From June 25 to 28, ​Rome hosted “Vespa Roma 2026 – 80 Years ​of an Icon”, a four-day gathering centred on ⁠the city’s Foro Italico and the Stadio dei ​Marmi, which has been turned into a Vespa Village ​of exhibitions, races, parades and club events.

Launched in 1946 by Piaggio, the Vespa became a symbol of Italy’s rebirth after ​World War II: cheap enough for a battered ​country, stylish enough to seduce the world, and practical enough to ‌weave ⁠through the alleys of Naples, Milan and Rome.

It has since become one of Italy’s most recognisable design exports, appearing in films such as Roman Holiday with Peck ​and Hepburn, ​advertisements and ⁠holiday brochures.

Vespa has been in continuous production for 80 years, undergoing around 160 ​restyling updates and selling nearly 20 million ​units ⁠worldwide, including just over two million in the past decade.

Today, the scooter is sold in approximately 100 countries, ⁠mainly ​across Europe and Southeast Asia, and ​is manufactured in three production plants in Italy, Vietnam, and India.

Born just before the tournament, Messi the goat has been dressed in an Argentina jersey as his namesake racked up five goals in two matches — a hat-trick in a 3-0 win ​over Algeria in Kansas City and a double in the 2-0 victory over Austria.

Those ​performances reignited a familiar debate over who is the greatest player of ⁠all time — GOAT, in sports shorthand — with Messi often listed among the likes of Pele and ​Diego Maradona.

Argentina have made Kansas City their base, staying near the Berkley Riverfront, where the younger, ​horned Messi is part of a herd clearing invasive vegetation in a 55-acre industrial area slated for a billion-dollar redevelopment.

The project led by Port KC blends public cleanup funds with private development and is anchored ​by CPKC Stadium, home to the National Women’s Soccer League’s Kansas City Current.

“Baby Messi came ​about when we showed up with the goats up here,” said Kyle Alvis, owner of Goats Gone Green, ‌which ⁠has around 40 goats on site. “With the World Cup coming in, they all felt we needed to have a Messi floating around in town.”

Along the riverfront trail, joggers slow to snap photos as the herd grazes. Alvis said this is the second year of his partnership with ​Port KC.

“They don’t want ​to spray any herbicides. ⁠With the Missouri River next door, we don’t want the run-off. And the people that walk up and down the Berkley Riverfront walk ​get to enjoy a little bit of something besides just concrete ​and buildings,” ⁠he noted.

Alvis, who conceded he knew little about soccer before the World Cup, said the sport is bringing people together in Kansas City, the smallest U.S. city hosting the tournament.

As for a meeting ⁠between ​the two Messis, the invitation stands.

“As far as I know, ​he hasn’t,” Alvis said of whether the Argentine talisman has visited. “If he wants to come down and meet the ​little Messi, we’d be more than glad to have him.”

Quoting comments from a post announcing the score for one of the top 20 finalists, Riaz shared an open letter to her Instagram account, saying no crown “is worth hatred”.

“Over the past few days, I have been the target of a paid and orchestrated campaign of online harassment. Male supporters of a Miss Universe Pakistan finalist have publicly questioned my ability as a judge, sent hate, and even posted threats promising to ‘make my life miserable’,” said the former Miss Universe Pakistan — who is one of the judges for the competition this year.

“A real queen,” she said, “does not encourage harassment, intimidation, or hate to advance her own ambitions”. She said real leadership was measured by how we treat others and this behaviour was contrary to the spirit of healthy competition.

Riaz said these threats were not acceptable and will be met with legal action if they continue. “Online abuse is not beyond accountability,” she said, tagging the Punjab Police and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

“I chose to represent Pakistan with dignity, respect and unity. I will continue to do so,” Riaz said, adding that she would not let online pressure replace merit and that all judging was done “based solely on the official Miss Universe criteria”.

“To every young girl watching: never let someone convince you that bullying is the price of ambition. Pakistan deserves women who lift each other up not tear each other down,” she said, ending her message.

The comments Riaz quoted were from a post from the official Miss Universe Pakistan account announcing the judges scores for contestant Aneesa Sheikh. The contestant is appearing for selection again after failing to progress past the Top 20 stage last year.

Riaz wasn’t the only person targeted either, Miss Universe Egypt Deputy Director Kosh Himal Hewage — who is also a judge and rated Sheikh lower than Riaz did — was also called out.

Josh Yugen, the owner of the Miss Universe Pakistan franchise, responded to Riaz’s letter saying, “The most beautiful crown is one built on integrity. Kindness is never weakness, and respect is never optional. May every future queen remember that true leadership is measured by how she treats others — even in the face of adversity.”

Now, with the release of a report from the UN-formed Independent International Commission of Inquiry saying Palestinian children have been deliberately targeted and killed by Israeli security forces, she has just one question for world leaders: “Where have you been?”

“Did you not see these kids as kids because of where they were born? Did you not think the 20,000 kids that were killed and the countless others under the rubble who died of starvation and other causes that would be so simple to treat,” asked a visibly upset Accurso in a video shared to her Instagram page.

She questioned whether those in positions of power realised the children of Gaza “had beating hearts like your kids”. She quoted parts of the report saying 151 children had died of starvation and mentioned “the deliberate targeting of children”, including an incident in which a breastfeeding baby was killed by quadcopter while inside a tent.

She wondered aloud what the leaders of the world had to lose by speaking up for what is right and asked how they were able to “go to sleep at night knowing you didn’t say anything”.

Accurso has been extremely vocal about the dire conditions facing children living through Israel’s barbaric war on Gaza. Her online advocacy has landed her in trouble with pro-Israel groups who have accused her of anti-semitism.

The YouTuber is a global ambassador for the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) and supports their activities in the United States with donations and by spending time with children the PCRF brings to the US for treatment. She’s developed a particularly strong friendship with Rahaf, a four-year-old double amputee from Gaza.

Mahnoor is the fourth Pakistani to be granted the honour and only the second Pakistani woman. Her win comes six years after the last time Pakistan won, Mahwari Justice said in a press release.

The awards, which are meant to celebrate young people’s contributions to development, are given out annually. One winner is selected from each of the five participating geographical regions and out of the five winners one is named Young Person of the Year.

As a regional winner, Mahnoor will receive a grant of £3,000 to help her organisation achieve its objectives. The Young Person of the Year — Ugandan solar-energy pioneer Shifra Ainomugisha for 2026 — will receive £5,000.

Mahnoor’s Mahwari Justice has made it a mission to spread awareness and education on menstrual issues and improve access to care for menstruating women.

The organisation was founded in 2022 in response to devastating floods and focused initially on providing feminine hygiene kits to flood-hit communities.

