Achakzai

Balochistan High Court Suspends FIR Against Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai

The Balochistan High Court has suspended all proceedings related to the First Information Report (FIR) against opposition leader and Member of National Assembly, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, pending the next hearing.

The court issued notices to the state and adjourned further proceedings in the case. A two-member bench, comprising Chief Justice Kamran Malakhel and Justice Gul Hassan Tarin, conducted the hearing on Achakzai’s petition seeking the dismissal of the FIR.

During the proceedings, Chief Justice Kamran Malakhel questioned why the petitioner, being a sitting Member of the National Assembly entitled to parliamentary privilege, approached the High Court directly instead of addressing the matter through parliamentary channels or trial courts. The Chief Justice asked, “Why did the petitioner come straight to the High Court instead of raising the issue in Parliament or approaching the trial court?”

Achakzai’s legal team presented detailed arguments, claiming that the FIR was filed on the basis of political revenge and contained legal deficiencies. They requested the court to either quash the FIR or, at minimum, suspend all proceedings against their client.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the High Court issued notices to the state and ordered that all proceedings related to the FIR remain suspended until the next hearing. The date for the next hearing will be announced later.

amir khan عامر خان

Bollywood Star Aamir Khan Set to Tie the Knot for the Third Time

Renowned Bollywood actor Aamir Khan is preparing to tie the knot for the third time. According to Indian media reports, the 61-year-old actor will marry his girlfriend Gori Spratt next month in a private and low-key ceremony scheduled for July 5.

Reports indicate that only close family members from both sides and a few select friends will attend the wedding. The couple is expected to formalize their union through either a court marriage or a private signing at home.

Sources further reveal that Aamir Khan and Gori Spratt have been in a relationship for over a year and are enjoying a happy life together. In a recent interview, Aamir opened up about his relationship with Gori, stating, “I am very fortunate to have found Gori. She is an amazing woman, and I feel complete peace with her. My relationships with my previous wives were also deep, but things didn’t work out. Now, with Gori, I feel complete.”

It is worth noting that Aamir Khan publicly introduced Gori Spratt as his girlfriend for the first time last year during his birthday celebrations in Mumbai.

This will be Aamir Khan’s third marriage. He was first married to Reena Dutta in 1986, and the couple divorced in 2002. They have two children together, Junaid and Ira. In 2005, Aamir married director Kiran Rao, and the couple separated in 2021. They have a son, Azad, whom both parents continue to raise jointly.

Iran and Kuwait flag

Kuwait Expels Two Iranian Diplomats Following Attacks, Orders Departure Within 24 Hours

Kuwait has declared two Iranian diplomats persona non grata and ordered them to leave the country within 24 hours, following attacks on its territory by Iran, further escalating tensions in the region.

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Wednesday, saying that the decision came after Iranian drone and ballistic missile strikes, and emphasized that the two diplomats must depart immediately.

Kuwait summoned Iran’s Chargé d’Affaires to deliver a formal protest over what it described as Iran’s brutal and continuous acts of aggression. The ministry clarified that the move is part of an effort to reduce personnel at the diplomatic mission.

The action was taken in response to the recent attacks and ongoing tensions, though Iran has not yet issued an official response regarding the expulsion.

Kuwait strongly condemned the attacks, stating that they represent a blatant violation of international law and pose a threat to peace and stability in the region. The ministry stressed that such actions must be halted immediately to prevent further escalation.

The Kuwaiti government reiterated its rejection of all aggressive acts and affirmed its support for peace and stability in the region. Additionally, Kuwait expressed full solidarity with Bahrain, committing to support all measures aimed at safeguarding Bahrain’s sovereignty, security, and stability.

According to Kuwaiti authorities, the attacks resulted in one death and 63 injuries, and caused damage to several key installations, including diplomatic buildings.

gomal university

Fake Degree and Financial Misconduct Scandal Rocks Gomal University

Dera Ismail Khan: A major scandal involving fake degrees and financial irregularities has been uncovered at Gomal University, exposing alleged long-standing misconduct within the institution.

Investigations were launched after the revelation of 514 suspicious degrees, prompting authorities to expand the scope of inquiry. The current administration has identified years-old irregularities, leading to the suspension of key officials, while further action is expected.

The allegations cover financial embezzlement and misconduct at the university from 2019 to 2023. Following a syndicate decision, the former Director of Affiliation has been suspended. Additionally, proceedings have begun against the former Controller of Examinations, with hundreds of degrees flagged as suspicious in official records and recommendations made for their cancellation.

To strengthen accountability, a new investigative committee has been formed at Gomal University, and oversight of higher education institutions has been intensified under the direction of Provincial Minister for Higher Education, Meena Khan Afridi. The provincial government has targeted the fake degree network as part of ongoing accountability measures, with investigations progressing under the minister’s policies.

