCCIA arrested Azeem Jafri, son of Syed Altaf Hussain Shah and a resident of Faisalabad, in connection with an online harassment and defamation complaint. Investigators said the suspect had been using online platforms to harass and defame complainant Syed Muzaffar Iqbal Zehrazai. A mobile phone was recovered from the suspect during the operation. The investigation is being conducted by Sub-Inspector Rai Shakeel Ahmed. In Multan, the agency carried out two separate operations and arrested Jamshed Mahmood Khan and Sajjad Sarwar. Jamshed Mahmood Khan was arrested from Gulgasht Gol Bagh Park in Multan. Investigators said he was involved in sharing objectionable data belonging to a woman through WhatsApp, issuing threats and blackmailing her. No recovery was made from the suspect. In a separate operation, NCCIA officials arrested Sajjad Sarwar in Dera Ghazi Khan. Investigators said he was involved in sharing objectionable data of a woman through WhatsApp, threatening her and blackmailing her. A mobile phone containing WhatsApp-related material was recovered from him. Director NCCIA Punjab Muhammad Ali Wasim said the agency would continue taking action against individuals using cyberspace for harassment, blackmail, threats and violations of privacy. He directed NCCIA teams to further strengthen investigations and enforcement against cybercrime and ensure effective protection of citizens’ privacy and digital rights.

Muzaffargarh: A wedding celebration turned into a tragedy after an overloaded rickshaw carrying members of a wedding party plunged into a canal on Monday evening, leaving at least seven people dead and several others missing. According to rescue officials, the incident occurred when the rickshaw, which was carrying a large number of passengers including women and children, reportedly lost control while travelling along the canal-side road. The vehicle skidded off the road and fell into the water. Local residents and rescue divers immediately launched an operation to search for the passengers. Nine people were rescued alive and shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Some of those rescued were reported to be in critical condition. Rescue teams have so far recovered the bodies of seven people. The deceased have been identified as 14-year-old Dilawar, son of Abdul Rasheed; seven-year-old Muneeb, son of Rashid; 58-year-old Sakina Bibi, wife of Allah Ditta; 15-year-old Sameera Bibi, daughter of M Shafiq; M Saim, son of M Iqbal; seven-year-old M Sabtain, son of Musharraf; and nine-year-old Raju, son of M Iqbal. Several passengers are still believed to be missing. Those reported missing include M Bilal, son of M Iqbal; M Yasir, son of Fida Hussain; M Ali, son of M Shafiq; Usman, son of Ghulam Fareed; Shakir, son of Ashiq Hussain; Hassnain, son of Musharraf Ali; Iqbal Bibi, daughter of Fida Hussain; Kaleem Ullah, son of Basheer Ahmad; and Zareef, son of Wazeer Ahmad. The rickshaw was reportedly carrying far more passengers than its permitted capacity, raising concerns about dangerous overloading. Rescue teams continued their search operation on Tuesday as authorities feared the death toll could increase. The incident has cast a pall of grief over the families of the wedding party, with relatives anxiously awaiting information about their loved ones as the recovery operation continues.

LAHORE: Secretary and Chief Administrator Auqaf Punjab Dr Ehsan Bhutta has urged Imams and Khateebs to play a broader role in promoting religious harmony, social cohesion and positive values, saying their responsibilities extend beyond leading prayers and delivering Friday sermons. Addressing the concluding ceremony of the 45th Quarterly Refresher Training Course for Imams and Khateebs at Aiwan-e-Auqaf in Lahore, Bhutta said the pulpit and mihrab were important platforms for the religious, moral, intellectual and spiritual development of society. He said 19 Khateebs from different parts of Punjab had successfully completed the mandatory three-month training programme required for promotion to the next grade. The course, he added, was designed not only to support professional progression but also to strengthen the participants’ religious knowledge, intellectual abilities, research skills and professional competence. Bhutta stressed that religious scholars must remain equipped to respond to emerging social challenges, changing societal needs and contemporary intellectual and jurisprudential questions. He called for greater emphasis on research, communication skills and modern approaches to religious guidance. The Auqaf secretary urged Khateebs to use Friday sermons, religious gatherings and public interactions to foster unity among Muslims, interfaith harmony, tolerance, brotherhood and mutual respect. He also called upon them to help counter sectarianism, extremism, intolerance, hate speech and divisions based on language or group identity. He said Islam promotes peace, justice, compassion, human dignity and harmonious relations within society. Religious scholars, he added, should present the teachings of the Holy Quran, Sunnah and Seerah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in a wise and meaningful manner while keeping contemporary circumstances in view. Referring to the growing influence of digital platforms, Bhutta said social media and other modern communication tools had become powerful means of shaping public opinion. He encouraged Imams and Khateebs to use these platforms responsibly to communicate the peaceful and universal message of Islam, particularly to young people and audiences around the world. He further urged religious scholars to contribute to efforts against misinformation, inflammatory material, hate speech and sectarian propaganda by promoting well-reasoned and constructive content. Bhutta said the Auqaf and Religious Affairs Department was continuing reforms aimed at improving transparency, merit and good governance in the management of mosques, shrines and Khanqahs. The department was also working to improve the welfare of Imams and Khateebs, expand their intellectual and professional training and enhance the quality of religious services. He said that under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s “Magnificent Punjab” vision, the department was stepping up efforts to strengthen peace, religious harmony, tolerance and positive social values across the province. He added that under the supervision of Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman, administrative reforms, departmental performance and public facilitation initiatives were being made more systematic, effective and results-oriented.