Since then, Mahnoor has worked on period education, developing a disability-inclusive guide on menstruation and having it translated into braille. The guide is now being produced in sign language.

She was also a strong advocate for the removal of taxes on feminine hygiene products, mobilising 10,000 signatures for the cause.

Her efforts and those of legal activists like Mahnoor Omer and Alisha Shabbir came to fruition earlier this month when taxes were withdrawn as part of the Federal Budget 2026-27.

Weinstein’s third trial in New York state court over an allegation that he raped aspiring actress Jessica Mann ended in a mistrial in May after jurors were unable to reach a unanimous verdict.

Mann accused Weinstein of raping her in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013 while Mann resisted and repeatedly said, No. Weinstein, 74, had pleaded not guilty to one count of third-degree rape and has denied assaulting anyone or having non-consensual sex.

A representative on Thursday said Weinstein was relieved by the outcome and believes the charge never should have been brought. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office said on Thursday that testifying before two grand juries and three trial juries had been an “extraordinarily taxing ordeal for Mann and that she did not wish to take the stand again”.

Bragg’s office also said it asked the court to sentence Weinstein to 20 years in prison for sexually assaulting one-time production assistant Miriam Haley. Weinstein was convicted of raping Mann and assaulting Haley at his first trial in New York in 2020, but the state’s highest court overturned the conviction after concluding that he did not get a fair trial.

Weinstein, an Oscar-winning film producer and Miramax studio co-founder, has remained behind bars since his conviction was overturned due to his conviction in another case. More than 80 women have accused Weinstein of sexual harassment or misconduct, allegations Weinstein denies.

Originally published in Dawn, June 26 , 2026

Predicted to be the biggest-selling cultural product of all time, speculation had been rife that GTA VI would cost players far more than a typical high-end title.

In the end, Rockstar and parent company Take-Two Interactive announced a price tag around $10 higher than the base version in the United States, landing at $80, and $100 for an “Ultimate” edition with additional content like weapons and vehicles.

Six years of development for GTA VI are estimated to have cost up to $2 billion, which had prompted fears it could cost as much as $100.

“If there is one game that can price at $80 without garnering significant player pushback, Grand Theft Auto VI is that game given its massive scale and anticipation,” said Andrew Marok of specialist consultancy Raymond James.

As pre-orders went live on Thursday, the price in Europe was 80 euros ($90).

In Japan, the PlayStation store listed the game at 9,800 yen ($61). In New Zealand, it was listed at NZ$140 ($79), similar to the price in Australia. In the UK, it was priced at £70 ($92).

Pre-orders have not launched yet in the Americas.

Disc disappointment

Fans of the GTA series, which dates back to 1997 when the very first 2D game was released, have been waiting 13 years for a new instalbasrment since 2013’s GTA V.

The 230 million copies moved made GTA V the second-best-selling game in history after Minecraft.

Finally getting his hands on the game “doesn’t exactly feel like a real thing that would ever happen”, said Red Young, a 26-year-old Scotsman who helps run fan site GTABase. It “is borderline a miracle”.

Anticipation was only stoked by successive delays: first from autumn 2025 to May this year, and next to November.

Some players were nevertheless shocked to learn that physical copies sold at retailers would contain a redeemable download code — likely meaning there will be no disc containing the game data.

There were grumbles on social media that the lack of a physical disc would eliminate any second-hand market for the title.

But these days, around 80 per cent of game sales on PlayStation and 90pc on Xbox are digital versions delivered over the internet, according to specialist firm Niko Partners.

Two independent North American retailers, Video Games Plus and Loot Box Gaming, announced on X that they would not sell the game unless a physical disc becomes available.

“The full launch including pre-orders will be the biggest entertainment launch ever… bigger than any movie, TV series, music concert or album,” said Piers Harding-Rolls of the UK-based data firm Ampere Analysis.

Analysts at the investment bank Piper Sandler expect around 45 million units to have already sold when the game is released.

Courting controversy

That should put GTA VI on track to top the record for the fastest cultural product to make a billion dollars in sales, set by its predecessor, GTA V, in barely three days.

Although millions of fans have been kept busy with the multiplayer version GTA Online, the anticipation for a true successor has been fierce.

The GTA saga’s action-adventure titles set in a sprawling open world have immersed players in high-definition imaginary cities heavily inspired by American metropolises.

This instalment’s Bonnie and Clyde-style protagonists will roam Vice City, a fictional version of Miami.

Variety reports the title will not have a multiplayer mode. Developer Rockstar Games was quoted as saying the game consists of “a single-player experience set in the biggest, most immersive evolution of the series yet”.

Each game offers players a huge degree of freedom to either carry out missions that advance the plot, or simply to explore the world on foot or at the controls of a fleet of vehicles — with the option to explode into guns-blazing criminal mayhem at any time.

Story missions often involve illegal activity ranging from burglary to murder and drug trafficking.

The focus on crime has created long-running controversy around the series, with some critics warning about its impact on young gamers.

All of its titles are rated for players aged 18 and over under Europe’s PEGI classification system.

Cover photo: Rockstar Games

Both actors shared on their respective social media accounts on June 22 copies of a settlement agreement that stated the terms of their resolution.

The dispute between both actors began when Shajaffar appeared on the YouTube show Say It All with Iffat Omar, claiming that a person identified as “Arsalan” had caused her to feel “uncomfortable” on set. She had clarified on social media that she was not talking about Arslan Khan, her College Gate costar.

Butt’s connection to the incident was attributed to Omar, the host, who purportedly said he was the one being discussed.

Following this disclosure, Butt sent Shajaffar a legal notice against “false, baseless, malicious and defamatory” comments, and said her statements had caused “serious reputational damage, mental distress, humiliation and public embarrassment” to Butt.

Butt’s notice demanded Shajaffar “retract the allegations”, “take steps for the removal of the defamatory content”, “issue a clear, unconditional public apology and retraction” on YouTube and “refrain from repeating such allegations in the future”.

Shajaffar, in turn, issued a Rs 1 billion counter-notice to Butt, terming his legal notice “false, misconceived, mala fide, legally defective, and apparently issued with ulterior motives to pressurise, intimidate and silence my client (her) after repeated acts of harassment committed by your client (Butt)”.

The settlement reached by both parties on June 19 said that “certain misunderstandings, differences and controversy arose between the parties, including matters relating to personal statements, communications, legal notices, complaints and/or proceedings initiated or contemplated before different forums and institutions”.

It added that the parties had agreed to voluntarily resolve disputes, differences and controversies amicably in the presence and with the help of “respectable elders, well-wishers and mutual mediators”.

