Squid Game Actress Lee Joo Sil Passes Away at 80

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Feb 3, 2025

Liam Payne Honoured at 2025 Grammys after Tragic Death

Liam Payne was honoured at the 2025 Grammy Awards three months after his tragic death. The singer-singerwriter’s fans were hoping that the One Direction band members, including Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles and Niall Horan would reunite to honour their late friend at the annual award ceremony.

However, the executive producer of the Grammys show, Ben Winston confirmed that they are not performing. Despite that, Winston revealed that the late singer will receive a tribute during the In Memoriam section. “It is a very difficult time. Losing Liam was very, very tough. No doubt about it. But, no, there will be no One Direction performance,” he told Entertainment Tonight.

The In Memoriam segment featured Chris Martin singing the Coldplay song “All My Love” as the ceremony honoured music stars who died over the past year, including Liam Payne and Toby Keith.

The tribute began with snippets of footage of Payne including from his time as a member of One Direction.

“He was the most beautiful, wonderful boy and I love him very, very much. He is in, of course, our In Memoriam, without question,” he gushed. “Actually that [Payne’s passing] is a very sad thing for me — when you are going through rehearsals and seeing the clips and a guy that was sat in this office four weeks before that tragedy happened,” Winston added.

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Pakistan Begins Crocodile Farming for Leather and Tourism

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Feb 3, 2025

Pakistan Begins Crocodile Farming for Leather and Tourism

Crocodile farming has officially begun in Pakistan to support the leather industry and tourism. The farm is located in one of Sindh’s hottest districts, Jacobabad, where a local landowner has taken this unique step at Bhambhore Farmhouse, a village near the city. These reptiles, usually found in swamps and ponds, now roam freely in a controlled environment.

The farm owner stated that crocodiles take five years to mature, growing up to 21 feet long and weighing nearly one ton. “Their skins are highly valuable and used in making luxury leather products. I am focusing on raising them professionally to meet international standards,” he added. This initiative could strengthen Pakistan’s presence in the global leather market.

Currently, the farm has ten imported crocodiles. The owner expects their population to grow quickly once they start laying eggs. With successful breeding, this farm could become a major supplier for the leather industry.

If this venture succeeds, it could significantly influence Pakistan’s economic growth. The combination of leather production and tourism potential makes crocodile farming an innovative step in the country’s business landscape.

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Electricity Prices Expected to Drop by Rs2 Per Unit

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Feb 2, 2025

Electricity Prices are Expected to Drop By Rs2 per unit

The federal government has decided to reduce electricity prices, by proposing a reduction of Rs2 per unit for the second quarter of the 2024-25 fiscal year. The adjustment will hopefully be implemented in March and is expected to provide consumers with approximate relief of above Rs52 billion.
The power distribution companies have submitted quarterly tariff revision applications to the NEPRA.

The regulator will hold a public hearing on the proposal on February 12
In case of approval, the reduction will be applied to electricity bills for March, April and May.

Read More: Inflation in Pakistan

The Lifeline service customers will not benefit from the price reduction. K-Electric customers will be included in the adjustment.
Due to inflation and instability in the economy, the proposed reduction aims to ease the financial burden on consumers.
Nepra will make the final decision, determining if the adjustments meet the economic and energy policy objectives.
If approved, the revised rates will be implemented in the coming months, affecting millions of electricity consumers across Pakistan.

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One Dead, Thousands Urged to Evacuate as Floods Hit Australia’s Northeast

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Feb 2, 2025

One Dead, Thousands Urged to Evacuate as Floods Hit Australia’s Northeast

One person died and thousands of others are under evacuation orders in Australia’s north Queensland state after heavy rain caused severe floods on Sunday.

Flooding has affected large areas of the North Queensland coast since Friday, with Ingham and the nearby city of Townsville facing significant damage. Residents in low-lying coastal areas have been advised to evacuate immediately.

North Queensland is home to significant zinc reserves, along with large deposits of silver, lead, copper and iron ore. Townsville serves as a key processing hub for the region’s base metals. In 2019, severe flooding in the area halted rail shipments of lead and zinc concentrates and caused extensive property damage.

“Residents in low-lying areas should collect their evacuation kit and move to a safe place on higher ground. This situation may pose a threat to life and property,” regional emergency management authorities said on Sunday morning.

