Karachi is dealing with a worrying rise in HIV cases, especially among kids. At least 17 children have tested positive at Valika Hospital in SITE Town, with two sadly passing away. The outbreak’s linked to alleged syringe reuse and poor infection control.
Authorities are on the case, investigating and deploying screening teams. The Sindh AIDS Control Programme is stepping up efforts with screenings and awareness sessions, while affected kids get referred to specialized care.
Health experts are concerned the numbers could be higher due to testing kit shortages and weak surveillance. Pakistan’s seeing a big jump in HIV cases, with over 10,000 infections this year alone.
The incident involving Iman Fatima took place in late 2024 (exact date varies across reports, but it is confirmed to be a recent case currently under investigation). The case gained widespread attention after the video of the assault surfaced on social media around 25 November 2025 leading to public outrage and immediate police action.
Iman Fatima’s case is a disturbing incident that has sparked outrage. She was allegedly abducted and taken to a flat in Rawalpindi’s Christian Colony area, where her hair was forcibly cut by a group, including a woman named Sana and several men. The act was recorded and shared on social media.
Iman has identified eight suspects, including four girls, and is seeking legal action. The police have registered a case and arrested three suspects so far. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities assuring justice will be served.
The incident has led to public demands for strict action against those responsible. Rawalpindi’s Chief Police Officer, Khalid Hamdani, has formed a team to investigate and direct authorities to act according to the law.
On Sunday 23 November 2025 at 10:00 am the eruption of Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region sent shockwaves across the aviation industry, disrupting air travel across Asia, including Pakistan. This unexpected event caught many off guard, as the volcano had been dormant for thousands of years, its fiery potential long forgotten. As the ash plume rose high into the atmosphere, airlines scrambled to adjust their routes, cancelling flights and rerouting planes to avoid the affected areas.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department sprang into action, issuing timely Volcanic Ash Advisories to alert airlines and passengers of the potential risks. Thankfully, the country’s airspace is now clear, and aviation has resumed normal operations. The swift response of authorities ensured that disruptions were minimal, and there were no reported risks to public health or environment in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has issued a strong caution that the country’s elevated corporate tax burden is undermining investor confidence, weakening the business climate at a time when economic stability is crucial.
Investor Sentiment Declining Amid High Tax Pressures
According to officials familiar with SIFC’s latest review, both local and foreign investors have repeatedly highlighted that Pakistan’s corporate tax rates are among the highest in the region, making it difficult for businesses to expand or remain globally competitive.
Companies operating in manufacturing, energy, technology, and services sectors have reported that the existing tax load reduces their ability to reinvest earnings, scale operations, or introduce new products and technologies. This, in turn, is slowing down economic activity and deterring new investment inflows.
Regional Comparison Shows Pakistan at a Disadvantage
Investors point out that Pakistan’s corporate tax regime stands in stark contrast to neighboring economies, many of which offer incentivized tax structures to attract capital. Countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, and the UAE have significantly lower corporate tax requirements, giving them a clear competitive advantage.
With Pakistan striving to revive exports, attract industrial relocation, and enhance foreign direct investment (FDI), experts argue that aligning tax policies with regional benchmarks is no longer optional—it is essential.
SIFC Pushes for Comprehensive Tax Reforms
Recognizing the need for business-friendly policies, SIFC is advocating for:
Lower and simplified corporate taxes
Reduced compliance burden for companies
Greater transparency in tax assessments
Stable, predictable economic policies
Incentives for sectors driving growth and exports
These proposed reforms aim to create an investment environment that fosters entrepreneurship, stimulates economic activity, and encourages long-term capital commitments.
High Taxes Undermining Economic Revival Efforts
Economic analysts maintain that the current tax structure is acting as a brake on Pakistan’s recovery efforts. With inflation cooling and business activity slowly climbing, experts believe that easing corporate taxes could unlock:
Higher industrial production
Increased job creation
Stronger export performance
Greater foreign investor participation
Without decisive reforms, however, Pakistan risks losing potential investments to more attractive global markets.
Conclusion
As Pakistan battles economic challenges and seeks sustainable growth, SIFC’s warning serves as a timely reminder: a heavy corporate tax burden may be costing the nation far more than it collects. Lowering taxes, simplifying procedures, and offering access to a predictable investment climate could be the key to restoring confidence and driving a robust economic turnaround.
Pakistan has reached a significant milestone by setting a new record in fuel-oil exports, marking a positive development for the country’s economic outlook. The surge in shipments comes at a time when Pakistan is actively working to strengthen foreign exchange reserves, improve industrial output, and diversify external revenue streams.