As per the agreement, both parties agreed to put the matter of “alleged workplace harassment” behind them and declared it “amicably resolved”.

“Both parties confirmed that the matter has been fully and finally settled,” the document said.

“No claim, allegation, ambiguity, misunderstanding, grievance or dispute now remained pending between the parties arising out of any incident, statement, communication, notice, complaint, interview, social media content, legal notice or any other matter occurring prior to the execution of this agreement,” the agreement clarified.

Both parties agreed that “All past events, statements, allegations, complaints, notices, legal communications and disputes are hereby mutually forgiven, withdrawn, settled and brought to an end.”

The agreement clarified that it was not to be “treated as an admission of guilt, liability, misconduct or wrongdoing from either party”.

The agreement said both parties were not to “make any defamatory, hostile, threatening or adverse statement against each other” and that they would “cooperate in withdrawing, closing, not pressing or rendering infructuous any complaint, application, notice, claim or proceeding filed by either party against the other”.

Shajaffar told Images she was unwell and could not attend court hearings, so she chose to settle the matter out of court. She said Meer Sikandar — the director of Meesni, in which both actors were co-stars — helped guide them to the settlement.

With additional reporting by Imran Gabol

FIFA lauded Japanese fans this week on social media platform X for their “impeccable manners” that saw them tidy up the stands post-game, with pictures of men in blue avidly picking up trash.

Similar images have since proliferated online, but one X post went viral after claiming Japanese men aren’t all that they are cracked up to be.

“Japanese men spend among the least time on housework internationally,” read the post, which has been viewed 1.9 million times.

“Please do it at home,” the post said, with a satirical illustration showing a fan who proudly cleans up the stadium is, in fact, relaxing on a sofa at home, oblivious to the pile of laundry and his wife or mother doing the dishes.

Japanese men participate notoriously little in household chores, with women spending 5.5 times more time than men taking on “unpaid work” such as shopping, domestic chores and caregiving, the Cabinet Office says, citing 2021 OECD data.

The gap is far greater than in Britain, France and the United States, where women spend 1.8 times, 1.7 times and 1.6 times respectively longer than men doing unpaid work.

While supporters describe the act of cleaning up the stadium as proof of Japan’s cultural altruism, others have also seen it as slightly performative.

And opinions have been divided on the viral X post.

“Wives struggling with husbands who don’t clean at all should have them wear Samurai Japan uniforms at home too,” one comment said.

“This is too much of generalisation — not all Japanese men are like that,” another user wrote.

Cover photo: FIFA/X

Merlin’s fame was ignited during street celebrations following the co-hosts’ 2-0 victory over South Africa in last week’s World Cup opening game.

As fans gathered to cheer Mexico’s goals, the dressed-up duck wandered among the crowds on the capital’s busy Reforma Avenue.

Onlookers recorded the surprising scene on their cell phones and the footage immediately went viral online, with fans demanding Merlin be the new official Mexican mascot during the World Cup.

“We are very respectful,” said his owner, street merchant Karla Gomez. “We respect the (Mexico City mascot) axolotl as much as the (FIFA) jaguar. We don’t like controversy, honestly.”

Gomez, who usually sells beverages in Mexico City’s streets with her son Christian and her duck, thought they had not been noticed.

“It was a normal day for us,” she said. “We thought we were passing by unnoticed, because obviously we never thought Merlin would have that boom.”

Now, Gomez proudly embraces her role in the duck’s newfound stardom. Fans frequently stop the family to take selfies with the feathered supporter, who can also be seen cooling off in public fountains.

“I’m Merlin’s mum. I already consider myself as such,” Gomez said. “For us it has been a surprise, truly. The fact that Merlin is the unofficial mascot of the World Cup… We feel very pleased about such a situation and above all that people love my duck.”

Channeling the spirit of Paul the Octopus, Merlin recently tried his beak at match predictions, choosing Mexico over South Korea when presented with both flags.

Mexico meet South Korea on Thursday in Group A before facing the Czech Republic on June 24.

At least one ex-staff member at the private London Clinic hospital tried to access her medical notes while she was a patient there in January 2024, The Mirror tabloid has previously reported.

A health minister subsequently confirmed law enforcement were examining the allegation. The clinic reported the breach in March 2024 to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), which can investigate and prosecute individuals and organisations for breaches of data protection and freedom of information laws.

It launched a criminal probe into “the unlawful obtaining and disclosure of medical information to a third party” without consent, which it said Wednesday had now concluded. “Following a full assessment … the ICO issued a now former healthcare professional from London with a formal caution,” it said in a statement, without naming the princess.

“The conduct involved the deliberate misuse of highly sensitive personal information and an offer to disclose it for financial gain, representing a clear breach of trust.”

Catherine — widely known as Kate and whose husband Prince William is heir to the throne — spent two weeks at the hospital in January 2024, when she underwent abdominal surgery.

She had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer early in 2024, for which she received chemotherapy treatment. The 44-year-old royal revealed she was in remission 16 months ago.

A spokesperson for the clinic in central London told the BBC it was “pleased our work with the ICO has brought this sad and isolated incident to a conclusion”.

“There were no regulatory breaches by the hospital,” the spokesperson added.

The Mirror reported that the previously “trusted employee” there had been struck off and sacked from their job.

Ian Hulme, the ICO’s executive director for regulatory supervision, said in a statement “people should be able to trust that the personal information they’re giving to healthcare settings is safe and protected from exploitation”.

“When this trust is broken, it’s right that the law allows us to take action. We will not hesitate to pursue criminal prosecution where it is necessary and proportionate to do so.”

Originally published in Dawn, June 18th, 2026

The DOJ said it spent eight ‌months evaluating how the transaction would affect streaming video services, traditional television and the film industry, weighing input from across the entertainment industry.

“The extensive investigatory record reviewed by the division suggests that the impact of the transaction will be to increase competition across the media and entertainment ecosystem, with benefits for American consumers and workers,” the DOJ wrote in a statement ​released on Friday.

Paramount CEO David Ellison’s father, billionaire Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, has cultivated ties with President Donald Trump, and the company has hired ​former Trump officials.

Assistant Attorney General Omeed Assefi had said that politics would “absolutely not” drive the DOJ’s review of the transaction.

Competition for audiences, talent, investment

Paramount issued a statement thanking the DOJ for its review of the transaction, which it said would allow the company to better compete in ​an industry defined by an intense scramble for audiences, talent, technology and investment.

“We remain focused on completing the transaction as soon as possible and delivering its benefits ​to consumers, creators and the entertainment industry as a whole,” Paramount said.

The Federal Communications Commission has not yet approved a petition seeking approval for foreign interests, including Gulf sovereign wealth funds, to own up to 100 per cent of the debt in the proposed $110bn deal.

