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Two people were killed and 11 others were injured in an explosion in the Killi Mangal area near Quetta in Balochistan, a police official told Dawn.com on Saturday. According to Hanna Urak Station House Officer (SHO) Naveed Akhtar, Abdul Salam, a notable and the owner of a coal mine, was the target of the attack. “A banned organisation tried to extort money from him,” Akhtar told Dawn.com . “When he did not pay, around 100 armed suspects attacked his mine and destroyed the machinery there.” The SHO said that Salam, his brother and several of his men arrived at the mine, but were ambushed by the suspects and a gun battle ensued. “The armed suspects had planted explosives in the mine,” the SHO said. “They fled the scene before the explosion. Salam and his brother were killed by one of the explosives. There were also 11 injuries.” Immediately after the explosion, police and security forces reached the scene and started collecting evidence from the crime scene. According to SHO Akhtar...

ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan has officially raised petrol prices by one rupee per litre, ARY News reported. According to the latest notification, the new price of petrol is now set at Rs253.63 per litre, up from the previous rate of Rs252.63. The latest notification confirms that there has been no change in diesel rates, which will continue to be sold at Rs254.64 per litre across the country. The price hike has come into effect immediately following the issuance of the official notification. Citizens are expected to feel the impact of this slight increase in their daily transportation costs. Read More: Govt keeps petrol price unchanged for next fortnight Earlier, on May 16, 2025, the federal government announced to keep the petrol price unchanged for the next fortnight in Pakistan. According to a notification issued here, the petrol price were kept unchanged at Rs 252.63 per litre. However, the high-speed diesel price has decreased by Rs 2 per litre as the new price is ...

LAHORE: On the directives of the Punjab government, Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code has been imposed from June 5 to June 11, to maintain public peace and safeguard the lives of citizens during the Eid al-Adha holidays. The notification was issued on account of the reports associated with Eid al-Adha celebration practices, which are not safe and unhygienic. The Punjab government has announced several guidelines to ensure public safety, hygiene, and public order during the upcoming Eid occasion. According to the notification, animal remains, such as heads and trotters, cannot be burnt in public spaces. Also, animal waste and offal are prohibited from being discarded in drains, manholes, canals, or other water bodies to stop contamination. Read More: No holidays for Sindh transport officials during Eid al-Adha The government has also banned the establishment of temporary cattle markets at locations that are not authorised to control the sale of sacrificial animals, allowi...

Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Revenue Hidayat Buledi lost his life in a militant attack that targeted the Sorab bazaar area in Balochistan’s Khuzdar district, where armed assailants targeted both a bank and government residences in a coordinated strike, ARY News reported. According to reports, the assailants looted the bank and set fire to the homes of state officials. During the attack, Assistant Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Revenue Hidayat Buledi embraced martyrdom while bravely resisting the terrorists. According to the spokesperson of the Balochistan government, the attack was a deliberate attempt to challenge the writ of the state. The spokesperson stated that the brave officer sacrificed his life while defending his homeland, setting a new example of courage. At the time of the attack, women and children were present in the ADC’s residence. Balochistan government officials have claimed that the assault was carried out by India-backed proxies acting on foreign instructi...

ISLAMABAD: The National Savings, also known as Qaumi Bachat, has reduced the profit rates for Special Savings Certificates as a continuous decline is seen in the country’s inflation in the country in May 2025.   These certificates are a popular investment option designed for small and medium investors, offering a secure way to earn regular returns. Special Savings Certificates are a three-year investment plan that pays interest every six months. This scheme is open to the general public and allows investors to put in any amount, as there is no maximum limit on investment. Updated profit rates for May 2025 The profit rate for Special Savings Certificates in May 2025 has been set at 10.90% for the first five bi-annual profit periods. For the sixth and final profit period, the rate will increase to 11.90%. This means an investment of Rs 100,000 will yield Rs 5,800 for each of the first five profits, while the last profit will generate Rs 5,900. Tax on Profit For Active Taxpaye...

