تازہ ترین

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    Karachi traffic accidents claim 603 lives this yea…

    Karachi: At least 603 people have lost their lives in different traffic accidents across Karachi this year, according to data released by Rescue authorities. Thousands of others have suffered injuries in road crashes, highlighting the continuing traffic safety challenges faced by the city. According to Rescue officials, 7,467 people were injured in traffic accidents during the year. The victims include people from different age groups and both genders. Of the 603 people who died in road accidents, 463 were men, 73 were women and 67 were children. The figures show that men made up the majority of fatalities, while women and children also suffered significant losses in road crashes. Rescue authorities said heavy vehicles were involved in a considerable number of fatal accidents. A total of 184 people were killed in accidents involving heavy vehicles during the year. According to the available data, 12 people lost their lives after being hit by dumpers. Trailer-related accidents claimed the lives of 84 people, making trailers one of the major contributors to fatalities involving heavy vehicles. Water tankers were also involved in several deadly accidents. Rescue officials reported that 46 people were killed in accidents involving water tankers during the year. Meanwhile, 18 people died in accidents involving mini-trucks, while 24 people were killed in accidents involving buses. The injury figures are also significant. Of the 7,467 people injured in traffic accidents, 5,649 were men, 1,322 were women and 496 were children. The data underscores the scale of road safety concerns in Karachi, where busy roads, increasing traffic and the movement of heavy vehicles have contributed to serious accidents. The high number of fatalities and injuries has renewed concerns about traffic management and road safety measures in the city.

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    Mashal Khan opens up about her fears surrounding marriage

    Pakistani television actress Mashal Khan has spoken candidly about her thoughts on marriage, revealing that while she believes the special moment will eventually come, she has some clear concerns about how she wants her married life to be. Mashal Khan became widely known after making her acting debut in Hum TV’s popular drama serial Suno Chanda. The drama became a major success and helped establish her as a familiar face among Pakistani television audiences. Her performance also contributed to her growing popularity beyond Pakistan. Over the years, Mashal Khan has appeared in several well-known television projects, including Khuwab Nagar Ki Shehzadi, Saya 2, Kacha Dhaga, Thora Sa Haq, Qissa Meherbano Ka and Pyari Mona. She also earned praise for her performance in Parizaad, where her role was appreciated by viewers. The actress was last seen on television in ARY Digital’s Ehsaan Faramosh, which aired in 2023. Since then, she has taken a different professional direction and moved into hosting a finance-focused show on a news channel. Recently, Mashal Khan appeared on a podcast where she discussed her personal views about marriage and explained why the idea of keeping her wedding and married life private is particularly important to her. Speaking about marriage, Mashal said she has not experienced that special moment yet, but believes it could happen unexpectedly in the future. She explained that if she gets married, she would prefer to keep the occasion and her relationship away from unnecessary public attention. The actress questioned how she could make sure that people would respect her privacy after she announces her marriage. According to Mashal, she would be comfortable informing the public that she is married, but would not want her personal relationship to become a subject of constant discussion, blogs or speculation. For Mashal, privacy is not the only important aspect of marriage. She also shared her firm views about her future husband having a second marriage. The actress made it clear that she does not want to be in a relationship where her husband marries another woman. Mashal explained that she wants her future husband to be the only man in her life and wants to be the only woman in his life as well. She stressed that her concern is not about being someone’s first wife, but about being his only wife. At the same time, Mashal clarified that she does not judge a man simply because he has a past. She said she would have no issue marrying a divorced man, as long as he is single when they decide to marry. Her comments highlighted her straightforward approach to relationships and marriage. Rather than focusing on whether a potential partner has been married before, Mashal appears more concerned about commitment, exclusivity and mutual respect within the relationship. The actress’s honest discussion has given fans a glimpse into her personal expectations for marriage, particularly her desire for a private relationship built on loyalty and a strong commitment between two people.

