438167_7687885_updates

Pakistan Tells Iran Any Attack on Saudi Arabia Will Be Treated as an Attack on Pakistan: Reuters

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has conveyed to Iran that Saudi Arabia is its “red line” and that any attack on the Kingdom would be considered an attack on Pakistan, Reuters reported, citing Pakistani officials.

According to the British news agency, missile attacks launched earlier this week by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement against Saudi Arabia have raised serious concerns in Pakistan. The development has prompted Islamabad to clearly communicate its position to Tehran at the highest level.

Reuters reported that the Houthis fired missiles at Saudi Arabia on Monday after accusing the Kingdom of carrying out airstrikes on an airport under their control. The incident raised concerns in Pakistan that it could also be drawn into the escalating regional conflict.

The news agency said the evolving situation could further complicate Pakistan’s potential role as a mediator in any future engagement between the United States and Iran.

A Pakistani official told Reuters that the country’s top political and military leadership had conveyed a clear message to Iran at the highest level, stating: “Saudi Arabia is our red line. Any attack on Saudi Arabia will be considered an attack on Pakistan.”

Also Read: Iran’s Foreign Minister Holds Calls with Saudi, Qatari, Turkish and Omani Counterparts on Regional Tensions

Reuters noted that Pakistan signed a mutual defence agreement with Saudi Arabia last year.

Under the agreement, according to the news agency, thousands of Pakistani troops and a squadron of fighter aircraft are stationed in Saudi Arabia.

Reuters further reported that Pakistan had previously expressed concern over Iranian attacks on Saudi Arabia earlier this year. However, according to regional analysts and officials cited by the agency, this week’s Houthi missile attacks have significantly heightened Islamabad’s concerns, as they have increased the possibility of a renewed conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis.

Huma Saleem

Actress Huma Saleem Accuses National Cricketer of Harassment, Defamation, and Deception

KARACHI: Pakistani actress and model Huma Saleem has accused a Pakistan national team cricketer of harassment, deception, fraud, and defamation, while indicating that she will pursue legal action. However, she did not disclose the player’s identity.

In a series of Instagram Stories, Huma Saleem said she wanted to expose a cricketer who, according to her, had crossed all limits through alleged deception, fraud, character assassination, and harassment.

The actress stated that she had not been in contact with the cricketer for the past two months, but claimed that whenever she tried to move on with her life, he continued to cause her mental distress.

She further wrote that no woman would deliberately choose to damage her own social reputation unless her limits had been crossed.

Huma Saleem also claimed that her legal team would soon reveal the identity of the cricketer and alleged what he had been doing in hotels using funds from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in recent days.

Also Read: Pakistan Captain Fatima Sana Named in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournament

In her posts, the actress alleged that the cricketer attempted to damage her reputation by sending messages to her family members and friends. She further claimed that the harassment continued while they were allegedly in a relationship and even after she resumed her professional work, alleging that he contacted her colleagues in an attempt to defame her.

She also alleged that the actions were not limited to the cricketer alone but involved members of his family as well.

Huma Saleem said she had remained silent despite being in what she described as a painful and abusive relationship, but added that her patience had now come to an end.

She concluded by saying that every story has another side and alleged that the cricketer had deceived her and was attempting to malign her publicly. She added that she and her legal team would soon present all available evidence against him.

No response has so far been issued by the cricketer regarding these allegations, and the claims remain allegations made by the actress.

whatsapp-image-2024-07-23-at-09-35-48

Tourist Dies in Glacier Collapse Near Andrab Lake in Kalam

SWAT: A tourist died after a glacier collapsed near Andrab Lake in the scenic Kalam area of Swat, officials said.

According to a spokesperson for the Upper Swat Development Authority (USDA), the deceased has been identified as Abdul Wajid, a resident of Bahawalpur. His body was shifted to Kalam Hospital, while further investigations into the incident are underway.

Separately, the inquiry report into the Saifullah Lake boat accident in Swat has been submitted to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.

According to the report, the police, Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Rescue 1122, Tourism Authority, and other relevant departments have been held responsible for the incident.

Government sources said Section 144 was in force in Swat at the time, with both boating and swimming banned. However, the police and district administration failed to enforce the restrictions.

Also Read: Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly Unanimously Passes Resolution Seeking Interim Provincial Status

The report stated that while 103 cases were registered against people for violating the swimming ban, no cases were registered against boating activities.

It further revealed that on the day of the incident, 17 out of 37 Tourism Police personnel were on leave.

South Air

Pakistan’s Private Airline South Air Launches Flight Operations

KARACHI: Pakistan’s private airline South Air has officially commenced its flight operations, launching services from Karachi Airport and operating a total of eight flights on its inaugural day between Karachi, Bahawalpur, Turbat, Islamabad, and Quetta.

According to the report, South Air has restored air connectivity to Bahawalpur and Turbat after a long gap. The airline has also introduced flights connecting Karachi and Islamabad with Bahawalpur.