Democratic senators raised concerns about Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds and Chinese companies taking part in the deal. ​They noted that it involves sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Abu Dhabi investing in a company that would control CBS stations, as well ​as major cable news operations including CNN. They also cited media reports that China’s Tencent may take part.

The family of Paramount CEO David Ellison will continue to control voting shares. Paramount ‌said in ⁠a filing on Thursday that the “new foreign investors, which will receive only non-voting equity, will not have any ability to influence the company’s editorial decision-making.”

The DOJ said it reviewed more than two million documents obtained from 80 sources in evaluating the deal’s impact on various segments of the entertainment industry.

It concluded that a combined Paramount+ and HBO Max would create a stronger alternative to larger streaming services, and increase competition in a way that would benefit consumers.

The deal is unlikely to ​harm the traditional television business, where ​there is vigorous competition for live ⁠sports, news and political commentary, the DOJ found.

The theatrical business is similarly seeing more robust competition, as Paramount and Warner Bros compete not only with traditional Hollywood rivals, but with smaller independent studios such as A24 and newcomers such as ​Apple and Netflix, which have signalled continued interest in theatrical releases, wrote the DOJ.

Since the deal was announced, theatrical ​production has increased, it ⁠found.

The DOJ dismissed comparisons to the $71bn merger of Walt Disney and Twenty-First Century Fox, which closed in 2019, a year before the COVID-19 outbreak triggered dramatic changes in audience consumption patterns. Disney has substantially increased its spending on content in the years since, the DOJ found.

However, several in Hollywood — including actors, directors, writers and producers — have ⁠expressed concern ​that the merger would result in fewer jobs and less diversity of storytelling.

California, New York and ​other US states are preparing a lawsuit to block the deal, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters last week.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta posted on X that the proposed merger of Warner Bros ​and Paramount “remains under investigation by my office.”

In his speech, the minister said the government would be withdrawing taxes placed on contraceptives and sanitary pads. The move was hailed as a win for women and an important step in providing safe and affordable menstrual care to the public.

Netizens applauded the government for taking the step which will have an immediate, positive impact for the country’s women.

One user pointed out how Pakistan was set to join a lamentably small group of countries that don’t tax menstrual hygiene products.

Others felt the whole idea of taxing such essential goods was “ridiculous”. They were happy to see the taxes go.

There was also acknowledgement of Mahnoor Omer, the women’s rights activist who filed a case in the Lahore High Court against taxing menstrual hygiene product in September. She was later recognised as one of TIME magazine’s Women of the Year for her efforts. Another petition was filed in the Sindh High Court by Karachi’s Alishba Shabbir in November.

Not everyone was convinced this was enough, especially when it came to the adoption of contraceptives in a country severely burdened by overpopulation. One user said the withdrawal of taxes wouldn’t do make to increase their acceptance in Pakistani society.

The removal of the taxes is expected to be implemented in the coming fiscal year, which starts from July 1.

On Thursday, Butt posted a video on his Instagram account with Azhar’s rendition of the classic Bollywood song ‘Tu Hai Wohi’ playing in the background. The controversial content creator was mouthing the words and dancing to the music.

In the comments, Azhar appreciated Butt, saying, “Shehzada lag raha hai mera bhai (My brother is looking like a prince). Thank you so much my love.” The comments received mixed reactions due to Butt’s history of controversy and legal trouble.

Azhar later issued an apology on his Instagram stories. “Should’ve been more aware. Should’ve read the room better. My bad, fam,” the singer said.

He also took a moment to clarify that his appreciation for Butt using his music did not equal endorsement of the content creator’s other actions and was simply a gesture of mutual love between artists.

“But just for the record, thanking someone and showing love in return doesn’t mean my views and values are the same as anybody. But I understand and resonate with the concern of some of my fans and supporters, and I promise it wasn’t that deep. [It was] just a gesture of showing love in return,” the singer wrote.

Azhar urged fans to enjoy “bangers and sweet mangoes”.

Butt has faced several cases in court including on charges of promoting online gambling applications, hurting religious sentiments and unlawful custody of a lion cub. In May, the Islamabad High Court ordered his name to be removed from the passport control list.

The content creator maintains one of the larger fan followings in Pakistan with nine million followers on YouTube and a further 2.9 million on Instagram.

In an Instagram post, the movement called Tribeca out on its “racist double standards” and “choice to continue programming complicit Israeli films during apartheid Israel’s ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza”.

BDS said the festival had barred Russian participation in the aftermath of the country’s invasion of Ukraine but failed to maintain the same principles when it came to Israel’s invasion of Gaza and its actions in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Lebanon, Iran and Syria.

In fact, the movement said, three Israeli films were platformed this year. One of the companies involved in these films, United King Films, was highlighted by the UN as “involved in illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank”.

The comments that started the firestorm for Tribeca came from US comedian Elon Gold and influencer Lizzy Savetsky whose interaction on the red carpet of Gold’s film went viral for all the wrong reasons.

Gold spoke to Savetsky about his film, saying it was “a really big deal” for his Israel-made film to be screening at the Tribeca Festival. He then joked that he was “only raped by two Israeli dogs”, to which Savetsky countered, “I thought they only raped Palestinians.”

The festival later issued an apology saying the remarks were “offensive and unacceptable”.

“Sexual violence and human suffering should never be mocked or minimised,” the statement read. It said the remarks “do not reflect the Tribeca Festival’s values” and the organising team regrets “the hurt they have caused”.

BDS objected to the statement not mentioning the anti-Palestinian nature of the comments and not cancelling subsequent screenings of Gold’s film. The movement said this “erasure of Palestinians” and the lack of Palestinian representation at the festival were “examples of Tribeca’s systemic anti-Palestinian racism”.

The post from BDS said film festivals were “no place for genocidal Israeli propaganda”.

“There can be no celebration of independent film, free expression or solidarity without ending complicity,” the movement said.

During proceedings on the complaints filed by the lawyers representing both parties against each other, the committee’s chairman, Abbas Ali Chadhar, remarked that a dispute between two private individuals had been turned into an issue of personal ego by the advocates.

Momina’s sister and counsel, Advocate Rimsha Iqbal and MPA Chadhar’s counsel, Mian Ali Ashfaq, personally appeared before the committee.

The committee chairman instructed both sides that no lawyer associated with the case should make statements to the media regarding the matter.

The committee also directed Mr Ashfaq to produce his Bar-at-Law degree.

During the hearing, Mr Ashfaq raised an objection regarding Rimsha Iqbal’s professional status, alleging that she had been employed in Australia despite being enrolled as a lawyer. He said legal practitioners are not permitted to hold such employment under the rules.