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    Government challenges SC order to shift Imran Khan…

    Islamabad: The federal government has filed a review petition in the Supreme Court challenging its interim order directing the transfer of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital. In its petition, the government described the Supreme Court’s interim order as an overreach of legal authority. It argued that the Pakistan Prison Rules, 1978, clearly prescribe the procedure for providing medical treatment to prisoners. According to the government, a prisoner can be shifted to a government civil hospital or a district headquarters hospital when necessary. However, it said there is no provision in the law for transferring a prisoner to a private hospital. The government also maintained that prison laws and the Prisons Act do not give a prisoner the right to receive treatment from a private doctor of his choice. The petition stated that Imran Khan’s case had been fixed for hearing for the first time and that he had not even been issued a notice. Despite this, the court issued an interim order regarding his medical treatment and transfer. The government argued that the court appeared to have reached the conclusion that Imran Khan’s health was deteriorating on the basis of a medical report. However, according to the petition, the report did not clearly indicate any such deterioration. It further stated that a medical board had examined Imran Khan several times. The government maintained that expert medical opinions should have been sought before making a decision on such a medical matter. The petition also challenged the use of Section 561-A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, arguing that the provision cannot be used to interfere in matters falling within the jurisdiction of prison authorities. The government further objected to the relief granted to Imran Khan at the interim stage. It said four requests were effectively granted through the interim order, including his transfer to Shifa International Hospital, access to personal doctors, meetings with family members, and provision of medical reports to his lawyers. According to the government, such relief at the interim stage amounted to granting final relief without completing the regular legal proceedings. The petition also warned that allowing a special facility for Imran Khan at a private hospital could set a precedent for other prisoners. It argued that other inmates could make similar demands under prison laws, potentially creating a large number of such requests. The government maintained that providing such special treatment would also conflict with the principle of equal treatment of prisoners.

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    Cargo Ship sinks off India, rescue mission underwa…

    NEW DELHI: Indian authorities have launched a major search-and-rescue operation after a Panama-flagged cargo vessel sank off the eastern coast, leaving 24 crew members missing, according to the Indian Coast Guard. The maritime agency lost contact with the vessel, Ocean Winner, on Saturday while it was sailing toward Singapore carrying iron ore. The ship had departed from Paradip port in eastern India on Thursday and reportedly sank around 240 nautical miles from the port. The crew comprised 20 Chinese nationals, three Myanmar nationals and one Bangladeshi, Indian Coast Guard spokesperson Commandant Amit Uniyal said. Two Coast Guard vessels were dispatched from Sri Vijaya Puram, formerly known as Port Blair, to assist in the search operation. Rescue teams have so far saved two crew members found aboard life rafts, while efforts continue to locate the remaining seafarers. Authorities have yet to determine what caused the vessel to sink. Captain Alekha Charan Sahoo, deputy conservator of the Paradip Port Authority, expressed hope that more crew members would be found safely as the rescue operation continues. The incident has prompted an urgent maritime response, with Indian authorities coordinating efforts to locate the missing sailors in the waters off the country’s eastern coast.

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    Asma Abbas faces criticism over husband’s second marriage

    Asma Abbas is a well-known Pakistani television actress who has earned praise for her performances in several popular dramas, including Ranjha Ranjha Kardi, Khumaar, Akbari Asghari, GT Road, Baby Baji Ki Bahuwain, and Radd. She is also the mother of actress Zara Noor Abbas. Asma Abbas is married to retired Colonel Ghulam Abbas, who was previously married. The actress has spoken openly about their relationship and revealed that her husband fell in love with her and wanted to have children with her, which eventually led to their marriage. She has also maintained that she shared a good relationship with his first wife and lived peacefully with her until her death. Recently, Asma Abbas appeared on the television show Zabardast, hosted by Wasi Shah, alongside her husband. During the conversation, retired Colonel Ghulam Abbas shared details about what happened after he married Asma. He explained that his first wife initially moved to the United States after his second marriage. According to him, she told him that she wanted to visit her sister in America, and he helped arrange her visa. She left their child behind and returned to Pakistan around six months later. The retired army officer said that after her return, she continued to have an important place in their household. He recalled that the bedroom remained hers while he moved to Quetta for work. He also praised both women for staying with him despite the difficulties associated with his postings and career. Ghulam Abbas expressed gratitude toward his first wife and Asma, saying that they supported him through difficult periods and made his life easier. He further credited his first wife for accepting the situation and revealed that the two women eventually became close friends. According to him, there was even a point when Asma and his first wife would join forces against him during disagreements, turning their relationship into an unexpected friendship. However, the couple’s comments did not receive a positive response from everyone. Several social media users criticized Asma Abbas and her husband, arguing that the discussion appeared to overlook the emotional impact of a second marriage on the first wife. One commenter accused the couple of glorifying the second marriage and questioned why a married man would be pursued in the first place. Another described Asma as a “homewrecker” and argued that the first wife was the one who ultimately had to bear the consequences. Some users also challenged the narrative surrounding the first wife, particularly claims about her family life and children. Others questioned the decision to publicly discuss the circumstances of the marriage in a celebratory manner. While Asma Abbas and her husband presented their relationship as one that eventually became peaceful and respectful, the interview sparked a wider debate online about second marriages, the rights and emotions of first wives, and the complicated dynamics that can arise within families.