The airline operated four flights between Karachi, Turbat, and Quetta on its first day of operations.

Air connectivity for Bahawalpur has been restored after three years. South Air’s flight Z8-911 departed from Karachi for Turbat and Quetta, while return flight Z8-912 will travel from Quetta to Turbat before returning to Karachi later in the evening.

Also Read: Missing Pakistani Cargo Aircraft Located Off Ormara Coast; Five Crew Members Still Missing

Meanwhile, flight Z8-942 departed from Karachi to Bahawalpur at 7:40 a.m., and the same aircraft later operated flight Z8-970 from Bahawalpur to Islamabad.

South Air is operating its services using newly acquired ATR aircraft.

According to sources, these routes were previously served by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). However, PIA’s flights between Karachi, Bahawalpur, and Islamabad have remained suspended since 2023.

arrested crime

Three Accused in Foreign Women Rape Case Sent on Physical Remand

LAHORE: A judicial magistrate on Wednesday granted police a four-day extension in the physical remand of three suspects arrested in connection with the alleged kidnapping and rape of two foreign women.

The hearing was held before Judicial Magistrate Azhar Mahmood, where Defence C police produced the three accused — Rizwan, Nawaz, and Nasir — after the completion of their five-day physical remand.

During the proceedings, the prosecution requested additional physical remand, stating that further investigation and recoveries were still pending.

The court asked the prosecution what had been recovered from the suspects so far. The public prosecutor informed the court that weapons had been recovered from accused Rizwan and Nasir.

Also Read: CCTV Footage Raises Questions Over Punjab Police’s Two-Hour Recovery Claim

The investigating officer told the court that a weapon was yet to be recovered from accused Nawaz. He further stated that police were also required to recover cash, jewellery, and a wristwatch allegedly linked to the case.

After hearing the arguments, the court approved a further four-day physical remand of all three suspects to facilitate the ongoing investigation.

According to the police, the suspects are facing charges of kidnapping and raping two foreign women. The accused were arrested following identification by the complainants during the investigation.

GB Assembly

Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly Unanimously Passes Resolution Seeking Interim Provincial Status

GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly has unanimously passed a joint resolution calling for the region to be granted interim provincial status through a constitutional amendment.

The resolution was adopted during a session of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly chaired by Deputy Speaker Malik Kifayat ur Rehman. It was moved by Assembly member Syed Jalal Shah and carried the signatures of several lawmakers from both the treasury and opposition benches.

The resolution urged the federal government to grant Gilgit-Baltistan interim provincial status through a constitutional amendment, ensuring the region enjoys constitutional, political, and democratic rights equal to those of Pakistan’s other provinces. It also called for effective representation for Gilgit-Baltistan at the national level.

According to the resolution, granting interim provincial status would not affect Pakistan’s stance on the Kashmir dispute nor would it conflict with United Nations resolutions on the issue.

Also Read: Heavy Rain Forecast for KP, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir; Landslide Warning Issued for Hilly Areas

The Assembly further recommended that the federal government initiate the necessary constitutional, legal, and administrative measures to implement the proposal. It also called for Gilgit-Baltistan to be included in the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award.

Additionally, the resolution supported ensuring a fair share of national resources for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Following the discussion, the House unanimously approved the joint resolution seeking interim provincial status for Gilgit-Baltistan.

Sheikh Hasina Wajid

Bangladesh Seizes $6.2 Billion Worth of Assets Linked to Sheikh Hasina

Bangladesh has seized assets worth $6.2 billion (approximately 760 billion taka) linked to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

According to Bangladeshi authorities, the seized assets are associated with Sheikh Hasina, her family, and 10 business groups.

Officials said that assets belonging to Sheikh Hasina both inside Bangladesh and abroad have been confiscated.

Bangladeshi media reported that authorities began investigating Sheikh Hasina’s assets in 2024 after she was removed from power following a student-led mass movement and fled to India. Investigations were also launched into her close relatives and major business groups accused of benefiting disproportionately during her 15-year tenure in office.

According to the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), assets worth 570 billion taka within Bangladesh and an additional 190 billion taka abroad have been seized.

BFIU chief Akhtar Mohammad Mamun said that 98 cases have so far been registered against Sheikh Hasina and individuals linked to her as part of the ongoing investigations. He added that efforts to recover funds transferred overseas are continuing, expressing hope that significant progress would be made before the end of this year.

Also Read: Sheikh Hasina Wajid Declares She Will Return to Bangladesh This Year

It is noteworthy that investigations into Sheikh Hasina’s assets have been underway since 2024. Following her removal from office, she has been convicted in absentia in multiple cases, including receiving a death sentence in a case related to crimes against humanity.

Sheikh Hasina has been living in India since fleeing Bangladesh in August 2024. She recently said that she intends to return to Bangladesh before the end of this year.