Industry insiders report that the jump in fuel-oil exports is primarily driven by increased refinery production and improved operational efficiency. Several domestic refineries have optimized their processes over the past year, enabling them to convert surplus stocks into exportable products. This has not only helped reduce storage costs but also opened new opportunities in international markets, particularly in Asia and the Middle East where demand remains strong.
Economists view this export boost as a step toward stabilizing Pakistan’s macroeconomic indicators. Higher export earnings can ease pressure on the foreign exchange market, support the rupee, and reduce reliance on costly fuel imports. Moreover, the development highlights the potential of Pakistan’s energy sector to become more competitive globally if provided with consistent policy support.
However, experts caution that sustaining this momentum will require long-term planning. Upgrading refinery infrastructure, ensuring uninterrupted supply chains, and implementing energy-sector reforms are key factors that will determine whether Pakistan can maintain its position in the global fuel-oil market.
Overall, the new export record is a welcome achievement, signaling economic resilience and offering hope for stronger growth in the months ahead.
When Ducky Bhai was arrested for promoting gambling apps, many voices raised concern — and rightfully so. On one hand, I believe strongly that social-media influencers must not recommend gambling apps as easy money. On the other hand, I think the legal crackdown should be fair and equal.
✅ Why I Support Holding Influencers Accountable
• Social Media Influence = Real Responsibility
In 2025, online gambling apps were declared illegal in Pakistan. The News International+2ProPakistani+2 The problem is, many influencers — with huge followings, including many young, impressionable viewers — promoted these apps as if they were harmless “opportunities.” According to investigators, some apps framed themselves as legit investment platforms while functioning more like high-risk betting games. Digital Rights Monitor+2Dawn+2
That’s dangerous, especially in a country where financial literacy is limited, and many people — including youth — are vulnerable to promises of “quick money.” When someone with thousands or millions of followers pushes such apps, the risk isn’t just individual losses — it becomes a social issue.
• Real Damage: Financial Loss, Addiction & Mental Health Toll
Recent reports describe online “money games” as causing serious harm: financial ruin, addiction, and even psychological distress. Some young people reportedly lost life savings or faced intense pressure after heavy losses. Dawn+2The Express Tribune+2
Given this backdrop, it’s understandable that authorities acting against promoters like Ducky Bhai could be seen as necessary protection for vulnerable citizens.
⚠️ But — The Enforcement Must Be Fair & Consistent
Still, I see two major issues when holding only one influencer responsible:
1. Selective Targeting — Why Only Some Influencers Are Being Prosecuted
Many social-media personalities reportedly promoted these same apps. ProPakistani+2Digital Rights Monitor+2 If law enforcement picks only a few and leaves others free — that feels unfair. In a functioning justice system, “law must be for everyone”, not just for one name. Selective enforcement damages public trust.
2. Heavy-handed Tone + Lack of Transparent Process
While it’s important to discourage irresponsible promotion, public prosecutions should balance accountability with fairness. Some critics argue that influencers are being used as “scapegoats” while larger sponsors or networks go unnoticed. Stories mention multiple influencers under scrutiny beyond Ducky — so singling him out while others continue unchecked seems problematic. Digital Rights Monitor+2Gulf News+2
📉 The Broader Impact: What This Means for Young Followers & Pakistani Society
Youth Psyche & False Hopes: When famous influencers endorse gambling apps, many youth may see “easy money” as a real possibility — fueling greed, risk-taking, and unrealistic expectations. When losses come, it may hit hard emotionally and financially.
Economic & Social Fallout: With dozens of gambling/trading apps banned recently by authorities, the damage isn’t just individual. Unregulated money flowing out through these apps has been flagged as a threat to national economic stability. The Express Tribune+2Digital Rights Monitor+2
Trust Erosion in Digital Media: If fans lose money or get misled because of influencer promotions, the trust between audiences and online creators erodes — making constructive or positive content harder to swallow for younger viewers.
🧩 What This Case Shows: Bigger Than Just One Influencer
The Ducky Bhai episode is just a symptom of a broader problem: the unregulated promotion of high-risk gambling/trading as “opportunities” under the cover of entertainment.
Billions of rupees reportedly flow out of Pakistan monthly through these illegal gambling/trading apps that target the youth. ProPakistani+2Digital Rights Monitor+2
Many of these apps were recently declared illegal by National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) — 46 apps in total — and authorities have urged people to avoid them. The News International+1
The case highlights how social media, when unchecked, can quickly turn from platform to trap.
