Tiktoker Sana Yousaf

Court Awards Death Sentence to Accused in TikToker Sana Yousuf Murder Case

Islamabad: District and Sessions Court in Islamabad has sentenced Umar Hayat to death in the murder case of TikToker Sana Yousuf.

Additional Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka announced the verdict in the case. The court also sentenced the convict to a total of 20 years in prison and imposed a fine of Rs2.4 million under three provisions, including offences related to robbery and entering a house.

During the hearing, screenshots of Umar Hayat’s calls and chats were presented before the court. The complainant’s lawyer requested the court to award the accused two death sentences.

Umar Hayat’s lawyer argued before the court that the accused had expressed no confidence in the state counsel and the trial court. The defence lawyer said two applications were pending before the Islamabad High Court and argued that it would be unfair to proceed with a pre-decided position that the accused should be given the death penalty.

A day earlier, Umar Hayat had denied the charge in the Sana Yousuf murder case. During proceedings in the District and Sessions Court, he said he had made no confession or disclosure about killing Sana and claimed that he had no contact with her.

The judge then asked him about a number saved as “Kaka” that had appeared from Sana Yousuf’s phone during the investigation. After mobile forensics, the number was found to belong to Umar Hayat. In response, he said he could not answer without his lawyer.

According to the case background, TikToker Sana Yousuf was killed at her home in Islamabad on June 2, 2025. Umar Hayat was arrested from Jaranwala on June 3, 2025.

His identification parade was held on June 13, and his second mobile phone was recovered from Jaranwala. Umar Hayat was indicted on September 20, while the first testimony in the case was recorded on September 25.

A total of 31 witnesses were included in the case, out of whom statements of 27 witnesses were recorded.

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir

Pakistan’s Prosperity Journey Cannot Be Stopped by Propaganda, Proxies: Field Marshal Asim Munir

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has said that Pakistan will ensure the elimination of proxies working against the country and that the nation’s journey toward development and prosperity will reach its destination.

According to the ISPR, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir visited the Command and Staff College in Quetta, where he was received by the Commander Quetta Corps.

During the visit, the Field Marshal appreciated the college’s high level of professionalism and excellent training standards. He stressed the need for officers to equip themselves in line with modern trends in warfare and urged them to maintain consistency and high standards in their training affairs.

Addressing the students and faculty of the college, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir said Pakistan has to achieve a prominent position in the world. He said the armed forces, with the support of the people, are ready to defeat every form of terrorism.

He said Pakistan’s journey toward prosperity cannot be stopped through propaganda and proxies. He added that proxies operating against the country will be eliminated, and Pakistan’s path to development and prosperity will reach its destination. He said sustainable development would help ensure prosperity for the people.

The Field Marshal further said that peace and stability in Balochistan are extremely important. He said public welfare, inclusive development and better governance are essential for peace and stability in the province.

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir also praised the Balochistan government’s efforts for public welfare, socio-economic development and strengthening the relationship between the state and the people. He also appreciated the role of the forces in maintaining peace, stability and the writ of the state in Balochistan.

Elon Musk and Open AI

Elon Musk Loses Lawsuit Against OpenAI

Elon Musk, described as the world’s richest person, has lost a lawsuit against OpenAI, the globally recognized artificial intelligence company.

According to a Reuters report, a US jury ruled on Monday that Musk’s case against OpenAI was not valid and that the company could not be held responsible for allegedly moving away from its original mission of benefiting humanity.

The jury unanimously found that Musk had filed the lawsuit too late.

The trial began on April 28 and continued for 11 days. The case was considered significant for the future of artificial intelligence because it raised questions about how AI should be used and who should benefit from it.

During the proceedings, the credibility of both Musk and OpenAI chief Sam Altman was repeatedly questioned.

Musk had alleged that OpenAI ignored its nonprofit mission in order to benefit investors and failed to prioritize AI safety. He also claimed that Microsoft knew OpenAI’s objective was financial gain.

OpenAI rejected the allegations, arguing that Musk himself was pursuing financial interests and had brought his claim too late. OpenAI’s lawyer, William Savitt, said Musk had achieved success in some fields, but not in artificial intelligence.

OpenAI is currently competing with other companies, including Anthropic and Musk’s own company, xAI. The company is also potentially preparing for an initial public offering that could value it at $1 trillion.

Microsoft has invested more than $100 billion in partnership with OpenAI.

Musk’s company xAI is now part of SpaceX, and it is being suggested that it could bring an even larger IPO than OpenAI in the future.

The lawsuit was seen as a milestone for the future of artificial intelligence because it involved debate over how AI should be used and who should have the right to its financial benefits.

