تازہ ترین

  • | | |

    Imran Khan’s sons renew concerns over father…

    The sons of former prime minister Imran Khan have once again expressed concern over their father’s health, saying they have been unable to receive reliable information about his condition due to continued restrictions on family access. Speaking in an interview with an international news outlet, Kasim Khan and Sulaiman Khan said they have not been allowed to communicate with their father for several months and claimed that his family, lawyers and personal doctors have also been denied regular access. Kasim said the family has remained in the dark about Imran Khan’s health throughout his imprisonment. He referred to an Islamabad High Court order that directed authorities to facilitate regular phone calls, but claimed the arrangement has not been effectively implemented. The brothers, who were interviewed in London, also said they have been trying to travel to Pakistan but have faced difficulties related to travel documentation. According to them, their National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOPs) have expired, while visa-related issues have prevented them from visiting their father. The Ministry of Information, however, rejected the allegations, maintaining that the brothers possess NICOPs and therefore do not require visas to enter Pakistan. The ministry described their claims as misleading and said an administrative matter should not be turned into a political issue. The government did not comment on the brothers’ claim that their identity cards had expired. Asked whether Imran Khan might reach a political understanding with the government, both sons expressed doubt. Sulaiman said his father would be unlikely to agree to any arrangement that did not also address the situation of other political prisoners. Kasim added that the family’s inability to obtain updated medical information made it difficult to assess his father’s current health. The brothers also criticised the legal cases against the former prime minister, insisting the allegations were politically motivated. Kasim urged the international community to pay attention to the situation, claiming that his father remained imprisoned despite enjoying widespread public support. Imran Khan has been in prison since August 2023 after being convicted in the Toshakhana case. He is also serving a sentence in the £190 million corruption case and continues to face several other legal proceedings, including cases linked to the May 9 riots. His health has remained a point of dispute between the government and the opposition since he was diagnosed earlier this year with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), an eye condition affecting vision. Opposition leaders and members of his family have repeatedly demanded access for his personal doctors and called for his transfer to a private hospital for further treatment.

  • | | |

    Israeli lawyer calls Silwan demolitions ‘ethnic …

    JERUSALEM: A new British media report has renewed international attention on the disputed East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Silwan, where the demolition of Palestinian homes and land disputes continue to fuel tensions between Israeli authorities and Palestinian residents. According to the report, a prominent Israeli lawyer described Israel’s policy of removing Palestinians from their ancestral homes in Silwan as comparable to “ethnic cleansing,” adding to the growing debate over housing rights and displacement in the occupied territory. The report states that the continued threat of home demolitions has left many Palestinian families living in constant uncertainty, affecting their daily lives, financial stability and emotional well-being. Residents say they fear losing homes that have been in their families for generations. Palestinians living in Silwan argue that Israeli authorities frequently classify their properties as unauthorised constructions, leading to demolition orders that they consider unfair and discriminatory. Many residents say obtaining building permits is extremely difficult, leaving families vulnerable to eviction and the destruction of their homes. The issue of demolitions in East Jerusalem has remained one of the most contentious aspects of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, drawing criticism from international human rights organisations and foreign governments. Rights groups have repeatedly expressed concern that such actions contribute to the displacement of Palestinian communities and alter the demographic balance of the area. The latest report also comes amid continued regional tensions, with accusations of ceasefire violations and ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the conflict. Israeli authorities have consistently maintained that demolitions are carried out in accordance with municipal planning and building regulations, arguing that structures built without the required permits are subject to legal enforcement regardless of the owners’ identity. Silwan, located just south of Jerusalem’s Old City, remains one of the most sensitive areas in the decades-long conflict, with competing historical, religious and political claims. As international scrutiny grows, the situation in Silwan continues to highlight the broader challenges surrounding housing rights, land ownership and the future of Palestinian communities in East Jerusalem.