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    Abeer Asad, Suleiman Hussain face photoshoot backlash

    Abeer Asad Khan and Suleiman Hussain are among the Pakistani fashion models who have built recognition through stylish campaigns, editorial shoots, and collaborations with some of the country’s prominent designers. Both have remained visible in the fashion industry through lawn, bridal, and high-fashion projects, while Abeer Asad Khan has also gained attention through major magazine features and industry recognition. The two models recently became the center of an online debate after appearing together in a new photoshoot for designer Malik Yasir. Inspired by the visual style of the Bollywood classic Raam Leela, the shoot features Abeer Asad and Suleiman Hussain in an intimate and dramatic setting. The project was styled and directed by Nabia Saqib and Abdullah Siddiqui and has attracted considerable attention across social media. While fashion enthusiasts appreciated the styling, photography, and cinematic presentation, the shoot also received strong criticism from a section of social media users. Several commenters objected to what they considered the intimate nature of the shoot and argued that such fashion campaigns do not reflect the cultural and religious values they expect from Pakistani celebrities. One social media user criticized the shoot by claiming that obscenity was becoming increasingly common in Pakistan and questioned why people were not speaking against it. Another commenter made a personal remark about Abeer Asad Khan’s past, while someone else pointed out that she had recently performed Umrah and questioned her choice of participating in such a photoshoot afterward. The Bollywood-inspired theme also became a major point of discussion. One user said the visuals appeared heavily influenced by Indian cinema and questioned why Pakistani fashion creatives could not develop concepts that were more closely connected to Islamic and local cultural traditions. Others used humor and sarcasm to compare the models with Bollywood stars Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone, describing them as the “poor man’s Ranveer and Deepika.” The criticism did not stop at the models themselves. Some social media users argued that provocative fashion campaigns were becoming increasingly common in Pakistan and claimed that the industry was gradually moving away from traditional cultural boundaries. A few commenters also questioned why fashion models were not criticized as heavily as family vloggers when controversial content appeared online. There were also accusations that celebrities and models sometimes participate in such shoots primarily for financial gain and publicity. However, supporters of the fashion industry may view such projects as artistic expressions that experiment with international cinema, contemporary styling, and visual storytelling. The photoshoot has therefore sparked a wider discussion about the balance between artistic freedom, fashion trends, cultural identity, and social expectations in Pakistan. As the images continue circulating online, Abeer Asad Khan and Suleiman Hussain remain at the center of the debate, with social media users expressing sharply divided opinions about the controversial campaign.

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    Security official martyred, 6 injured in Mastung r…

    QUETTA: A security official was martyred and six others were injured when an explosive device targeted a security convoy in Khad Kocha, Mastung district, on Saturday, police said. According to officials, the bomb had been planted near Gro in the Khad Kocha area along the Quetta-Karachi National Highway. It was detonated as security vehicles passed through the area, striking one of the vehicles. A senior police officer confirmed the death and injuries, saying the remaining vehicles in the convoy were not affected by the explosion. Following the blast, an exchange of fire continued in the area for some time. Police officials said the attackers fled after additional security personnel arrived at the scene. The deceased official and injured personnel were taken to Nawab Ghous Bakhsh Raisani Memorial Hospital for medical treatment. Authorities subsequently closed the highway, disrupting traffic at several points, while security forces launched a search operation to locate those responsible. The incident came a day after another explosion in the same area killed four labourers working in an apple orchard and injured three others. Medical officials said the victims had suffered visible splinter injuries.