Karachi: The investigation into the death of Mir Raza Ali took a fresh turn on Tuesday as SSP Ali Raza, a member of the newly formed investigation team, visited the location where the deceased was found. Mir Raza’s family members accompanied the SSP during the visit, where he examined the site in Gulistan-e-Johar and reviewed the spot where the body had been recovered. He also questioned the gardener who had discovered the body to obtain details about the circumstances in which it was found. Meanwhile, six samples have been received by the University of Karachi laboratory for DNA testing. Sources said four of the samples were collected from Mir Raza’s body, while two were reference samples from his parents. The laboratory is expected to release the DNA results as soon as possible. The investigation gained further significance following the emergence of an initial medical report after Mir Raza’s exhumation and post-mortem on August 8. The report reportedly identified multiple signs of injuries and possible violence on his body. According to the preliminary findings, the bullet wound was smaller on the back and larger on the front, indicating that the bullet may have entered from behind. The report also noted fractured ribs, several injuries to the head and face, and a fracture and wound measuring around 12 centimetres on the right thigh. Blood traces were also reportedly found in the tissues of the lower part of the body, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding Mir Raza’s death. The DNA results and ongoing investigation are expected to provide further clarity on the case.

  ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai has urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to initiate the process of appointing a new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and fill the vacant positions of two Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) members from Sindh and Balochistan. Achakzai made the request in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on August 10. The opposition leader, who also heads the Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) and serves as chairman of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, asked the premier to give immediate attention to what he described as an important constitutional responsibility concerning the composition of the country’s electoral watchdog. According to Achakzai, the official terms of the Chief Election Commissioner and the ECP members representing Sindh and Balochistan expired on January 26, 2025. He stressed that the vacant positions should be filled without further delay to ensure the commission continues to function effectively. The opposition leader argued that the timely appointment of officials to these constitutional positions was essential for maintaining the ECP’s operational continuity, institutional independence and credibility. In his communication, Achakzai referred to relevant provisions of the Constitution that outline the procedure for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner and members of the Election Commission. He cited Article 213(2A) under which the prime minister is required to consult the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly before forwarding three candidates for the post of CEC to a parliamentary committee. The committee then considers the proposed names before making the appointment through the constitutional process. Achakzai also referred to Article 218(2)(b), arguing that the appointment of ECP members from the provinces is subject to the same constitutional principle of consultation between the prime minister and the opposition leader. The opposition leader consequently called on Prime Minister Shehbaz to hold a formal meeting with him so that both sides could consult and agree on suitable candidates for the vacant constitutional positions. The demand comes against the backdrop of a prolonged delay in completing the composition of the electoral body. It is worth recalling that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had previously invited former National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub for consultations regarding the appointment of a new Chief Election Commissioner. The invitation was extended in June last year as part of the constitutional process for filling the position. However, the parliamentary situation subsequently changed after the National Assembly removed Omar Ayub and several other Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed leaders from important parliamentary positions. The move followed their disqualification by the Election Commission of Pakistan in connection with the May 9 cases in August last year. As a result, the consultation process concerning appointments to key positions within the ECP remained stalled. Achakzai’s latest letter has brought renewed attention to the issue, with the opposition leader emphasising that the vacant positions should be filled through the constitutional procedure and without further delay. The appointment of a CEC and provincial ECP members is considered crucial for ensuring the electoral watchdog remains fully functional and retains public confidence. Achakzai has therefore sought an immediate consultation process with the prime minister to resolve the matter and complete the appointments in accordance with the Constitution.