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56 Killed, 158 Injured in a Paramilitary Attack in Sudan’s Omdurman

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Feb 2, 2025

56 Killed, 158 Injured in Paramilitary Attack in Sudan's Omdurman

On Sunday, at least 56 people were killed and 158 injured when a shell struck a crowded vegetable market in Omdurman, Sudan’s Health Ministry confirmed.

The attack, blamed on the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has been defined as one of the deadliest in recent weeks and has further exacerbated the humanitarian crises in the war-ravaged country.

Sudan’s Minister of Culture and government spokesperson, Khalid al-Aleisir strongly condemned the attack, pointing out that many of the victims were women and children. “This criminal act adds to the bloody record of this militia,” he stated. “It constitutes a blatant violation of international humanitarian law.”
According to the eyewitnesses, the shelling originated from the western Omdurman, RSF-controlled area and was accompanied by drone strikes.

“The shells fell in the middle of the vegetable market, that’s why there are so many victims and wounded,” one survivor told AFP. Another resident described the constant bombardment, saying rockets and artillery shells rained down on multiple streets simultaneously.

Medical staff at the nearby Al Nao Hospital struggled to manage many patients. A hospital volunteer said, “We are in dire need of shrouds, blood donors and stretchers to transport the wounded.”

According to the local Emergency Response Room (ERR), in another incident in Khartoum, two civilians were killed and dozens injured in airstrikes in an area controlled by the RSF.

The violence occurred just a day after RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo vowed to retake Khartoum from the army. “We expelled them before, and we will expel them again,” he said in a rare video message.

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New Saudi Airline Launches Flight Operation in Pakistan

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Feb 1, 2025

New Saudi Airline Launches Flight Operation In Pakistan

Saudi Arabia’s new airline, Flyadeal, has officially started its flight operations to Pakistan.

The first flight arrived in Karachi from Saudi Arabia and received a warm welcome with a traditional water salute at Jinnah International Airport.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the airline has been granted permission to conduct regular flights to and from Pakistan.

Airline sources indicate that this new carrier will offer passengers direct travel options, making it more convenient for passengers flying between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

This major development comes as part of efforts to strengthen links between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, this move aims to meet the increasing demand for travel, particularly for business, tourism and religious purposes.

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CM Punjab Launches Agriculture Tube Well Solarisation Project

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Feb 1, 2025

CM Punjab Launches Agriculture Tube well Solarisation Project

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has launched the Agriculture Tubewell Solarisation project through a balloting procedure in Lahore.

Under the initiative, The Punjab Government will offer a subsidy of worth five lakh rupees for a 10-kilowatt solar installation, 7.5 lakh rupees for a 15-kilowatt system and 10 lakh rupees for a 20-kilowatt solar system.

In the first phase, the selection of eight thousand tube wells from across the province will be made through balloting for conversion to solar energy.

At the event, Maryam Nawaz instructed that the solarisation process in the first phase be concluded by June of this year.

CM Punjab also highlighted other current projects, including the Farmer’s Card, Agricultural mechanisation and internships, which aim to improve the lives of farmers. She also highlighted that the solarisation project would open a new chapter for agricultural growth in Punjab and provide a substantial uplift to the sector.

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18 Soldiers Martyred, 12 Terrorists Killed in Balochistan Operation

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Feb 1, 2025

18 Soldiers Martyred, 12 Terrorists Killed in Balochistan Operation

During an operation in the Mangocher area of Balochistan’s Kalat district, eighteen soldiers were martyred. This happened during the night of January 31 and February 1, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed on Saturday.

According to the military media wing, last night terrorists made an attempt to establish illegal roadblocks in the region, aiming to disrupt the peaceful environment in Pakistan. Following the orders of “inimical and hostile forces”, the attackers targeted innocent civilians.

Security forces and law enforcement agencies launched an immediate counter-operation by responding swiftly to the condition. The forces successfully eliminated the threat, killing 12 terrorists and ensuring the safety of the local community.

“However, during the conduct of operations, eighteen brave sons of soil, having fought gallantly, made the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat,” the statement read, emphasising the bravery of soldiers who embraced martyrdom.

To find and capture the remaining accomplices and enablers, security forces launched extensive sanitisation efforts in the area after the operation.

The ISPR emphasised that, alongside the nation, Pakistan’s security forces are dedicated to preventing any efforts to undermine the peace, stability and progress of Balochistan, stating that “sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve.”