The committee chairman asked Advocate Rimsha how many media interviews she had given while wearing a lawyer’s uniform. She replied that she had participated in six to seven interviews.

Advocate Rimsha further told the committee that she had stood by her sister, Momina, because of their family relationship. She maintained that the allegations levelled against her were baseless.

She also clarified that while studying in Australia, she had worked additional hours on a part-time basis during her studies.

Earlier, MPA Chadhar also appeared before the committee and defended his counsel, Mr Ashfaq.

He said his lawyer made comments outside the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) office on his instructions.

Advocate Ashfaq also questioned why an application had been filed seeking suspension of his licence merely for assisting and representing his client.

“Can a lawyer pass on everything a client says to the media?” the chairman asked, adding, “Don’t you think there should be limits on what a lawyer can say?”

Mr Ashfaq argued that the role of a lawyer varies from case to case and that counsel is required to responsibly convey a client’s position.

The chairman also took exception to use of the term “honey trap” during a press briefing by the MPA’s counsel and asked whether such language was appropriate.

The NCCIA had registered an FIR on a complaint of actor Momina Iqbal against MPA Chadhar on charges of sexual harassment and blackmailing. However, the MPA secured pre-arrest bail in the case.

Originally published in Dawn, June 11th, 2026

Saad Sheikh, an artist based in Lahore, shared an Instagram post detailing the brief meeting and how it came about.

He said he saw Ali’s Instagram reel announcing that he would be at the border along with singer AR Rahman and their team, and his love for the two artists who he said shaped his art, prompted him to make the 20km journey to the Wagah Border.

“I rushed to the border and a friend got me access to zero point. A point where Indians and Pakistanis can meet, talk, greet but cannot touch. As I got there I saw curly white hair, without wasting a second I screamed. Imtiaz! Imtiaz!”

Once he grabbed the filmmaker’s attention, he started a self-described monologue in which he told him how much he loved him. “He kept smiling and saying thank you, thanks so much. I told him how much he’s celebrated on this side of the border, and how his music, cinema, storytelling has shaped a generation of filmmakers. He said he will come one day Inshallah. That day, we shall wait for Inshallah,” Sheikh narrated.

He ended the meeting by telling him “mai vaapis aunga” or I’ll be back, which is also the name of the film Ali was promoting. “That’s when the entire Indian side cheered, smiled and clapped and for a brief second the gates had abolished, the borders were friendly and art had won,” he said.

The Indian filmmaker’s trip to the border is part of movie promotions for Main Vaapas Aaunga, starring Diljeet Dosanjh, Vedang Raina, Sayani Gupta, Naseeruddin Shah and Rajat Kapoor. Ali has written and directed the movie.

The film is being touted as a story of love, longing, and belonging rooted in Partition-era migration that examines memory, nostalgia, and emotional ties to home and loved ones, exploring how the past shapes identity and sustains the human spirit across generations.

Promotions for the movie took the cast, filmmaker and Rahman, who sang the soundtrack, to the border where Rahman performed live.

But how much can a pack of six coils realistically set you back? If you answered “around Rs15,000”, you’d be absolutely right. French fragrance house Diptyque Paris has introduced its limited edition Citronelle Incense scented spirals and they are exactly what you’re imagining.

The brown spirals with the signature snake head in the centre come in packs of three interlocked pairs — you’ll have to be extra careful separating these ones — and have a golden coil holder included in the box. Each coils weighs 12 grams.

The brand describes burning one as, “Light wisps of lemongrass escape into the air. From dusk forward, the spiral releases relaxing notes recalling the peaceful air of a water garden. Its fresh, herbaceous scent creates an outdoor oasis. Placed on its small oval stand or paired with the enamelled ceramic incense holder, their fragrant spirals create a serene cocoon.”

We don’t know what half of that means to be honest, but customers are warned not to inhale the smoke directly, leading us to believe it has the same cough-inducing smell we all know and love.

Also, for those who don’t think that was enough expenditure on pest control, Diptyque has an incense holder available in enameled porcelain — priced at $183 (around Rs51,000).

For reference, we checked what coils cost when they aren’t carrying luxury labels and we found some on FoodPanda for around Rs90 for a pack of 10.

Naturally, people on the internet found the whole idea preposterous.

One person even said they were jealous of the mosquito that gets to go down from the uber-luxurious coil.

This isn’t the first time foreign brands have taken something from South Asia, copied it and sold it for outrageous sums. How can anyone forget Prada’s Kolhapuris, Christian Louboutin’s Peshawari Chappals and $90 lungis from Zara?

When will this madness stop?

In an Instagram post on Monday, it announced its upcoming Climate Futures Residency, which invites “thinkers, researchers, scientists, technologists, environmentalists, agricultural practitioners, architects, heritage specialists and those working to understand the challenges and possibilities of the decades ahead” to spend two weeks in the valley, interacting with its people, environment and each other.

The first iteration of the programme is divided into two interconnected residencies set to take place in July and August.

The first, titled Reading the Valley involves research, observation and community engagement. The second part, Imagining Futures, does exactly what the name says — participants plan for future scenarios and design policies.

Each of these residencies will have two participants who will use their time in Shigar to talk to local stakeholders: farmers, tourism industry representatives and government officials.

Applications are due by June 30 and should be submitted to organisers via email along with the applicant’s CV, a short biography, a 500-word letter of interest and a portfolio showing the applicant’s work.

If selected, they’ll be provided accommodation in Shigar, logistical support — including transfers to and from Skardu airport — and a stipend to offset meal costs and airfare.

The work resulting from the residencies will be collected as part of The Shigar Futures Paper, an annual publication exploring the valley’s future.

Professionals from the following fields are encouraged to apply:

• Climate and environmental research
• Town planning and landscape architecture
• Agriculture and food systems
• Tourism and destination management
• Community development and public policy
• Journalism, anthropology and documentary research

Shedding light on the need for the programme, the post from Neela Asmaan and Chinoy said people across the world were faced with “profound questions about climate, food systems, water, migration, technology, conservation and the future of human settlement”.

During such times, the most important answers may not emerge from conferences and lab work, it said, but from “places like Shigar, where people continue to live at the meeting point of nature, culture and change”.

The title will be available exclusively to Netflix subscribers at no ​additional cost, as world soccer’s governing body looks ​to broaden fan engagement through its revamped digital strategy.

Developed ⁠in partnership with Netflix Games and Delphi Interactive, the ​game is designed as an accessible football simulation, allowing ​players to take part in the tournament experience.

Players will be able to choose from all 48 teams competing in the World Cup and ​play matches across the tournament’s 16 stadiums, with more ​than 1,200 players included in the game.