ISLAMABAD: The United Nations will honour two Pakistani peacekeepers posthumously at a ceremony at its headquarters on Thursday on the occasion of ‘International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers’ being observed on May 29. Among the peacekeepers to be honoured posthumously with the Dag Hammarskjold medal the two Pakistanis are: Sepoy Muhammad Tarique and Havildar Ahsan Ullah Khan - both served with UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). During the ceremonies, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will lay a wreath to honour more than 4,400 UN peacekeepers who have lost their lives since 1948. He will also preside over a ceremony in the Trusteeship Council Chamber, at which Dag Hammarskjöld Medals will be awarded posthumously to 57 military, police, and civilian peacekeepers, who lost their lives serving under the UN flag last year. Pakistan is the fifth largest contributor of uniformed personnel to UN Peacekeeping. It currently deploys more than 2,800 military and police pe...

RAWALPINDI: Two Pakistani children who were sent back without treatment from India have undergone successful surgeries at the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC) in Rawalpindi, ARY News reported.  Nine-year-old Abdullah and seven-year-old Minsa received critical care and surgical treatment at AFIC, thanks to the swift intervention of Field Marshal Asim Munir. The children’s father, Shahid Ahmed, expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying, “Field Marshal Asim Munir took immediate notice of our case and assumed full responsibility for the children’s surgeries. Alhamdulillah, my children are now much better. I myself am a patient and may not have been able to bear the trauma. The doctors worked with great dedication, and AFIC is truly an outstanding institution.” Commandant and Executive Director of AFIC, Major General (Retired) Dr. Naseer Ahmed Soomro, praised the medical team for their efforts, stating that the entire treatment plan was carefully structured and ultimately su...

JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that Mohammad Sinwar, Hamas’ Gaza chief and the younger brother of the Palestinian liberation group’s deceased leader, Yahya Sinwar, had been killed. Mohammad Sinwar had been the target of an Israeli strike on a hospital in southern Gaza earlier this month and Netanyahu said on May 21 that it was likely he was dead. The Israeli leader announced that Sinwar had been “eliminated” in an address to the Israeli parliament as he listed off names of other Hamas officials that Israel had killed over the past 20 months, including Sinwar’s brother Yahya. “In the last two days we have been in a dramatic turn towards a complete defeat of Hamas,” he claimed, adding that Israel was also “taking control of food distribution”, a reference to a new aid distribution system in Gaza managed by a U.S.-backed group. Read More: Israeli strikes destroy last plane at Yemen rebels’ airport Hamas has yet to confirm Sinwar’s death. Benj...

John Krasinski may be heading back to familiar territory. The star, best known for playing Jim Halpert in The Office , has shared some exciting words about The Paper, the new spinoff set in the same universe as the original hit show. In a recent interview, John Krasinski said he’s open to making an appearance on The Paper , which takes place at The Truth Teller , a struggling newspaper in Toledo, Ohio. The series stars Domhnall Gleeson and includes The Office fan-favourite Oscar Nuñez, who is returning as Oscar Martinez. John Krasinski said , “I would do anything for that guy,” when asked about reuniting with The Office showrunner Greg Daniels, who created the new series with Michael Koman. “He calls, I’ll show up,” he added, making it clear that he’s ready if invited. John Krasinski, who just worked with Gleeson on the Apple TV+ film Fountain of Youth , praised his co-star. “He’s amazing. He’s one of my favourite actors,” Krasinski shared. He also recalled how Gleeson asked...

Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has reaffirmed that Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were in the team’s white-ball plans. The two former Pakistan captains were excluded from the squad for the T20I series against New Zealand earlier this year. They also missed out on the squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. Speaking to the media ahead of the series, Mike Hesson said that both Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan remained in contention for a spot in the squad. However, he highlighted specific areas for improvement for the two players. “They both are very fine players. Both those players will be involved in the white-ball plans,” he said when asked about Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Hesson reiterated that players who missed out on the squad for the Bangladesh series were not out of contention for a place in the squad in future. Read more: Pakistan announces squad for T20I series against Bangladesh When asked if he was concerned about Pakistan’s slump in ...