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Philadelphia: Six People Killed in Medical Jet Crash

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Feb 1, 2025

Philadelphia: Six People Killed In Medical Jet Crash

Following the mid-air collision of a passenger plane and a military helicopter in Washington earlier this week authorities reported that a medical jet carrying six Mexican nationals crashed into a busy Philadelphia neighbourhood on Friday causing yet another aviation disaster in the United States.

According to the FAA the aircraft involved was an American-French business jet the Learjet 55 that had just departed Northeast Philadelphia Airport and was travelling to Branson Missouri.

She and her mother along with the flight and medical teams that accompanied them were killed in the crash according to the childrens hospital that treated the girl AFP reported.

“The patient had received care from Shriners Children’s Philadelphia and was being transported back to her home country in Mexico on a contracted air ambulance when the crash happened,” said Mel Bower, a spokesman for Shriners Children’s.

Confirmation about Casualties

All six onboard were Mexican citizens according to a statement from country’s foreign ministry.

“The airline company confirmed to the consulate that six people of Mexican nationality were travelling on the aircraft,” the ministry wrote on X.

In a statement to US media the operator Jet Rescue Air Ambulance confirmed that there were two passengers and four crew members on the flight, adding, “At this time, we cannot confirm any survivors.”

Emergency workers gathered in large numbers at the scene, which was located outside Roosevelt Mall, a strip mall in Northeast Philadelphia featuring stores and food vendors.

In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform on Friday US President Donald Trump said he was sad to see more souls lost in the Philadelphia tragedy.

He praised first responders, adding, “God Bless you all.”

Witnesses told local media stations about seeing body parts in or near the wreckage and Mike Driscol,l a member of the Philadelphia City Council voiced concern that people on the ground or residents might have been killed. “It doesn’t look good. And it’s a sad situation here,” he told CNN.

The FAA said it was launching an investigation with the National Transportation Safety Board.

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Pakistan Announces Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

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Jan 31, 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the squad for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 and the tri-nation series featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa. The squad has four changes from the last ODI series in South Africa. Abdullah Shafique, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, and Sufyan Moqim have been replaced by Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel.

Mohammad Rizwan has been named captain, with Salman Ali Agha as vice-captain. The squad includes three members from the 2017 title-winning side: Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, and Fakhar Zaman. Fakhar, Babar, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Saud Shakeel also played in the ICC Men’s 50-over Cricket World Cup 2023. Pakistan has won three ODI series since then, beating Australia 2-1, Zimbabwe 2-1, and South Africa 3-0.

Fakhar Zaman returns after recovering from injury and illness that kept him out since June 2024. He showed strong form in the Champions T20 Cup 2024, scoring 303 runs at a strike rate of over 132. In 82 ODIs, he has 3,492 runs with 11 centuries and 16 half-centuries at an average of 46.5 and a strike rate of 93.4. Saud Shakeel earned his spot through consistent Test performances. He last played an ODI in the 2023 World Cup but has since scored 577 runs in 13 Test innings at home, including two centuries and two half-centuries.

Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah return to strengthen the squad. Faheem last played an ODI in September 2023 and has been a top performer in domestic cricket. Khushdil last played in August 2022 and has earned his place with strong performances in the Champions One-Day Cup and Champions T20 Cup. The squad may be changed until February 11, after which replacements will only be allowed on medical grounds with ICC approval. Pakistan will first compete in the tri-nation series, starting February 8 against New Zealand at Gaddafi Stadium, before the Champions Trophy begins on February 19.

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Women’s Football Match in Bangladesh Cancelled after Protests

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Jan 31, 2025

Women's Football Match in Bangladesh Canceled After Protests

A women’s football match in Joypurhat, Bangladesh, was cancelled after protests by students from a religious school led to vandalism at the venue.

Samiul Hasan Emon, the tournament organiser, explained that hundreds of protesters, mainly from a local religious school, marched to the venue, creating a situation that forced them to cancel the game. Abu Bakkar Siddique, the headmaster of the school, justified the protest, stating that girls’ football goes against Islamic beliefs and they saw it as their religious duty to stop it.

This is the second incident of its kind in just two days. A similar protest in Dinajpur on Tuesday led to the postponement of another women’s football match just 30 minutes before it was set to begin. That protest turned violent, resulting in four injuries, though all victims were later released from the hospital.

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) strongly condemned the disruptions, emphasising that football is a sport for everyone. These incidents highlight the ongoing struggle and growing influence of religious groups over women’s involvement in sports in Bangladesh.