The format uses smartphones as ‌controllers, ⁠enabling users to connect to a television by scanning a QR code, according to FIFA. Up to four users can play together.

FIFA said the launch forms part of a broader ​shift in its ​approach to ⁠gaming following the end of its long-running partnership with EA Sports, moving instead to ​a multi-partner ecosystem aimed at expanding its reach ​across ⁠platforms and audiences.

The governing body described the game as the starting point of a longer-term project, with additional features and ⁠broader ​platform support planned beyond the initial ​release.

The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico kicks ​off on June 11.

In an X post addressed to Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi on Thursday, the rapper said, “For the past 45 days, 11 Pakistani citizens have been stranded off the coast of Somalia completely abandoned, without help, food or essential supplies.”

He said these people weren’t just “statistics” and represented 11 Pakistani families. “These are sons, daughters, mothers, and wives waiting in agony for their breadwinners to return home safely.”

Anjum said he realises there are complications and that “these things take time”, but he said those families deserved answers beyond the “generic, occasional statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs claiming they are ‘in touch with Somali Maritime forces’”.

The rapper called on the Foreign Office to set up a dedicated helpline for these families to call for updates and asked the government to form a committee or assign an official of the foreign ministry whose only job is to keep up with the crisis and keep the families up to date, “providing them with the transparency and respect they are owed”.

This is not the first time Anjum has spoken up on this issue; he wrote a strongly-worded message on Instagram days after the vessel was first taken over by pirates on April 21.

In his message, the rapper said one of the captured sailors was “like a brother” to him, so this issue was personal. At the time, he claimed the government “has taken no action” for the safety of the hostage and that he was “ashamed” as a Pakistani at the government’s “non seriousness” and “under the rug policy” when it came to its citizens trapped abroad.

Separately, Andrabi spoke about the hostage situation on Thursday during the weekly Foreign Office press briefing. He said the government was in touch with the ship’s owners who were negotiating for the crew’s release and the government of Somalia — which had jurisdiction over the waters the ship was in — was kept informed.

The spokesperson said any rescue operation was made difficult by the geographic conditions and the explosive nature of the vessel’s cargo. He said Pakistan has called on the ship’s owners and the government of Somalia to push the pirates to provide food, water and essential supplies to the hostages.

Andrabi said resolving the crisis was a priority for the government, but incidents of piracy in this region have taken months to resolve in the past. He said they had received written assurances from the Somali side.

The spokesperson expressed sympathy for the families of the hostages and asked for their patience as the government tried to bring their loved ones home.

With additional reporting by Ameer Hamza

Piker, a streamer on Twitch with over three million followers, was set to speak on a panel titled How the American Left Learned to Speak the Internet. His uncle Uygur, host of the online news show The Young Turks, was set to speak on Techno-Feudalism is Here. Who Are the Lords?.

Both have been vocal in their opposition to Israel after the country launched its devastating war on Gaza in 2023, which a UN report termed a genocide. Almost 73,000 people have since been killed in the occupied territory.

Representatives of the Home Office confirmed to Variety that both of their Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) were revoked “on the grounds that their presence in the UK may not be conducive to the public good”. The representatives said to refuse or cancel an ETA on these grounds is based solely on an assessment of the potential risk an individual may pose to UK society.

Uygur decried the step as “oppression” in a post on X, saying he had been “banned from the UK” when he was set to go and speak at events in London and Oxford.

Piker quoted the post in his own, saying his visa had also been revoked. The streamer said the West was “betraying liberal values for a genocidal fascist foreign government”.

SXSW also issued a statement acknowledging two of its speakers had had their travel permissions revoked, but said the event remains committed to its spirit of dialogue.

A spokesperson for the event said, “We are aware that Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker are unable to travel to the UK following a decision by the Home Office. Decisions on entry to the UK are a matter for the Home Office and the individuals concerned. SXSW London’s role is to convene a broad range of diverse voices and perspectives. We remain focused on delivering a programme this week fostering open dialogue and exchange of ideas and featuring more than 800 speakers, artists and screenings.”

Justice Muhammad Sajid Mahmood Sethi issued an eight-page verdict, setting aside the trial court’s decision and directing the singer to deposit a fine of Rs100,000.

According to the judgment, Rahat Fateh had filed a civil suit in Faisalabad seeking confirmation of possession of a double-storey house. A civil court had issued a decree against him on May 14, 2019, following which he challenged the decision before the trial court.

However, the trial court dismissed the appeal on technical grounds due to non-payment of court fee amounting to Rs15,000. The singer later approached the LHC against the ruling.

The LHC observed that dismissing an appeal merely on the basis of non-payment of court fee was against the principles of justice. It noted that the petitioner had been given only four days to submit the fee, which was insufficient.

The judgment stated that the right to appeal is a valuable legal right and should not be denied solely because of technical defects. The court stressed that appeals should be decided on merit rather than on procedural shortcomings.

The LHC also directed the trial court to decide the appeal on merit within two months without unnecessary delay.

It ordered Rahat Fateh and all other parties to appear before the court on June 2.

Originally published in Dawn, May 30th, 2026

Beran A, whose last name has not been made public in accordance with Austrian privacy rules, was arrested on August 7, 2024, the day before the first of three planned concerts by the US pop star in the Austrian capital.

All three dates were ​then cancelled, to the dismay of fans and of Swift, who wrote afterwards that it was “devastating.” While crowds of disappointed fans sang ​together in Vienna then to console themselves, neither Swift nor any Swifties appeared at the trial in Wiener Neustadt, a ⁠town south of the capital.

‘Sorry’ did not sway the jury

Beran A, who is Austrian, pleaded guilty to charges related to the planned attack, which ​carried a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. He covered his face with a ring binder as he entered the courtroom to avoid ​being identifiable in pictures.

“I would just like to say that I am sorry,” he said in a final statement before the jury retired to deliberate.

It later found him guilty on almost all charges.

Beran A was found to have tried but failed to illegally buy weapons including a machine gun and hand grenade, and followed instructions in an Islamic State ​video entitled “Make a bomb in the kitchen of your mom” to produce a small amount of the explosive triacetone triperoxide (TATP).

He was also accused of ​plotting with two school friends to carry out a solo attack earlier in 2024 in separate Middle Eastern cities. He and co-defendant Arda K admitted they travelled ‌to Dubai ⁠and Istanbul respectively to carry out attacks but then did not follow through.

When his trial opened last month, Beran A told the court that he roamed Dubai in March 2024 in search of victims to stab but had a panic attack when he tried to strike. Upon his return to Vienna, he resolved to go further and eventually chose the concert as his target.