💡 My Conclusion: Accountability — Yes. Fairness & Consistency — Also Must.
I believe Ducky Bhai’s arrest sends a signal: promoting illegal gambling on social media has consequences. That message is important and necessary.
But I also believe that only targeting a few influencers while others go free undermines justice. If law enforcement wants to curb this trend, action must be consistent, transparent, and broad — not selective.
Until then, this crackdown risks being seen more as “punishing a name” than “protecting the public.”
Instead of only penalizing individuals, we need systemic solutions:
Better regulation of digital promotions
Public awareness campaigns about gambling risks
Financial-literacy education for youth
Consistent enforcement across all influencers and platforms
Because protecting youth and society from scams is important — but so is fairness and justice for everyone. ⚖️
In today’s fast-paced digital world, where every video, comment, and viral clip spreads across millions of screens in seconds, accountability on social media has become more important than ever. And one podcaster who isn’t afraid to talk about this openly is Rehan Tariq.
Rehan has built a reputation for being brutally honest, direct, and unfiltered — and in many cases, that’s exactly what the digital space needs. But even though his intentions may be pure, his approach sometimes raises questions.
Let’s break this down fairly. ✨ In favour of him ⚠️ And two points where he could improve
🌟 Why I Agree With Rehan Tariq’s Approach
✅ 1. Social Media Is in Everyone’s Hands — Responsibility Is Necessary
One of Rehan’s strongest arguments — and one I fully agree with — is that if you decide to become a public figure online, you must take responsibility for your actions. Today, even children have access to TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. What creators say or do influences millions.
So when Rehan asks tough questions like:
“Why did you post that?”
“Did you think of the consequences?”
“Do you understand your impact?”
…it’s not disrespect — it’s accountability. And honestly, someone needs to say it. 📱🔥
In a world where people go viral overnight, holding them responsible is necessary not just for them — but for society.
✅ 2. Rehan Highlights the Reality Behind Fame
Many viral personalities don’t realize how heavy the responsibility of fame can be. Examples from his episodes with Lalarukh, Warda, and Hakim Shehzad show this clearly.
👉 Lalarukh Podcast
Rehan questioned her about the new fame, the influence she now holds, and whether she is prepared for the pressure that comes with it. His intention was clear: understand the mindset behind the viral rise.
👉 Warda’s Episode
Warda went viral for her unique social media energy. Rehan tried to bring forward the responsibility behind such visibility — especially because many young girls follow her.
👉 Hakim Shehzad Podcast
Hakim Shehzad is known for bold statements and traditional views. Rehan asked him direct questions about the credibility of his claims because misinformation spreads easily on social media.
All these examples show that Rehan’s focus isn’t on attacking guests — it’s about protecting the audience from irresponsible influence. 🌍💬
⚠️ Where Rehan Tariq Needs Improvement (Only Two Points)
Even though I support his mission of accountability, there are two areas where Rehan can definitely grow:
❗ 1. He Should Be More Careful With His Words
Being direct is good — but sometimes Rehan’s tone or word choice sounds harsher than necessary. When dealing with guests who are already under pressure, his statements can feel:
too blunt,
emotionally heavy,
or misinterpreted as judgmental.
If he chose his words more sensitively, the message would still be powerful but more balanced. 🧠🗣️
❗ 2. Less Strictness = More Respect for Guests
Rehan’s tough questioning style works for accountability… …but sometimes it crosses into strictness that feels disrespectful.
For example:
During the Lalarukh episode, some viewers felt she looked uncomfortable at moments.
In Warda’s interview, people noticed she became defensive — not because of the question itself, but the strict tone.
With Hakim Shehzad, the conversation turned tense because the questioning felt confrontational.
Rehan’s confidence is admirable, but every guest deserves a baseline of warmth and respect. Tough questions don’t have to feel like interrogation. 🤝💛
🎯 Final Thoughts: A Strong Voice With Room to Grow
Rehan Tariq is one of the few Pakistani podcasters brave enough to confront the real responsibilities of social media fame. He brings forward uncomfortable but essential truths. ✨ He pushes influencers to think deeper. ✨ He reminds them of their responsibility to millions. ✨ He protects the digital audience from careless influence.
At the same time, improving his tone and reducing strictness will make his podcast feel more balanced — and even more powerful.
Because at the end of the day: 👉 Accountability should feel fair, not fearful. 👉 Conversation should feel open, not confrontational.