Abnay-e-Harmuz

Iran Establishes Official Authority to Control Strait of Hormuz; Launches Presence on Social Media

Iran has announced that all ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz must obtain prior approval; otherwise, their passage will be considered illegal, and strict action will be taken.

According to international news agencies, Iran’s newly established body, the “Persian Gulf Strait Authority”, has created an official account on X (formerly Twitter).

In its first statement, the authority said that all ships entering the designated areas of the Strait of Hormuz must maintain full coordination with the Iranian Armed Forces and relevant agencies and obtain prior permission. The statement warned that vessels passing without authorization would be considered illegal and face strict measures.

It is noteworthy that Iran established the “Persian Gulf Strait Authority” in early May, with the purpose of regulating maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, issuing permits for ships, and enhancing security monitoring.

According to international media sources, under the new system, each vessel must submit a detailed form before traveling, providing over forty pieces of information, including ship ownership, crew nationality, type of cargo, insurance, and destination.

Reports also suggest that some vessels may be required to pay fees or provide guarantees in Iranian currency.

Umar Gul and Shaheen Shah Afridi

Pakistan Bowling Coach Umar Gul Denies Alleged Clash with Shaheen Shah Afridi

Pakistan’s bowling coach Umar Gul has broken his silence over reports of an alleged clash with Shaheen Shah Afridi.

In a press conference, Umar Gul said that he saw a social media post tagging him, claiming that Shaheen Afridi was not listening to the coach.

He clarified that the incident occurred when Hasan Ali had suffered an injury and was lying on the ground, while Shaheen Afridi was sitting outside. According to Umar Gul, Shaheen usually tapes his knee during bowling, and the discussion at that time was related to this.

The coach explained that he was having a routine conversation with Shaheen Afridi, asking him to step outside, when Sarfraz Ahmed came and informed them that Hasan Ali had injured his head.

Umar Gul emphasized that the incident was mistakenly portrayed as a clash, while in reality nothing of the sort happened. He added that the situation shown in the video was just a reaction, and he was unaware that the camera was recording the moment.

It is worth noting that after the video went viral on social media, users reacted with various speculations, suggesting a heated exchange between the coach and the player.

Saudi–Pakistan-Defence-Pact

Pakistan Deploys 8,000 Troops, Fighter Jets to Saudi Arabia Amid Iran Tensions: Reuters

International News Agency Reuters has reported that Pakistan has deployed 8,000 troops, a squadron of fighter jets, and a Chinese HQ-9 air defence system to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defence agreement, significantly increasing military cooperation with Riyadh while serving as the main mediator in the Iran conflict.

The deployment, confirmed for the first time by three security officials and two government sources, is described as a substantial, combat-capable force intended to support Saudi Arabia in the event of further attacks. Pakistan’s military and foreign office, as well as Saudi Arabia’s government media office, did not respond to requests for comment.

The full terms of the defence agreement, signed last year, remain confidential. However, both sides have stated that it obliges Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to defend each other if attacked. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has previously suggested that the pact places Saudi Arabia under Pakistan’s nuclear umbrella.

According to sources, Pakistan deployed a full squadron of around 16 aircraft, mostly JF-17 fighters co-produced with China, sent to Saudi Arabia in early April. Two security officials also confirmed the deployment of two squadrons of drones.

The 8,000 troops currently deployed are accompanied by a pledge to send additional forces if necessary. The Chinese HQ-9 air defence system, operated by Pakistani personnel, was also part of the deployment, with Saudi Arabia financing the equipment.

Security officials indicated that the military and air force personnel will primarily serve advisory and training roles during the ongoing Iran conflict. However, the deployment builds on thousands of Pakistani combat troops already stationed in the kingdom under prior agreements. One government source, familiar with the defence pact, noted that the agreement allows for up to 80,000 Pakistani troops to be deployed to Saudi Arabia to secure the kingdom’s borders alongside Saudi forces.

The pact also reportedly includes the deployment of Pakistani warships, though Reuters could not verify if any had arrived in Saudi Arabia. Officials emphasized that the scale of the deployment — including combat aircraft, air defence systems, and thousands of troops — far exceeds a symbolic or advisory mission.

Reuters had earlier reported that Pakistan sent jets to Saudi Arabia after Iranian strikes targeted key energy infrastructure, killed a Saudi national, and raised fears of major retaliation. This occurred before Islamabad became the principal mediator in the conflict, brokering a ceasefire between Washington and Tehran that has held for six weeks. Pakistan hosted the only round of U.S.-Iranian peace talks to date and had planned further sessions that were later canceled.

According to previous reporting, Saudi Arabia has conducted numerous unpublicized retaliatory strikes on Iran. Pakistan has historically provided military support to Saudi Arabia, including training and advisory deployments, while Riyadh has provided financial assistance to Islamabad during periods of economic stress.