He and Arda K denied providing moral support to the third man, who was ​arrested in Mecca on suspicion of ​stabbing a security official at ⁠the holy city’s Grand Mosque. He is still in custody in Saudi Arabia.

Defendant ‘burst into tears’

The eight-person jury found Beran A guilty by unanimous decision on all but two of 15 points put to it, including providing moral support to ​the third man. The two points on which he was found not guilty, both by a 6-2 margin, ​were lesser ones, ⁠dealing with issues like spreading IS propaganda.

While neither defendant showed much emotion in the courtroom, Beran A’s lawyer Anna Mair said that was not the case when they spoke privately.

“When he understood he had been found guilty in relation to Mecca, he burst into tears. I think that was simply because this ⁠big weight ​that these two years of being under investigation brought with them fell from his shoulders,” ​she told reporters.

Arda K was found guilty unanimously on all charges and sentenced to 12 years in prison. Both men’s lawyers said they had not yet decided whether to appeal.

The list, which recognises 30 young people who have made a significant mark in their fields, is running its 11th edition this year, with a history of including the best and brightest of Pakistan in its annual rosters.

Aamir, Pakistan’s “most followed woman” on Instagram — she recently hit 20 million followers — has been recognised for her work as an actor. In her 10-year career, she has starred in a number of crowd-favourite dramas, including Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum and Meri Zindagi Hai Tu.

She’s also set to star in Pakistan’s first Netflix original, Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo.

The actor is also actively involved in social work, having been named UN Women’s National Goodwill Ambassador in October.

Kamraan is a filmmaker who isn’t afraid to talk about topics most Pakistanis wouldn’t touch with a 10-foot pole.

Her short film The Bed She Made was the only Pakistani work at the Busan International Short Film Festival this year. It addressed the link between climate change and fertility in a Pakistani context.

“Through its interplay of grace and violence, this metaphorical and highly symbolic film alternates between choreographic sequences and stark depictions of domestic oppression. By turning personal suffering into embodied outcry, it confronts the systemic silencing and abusive treatment of women in rigid patriarchal societies,” programmer Professor Sébastien Simon described her film in the catalogue for the festival.

Before making The Bed She Made, Kamraan was an assistant director on Umro Ayyar, one of Pakistan’s rare sci-fi feature films.

While Pakistani artists were notably absent from the 2025 list — javelin champ Arshad Nadeem was there to represent the country — they’ve had a marked presence in earlier years, with filmmaker Bushra Sultan making it onto the list in 2024.

Other honourees include Rastah founder Zain Ahmed (2022), music producer Abdullah Siddiqui and artist Misha Japanwala (2021) and singer Momina Mustehsan (2018).

She shared a copy of the notice purportedly issued to Butt on her Instagram page, terming his legal notice dated May 22, “false, misconceived, mala fied, legally defective, and apparently issued with ulterior motives to pressurise, intimidate and silence my client after repeated acts of harassment committed by your client”. 

In his notice, Butt took issue with an interview in which Shajaffar described a costar’s behaviour while working on a project with her as having made her feel “uncomfortable”.

The notice referenced Shajaffar’s appearance on the YouTube show Say It All with Iffat Omar and claimed that she accused Butt of having “sexually harassed [her] on set”. In the interview, Shajaffar referred to the person solely as “Arsalan”. She later clarified on social media that she was not talking about Arslan Khan, her College Gate costar.

Butt’s connection to the incident is being attributed to Omar, the host, who purportedly said he was the one being discussed. Shajaffar’s interview with Omar was released on May 21. In it, the actor mentioned a number of instances in which “Arsalan’s” behaviour made her “feel uncomfortable” and that he believed she was “someone to get fresh or frank with”.

Butt’s notice described the allegations made by Shajaffar against “Arsalan” as “false, baseless, malicious and defamatory” and said they had caused “serious reputational damage, mental distress, humiliation and public embarrassment” to Butt.

The notice demanded Shajaffar “retract the allegations”, “take steps for the removal of the defamatory content”, “issue a clear, unconditional public apology and retraction” on YouTube and “refrain from repeating such allegations in the future”.

Her counter-notice denies the allegations made in Butt’s notice, “except what is specifically admitted herein”. “It is clarified that my client never made any false, fabricated or malicious allegation against your client. Whatever was stated by my client during the said interview/programme was based upon true events, actual conduct, personal experiences, surrounding circumstances and information supported through evidence, witnesses and electronic material presently in possession of my client. Your client is fully aware of his conduct and the repeated acts committed by him towards my client on various occasions,” reads Shajaffar’s notice. 

“The interview itself does not contain any direct or categorical statement alleging ‘sexual harassment’ in the specific manner falsely portrayed in your notice,” it read, saying that it “deliberately twists, exaggerates and misinterprets portions of the interview in an attempt to create unnecessary sensationalism and legal pressure”. 

Arguing that the interview reflects the actor’s “personal experiences and truthful disclosures” made by Shajaffar “in exercise of her lawful and constitutional right of expression and self-protection”, the notice calls Butt’s conduct “harassment, intimidation, emotional abuse and character targeting”.

“Instead of showing remorse and restraint, your client has now escalated the matter by issuing a threatening legal notice to a woman who merely disclosed her experiences publicly. Such conduct amounts to victim intimidation and an unlawful attempt to suppress disclosure of harassment-related conduct.”

According to the notice, Shajaffar possesses “substantial material, including but not limited to electronic evidence, digital communications and records, witness testimony, circumstantial and corroborative evidence and other supporting material which clearly establish the conduct, behaviour and repeated acts of harassment committed by [Butt] towards [Shajaffar] on multiple occasions”. 

The notice calls on Butt to immediately withdraw his notice, tender a “clear, unconditional and public apology” for “harassment, intimidation, reputational harm and malicious legal threats”, cease and desist from further harassment, intimidation, coercion, defamatory campaign or misrepresentation of the interview and Shajaffar’s statements, and pay compensation/damages amounting to Rs1 billion for reputational harm, mental agony, emotional distress, harassment, intimidation and damage.

Failure to comply within 14 days will result in civil, criminal and regulatory proceedings being filed under the Punjab Defamation Act, 2024, The Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010, sections relating to criminal intimidation, harassment, defamation and intimidation under applicable laws of Pakistan and other civil remedies available under Pakistani law.

Hamza Habib, the husband to be of the actor, appeared before the court, along with his legal team.

A lawyer argued that the petitioner wanted to prove his innocence by joining the investigation before Jhang police, but there are apprehensions of his unlawful arrest.

He asked the court to allow protective bail to the petitioner so that he could appear before the relevant district court for pre-arrest bail.

Justice Abher Gul Khan allowed the request and granted protective bail to the petitioner till June 1, with a direction to approach the relevant court by the next date of hearing.