The Bangladeshi government has also requested India to extradite Sheikh Hasina.

Two days ago, Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaid Islam, told journalists that Sheikh Hasina is a convicted criminal. She said that if Sheikh Hasina surrenders to the authorities, legal action will be taken against her in accordance with Bangladeshi law. Upon her return, she will be sent to jail, after which further judicial proceedings will continue under the law.

Federal Constitutional Court

Constitutional Court Clarifies Limits of Judicial Intervention in Appointments at Public Universities

The Federal Constitutional Court has clarified the limits of judicial intervention in appointments made by public universities, ruling that courts cannot act as appellate authorities against the administrative decisions of public universities.

In a written judgment authored by Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi, the court stated that constitutional jurisdiction can only be exercised when there is proof of a violation of a law or a mandatory legal provision. The judgment further said that not every service-related dispute is maintainable through a constitutional petition.

According to the ruling, allegations alone are insufficient to establish bias. The court observed that no material was placed on record to demonstrate that the selection process was unlawful.

Also Read: Court Sentences Farrukh Khokhar to Life Imprisonment in Majid Satti Murder Case

The judgment stated that the Selection Board is the competent forum to assess candidates on the basis of their qualifications, academic record, and merit. Therefore, unless a clear legal defect is established, the judiciary should refrain from interfering in administrative matters.

The court further held that there was no evidence of any illegal act committed by the successful candidates. It added that judicial intervention on the objections of every unsuccessful candidate would undermine the autonomy of public universities.

Allowing the appeal filed by the University of Karachi, the Federal Constitutional Court set aside the Sindh High Court’s judgment and restored the recommendations of the Selection Board as well as the decision of the Syndicate.

social-media

Resolution Tabled in Punjab Assembly to Restrict Social Media Accounts for Children Under 16

A resolution has been tabled in the Punjab Assembly seeking a ban on social media accounts for children under the age of 16 without the permission of their parents or legal guardians.

The resolution was submitted by Punjab Assembly member Sarah Ahmed. It calls on the provincial government to recommend that the federal government introduce comprehensive legislation to regulate children’s use of social media and ensure their online safety.

According to the resolution, protecting the physical, mental, psychological, and moral development of children is the constitutional and moral responsibility of the state. It states that unrestricted access to social media has exposed young children to cyberbullying, online sexual exploitation, inappropriate content, mental stress, digital addiction, and other serious online risks.

The resolution proposes that the federal government introduce a law under which children under the age of 16 would not be allowed to create or maintain social media accounts without the consent of their parents or legal guardians. It also recommends making a reliable age verification system mandatory for this purpose.

Also Read: DPO Apologises After Failing to Salute Punjab Assembly Members During Privileges Committee Meeting

It further states that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) should ensure implementation of the proposed restriction by requiring all social media platforms operating in Pakistan to introduce the necessary age verification system.

The resolution also recommends that social media companies be required to comply with child protection standards, promptly remove harmful and inappropriate content, and provide a safer digital environment for underage users.

In addition, it calls on the relevant federal and provincial institutions to launch continuous awareness campaigns for parents, teachers, and children on digital literacy, online safety, and responsible internet use.

The resolution notes that if approved by the Punjab Assembly, it will serve as a recommendation to the federal government, as legislation relating to telecommunications, internet regulation, and digital platforms falls under the jurisdiction of the federation.

The proposal comes at a time when several countries around the world are considering stricter regulations on children’s use of social media. Excessive social media use has been linked to mental health issues, online abuse, and exposure to harmful content.

It is noteworthy that countries including Australia and members of the European Union have already taken steps toward restricting children’s access to social media based on age or implementing effective age verification systems.

Islamabad I-9

Missile Recovered During Excavation in Islamabad’s I-9 Sector

Security agencies were mobilised after a missile was recovered during excavation work within the jurisdiction of Islamabad’s I-9 Police Station.

According to sources, the missile-like object was discovered while excavation was underway at Plot No. 381 in the I-9 area. Following the report, a Bomb Disposal (BD) team immediately reached the site.

The BD team conducted a detailed examination of the missile and completed the necessary procedures before safely defusing it. Authorities said the area was declared clear after the bomb disposal operation was successfully completed.

According to sources, further investigations are underway to determine how the missile reached the location and to establish its nature.

Also Read: 42 People, Including Security Personnel, Martyred and 54 Terrorists Killed in Four Days in Balochistan: ISPR

The incident comes after an alleged mini-rocket attack on the I-9 Police Station in January last year. At the time, a police officer on duty heard a loud explosion but initially believed it was caused by a burst tyre, and no immediate action was taken.

The following morning, an inspection of the police station revealed marks on the building’s wall, leading to suspicions that a mini rocket-like object had struck the structure.

Following that incident, the Bomb Disposal Squad was called to the scene, where it collected forensic evidence as part of the investigation.