Minister Meena Khan Afridi stated that individuals involved in the scandal will not be spared, and the higher education system will be cleansed of corruption and the fake degree mafia. She emphasized that under the leadership of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, accountability efforts will continue, and those who compromise students’ futures will face strict action.

Court

Over 300 People Jailed in Pakistan on Blasphemy Charges; Human Rights Groups Demand Urgent Reforms

Islamabad: Recent data from the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) reveals that 301 individuals are currently imprisoned in Pakistan on allegations of blasphemy, sparking renewed calls from human rights advocates for legislative reforms and stronger protections for the accused.

According to the NCHR tweet, the distribution of accused individuals across major prisons is as follows:

Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi houses 87 prisoners, Lahore has 206, and Karachi has 11.

All arrests were made under Sections 295 A and B of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).

Legal Framework

Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, contained in Sections 295 A, 295 B, and 295 C of the PPC, criminalize acts deemed offensive to religious sentiment, desecration of the Quran, or derogatory remarks about the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The PECA Act further extends prosecution to allegedly blasphemous online content.

Human Rights Concerns

Human rights organisations have consistently raised concerns about misuse and abuse of these laws.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) reports that accusations are often motivated by personal or economic disputes rather than genuine religious offenses. Lawyer Mian Yasir, who has represented several blasphemy defendants, said:

“In my experience, almost all blasphemy accusations in Pakistan are driven by personal motives and mostly by economic reasons. The accusation is a weapon to settle all kinds of scores.”

HRW further noted that authorities frequently fail to protect accused individuals from vigilante violence, and prosecutions for attacks against them remain rare.

Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), a leading civil liberties organisation founded by activists including Asma Jahangir and I.A. Rehman, has warned that vague legislative language and lack of safeguards lead to harassment, persecution, and discrimination against vulnerable groups. HRCP Chairperson Hina Jilani stated in 2023:

“…such amendments risk exacerbating persecution and would likely be weaponised disproportionately against religious minorities and sects, resulting in false FIRs, harassment and persecution.”

HRCP also cautioned that increasing penalties without proper legal protections violates constitutional guarantees of liberty and fair trial rights.

Historical Context and Major Cases

  • Asia Bibi Case (2009–2018): Christian woman Asia Bibi was sentenced to death under Section 295 C, later acquitted by the Supreme Court.
  • Shafqat Emmanuel & Shagufta Kausar (2013–2021): A Christian couple sentenced to death for allegedly sending blasphemous SMS messages; death sentences overturned due to procedural flaws and lack of evidence.
  • Tahir Ahmed Naseem (2020): A US-born Pakistani accused of blasphemy was killed in a Peshawar courtroom by a mob, highlighting failures in protective custody.
  • Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza (2025–2026): FIR filed for online content under Section 295 C and PECA; granted bail after months in custody, illustrating ongoing concerns over online speech prosecutions.

Calls for Reform

Human rights advocates continue urging Pakistani authorities to:

  • Strengthen procedural safeguards to prevent misuse of blasphemy provisions,
  • Ensure timely and fair trials without prejudice,
  • Protect accused individuals from vigilante attacks, and

Human Rights Activists stress that, even when courts acquit accused individuals, social stigma and threats often persist. Lawyers defending the accused also face intimidation, underscoring the deep societal entanglement of these laws.

murder crime

Gang Rape Victim Dies During Abortion in Lahore

Lahore: An 18-year-old girl, allegedly a victim of gang rape, died during a high-risk abortion procedure at Services Hospital, Lahore, after multiple complications.

The victim, a domestic helper, was reportedly gang-raped months ago by her employer’s son and the household driver in Model Town. According to her FIR and video statement, her employer allegedly hid the assaults to avoid police action.

She was initially treated at a private clinic in Raiwind, where doctors discovered a 4–5 month foetal death (miscarriage) and described her condition as critical. She was sent home to Faisalabad to recover but her health deteriorated, prompting transfer to Services Hospital on May 23.

Following her death during surgery, police added murder charges to the case. The driver has been arrested and remanded, while other suspects have secured bail. The investigation has been moved to the Investigation Wing to re-examine all suspects, including previously exonerated family members. Authorities are awaiting the postmortem report.

Police have also formed a team to investigate the private clinic staff for possible negligence or illegal conduct during the abortion procedures.

Cyber Crime Agency

NCCIA Arrests Two in Lahore, Multan for Anti-State Social Media Posts

Lahore: National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Punjab has arrested two individuals for spreading inflammatory and misleading content against state institutions on social media.