Rehan’s mission is solid. His impact is real. He just needs a little refinement — and he’ll stand among the strongest interviewers in the region. 🎙️🔥
Education shapes the future of a nation — and in Pakistan, this conversation is more important than ever. With rapid changes in technology, global competitiveness, and workplace demands, parents and educators are asking: “Is Pakistan’s current curriculum truly preparing our children for the future?” 🤔🇵🇰
Let’s explore the strengths 🌟, the gaps ⚠️, and the way forward 🚀.
🌟 The Strengths of Pakistan’s Current Curriculum
Despite its shortcomings, Pakistan’s curriculum does offer several positive aspects:
📘 1. Strong Foundation in Core Subjects
Students gain solid grounding in Math, Science, Languages, and Islamiyat, forming the academic backbone they need later.
📚 2. Emphasis on Cultural Values
The curriculum promotes important values such as respect, ethics, heritage, and identity — essential for social and moral development. 🕌💚
🧪 3. Gradual Shift Toward STEM
Schools are slowly integrating STEM subjects, science labs, and practical activities that help students think critically. 🔬⚙️
⚠️ But… Are We Preparing Them for the Real Future?
While progress exists, major gaps are still holding students back from becoming globally competitive. 👇
💭 1. Rote Learning Still Dominates
Many classrooms continue to rely on memorization instead of understanding. This limits creativity, problem-solving, and independent thinking — skills needed in the real world. 🧠💡
🖥️ 2. Lack of Digital Skills
In a world where coding, AI, and tech literacy are essential, digital education in Pakistan remains limited. Most students aren’t exposed to:
Coding 💻
Robotics 🤖
Digital research 🔍
Online collaboration tools 🧩
This creates a huge skills gap.
🌍 3. Global Competence Is Missing
Future jobs demand communication skills, emotional intelligence, teamwork, and global awareness — areas where the curriculum often falls short. 🌐🤝
🎨 4. Creativity Is Undervalued
Art, music, design, drama, and creative writing are either ignored or underfunded. A future-ready child must be encouraged to imagine, innovate, and experiment. 🎨✨
👩🏫 5. Teacher Training Needs Improvement
Even the best curriculum fails without effective teachers. Many educators lack training in:
Modern teaching methods
Technology use
Student-centered learning
Classroom engagement strategies
This weakens learning outcomes.
🚀 What a Future-Ready Pakistani Curriculum Should Look Like
To truly prepare small minds for tomorrow, Pakistan needs a curriculum that:
🌐 1. Blends Core Subjects with Digital Literacy
Coding, digital safety, financial literacy, and tech tools should be introduced early. Kids today are growing up in a digital world — education should reflect that. 💻✨
Instead of memorization, students should be taught:
How to ask questions ❓
How to analyze situations 🔍
How to think creatively 🎯
🎭 3. Prioritizes Creativity & Expression
A balanced curriculum includes arts, debates, storytelling, and design thinking. 🎭🖌️
👥 4. Teaches Communication & Leadership
Group projects, presentations, and collaborative activities build confidence and global skills. 🗣️🤝
🧑🏫 5. Supports Teachers with Modern Training
Empowered teachers create empowered students. Professional training should be continuous, updated, and technology-driven. 📚👩🏫
🌈 So… Are We Ready for the Future?
Not fully — but we can be. Pakistan’s education system is evolving, but to unlock the potential of millions of young minds, the curriculum needs modernization, creativity, digital skills, and real-life relevance. 🌟🇵🇰
A future-ready nation begins with future-ready classrooms.
✨ Final Thoughts
The children of today are the innovators of tomorrow — scientists, entrepreneurs, leaders, and creators. If Pakistan strengthens its curriculum with modern skills, creativity, and critical thinking, our young minds will not only survive the future — they will shape it. 🚀🌍💚
Rawalpindi is stepping confidently into a cleaner, smarter future with the launch of its eco-friendly electric buses. These modern buses are designed to cut pollution, reduce traffic stress, and offer citizens a comfortable, affordable, and sustainable travel option. With dedicated routes and rapidly expanding coverage, the city’s green transport network is quickly becoming a model for environmentally conscious mobility. 🌱✨
🌎 Why Electric Buses Matter for Rawalpindi
Electric buses aren’t just about transportation—they’re about transforming the urban environment:
⚡ Zero Emissions
These buses run on electricity, producing no smoke and no harmful fumes. That means better air quality and a healthier city.
💸 Affordable for Everyone
A pocket-friendly fare system makes daily travel easier, especially for students, workers, and families.
🚌 Modern Facilities
From air-conditioning to Wi-Fi, USB ports, and CCTV cameras, the buses elevate the daily commuting experience.