Virgil van Dijk lifted the Premier League trophy after Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on Sunday as the Reds held a title party with their own fans for the first time in 35 years. Arne Slot’s side wrapped up their record-equalling 20th English crown with a demolition of Tottenham in April, but the long-awaited trophy presentation was saved for the final game of the season. Liverpool’s last title in 2020 was won during the Covid-19 lockdown, meaning the trophy was held aloft by then-captain Jordan Henderson in front of an empty stadium. The Reds made the most of their first title celebration in a packed Anfield since 1990 as the 61,000-capacity crowd partied along with the great and good of Liverpool’s illustrious past. “It’s always special to win something, but at certain clubs maybe a little bit more,” Slot said. “I don’t think you expect anything like this. If you look at the Premier League in the last few seasons, it was always a race to the end. “To be part of it wa...

Gwyneth Paltrow has sparked a wave of concern after sharing a home video that left fans asking questions about her health. The 52-year-old actress and wellness expert, known for her roles in Iron Man and for leading the Goop brand, posted a cooking clip on Instagram, but it wasn’t the grain-free pancakes that grabbed attention. Fans quickly noticed what appeared to be a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) on Gwyneth Paltrow’s arm. These devices are often used by people with diabetes to track blood sugar levels. The round sensor was visible when Paltrow raised her arms at the start of the video. The clip showed Gwyneth Paltrow preparing almond and coconut pancakes with strawberry compote. While her fans enjoyed the cooking content, many rushed to the comment section to ask about the patch on her arm.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Gwyneth Paltrow (@gwynethpaltrow) One person asked, “Why do you have a type 1 diabete...

Scarlett Johansson has revealed that she would like to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but not as an actress. Instead, Scarlett Johansson is hoping to step behind the camera and direct a Marvel film in the future. The actress has not appeared in a Marvel project since Black Widow , and her name was not on the cast list for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday . However, Scarlett Johansson did work as an executive producer on both Black Widow and the upcoming film Thunderbolts . Now, she is aiming for an even bigger role in the Marvel world, directing. Speaking to Deadline at the Cannes Film Festival, the Black Widow actress said she would be excited to take on the challenge of directing a Marvel movie. “I think the movies that I like that are big action movies also have the human connectivity piece,” she explained. Read More: SNL turns emotional as Michael Che apologises to Scarlett Johansson Scarlett Johansson added that she believes it’s possible to tell stories about fa...

Rescuers have hoisted 79 miners who were stuck in a gold mine outside Johannesburg, South Africa but more than 100 were still trapped underground, the mine’s operator said on Friday. At least 260 miners were trapped underground on Thursday at the Kloof gold mine, 60 kilometres (37 miles) west of Johannesburg, after a hoist used to access the shaft was damaged in an accident, the mining company Sibanye-Stillwater said. The first phase of the rescue had brought 79 people to the surface by 1:30 pm (1130 GMT), it said in a statement. “Employees still underground have been provided with food and will be hoisted to surface as soon as the shaft safety examination has been completed,” it added. The gold mine is one of the deepest operated by the South Africa-headquartered company. Desperate relatives of the miners waited outside the site on Friday evening, images broadcast on local television showed. The National Union of Mineworkers said the incident had occurred around 10:00 am (0800 ...

KARACHI: The Sindh government has imposed a super tax on agricultural income under the Sindh Agricultural Income Tax Act 2025, ARY News reported. According to the Sindh Revenue Board (SRB), the super tax on agricultural income will be applicable from January 1, 2025, and will be collected on an annual basis. The super tax will not be applied to individuals earning less than Rs 150 million annually. As per the structure, a 1 percent super tax will be imposed on incomes between 150 million and 200 million rupees. Those who are earning Rs 200 million to Rs 250 million will have to pay 2 percent tax, while 3 percent super tax has been imposed on income of Rs 250 million to 300 million. Similarly, those who are earning Rs 300 million to 350 million will have to pay 4 percent tax. According to the SRB, a 6 percent tax is imposed on incomes between Rs 350 million and Rs 400 million, and for incomes ranging from Rs 400 million to Rs 500 million an 8% super tax will be applied. While agri...