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    IHC asked to frame rules for social media use by c…

    ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court has been petitioned to direct the federal government to introduce legislation and a comprehensive regulatory framework governing social media access by children below the age of 16. The petition, filed by advocates Muhammad Jalal Haider and Yahya Farid Khawaja, calls for a reliable age-verification system to prevent minors from creating or operating social media accounts without appropriate safeguards. The petitioners argue that children face growing risks online, including cyberbullying, harassment, exposure to inappropriate material and other forms of digital harm. They have urged the government to establish clear policies covering children’s digital rights, privacy and physical and psychological safety. They have also sought specific legal responsibilities for social media companies, including stronger safeguards for minors and the creation of an institutional mechanism dedicated to protecting children in the digital environment. The petition refers to measures adopted or proposed in countries including Australia, France, Britain, New Zealand and Spain, where authorities have considered age limits, parental consent and age-verification requirements for children’s social media use. Citing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and General Comment No. 25, the petitioners maintain that protecting children’s best interests is a legal responsibility of the state rather than merely a policy choice. They argue that the absence of an effective age-verification mechanism leaves minors exposed to online dangers and makes it difficult to enforce protections designed specifically for children. The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Law and Justice, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority have been named as respondents. Punjab Assembly Resolution The development follows a resolution submitted to the Punjab Assembly last month calling for restrictions on social media accounts operated by children under 16 without parental consent. The resolution, moved by Punjab lawmaker Sarah Ahmad, urged the provincial government to recommend federal legislation aimed at regulating minors’ access to social media and strengthening online protection. It highlighted concerns over cyberbullying, online exploitation, inappropriate content, digital addiction and psychological distress among children, stressing that safeguarding their physical, mental and moral development is a responsibility of the state. The resolution proposed prohibiting children below 16 from creating or maintaining social media accounts without verified parental or legal guardian consent. It also called on the PTA to develop and enforce effective age-verification mechanisms across platforms operating in Pakistan. It further recommended holding social media companies accountable for child-safety standards, including the timely removal of harmful content and measures to provide a safer online environment for minors.

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    Pride of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Awards 2026 announce 1…

    ABBOTTABAD: The Pride of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Awards 2026 have opened nominations to recognise 15 individuals whose achievements, professional excellence and contributions have made a meaningful impact across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The awards will be presented on 15 September 2026 at COMSATS University Abbottabad during the Metrix Pakistan Youth Summit 9th Edition. The summit is being organised by Metrix Pakistan and powered by the Directorate of Youth Affairs, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The initiative is aimed at bringing deserving individuals into the spotlight and acknowledging achievements across a diverse range of fields, including education, sports, entrepreneurship, technology and innovation, social development, youth leadership, women empowerment, arts and culture, media, healthcare, public service, volunteerism and other areas of outstanding contribution. According to the organisers, the selection of the 15 award recipients will be based on 100 percent merit, with emphasis on the quality, impact and significance of each nominee’s work. The organisers have stressed that the awards are intended to recognise genuine achievement without influence or favouritism. Each selected recipient will receive an official Pride of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa shield and certificate during the ceremony. The organisers have invited nominations from across the province and encouraged individuals, institutions and organisations to nominate people whose work reflects excellence, leadership, innovation, community service or a sustained contribution to society. Applications can be submitted through prideofkp.pk/register, while the deadline for nominations is 5 September 2026. After the application period closes, nominations will be reviewed by the relevant team as part of the selection process. Shortlisted nominees will be contacted through their registered email addresses with further information regarding the awards. The Pride of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Awards have previously held four flagship ceremonies in recent times, providing recognition to individuals from different sectors and backgrounds who have contributed to the province through their work and achievements. This year’s awards will be part of the Metrix Pakistan Youth Summit 9th Edition, bringing together young people, professionals, entrepreneurs, innovators, community leaders and other stakeholders on a common platform. The awards will add a dedicated recognition component to the summit by celebrating individuals whose efforts represent excellence and positive impact in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The organisers said the initiative is intended not only to honour established achievers but also to encourage a culture in which talent, hard work, service and measurable impact are recognised on merit.