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Mark Zuckerberg Frustrated Over Leaked Internal Discussions

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Jan 31, 2025

Mark Zuckerberg Frustrated Over Leaked Internal Discussions

Meta is taking strict action against employees responsible for leaking internal discussions after private remarks from CEO Mark Zuckerberg were made public. During a company meeting on Thursday, Zuckerberg expressed frustration over the frequent leaks of internal conversations, admitting, “We try to be really open and then everything I say leaks. It sucks.” However, his complaints were almost immediately leaked, intensifying concerns over internal security.

Following the breach, Meta’s Chief Information Security Officer, Guy Rosen, issued a firm warning, emphasising that the company takes such leaks seriously and will not hesitate to fire employees involved. In a memo obtained by The Verge, Rosen made it clear that Meta will take “appropriate action, including termination,” against those responsible, highlighting the broader consequences of unauthorised disclosures.

The controversy arises as Meta faces growing scrutiny over its shifting political stance and ties to former president Donald Trump. In December, the company donated $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund, a departure from its past policies. Additionally, reports suggest that Meta will pay Trump $25 million to settle a lawsuit related to his previous ban from the platform.

During Meta’s Q4 earnings call on Wednesday, Zuckerberg openly praised Trump’s administration, stating that the current U.S. leadership supports American tech companies and their global interests. As Meta cracks down on internal leaks and navigates political challenges, the company faces increasing scrutiny over its evolving direction.

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Shalimar Express Derails Near Shahdara, Lahore

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Jan 31, 2025

Shalimar Express Derails Near Shahdara, Lahore

Karachi-bound Shalimar Express met with an accident near Shahdara, Lahore, as three of its bogies derailed, causing major disruptions in train operations. Railway officials confirmed that engineering teams were dispatched immediately to the site to begin relief operations.

As a result of the derailment, train services between Lahore, Rawalpindi, Narowal and Faisalabad have been suspended. Authorities are working to restore operations, but delays are expected.

This incident follows a similar accident involving the Rahman Baba Express, which was travelling from Karachi to Peshawar. At Drigh Road Station, three of its coaches derailed due to a broken coupler. Though no passengers were injured, the derailment blocked the mainline, leading to disruptions in train schedules. While operations on the down track resumed after two hours, delays persisted on the up track, affecting multiple services, including Karakoram Express and Business Express. Trains such as Allama Iqbal Express and Millat Express also experienced delays ranging from one to three hours.

Railway authorities are continuing efforts to clear the tracks and restore normal train operations. These accidents add to a series of derailments in recent months, including an incident in September 2024 when three coaches of the Sir Syed Express went off track near Rohri.

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Punjab Launches First Electric Bus Service in Lahore

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Jan 31, 2025

Gold Prices Hit Record High in Pakistan Amid Global SurgePunjab Launches First Electric Bus Service

Lahore has taken a major step towards eco-friendly public transport with the launch of Punjab’s first fully electric bus service. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the service, which aims to provide a modern, safe and efficient commuting experience.

The new electric buses, each with a capacity of 80 passengers, are designed to ensure comfort and accessibility. They are equipped with GPS tracking, Wi-Fi, USB charging ports and ramps for passengers with disabilities. Safety measures include anti-slip flooring and onboard cameras to prevent harassment.

To support the service, nine specialised charging stations have been established, allowing each bus to travel up to 250 kilometres when fully charged. The buses will initially operate on a 21-kilometre route from the Railway Station to Green Town, running every nine minutes. By mid-February, 42 modern bus shelters will be installed along the route to enhance passenger convenience. The service is expected to accommodate 17,000 commuters daily.

The Chief Minister also reviewed additional upgrades for bus stations, including the installation of solar fans, water coolers and surveillance cameras. She emphasised the importance of special training for the 70 drivers operating the fleet. Additionally, discussions are underway for the potential introduction of electric taxis in Punjab as part of the government’s broader plan for sustainable urban transport.

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Gold Prices Hit Record High in Pakistan Amid Global Surge

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Jan 31, 2025

Gold Prices Hit Record High in Pakistan Amid Global Surge

Gold prices in Pakistan hit an all-time high on Thursday, surging by Rs3,100 per tola to reach Rs291,800, according to the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA). The price initially rose by Rs1,600 to Rs290,300 before climbing further. This increase followed a Rs2,300 jump on Wednesday.

Internationally, gold prices also surged, rising by $15 to $2,778 per ounce before reaching $2,792. Experts say gold remains on an upward trend, with a strong support level at $2,730. However, some analysts warn prices could face resistance around $2,800–$2,810, leading to a potential short-term correction.