Netflix has shared the trailer for ‘Titan: The OceanGate Disaster,’ a documentary examining the implosion of the submersible’s voyage to the Titanic wreck. To Read Lifestyle Stories in Urdu – Click Here The Titan sub lost communication with its support vessel, Polar Prince, on June 18, 2023, shortly after starting its descent to the Titanic wreck off the coast of Canada. Later, investigations revealed that the submersible imploded during the dive, resulting in the death of all onboard. Among those who perished were explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet, adventurer Hamish Harding, Shahzada and Suleman Dawood, a father and son, and Stockton Rush, co-founder of OceanGate, the company behind the ill-fated expedition. The Netflix documentary will focus on examining the mindset of OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush and his determination to become a leader in oceanic exploration. Read more: First Image of OceanGate’s Titan submersible wreck released The upcoming film will share new insights into the...

Pakistani actor Alizeh Shah has broken her silence after reports made the rounds on social media about her plastic surgery. To Read Lifestyle Stories in Urdu – Click Here The actor, who is consistently under the spotlight for her fashion statements and social media posts, once again became the talk of the town over her changing looks. Several users on social media platforms claimed that Alizeh Shah had undergone cosmetic surgery, drawing a reaction from the Pakistani actor in a subtle and strong way. In a video making the rounds on social media, the actor denied rumours of plastic surgery, saying that her looks changed over time. “Please, for God’s sake! I haven’t undergone any cosmetic surgeries, leave me alone. I’ve just lost some weight, which is why I look different. When I did Ehd e Wafa, I was only seventeen. Everyone on the set knows that it was my mother who signed the contract on my behalf because I didn’t even have an ID card,” she said in the video. Read more: Shady d...

Former professional golfer and social media personality Paige Spiranac recently shared a humorous yet pointed critique of actor Chris Pratt’s pace on the golf course. According to Talk Sport , during a celebrity Ryder Cup-style event at the Genesis Invitational, where Spiranac was paired with singer Nick Jonas, she described Chris Pratt as “super nice” but “unbelievably slow,” stating he might be the slowest golfer she’s ever played with. Spiranac recounted that Pratt’s penchant for storytelling and engaging with the crowd caused significant delays, with their group falling four holes behind in a nine-hole match. She humorously recalled, “He’d tell, like, these amazing stories, and we were like, hit the golf ball!” Read More: One name missing from Chris Pratt’s tribute has fans divided Known for her advocacy against slow play in golf, Paige Spiranac has often addressed the issue in her commentary. She believes that prolonged play disrupts the game’s flow and can be frustrating f...

Disney has released the first trailer for Zootopia 2 , and it promises fans plenty of new animal characters and a fresh mystery to solve. The teaser shows Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde back in action as the police duo head to Marsh Market, a new part of the city filled with semi-aquatic animals like otters, hippos, seals, and sea lions. This time, Judy and Nick are searching for Gary De’Snake – Zootopia’s very first snake character. Voiced by Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom actor Ke Huy Quan, Gary is described as “creepy, slithery, and highly venomous”. The Oscar winner joked that, like him, the snake is “terrifying and villainous”. Zootopia 2 also introduces new voices including Quinta Brunson as Dr Fuzzby, a cheerful therapy quokka helping the duo through some partner troubles. Fortune Feimster joins as Nibbles the Beaver. Several fan favourites from the original film return as well, including Shakira’s Gazelle, Mr Big the crime boss, and Flash the slow-moving sloth. Ac...