According to the agency’s spokesperson, the shared content was causing public anxiety, mental distress, and unrest.

In Lahore, Faqir Muhammad was arrested from Faisal Town under FIR No. 115/2026, and a mobile phone was seized for investigation. In Multan, Muhammad Maqsood was arrested under FIR No. 89/2026, with a mobile phone and Facebook account-related evidence obtained.

The spokesperson stated that both suspects were involved in sharing videos and posts targeting state institutions, which could create uncertainty and tension among the public. Further investigation is ongoing, and legal action will proceed based on the collected evidence.

NCCIA Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Wasim emphasized that actions against violators of cyber laws and individuals involved in illegal activities against state institutions will continue without discrimination. He added that misuse of social media, dissemination of misleading content, and attempts to spread unrest will not be tolerated, and strict legal measures will be taken.

slow-5g-internet

5G Services Launched in 22 Cities, But Users Still Frustrated

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced the launch of 5G services in 22 cities across the country, with the service now active in four sectors of Islamabad.

The announcement was made during a briefing to the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on IT, chaired by Syed Aminul Haque. Officials reported that tests conducted in Sector F-8 recorded internet speeds of approximately 100 Mbps.

PTA representatives stated that following the upcoming 5G spectrum auction, not only will internet performance improve further, but the average 4G speed is also expected to reach 40 Mbps.

However, committee members expressed concerns over the overall quality of telecom services. Member Sadiq Memon questioned whether new technologies like 5G would provide meaningful benefits if the existing service quality does not improve.

PTA officials acknowledged that prolonged power outages are affecting telecom networks, with electricity disruptions lasting up to 10 hours in some areas, creating operational challenges for service providers.

The committee also criticized the consumer complaints system, noting that major telecom companies have reduced, rather than improved, their helplines. The committee chairman demanded strict action, including fines and showcause notices, against non-compliant operators.

Additionally, the meeting addressed issues related to Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), where questions were raised regarding approximately $800 million in government dues and property matters. Officials stated that details regarding the privatization agreement could be provided by the Privatization Commission, and the committee has summoned relevant authorities for the next session.

KP CM Sohail Afridi

Sohail Afridi Warns of Sit-in at National Assembly, Threatens to Block Federal Budget

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has announced that if efforts are made to marginalize him again, parliamentarians from across the country will converge in Islamabad on June 10 to stage a sit-in in front of the National Assembly and prevent the approval of the federal budget.

Speaking to the media before departing from Adyala Road, Afridi emphasized that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government represents the party of the founding leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, and the people of the province voted for the founder. Therefore, public demand is that the provincial budget should be prepared in accordance with his guidance and priorities.

Afridi stated that he intends to meet with the PTI founder to seek his approval regarding the budget. He also announced that he will file a petition in the Islamabad High Court tomorrow and expressed hope that permission for the meeting will be granted this time. He alleged that even today, the founder’s family members were denied the opportunity to meet him.

The Chief Minister asserted that the PTI founder has committed no crime and is being unjustly detained. He claimed that due to negligence by the Punjab government and jail authorities, the founder is facing eye-related health issues, raising public concern over the ongoing restrictions on meetings.

Afridi emphasized that the mandate to change the Chief Minister rests solely with the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He noted that his recent meeting with Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, arranged at the request of Barrister Goher, included discussions on regional matters. Afridi stressed that Afghanistan is a brotherly Islamic country and Pakistan’s relations with it should not be jeopardized to please anyone.

He added that the PTI founder consistently holds the position that war is not a solution to problems and that Pakistan should play a mediatory role in the region. Afridi concluded by stating that the upcoming Khyber Pakhtunkhwa budget will prioritize social welfare, education, and healthcare.

Azma Bukhari

’Pinky Drug Wali’ Case Deserves Full-Length Film, Says Azma Bukhari

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari has expressed that while a drama has been announced on the “Pinky Drug Wali” case, the topic deserved a full-length film.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of renowned director Sangeeta’s new film in Lahore, Bukhari highlighted the ongoing efforts by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to improve the cinema industry. She emphasized the goal of encouraging the younger generation to move away from touchscreen devices and engage more with cinema.

Bukhari stated, “If we can produce quality dramas, why can’t we make good films as well? Alongside successful dramas, high-quality films must also be produced. Young directors are bringing fresh perspectives to the film industry, and digital platforms have given cinema a new direction.” She added that films should not be limited to a specific audience, and that meaningful stories need to be told through quality filmmaking.

On the “Pinky Drug Wali” case, she said, “A drama has been announced on this topic, but a film should have been made. Films can showcase the country in a positive light. The Film City project will provide all modern facilities and opportunities for young talents coming from film and drama studies.”