  • | | |

    Karachi Court orders Mir Ali Raza’s exhumation

    KARACHI: A judicial magistrate’s court in Karachi has approved a plea seeking the exhumation of businessman Mir Ali Raza’s body, directing the Sindh Health Secretary to immediately constitute a medical board to oversee the process. The Judicial Magistrate (East) announced the decision on Thursday after reserving its verdict following arguments from both sides. The court instructed the relevant authorities to complete the exhumation as soon as possible to facilitate a fresh medical examination. During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner argued that the police had no legal grounds to object to the exhumation, maintaining that the procedure would be carried out under the supervision of the Police Surgeon and the Medical Legal Officer (MLO), as required under the law. The lawyer further informed the court that the Police Surgeon had identified several deficiencies in the initial post-mortem report. According to the submissions, no X-rays were conducted, the exact cause of death was not conclusively established, and the report was allegedly prepared on assumptions rather than comprehensive medical findings. The court questioned how such an order could be passed without first issuing notice to the investigating officer. In response, the government prosecutor stated that the prosecution had no objection to the exhumation, describing the matter as one involving the search for the truth in a human life. The petitioner’s counsel argued that notifying the investigating officer at this stage could unnecessarily delay the proceedings and affect the timely collection of forensic evidence. After noting the prosecution’s no-objection stance, the court accepted the family’s application and directed the Health Secretary to form a medical board without delay. The board will supervise the exhumation and carry out the necessary medical examination to help determine the cause of death more accurately. The case has drawn public attention following questions raised by the deceased’s family over the circumstances surrounding Mir Ali Raza’s death and the quality of the initial forensic investigation. The court’s decision is expected to pave the way for an independent medical review, with the findings likely to play a significant role in the ongoing investigation. Authorities are now expected to begin the legal and administrative process required to carry out the exhumation under official supervision.

  • |

    PCB bans Hamza Nazar for two years, imposes rs1 million fine

    LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has imposed a two-year ban on domestic cricketer Hamza Nazar and fined him Rs1 million following disciplinary proceedings related to information submitted during a visa application process. In an official statement issued on Thursday, the PCB said Hamza Nazar has been barred from participating in all domestic and international cricket activities for the duration of the suspension. According to the board, the disciplinary action was taken after a three-member inquiry committee investigated the matter and submitted its findings. The investigation focused on the information provided by the player during a visa application. The PCB stated that Hamza failed to provide complete and accurate information, submitted misleading details and concealed material facts during the application process. The board added that the player was given a full opportunity to present his explanation before the committee reached its decision. Reaffirming its commitment to integrity and transparency, the PCB said it treats cases involving misrepresentation, concealment of facts and misleading information with the utmost seriousness. “The PCB will not allow any individual to damage the reputation of the board, Pakistan cricket or its fans,” the statement said. The decision underscores the board’s emphasis on maintaining high professional and ethical standards among players representing Pakistan’s domestic cricket system. The two-year suspension and financial penalty serve as a reminder of the PCB’s strict disciplinary policy and its determination to uphold the credibility of the game both on and off the field.