Cyber Crime

NCCIA Cracks Down on Organized WhatsApp Fraud in Lahore

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested a 15-member gang in Lahore for allegedly being involved in WhatsApp fraud.

According to officials, the arrested suspects deceived citizens by posing as government officers and allegedly obtained millions of rupees from them. NCCIA officials said the operation was carried out on the basis of secret information, after which raids were conducted at different locations and key members of the gang were taken into custody.

Initial investigations revealed that the suspects were working through an organized network and were using modern technology to trap citizens. Officials said the suspects contacted people through fake WhatsApp accounts and different phone numbers, presented themselves as officers of government institutions, and obtained sensitive information from citizens through various excuses.

According to officials, the suspects sometimes lured people with claims of prizes, sometimes threatened them with legal action, and at other times asked for sensitive details under the pretext of bank account verification. After obtaining the information, money was withdrawn from citizens’ accounts or collected from them through different methods.

The NCCIA said 16 mobile phones, several fake WhatsApp accounts, SIMs, and other suspicious digital evidence were recovered from the arrested suspects. The seized digital devices have been shifted to a laboratory for forensic analysis to trace other members of the gang and identify possible victims.

Officials said cases have been registered against the suspects under the cybercrime law, and further investigation has been started. Raids are also being conducted to arrest other facilitators linked to the gang.

The NCCIA has warned citizens to remain careful about suspicious calls and messages received on social media and WhatsApp. The agency advised people not to share personal or banking information with any unverified person and to immediately report suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.

Hafiz Naeem

Jamaat-e-Islami Chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman Moves Federal Constitutional Court Against Petroleum Levy

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has filed a petition in the Federal Constitutional Court challenging the petroleum levy and alleged injustices in the energy sector.

Speaking to the media in Islamabad, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman stated that the petroleum levy, currently imposed at 42 to 43 percent on the ex-refinery price, has no relation to the retail prices of petroleum products. He criticized the government for collecting trillions of rupees in levy payments while the funds, originally meant for refinery upgrades, have not been used for their intended purpose. Due to the lack of refinery upgrades, Pakistan continues to rely on imported refined oil.

Hafiz Naeemur Rehman further highlighted that a levy of Rs 117 per liter is currently applied to petrol. He pointed out that daily, motorcyclists alone contribute hundreds of billions of rupees in levies and other taxes. In addition, capacity payments worth Rs 1,800 billion were collected in the electricity sector during the previous year.

He emphasized that the levy system is unfair and has imposed a significant financial burden on ordinary citizens, prompting the legal challenge in the highest court.

IMF Pakistan

IMF Demands Pakistan End All Sales Tax Exemptions, Proposes Uniform 18% Rate

Islamabad: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged the Government of Pakistan to eliminate all exemptions on sales tax, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

The IMF mission is holding its final day of budget negotiations with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), with a total of three meetings scheduled for today.

Sources indicate that the IMF is insisting on a revenue target of PKR 15,264 billion for the next fiscal year, while FBR officials are seeking to lower the target. The IMF is also demanding PKR 778 billion be allocated under enforcement measures and PKR 430 billion from new taxes. FBR officials are expected to brief the IMF mission on where the new taxes would be applied.

While the FBR has agreed with the IMF to set the revenue target at 11.2% of GDP, detailed discussions regarding sales tax are still underway.

According to sources, the IMF has specifically called for the removal of all sales tax exemptions and for a uniform application of the tax. The fund has proposed reducing the current sales tax rate from 22.8% to 18% across all sectors.

These discussions form part of the ongoing negotiations between Pakistan and the IMF ahead of finalizing the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

Pinky

Pinky Alleges Police Torture; Journalists Barred in Karachi Court

Karachi: Anmol, also known as Pinky, a woman accused in a drug-related case, alleged police torture during her appearance at a local court in Karachi.

Anmol, who is implicated in a murder case registered at Baghdadi Police Station, was presented before the Judicial Magistrate South at the Karachi Judicial Complex. During the hearing, she raised complaints of police brutality.

The court inquired whether she had previously reported the alleged torture and whether her lawyer had requested a medical examination. Anmol responded, stating that she had been beaten by multiple investigation officers and demanded a 100-day physical remand, if necessary.

The Karachi court reserved its decision on the request for her physical remand.

Prior to the hearing, an investigating officer prevented Anmol from speaking in court, instructing her to communicate with her lawyer outside, noting that she was currently in police remand.

The Judicial Magistrate South instructed journalists to leave the courtroom, allowing only lawyers associated with the case to remain. Once proceedings began, plainclothes officials clashed with journalists, reportedly pushing them and creating a scene of commotion inside the courtroom.