ISLAMABAD: A man accused of shooting dead a 17-year-old TikTok star at her home in the federal capital after she had repeatedly rejected his advances was formally indicted on September 20. Sana Yousaf’s murder in June drew nationwide condemnation and reignited debate over women’s safety, after some online comments — alongside condolences — blamed her for her own death. The 22-year-old accused, Umar Hayat, pleaded not guilty in Islamabad’s district and sessions court. “All the allegations
Child Rights in Focus
Petition Filed in PHC for Protection of Children’s Rights
September 21, 2025
PESHAWAR: A writ petition has been filed in the Peshawar High Court (PHC) seeking immediate government action for the protection of children’s rights, which remain unimplemented despite the existence of multiple laws. The petition, filed by Dr Syed Akhtar Ali Shah, Chairman of the Good Governance Forum, requests the court to direct the government to rescue children forced into begging at traffic signals and those engaged in labour at workshops. The provincial government, Chairman
Man Guns Down Wife, Father in Faisalabad Dispute, Daughter Injured
September 21, 2025
FAISALABAD: A man opened fire on his family, killing his wife and father and leaving his 12-year-old daughter critically injured in domestic quarrel on September 20. According to police, the incident took place in Chak 50-JB, Sathiala, in the jurisdiction of Nishatabad Police Station. The suspect, Sajjad Ahmad, shot his wife Shazia, 40, and daughter Tayyaba Noor, 12, during an argument. When his father, 65-year-old Ghulam Farid, tried to intervene, Sajjad also fired at
As Thousands of Children Battle Thalassaemia, Gaps in Screening and Policy Continue to put Families at Risk
September 21, 2025
Seven-year-old Muhammad Aban, from a poor family and currently admitted to Benazir Children’s Hospital in Mardan (BCHM), longs to play with other children but is too weak due to complications from thalassaemia. Diagnosed when he was just 11 months old, he needs two to three blood transfusions every week to survive. His mother, Aneela Bibi, says he has spent much of his childhood in hospitals undergoing treatment. Aban’s 11-year-old elder brother also suffers from
Teen Domestic Worker Found Dead
September 20, 2025
LAHORE: A 15-year-old domestic worker died under mysterious circumstances at the house of a police official in Kahna. Local police officials said they were awaiting the medico-legal report before deciding their course of action in the case. The girl, was found hanging in the residence of Sub-Inspector Najaf Bhatti on September 17. While the police initially declared the death a suicide, the father of the deceased rejected the claim, alleging that his daughter had
Loopholes help Child Abuse Offenders Escape Punishment
September 20, 2025
KARACHI: Despite the presence of strict laws against sexual harassment and exploitation of children and women, weaknesses in investigation and prosecution continue to allow offenders to escape punishment, contributing to a surge in child abuse cases. Recent incidents, including the Qayyumabad case involving indecent videos of minors, have amplified fears among parents and children. Legal experts warn that while Pakistan has tightened laws in this domain, convictions remain rare due to poor investigations and
60.86pc Pass Inter Exams
September 20, 2025
LAHORE: The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISEs) Lahore and Multan announced the results of the Intermediate Annual Examination, 2025 Part-II on September 18. Task Force Committee for Boards Chairman Mazhar Mahmood, and Higher Education Boards Additional Secretary Noman Jamil announced the results. Lahore Board Secretary Rizwan Nazir and Controller of Examinations Tauseefur Rehman were also present. A total of 180,329 candidates appeared in the annual examination 2025 part-II, out of which 109,714
Timely Treatment Key to Controlling Atopic Eczema
September 20, 2025
Lahore: The Department of Dermatology at Lahore General Hospital organised an awareness walk on the occasion of World Atopic Eczema Day on September 18. Ameer-ud-Din Medical College (AMC) Principal Prof Dr Farooq Afzal while addressing participants of walk said that atopic eczema is a skin disease that is treatable, but negligence and delay in treatment can make the situation complicated, therefore, timely awareness, accurate diagnosis, and proper treatment are essential to control this skin
Four Minor Girls Identify Suspected Karachi Serial Rapist Before Magistrate
September 20, 2025
KARACHI: Four minor rape survivors identified a suspected serial rapist before a judicial magistrate while recording their statements on September 18. Investigating officer (IO) Muhammad Sajjad produced the suspect before Judicial Magistrate (South) Kalsoom Mustafa Sahto, while the survivor girls also appeared before the court to record their statements. According to the prosecution, the four victims identified the suspected rapist before the magistrate while recording their statements under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code
Barriers to Education for Autistic Children in Pakistan
September 19, 2025
In the following video, learn about the Economic ecosystem and the financial barriers that hinder the mainstreaming of autistic children in Pakistan.
Murder Case Registered After Minor Girl Found Dead in Surjani Home
September 19, 2025
Police have registered a murder case over the mysterious death of an 11-year-old girl in Surjani Town after the victim’s father refused to lodge a complaint. An FIR was registered under Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code at the Surjani Town police station on the complaint of ASI Nawaz. According to the FIR, the complainant received a phone call on September 15 informing him about the death of a minor girl. Upon reaching
SHC Questions Delay in Rehabilitation of Schools Damaged During 2022 Flood
September 19, 2025
SUKKUR: The Sindh High Court, Sukkur bench, has expressed its dismay over delay in the rehabilitation of flood-affected schools in Sangi area. During the hearing on Thursday, officials from the education department and the education works department appeared before the constitutional bench comprising Justice Zulfiqar Ali Sangi and Justice Riazat Ali Sahar. The petitioner, Abdul Malik Zabiullah Jatoi, told the court that school buildings were destroyed in the 2022 floods, and despite the passage of