Market trends will depend on upcoming US inflation data and the weakening dollar, which has supported gold’s rise. Investors continue to turn to gold as a safe haven amid global economic uncertainty, with some experts predicting it could reach $3,000 by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s economy remains under pressure. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported a $76 million drop in foreign exchange reserves, now standing at $11.37 billion. The rupee also weakened slightly, closing at 278.97 per dollar after losing four paisa.

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UFC Fighter Bryce Mitchell Called Adolf Hitler a ‘Good Guy’

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Usman Kashmirwala

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Jan 31, 2025

UFC Fighter Bryce Mitchell Called Adolf Hitler a 'Good Guy'

UFC fighter Bryce Mitchell has sparked controversy after making antisemitic remarks on his new podcast, “ArkanSanity Podcast.” The Arkansas native, known for his outspoken views, praised Adolf Hitler and denied the Holocaust, prompting widespread condemnation.

The Controversial Podcast Episode

In the podcast’s first episode, co-hosted by Roli Delgado, Mitchell discussed a gesture by Elon Musk that was interpreted as a Nazi salute. Mitchell claimed Hitler was a “good guy” before his alleged drug use, stating, “I really do think before Hitler got on meth, he was a guy I’d go fishing with.” He further defended Hitler’s actions, repeating discredited and extremist narratives about “purifying” Germany.

UFC fighter says Adolf Hitler was a 'good guy' in shameful rant | Metro News — Source: Metro

Despite these declarations, Mitchell has continued to assert that he does not hate Jewish people or identify as a Nazi. Many in the MMA community and beyond have condemned his remarks as historically ignorant and deeply offensive.

UFC CEO Dana White Responds

UFC CEO Dana White addressed the controversy during a news conference in Saudi Arabia, strongly criticising Mitchell’s statements. “I’ve heard a lot of dumb and ignorant s*** over the years, but this is probably the worst,” White told reporters. “Hitler was responsible for the deaths of six million Jews. And that’s a guy you’d want to go fishing with?”

However, White clarified that they would not take disciplinary actions, citing free speech. “That’s the beautiful thing about this business,” White said. “For all of you who hate Bryce Mitchell, you get to see him hopefully get his a** whooped on global television.”

Hitler Was A Good Guy': UFC Star Bryce Mitchell Says Late German Chancellor Kicked 'Greedy Jews' Out To Purify His Country; Video Viral — Source: FPJ

Mitchell’s UFC Standing

Currently ranked 13th in the UFC featherweight division with a record of 17-3, Mitchell has yet to comment on the firestorm. His statements have rekindled discussions regarding what is expected of a public figure in the sports world and where free speech stops and hate speech takes over.

While the UFC had punished fighters before for controversial statements or actions, not punishing Mitchell shows the selectively in handling inflammatory remarks. The whole controversy speaks of a larger cultural shift where sports figures are increasingly being made accountable for what they say, whether in the cage or outside it.

It doesn’t matter that the discussions would continue; there is one certainty: Mitchell has now become at the centre of yet another controversy over extremism in public discourse.

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American Woman in Karachi Demands $100,000 from Government

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Jan 31, 2025

American Woman in Karachi Demands $100,000 from Government

Social worker Ramazan Chhipa has provided shelter, food and clothing to an American woman found wandering in distress in Karachi. “We gave her clothes and food. We have to believe what she says,” Chhipa stated during a press conference. He was accompanied by the US citizen, who claimed she had come to Pakistan to marry her love, a resident of Garden, Karachi.

Chhipa urged the woman’s husband to come forward, assuring, “Let him come here and I will arrange his meeting with Oneja (the woman).” He also emphasised the importance of handling the matter respectfully. “The woman’s mental state is unstable. She speaks inconsistently,” he added, urging her family to arrive as soon as possible. According to Chhipa, the Tipu Sultan police station had handed her over to his organisation after finding her homeless. “She had been homeless for several days. I couldn’t bear to see her in distress,” he said.

Despite police and embassy officials trying to convince Oneja to reconsider, she remains firm in her decision to stay. She stated that the US Embassy does not support her and said she dislikes their involvement. She also mentioned, “I will soon travel to Dubai with my husband,” and demanded $100,000 from the government.

As the situation escalated, residents of her alleged husband’s apartment complex expressed concern about her presence. In response, the building management has restricted access to non-residents and closed the main entrance for security.

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Allama Iqbal International Airport to a Get New Terminal

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