  Zoe Saldaña has built an impressive career in Hollywood, achieving milestones that only a small number of actors can claim. From becoming an Academy Award winner to appearing in some of the world’s most successful film franchises, the actress has established herself as one of the industry’s most recognisable stars. However, Saldaña now appears ready to explore a completely different side of filmmaking by considering a move into directing. During an appearance at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland, Saldaña spoke about her desire to eventually take control behind the camera. Addressing the festival audience, the actress said she believed there would come a point when simply watching other directors work would no longer be enough for her. Saldaña joked that after observing directors for so long, she might eventually feel compelled to take over the camera herself. Her comments reflected her growing interest in expanding her creative role within the film industry and exploring storytelling from a director’s perspective. The actress also expressed confidence in her own instincts, particularly when discussing women and their ability to recognise what they believe is right. With a humorous tone, she suggested that women often feel confident in their opinions because they are correct a significant amount of the time. For Saldaña, directing could provide an opportunity to test those instincts and prove what she can accomplish outside her established acting career. Her remarks came as she was being honoured at the prestigious Locarno Film Festival. Saldaña received a Special Honorary Pardo at the event, recognising her contribution to cinema and her successful career across a wide range of projects. During her appearance, the actress also reflected on her childhood and the experience of growing up between different cultures. Born in the Dominican Republic, Saldaña said her background and experiences of feeling like an outsider have played an important role in shaping the way she approaches acting and develops her characters. She recalled the challenges of being separated from a New York environment where she had been exposed to people from different backgrounds and cultures. According to Saldaña, living in a diverse environment allowed her to encounter different perspectives and understand the world beyond a single cultural identity. She later moved to a much smaller and more culturally homogeneous island, an experience she described as difficult during her formative years. The transition brought significant challenges, particularly because she encountered a society with a more unified religious and cultural identity. Despite the difficulties, Saldaña believes those experiences ultimately became valuable to her as an actor. She explained that the challenges of growing up between different cultural environments helped her develop a broader understanding of people and identities. That perspective, she suggested, became particularly useful when portraying some of her most famous characters, including Neytiri in the Avatar franchise and Gamora in the Guardians of the Galaxy films. For Saldaña, growing up between cultures provided both struggles and opportunities for personal development. She believes being exposed to different ways of life enriched her understanding of human experiences and gave her additional emotional depth as a performer. Now, after years of success in front of the camera, Saldaña appears interested in turning those experiences into a new creative challenge. Her potential move into directing could mark an important new chapter in her career, allowing her to bring her perspective, cultural experiences and storytelling instincts to filmmaking from behind the camera.

  The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has launched an investigation into an alleged social media campaign aimed at damaging the reputation of Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon and his son. According to NCCIA officials, the agency has received a formal complaint from Sharjeel Inam Memon regarding the alleged defamatory content circulating on various social media platforms. The complaint was received by the Deputy Director of the NCCIA’s Karachi Zone, who has initiated the process of investigating the matter. Officials said the agency is currently working to identify individuals allegedly involved in operating social media accounts, creating content and disseminating posts that are claimed to have harmed the reputation of the senior provincial minister and his son. The investigation will focus on tracing the origin of the posts, identifying the people responsible for creating and publishing the material, and determining how the content was circulated and amplified across social media platforms. NCCIA officials said the agency has contacted around 10 major social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, X, and Instagram, as part of its investigation. The platforms have reportedly been asked to provide relevant information about the accounts and individuals involved in spreading the alleged defamatory posts. The agency has also sought details of accounts that allegedly played a role in making the posts viral. Investigators are attempting to determine whether the content was originally posted by a particular account and subsequently shared or promoted by other users. In addition, the NCCIA has requested data relating to social media accounts from which the allegedly objectionable posts were later deleted. Officials are seeking information that could help investigators identify the users behind such accounts, even where the original content is no longer publicly available. The development comes amid growing concerns over the use of social media platforms to circulate unverified, misleading or allegedly defamatory material against public figures. With social media allowing information to spread rapidly across multiple platforms, cybercrime investigators increasingly rely on digital records and platform data to trace the origins of online content. The NCCIA’s investigation is expected to examine the digital trail associated with the alleged campaign, including the accounts involved in creating, sharing and circulating the material. Investigators may also examine the extent to which the content was distributed and whether multiple accounts were coordinated in spreading it. The complaint reportedly alleges that the social media campaign was intended to damage the honour and reputation of Sharjeel Inam Memon and his son. However, the allegations remain part of the ongoing investigation, and any responsibility for the content will ultimately depend on the findings of the relevant authorities. The agency’s request for information from social media platforms is aimed at obtaining additional evidence that could assist in identifying the people behind the accounts and determining the circumstances surrounding the creation and distribution of the posts. The NCCIA has not yet disclosed the identities of any suspects or announced arrests in connection with the case. Further action is expected after investigators receive and analyse the requested information from the social media platforms. The case highlights the increasing role of cybercrime authorities in addressing complaints involving online harassment, defamation and the alleged misuse of social media. The investigation will determine whether the content in question violated relevant laws and whether those responsible can be identified and proceeded against under the applicable legal framework.