  • |

    Marvel and Star Wars heroes finally land on TikTok in Disney pact

    Spider-Man and Darth Vader are stepping into a whole new arena. Walt Disney has signed what it describes as a “first of its kind” agreement with TikTok, giving a chosen group of creators official access to its massive content library. Under the deal, creators can now legally pull characters and scenes straight from Disney’s archives into their own clips. It reflects how central fan-made content has become to entertainment today. Disney confirmed the pilot programme is starting in the US first, offering creators a curated slice of material from Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars. Some of this same content will also appear on Disney+ Verts, the company’s own vertical-video app, which for now only operates in the American market. TikTok’s global head of entertainment, Dawn Yang, said creator expression remains at the heart of how the platform works. She added that fan engagement keeps films alive long after their theatrical run ends, extending a movie’s shelf life well beyond release. The numbers behind TikTok’s reach help explain why Disney wants in. The platform recently crossed 200 million users in the US alone, with roughly six out of every ten adults under 30 now on the app, according to Pew Research Centre figures. Disney has tried something similar before, though it didn’t end well. It once let OpenAI’s Sora tool generate videos using its characters, but the experiment was short-lived. OpenAI pulled Sora a few months later, following criticism over violence, racism, deepfakes and misinformation risks tied to the tool. The TikTok announcement arrived at a convenient moment for Disney, landing alongside the company’s newest earnings report, which beat market expectations. Shares climbed 4.6% in pre-market trading, much of it linked to the strong box-office run of “Toy Story 5.” Disney’s parks and experiences division also posted solid growth, with revenue rising 10% year-on-year to hit $10 billion on the back of higher visitor numbers. Season two of “Rivals” added to the good news, becoming the biggest original series premiere yet for Disney+ in the UK and Ireland. Between the TikTok deal and a strong earnings day, Disney has plenty to smile about this week.

  • | | |

    Trump says US has ample weapons, ammunition stockpiles

    US President Donald Trump has said the United States possesses extensive stockpiles of weapons and ammunition, dismissing concerns about shortages during recent military operations. In a statement, Trump said the country is continuing to manufacture weapons on a large scale while also procuring additional supplies as needed. He added that defense companies are building a record number of plants and factories to strengthen America’s military production capacity. Trump also warned that those responsible for leaking what he described as “treasonous statements” would be identified and face lengthy prison sentences. His remarks came after reports in the US media claimed that he had questioned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over alleged shortages in US weapons stockpiles during the conflict with Iran. According to the reports, the issue had limited Washington’s military options against Tehran. The reports stated that Trump raised the matter during a Cabinet meeting held at Camp David in Maryland last week, where he reportedly sought an explanation from Hegseth about the significant decline in ammunition reserves. However, US officials have denied the media reports, rejecting claims that the country faced a critical shortage of weapons or that military options against Iran were constrained because of depleted stockpiles.

  • | |

    Zayn Malik thanks Zquad after 11 years as fans celebrate HQ Trivia and Possible Ayra Starr collaboration speculation

    Zayn Malik celebrated 11 years of his connection with the Zquad by sharing a heartfelt message of appreciation for his supporters. The singer posted a selfie on Instagram and thanked fans for standing by him throughout his journey, expressing his love and gratitude for the community that has supported him over the years. Zayn also re-shared the Zquad HQ picture on his Instagram story, adding a message of thanks and affection for his fans. The gesture quickly became a special moment for supporters, who celebrated the recognition from the artist and reflected on the lasting bond between Zayn and the Zquad. Following this, Zayn’s official HQ account hosted an interactive trivia session at 4 p.m. ET, inviting fans to test their knowledge of the singer’s life, interests, and career. The event featured questions about details such as how Zayn pronounces “zquad,” the name he uses for his fanbase, as well as his hobbies, including painting Warhammer miniatures, wood carving, and raising chickens. Fans filled the replies with excitement, humour, and impressive knowledge of Zayn’s interviews and personal stories. Correct answers earned likes and opportunities to receive merchandise, creating an engaging celebration of the connection between Zayn and his worldwide supporters. Around the same time, fans were also paying close attention to Zayn’s social media activity after noticing that he had changed his Instagram profile picture to Ayra Starr. The update sparked conversations across social media, with many fans discussing the interaction between the two artists. The moment led to speculation among supporters about a possible collaboration between Zayn Malik and Ayra Starr. While neither artist has officially announced a project together, fans have been sharing their excitement and closely following any potential hints. From celebrating 11 years with his fans to engaging through official events and social media moments, Zayn continues to strengthen his connection with the Zquad as they look forward to his next chapter. https://x.com/inzayn/status/2085078501250478523?s=46