RAWALPINDI: Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong called on Chief of the Air Staff of Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu as they discussed matters including corporate-level engagements, defence cooperation, and the evolving geostrategic environment in the region, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday. “Both dignitaries engaged in a comprehensive and in-depth discussion on a range of matters including corporate-level engagements, defence cooperation and the evolving geostrategic environment in the region. They underscored the importance of cohesive & collaborative approaches in responding to emerging challenges, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining peak operational readiness and swift coordination amidst the prevailing regional security dynamics,” the military’s media wing stated. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu extended a gracious welcome to the distinguished guest, reiterating that Pakistan and China e...

Hollywood juggernaut, Denzel Washington received a surprise honour at the Cannes Film Festival when he was awarded the prestigious Honorary Palme d’Or, a rare lifetime achievement award. This unexpected tribute came just before the out-of-competition screening of his latest film, Highest 2 Lowest , directed by long-time collaborator Spike Lee. Denzel Washington was visibly emotional as he accepted the honour on stage. Cannes festival director Thierry Frémaux introduced the moment, and Spike Lee presented the award to Washington, calling him his “brother”. An emotional Denzel Washington accepts an honorary Palme d’Or at his first-ever #Cannes Film Festival pic.twitter.com/K4dJ2pJdqG — The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) May 19, 2025 The audience gave Washington a long standing ovation in recognition of his remarkable career. “This is a total surprise for me,” said Denzel Washington. “It’s a great chance to work with my brother again, and to be here once more in Cannes. We are tr...

The Mission: Impossible star Tom Cruise has confirmed he’s working on new film projects, including a follow-up to Top Gun: Maverick and a sequel to his 1990 racing drama Days of Thunder . The 61-year-old actor shared the news during an interview with Australia’s Today show. Tom Cruise, who returns as Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning , said he’s thinking about what’s next. “Yeah, we’re thinking and talking about many different stories and what could we do and what’s possible,” he said. Read More: Vanessa Kirby’s Mission: Impossible character has surprising 1996 link The actor added, “It took me 35 years to figure out Top Gun: Maverick , so all of these things we’re working on, we’re discussing Days of Thunder and Top Gun: Maverick .” Tom Cruise first played Captain Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell in the 1986 Top Gun film. The 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick , was a massive hit, earning more than $1.4 billion worldwide and an Oscar nomination for Best Picture. ...

Peshawar Zalmi pacer Ahmed Daniyal registered an unwanted record in his side’s game against Karachi Kings in the PSL 10 on Saturday. The right-arm pacer conceded 66 runs in his four-over spell and went wicketless as Karachi Kings posted 237/4 on the scoreboard. By conceding 66 runs in the game, he now holds the unwanted record of conceding the most runs in an innings for Peshawar Zalmi in the history of the Pakistan Super League. Ahmed Daniyal surpassed Azmatullah Omarzai, who conceded 62 runs in his four-over spell in Peshawar Zalmi’s game against Multan Sultans in 2023. It is worth noting here that PSL 10 resumed on Saturday with the game between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The game saw David Warner and James Vince hit quick fifties, followed by Khushdil Shah’s fiery unbeaten 43 to take Karachi Kings to 237/4 in their allotted 20 overs. Read more: Six overseas stars confirm availability for Karachi Kings in HBL PSL 10 Kings are second i...

A bear has become an unexpected internet star after being caught in a viral video trying to “steal” a trail camera in New Hampshire. The footage, which has now become a viral video online, was shared by the Jackson Police Department on social media. The viral video shows the bear using its teeth and claws in an attempt to take the camera, while another bear watches from a short distance. The moment, caught clearly on film, has left viewers both surprised and amused. According to the police, the camera’s owner had reported it stolen earlier that morning. However, when officers reviewed the viral footage, they saw the furry culprit in action. The bear, described humorously as wearing “all black,” appeared to be caught red-handed. “This morning we received a report of a camera theft in town, fortunately the suspect was caught on the camera in the act,” the Jackson Police joked on social media. “Does anyone recognise this suspect?” In the post, police invited help from local “junio...