Jhang police registered a case against Hamza on allegations that he issued life threats to the ruling party MPA.

Talking to the media, Habib said he had already solemnised nikah with Momina and that she was his wife and his “honour”.

He said their wedding ceremony would be held as per its schedule and he would not leave Momina.

He alleged that MPA Chadhar had lodged a false FIR against him.

He further alleged that the MPA had tried to contact him, asking him to step away from Momina in exchange for money.

He said Chadhar should keep his money to himself, adding that “he cannot buy me.”

Originally published in Dawn, May 26th, 2026

The notice referenced Shajaffar’s appearance on the YouTube show Say It All with Iffat Omar and claimed that she accused Butt of having “sexually harassed [her] on set”. Shajaffar has not publicly commented on the notice, and in the interview, she referred to the person solely as “Arsalan”. She later clarified on social media that she was not talking about Arslan Khan, her College Gate costar.

Butt’s connection to the incident is being attributed to Omar, the host, who purportedly said he was the one being discussed.

Shajaffar’s interview with Omar was released on May 21. In it, the actor mentioned a number of instances in which “Arsalan’s” behaviour made her “feel uncomfortable” and that he believed she was “someone to get fresh or frank with”.

Shajaffar recalled an incident where she was discussing Manto’s feminism with the project’s writer when “Arsalan” entered the discussion, claiming Manto was not a feminist and women “hated him”. Upon being rebuked by Shajaffar, he began “shaking his belt as if he wanted to take it off and hit me with it”. She said he also “started calling me names”.

The notice described the allegations made by Shajaffar against “Arsalan” as “false, baseless, malicious and defamatory” and said they had caused “serious reputational damage, mental distress, humiliation and public embarrassment” to Butt.

The notice demanded Shajaffar “retract the allegations”, “take steps for the removal of the defamatory content”, “issue a clear, unconditional public apology and retraction” on YouTube and “refrain from repeating such allegations in the future”.

In the event that she does not comply within 14 days, the notice said Butt’s legal team would “initiate civil defamation proceedings, criminal proceedings and all other remedies available under Pakistani law”.

In the interview, Shajaffar also claimed “Arsalan” made inappropriate comments about her body. “He was like, ‘Listen, you should really eat this and eat that. That will give you some weight here and there.’”

The actor said she told her co-star to “shut the f*** up”, which she said he did not take well.

She also mentioned an incident in which the director had told her and “Arsalan” to work together and he approached her for a hug. Shajaffar said she told him to not touch her four times while backing away and when he didn’t listen, she screamed at him.

This, the Lali actor said, caused him to resort to his own stream of expletives. “He lost his mind because I didn’t allow him to touch me without my permission. I don’t know how I had the guts, I was shaking, but I was like, ‘no means no’.”

In a tweet posted on Friday evening, the CM said the matter is a “personal issue” that will be “addressed strictly on merit and in accordance with the law”.

In a post on social media in which she tagged the PML-N leadership, Momina alleged that she had been subjected to “online harassment, cyberbullying, and death threats for a long time.”

She claimed that both she and her family had suffered severe mental stress and trauma because of the alleged conduct of the MPA, whose identity she did not disclose publicly. His identity was made public after the NCCIA summoned both of them to record their statements.

“A member of the provincial assembly belonging to the PML-N has been threatening me for an extended period. I repeatedly reported the matter to the NCCIA and the Federal Investigation Agency, but no action was taken,” she stated.

“Instead of ensuring justice, attempts were allegedly made to suppress my complaints. Even individuals associated with the office of the chief minister tried to discourage me and silence the issue rather than allowing a fair investigation,” she claimed.

In her tweet, CM Maryam said she would not spare anyone found involved in attempting to harass, threaten, or exploit a woman. “No individual, regardless of status, position, or political connections, is above the law. State institutions will perform their duties independently, impartially, and in accordance with the Constitution and the law,” she said.

“Any attempt to exert political pressure, abuse influence, or exploit a woman through threats of releasing personal content publicly will be met with firm and uncompromising action. Consider this a clear and serious warning to anyone involved.”

On Thursday, Momina and Chadhar appeared before the NCCIA to record their statements.

The same day, Momina’s sister Advocate Rimsha Iqbal, who is fighting her case, told reporters that hurdles were being created in Momina’s marriage that was going to take place next month and threats were even hurled at her fiancé.

“We have evidence to the claim Momina made against the MPA and presented it to the NCCIA,” she said and expressed the hope her sister would get justice.

Chadhar’s lawyer, Mian Ashfaq told reporters that his client and Momina had been friends since 2020-21. “Both came close to marrying but couldn’t. Mr Chadhar provided massive social, administrative and financial benefits to Ms Momina during the last five years. We will provide the details of these benefits to the NCCIA,” he said and added that harassment allegations levelled against his client by the person who remained in relationship with him for such a long period of time did not make any sense.

Chadhar is an electable. He defeated both PML-N and PTI-backed candidates in PP-97, Chiniot, in the last polls held in 2024. After winning the seat, he joined the PML-N.

The Airport police registered the case last month on the complaint of Mutaal Khan, who stated that on April 22, he left his home for the airport to travel to Lahore.

He added that while he was travelling in a cab, a double-cabin vehicle carrying four armed men intercepted his vehicle and, at gunpoint, allegedly abducted him, claiming that he had been involved in an accident.

The complainant further stated that the abductors kept taking him to different locations before snatching his mobile phone and allegedly transferring 8,600 USDT from his account. They also took his laptop and later dropped him at an undisclosed place in the Korangi Industrial Area before fleeing.

Speaking to Dawn, Advocate Syed Israr Ali Shah, counsel for the complainant, stated that after the incident, his client had lodged a complaint and the police later apprehended four suspects — Hamza, Saalim, Shahid and Wazir — and booked other suspects, including a police constable and actor Muneeb Butt, in the case.

He claimed that the investigating officer had informed him that the actor was booked on charges of allegedly facilitating at least two of the suspects while they were hiding in Islamabad.

The counsel added that he was still uncertain whether the actor had any involvement in the crime, but stated that the investigating agency had booked him in the case.

Later, the actor secured protective bail from the Islamabad High Court and surrendered before a Karachi ATC, where he moved a pre-arrest bail application.

After hearing the actor’s counsel, the ATC granted him interim bail against a surety bond of Rs100,000 and fixed June 8 for confirmation or otherwise.

A case was registered at the Airport police station under Sections 365-A (kidnapping or abducting for extorting property, valuable security, etc.), 392 (punishment for robbery) and 34 (common Intention) of the Pakistan Penal Code, read with Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Originally published in Dawn, May 22nd, 2026