Google marks Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day with special Doodle

The deadly fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) has triggered grief and anger across the country, with several Pakistani celebrities using social media to demand accountability and action against those responsible. The tragedy, which claimed the lives of newborn children, has deeply affected the public. Showbiz personalities expressed sympathy for the bereaved families while questioning the safety standards and emergency arrangements at one of Islamabad’s major public hospitals. Actor Muhammad Ahmed criticised the repeated loss of children in incidents that later fade from public attention. In a video message, he questioned whether the deaths would also be forgotten after a few days without anyone being held responsible. He expressed his sorrow for the mothers who lost their newborns and called for those responsible to be identified and held accountable. Actress Azekah Daniel also criticised what she described as an incompetent system. She said tragedies often lead to public condemnation for a short period, after which attention shifts elsewhere until another incident occurs. Her remarks highlighted concerns about the lack of sustained institutional reforms following serious incidents involving public safety and healthcare. Actor Zara Noor Abbas also voiced her frustration over what she described as repeated failures to establish responsibility after major incidents. She said a series of such events was creating a sense of desperation among citizens, particularly when accountability remains absent. Zunaira Inam Khan took a stronger position, describing the PIMS incident as more than an unfortunate accident. In a social media post, she attributed the tragedy to what she called criminal negligence and mismanagement. Meanwhile, Sabeena Farooq expressed concern about the infants affected by the incident and sought information about their condition through social media. Actors Ahsan Khan and Nadia Afghan also shared a video showing a grieving mother carrying her child. They urged the authorities to ensure that the remains of the baby were handed over to the family. The reactions from the entertainment industry reflect wider public anger following the tragedy. Social media users have raised questions about hospital safety protocols, emergency preparedness, staffing and the ability of public healthcare facilities to respond effectively during crises. PIMS is one of the country’s major government-run healthcare institutions and serves a large number of patients from Islamabad and surrounding areas. Like several public hospitals, it operates under significant pressure because of high patient numbers and limited resources. The fire has therefore renewed calls for a comprehensive review of safety arrangements at public hospitals, including emergency exits, fire prevention systems, medical equipment and response procedures. Celebrities and members of the public are now demanding that the investigation into the incident be transparent and that responsibility be determined on the basis of evidence.

LOS ANGELES: Actor Jacob Batalon has opened up about the memorable handshake he shares with Tom Holland in the Spider-Man films, revealing that the fan-favourite moment was created spontaneously and has remained unforgettable over the years. Batalon, who has portrayed Ned Leeds since Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2017, said the signature handshake returned naturally while filming Spider-Man: Brand New Day. He explained that after performing it throughout several films, it had become second nature whenever the cameras started rolling. The actor recalled that the handshake was invented just minutes before filming one of their early scenes together. According to Batalon, the script simply required the characters to have a unique “best friends” handshake, leaving the two actors to create one on the spot. He said the quick improvisation unexpectedly became one of the most memorable moments of the franchise and has remained popular among fans ever since. Speaking about his relationship with Holland and the rest of the Spider-Man cast, Batalon described them as hardworking, humble and highly professional. He said spending years together on the film series had created a close bond that felt more like family than colleagues. Batalon added that watching his co-stars grow in their careers has been rewarding and expressed gratitude for being part of the successful superhero franchise. Spider-Man: Brand New Day, released in July 2026, continues its successful run in cinemas, with audiences embracing the return of the beloved characters and their on-screen chemistry.