♿ Inclusive for All
Senior citizens, women, and people with disabilities receive special care and easy access so everyone can travel comfortably.
🔗 Connected to Metro Routes
The electric buses are linked with Islamabad-Rawalpindi Metro stations, improving citywide connectivity.
🚍 Major Routes of Eco-Friendly Buses in Rawalpindi
The electric bus service covers 10 main routes, connecting commercial areas, major roads, markets, educational institutions, and busy intersections.
Here’s a quick look at the primary routes:
Route No.
From
To
1
Railway Station
Lahore High Court Rwp Bench
2
Koral Chowk
Fawara Chowk
3
Umar Baig Chowk
Mandi Mor
4
Munawar Colony
Saddar
5
Marrir Chowk
Motorway Mor
6
Faizabad
Tramri Chowk
7
IJP Metro Station
Kuri Road
8
Saddar
Lalarukh Colony
9
Umair Baig Road
Qadeemi Imambargah
10
Saddar
Loop Service
🚦 Additional New Phase Routes
As the system expanded, more routes were introduced:
These new routes help cover even more densely populated and high-traffic zones of the city.
⏰ Timings & Frequency of Electric Buses
While the exact timetable for each route is still being finalized, the buses generally operate from early morning until late evening, ensuring reliable transport for office workers, students, and shoppers throughout the day. ⏳🚍
The service is designed to maintain regular intervals, minimizing waiting time and offering smooth travel across all major stops.
🔌 Charging & Maintenance Hub
To support the growing electric fleet, a dedicated depot has been set up featuring:
Fast-charging stations
Parking & resting areas for buses
Maintenance and inspection facilities
This ensures that the buses remain efficient, fully charged, and ready for continuous service.
🌱 How These Buses Are Transforming the City
Cleaner air and reduced carbon emissions 🌬️
Less noise pollution because electric buses run quietly 🤫
Comfortable commuting for thousands daily 😊
Better city connectivity with metro and busy town areas 🔗
A step toward a modern, green transport ecosystem 🌍
With expansion plans already in place, Rawalpindi’s fleet is expected to grow further, eventually covering even more parts of the Potohar region.
🏁 Conclusion
The eco-friendly electric buses are more than just a transport upgrade—they’re a symbol of progress, sustainability, and smart city planning. With expanding routes, modern features, and environmentally responsible technology, Rawalpindi is setting a new standard for urban mobility.
As the fleet grows and routes become even more refined, residents can look forward to a cleaner, safer, and far more comfortable commuting experience. 🌟🚍💚
During a live concert in Kathmandu, a fan handed Talha Anjum an Indian flag. He instinctively caught it, waved it, and draped it over his shoulders.This moment quickly spread across social media and became highly controversial.
Public Reaction
The act triggered strong backlash in Pakistan, where many viewed it as disrespectful due to the historically tense political relations between India and Pakistan.
Some defended him, calling it a gesture of peace and borderless art, while others called it insensitive or provocative.
⚖️ 2. Legal Notice Over “Hurt Patriotic Sentiments”
Following the viral video, a Pakistani citizen issued Talha a legal notice, accusing him of:
Hurting national sentiments, and
Showing disrespect to Pakistan by waving an Indian flag.
The notice demanded:
A public apology, and
Warned that failure to comply could result in an FIR (criminal case) being filed.
This highlighted how strongly national symbolism affects public perception of artists in South Asia.
🙏 3. Talha Anjum’s Apology
Amid growing pressure, Talha issued a public statement clarifying the situation:
He said he never intended to “wave the flag aggressively.”
The flag was handed to him suddenly, and he placed it on his shoulders without thinking about political implications.
He apologized to anyone who felt hurt and said he respected his country and its people.
This showed the tension between his original stance — “art has no borders” — and the social/political pressure he faced afterward.
🎤 4. Disappointment with His Own Fans (Separate Issue)
In a different incident, Talha expressed frustration with some of his Pakistani fans:
He said he was “disappointed” after someone threw a glass bottle at him during a performance.
He highlighted the unruly behavior at some concerts and how it puts artists at risk.
This incident added another layer to his public image — not related to politics, but to concert safety and fan behavior.
🧠 Overall Analysis
This controversy shows how:
A spontaneous gesture at a concert can turn into a national debate.
Public figures in Pakistan must navigate political sensitivities, especially regarding India.
Digital platforms amplify backlash, forcing artists to respond quickly.
Talha’s growing fame also brings tougher scrutiny — from patriotic groups, media, and even his own fans.