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    Inquiry report finds CCD constable responsible for…

    CHAKWAL: A departmental inquiry into the June 10-11 firing incident in Chakwal, in which nine-year-old Australian-Pakistani national Hania Ahmed was killed and her father and brother were seriously injured, has held a Crime Control Department (CCD) constable responsible for opening indiscriminate fire at the family’s car without authorisation. The 200-page inquiry report, submitted to the court of Magistrate Rehana Kausar, states that the accused constable allegedly opened fire on the vehicle “with the intention to kill” innocent civilians, without the permission of his superior officer and beyond the scope of his assigned duty. Hania was killed while her father, Adil Ahmed, and 10-year-old brother, Affan Ahmed, sustained serious bullet injuries in the incident. The incident occurred during the night between June 10 and 11 near the CCD police station in Chakwal. According to police, two armed men were allegedly attempting to rob the Australian-Pakistani family when the CCD constable mistakenly opened fire on their vehicle, believing the suspects were fleeing in it. The inquiry report, however, rejected the constable’s claim that he had fired in self-defence against the alleged robbers. According to the inquiry report, the accused constable told investigators that he was standing near the main gate of the CCD police station when he heard a commotion and came outside. He claimed that he saw a white car parked in the street and two armed men allegedly involved in a robbery. He said one of the suspects fired at him, prompting him to return fire. He further claimed that he took cover behind a wall and that the vehicle then sped towards Islamia Chowk. He allegedly followed the car after taking a lift on a private motorcycle. The inquiry report said Duty Officer Inspector Jahanzeb Khan rejected this account. According to the inspector, the constable fired the official rifle without seeking permission from him or any other senior officer and subsequently pursued the vehicle on a private motorcycle without authorisation. Three other police officials present at the station at the time also reportedly corroborated the inspector’s statement. The inquiry team concluded that the constable’s claim that he had fired at the alleged robbers in self-defence was contrary to the facts established during the investigation. According to the report, investigators recovered 14 pistol bullet casings and 13 casings from a Kalashnikov-type weapon from the scene. Statements of 34 witnesses have been incorporated into the inquiry report, including that of eyewitness Ahmed Nawaz, a resident of Chakwal’s Circular Road area, where the incident took place. Nawaz told investigators that he was returning after attending a funeral prayer when, upon reaching the CCD police station, he saw an armed constable carrying a Kalashnikov fire repeatedly at a car travelling ahead. He later learned that the family travelling in the vehicle was related to him. The inquiry report also states that the final opinion of the Punjab Forensic Science Agency regarding the bullets fired from the weapons, the bullets recovered from Hania, Adil and Affan, and the blood samples is still awaited. A police officer said the formal trial in the case is expected to commence in September following the August judicial recess. The inquiry report identifies the two alleged robbers as Muhammad Abbas and Muhammad Fayyaz. Police said both were previously involved in criminal cases, with Abbas facing 15 cases and Fayyaz 12. According to the CCD, both men were killed on the night of June 11 in an alleged police encounter in Chakwal. Police claimed they were killed by firing from their own accomplices. Post-mortem reports, however, showed that both men had sustained gunshot wounds to the head. A CCD official said Abbas had also been arrested in connection with two robbery cases in Chakwal in 2021. The inquiry report states that before allegedly targeting the Australian-Pakistani family, the two suspects had robbed two shops. Following their deaths, the shop owners and a woman who had allegedly been robbed of her gold earrings identified them from photographs, according to the report. Adil Ahmed, a resident of Dhudial village in Chakwal, has been living in Perth, Australia, with his family for several years. He is an engineer, while his wife is a dentist. Hania was a Year 4 student at the Australian Islamic College in Perth. The family had arrived in Pakistan in May. Adil and his wife subsequently travelled to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj, leaving their children with their grandparents. They returned from Saudi Arabia on June 10. On the same day, the family rented a car from a rent-a-car business in Dhudial for 10 days to travel during their stay in Pakistan. That night, Adil’s father-in-law, retired Colonel Muhammad Khan, hosted a dinner at his residence. The family left for home in the rented vehicle after attending the gathering, after which the firing incident occurred. According to Hania’s post-mortem report, the nine-year-old suffered 11 injury marks on different parts of her body, including bullet wounds. Doctors who conducted the post-mortem examination concluded that she died from massive blood loss caused by deep firearm injuries.