  • | |

    Federal cabinet meeting postponed ahead of PM’s …

    The federal cabinet meeting scheduled to be chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has been postponed due to his official visit to Saudi Arabia, according to government sources. The meeting was expected to discuss important national and administrative matters. However, it has been deferred as the prime minister is leaving for a two-day official visit to the Kingdom. Sources said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will depart for Saudi Arabia later today. During the visit, he is expected to hold a high-level meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The two leaders are likely to review the strong and longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Discussions will focus on expanding bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, energy and economic collaboration. Regional and international developments will also feature prominently in the talks. Both leaders are expected to exchange views on the evolving situation in the Middle East and other issues of mutual concern. They will also discuss ways to enhance coordination on matters affecting regional peace, stability and security. The visit reflects the close strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The two countries maintain strong political, economic and defence ties, while Saudi Arabia has remained one of Pakistan’s key allies and economic partners. Officials said the federal cabinet meeting will be rescheduled after the prime minister returns from Saudi Arabia. A new date for the meeting is expected to be announced in due course.

  • |

    Taiwan president joins wartime evacuation drill

    Taiwan has intensified its annual military exercises by rehearsing the wartime evacuation of President Lai Ching-te, testing how the government would continue operating if the island came under attack. During the overnight exercise, President Lai, wearing body armour and a helmet, was transported in an armoured personnel carrier to a secure command centre. Senior government officials also participated in the drill, which focused on maintaining leadership, coordinating emergency responses and ensuring the continuity of government during a national crisis. The evacuation formed part of Taiwan’s 10-day Han Kuang military exercises, the country’s largest annual defence drill. The exercises are designed to strengthen military readiness amid growing tensions with China, which claims Taiwan as its territory and has repeatedly vowed to bring the self-governed island under its control, by force if necessary. The wartime evacuation plan has its roots in the Cold War era and was created to protect Taiwan’s leadership in the event of an invasion. Taiwanese authorities have long expressed concern that China could attempt a “decapitation strike” targeting the president and other senior officials during a conflict. As part of this year’s drills, President Lai also observed coast guard vessels being equipped with missile launchers, highlighting efforts to improve Taiwan’s coastal defence capabilities. Military units have deployed advanced air defence systems and other equipment across key locations as they practise responding to realistic combat scenarios. The exercises also include training for counter-blockade operations, coastal defence, protection of strategic infrastructure and broader civilian support during wartime. Next week, authorities will test emergency communication systems by deliberately reducing mobile internet speeds to evaluate how people would communicate if networks became disrupted during a crisis. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s defence ministry reported continued Chinese military activity near the island, saying multiple Chinese aircraft and naval vessels were detected operating around Taiwan during the exercises. Beijing has not officially commented on the ongoing drills but continues to increase military pressure on the island while rejecting President Lai’s calls for dialogue.

  • | |

    Crackdown intensifies: Illegal quack clinics seale…

    FAISALABAD: The Health Department has intensified its campaign against illegal medical practitioners in Faisalabad, with authorities sealing several unauthorized clinics during a targeted operation in Madina Town. The operation was carried out under the supervision of Dr. Rizwan Chishti, who is leading anti-quackery efforts in Lyallpur and Iqbal Towns, following directives issued by the Secretary Health Punjab and the Chief Health Officer. Acting on intelligence provided by the District Health Officer and other relevant agencies, health officials raided multiple locations suspected of operating without legal authorization. During the operation, a number of illegally established clinics run by unqualified practitioners were sealed on the spot. Officials confirmed that the cases have been referred to the Punjab Healthcare Commission, which will initiate legal proceedings against those found responsible. Health authorities said the anti-quackery campaign has been expanded across all towns in Faisalabad, with screening and enforcement activities being carried out on a wider scale. They warned that strict legal action will be taken against individuals involved in unauthorized medical practice as well as anyone attempting to unlawfully reopen or de-seal clinics closed by the department. Officials reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting public health by eliminating illegal healthcare practices and ensuring that only licensed professionals are allowed to provide medical services.