ISLAMABAD: In a pivotal step toward strengthening Pakistan-United States (US) ties in the digital economy, Pakistan Crypto Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bilal Bin Saqib met with Natalia Baker, the acting US Ambassador to Pakistan, to discuss shared ambitions for blockchain, AI, and youth development. According to a press statement, the meeting centered around empowering Pakistan’s vast and talented youth with skills in emerging technologies, and creating bridges between U.S. institutions and Pakistan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Council emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to becoming a globally competitive innovation hub, with blockchain and AI at the core of its future economy. “Pakistan is home to one of the world’s youngest populations — eager, ambitious, and ready to lead the future of Web3 and AI,” said Bilal Bin Saqib. “This is the time to invest in them, to connect them with global leaders, and to create real pipelines of opportunity between the U.S. and Pakistan.” ...

Apple is going to pay a $95 million settlement in a Siri privacy lawsuit for violating the privacy of its voice assistant. The Siri privacy lawsuit was filed in 2019, alleging Apple’s voice assistant ‘Siri’s’ unintentional activation and recording of users’ private discussions without permission. The reported recordings had personal, medical, and confidential information which were being shared with third-party contractors for different purposes. Out of two complainants, one claimed to have started receiving advertisements related to specific brands just after they had the general discussion, while the other one claimed to start having ads for medical treatment following the discussion with the doctor. Apple has opted to settle the case to avoid prolonged proceedings, despite denying any misconduct. The company highlights that Siri was designed with privacy protection and that no user data was shared or sold for any marketing or other purposes. Read More: Apple introduces new ac...

KARACHI: Two men accused of murdering their father in Karachi have made startling revelations during police interrogation, revealing the details of the gruesome incident, ARY News reported. The suspects identified as Ibrahim and Afzal disclosed that their 60-year-old father, Khawar Anjum, had summoned them from Mirpurkhas to Karachi and asked them to find employment opportunities. They alleged that their father had physically assaulted them a few days prior to the incident that occurred in the Federal B area. During questioning, Ibrahim and Afzal admitted to sedating their father by mixing rat poison in a soft drink, rendering him unconscious. “Then we slit our father’s throat with a knife and attempted to dismember his body,” the police said quoting the suspects. According to police, the accused revealed they planned to dispose of the body elsewhere. As they attempted to leave the house, a watchman stopped them, inquiring about the contents of a sack they were carrying. Ibrahim an...

ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan Tuesday declared a staff member of the Indian High Commission, Islamabad, as persona non grata for engaging in activities incompatible with his privileged status. According to Pakistan’s state-run news agency, the APP , “The concerned official has been directed to leave Pakistan within 24 hours. The Indian Charge d’Affaires was called to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today for a demarche, conveying this decision,” Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press statement. Earlier, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that Pakistan has concrete evidence of India’s involvement in terrorist activities in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Speaking to the media in Sialkot, Khawaja Asif emphasized that the international community should be aware of India’s role in sponsoring terrorism. Read More: Pakistan has evidence of Indian terrorism in Balochistan, KP: Defence Minister He added that there is concrete evidence of India’s involvement in terr...

KARACHI: The Pakistan Army fulfilled the heartfelt wish of young Usman Aqeel, a Karachi resident suffering from a life-threatening illness, calciphylaxis, by inviting him to spend a day as an officer at the Corps Headquarters, ARY News reported. Usman Aqeel is battling calciphylaxis, a rare and severe medical condition. The brave young boy had expressed a desire to serve as an officer in the Pakistan Army for a day. Responding to his wish, Karachi Corps Commander Lieutenant General Owais Dastgir warmly welcomed Usman to the headquarters. During his visit, the Corps Commander praised the Usman Aqeel’s spirit and honoured him for his bravery. Usman’s mother had the proud moment of placing captain’s ranks on his shoulders, symbolically appointing him as an officer for the day. Usman Aqeel was also given the opportunity to fire various weapons used by the Pakistan Army and was briefed on military training and operational procedures. Speaking on the occasion, Usman said, “Today, my ...