ISLAMABAD: — Researchers have uncovered a major breakthrough in the treatment and prevention of Type 2 diabetes, offering new hope to millions of patients worldwide. A study published in Nature Communications highlights the role of a gene called SMOC1, which appears to play a central role in the onset of the disease. The discovery opens the door to the development of more effective therapies targeting the underlying causes of Type 2 diabetes. According to the research, SMOC1 affects specialized cells in the pancreas responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. When this gene becomes overactive, the insulin-producing beta cells lose their…
Author: Aslam
LAHORE: — Renowned Pakistani musician and singer Bilal Maqsood celebrated the marriage of his daughter Zahra on Sunday, 4 January, in a simple and private ceremony with close family and guests from her foreign in-laws. The wedding took place in an intimate setting attended by Bilal Maqsood’s father, the celebrated scriptwriter and literary personality Anwar Maqsood, who was seen in a white kurta paired with a mint-green waistcoat alongside his grandchildren. Bilal Maqsood addressed the media and public through Instagram regarding the viral wedding photographs, stating:”With love and respect, we have noticed that some private photos from the ceremony have…
LAHORE : Pakistani authorities have taken into custody Sarbjit Kaur, an Indian Sikh national who converted to Islam after arriving in Pakistan on a pilgrimage visa, along with her Pakistani husband Naseer Hussain, officials confirmed. According to Punjab’s Minister for Minority Affairs, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, the 48-year-old woman could be deported to India via Wagah border in the coming days, while her husband remains under investigation under Pakistani law. Sarbjit Kaur arrived in Pakistan on 4 November 2025 as part of a Sikh pilgrimage group, with her visa valid until 13 November. However, she did not return with the…
DHAKA: — The Bangladesh government on Monday ordered an indefinite suspension of all broadcasts, promotions and event coverage of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the country, saying the move was taken “in the public interest. According to the official statement, the suspension — which covers television telecasts, online streaming, promotions and related event coverage — came into effect on 5 January and will remain in force until further notice. The decision follows widespread public anger in Bangladesh after the removal of national fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad, a development that prompted strong political and…
KARACHI: Law enforcement agencies in Karachi have successfully foiled a major terror plot, seizing over 2,000 kilograms of ready-to-use explosives and arresting three terrorists in a swift operation. Additional IG CTD Zulfiqar Lark and DIG CTD Ghulam Azfar Mahesar held a press briefing in Karachi, revealing that security forces conducted a raid in Baldia Rais Goth, recovering more than 2,000kg of explosives and arresting one terrorist on the spot. Subsequent raids, guided by the initial suspect’s information, led to the arrest of two more terrorists at six different locations across the city. According to DIG Mahesar, preliminary investigations indicate that…
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s upper regions remain in the grip of intense cold, with fresh snowfall turning mountains white and freezing lakes across several areas, while tourism activity has increased in popular hill stations of Azad Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Islamabad continues to experience dry and chilly weather accompanied by fog, with the sky remaining overcast throughout the day. The Pakistan Meteorological Department said there is no likelihood of rainfall in the federal capital. In Lahore, cold weather has intensified, although a noticeable reduction in fog was observed. The city recorded a minimum temperature of 7 degrees Celsius. In Murree, also…
SYDNEY: Brisbane Heat have named Pakistani fast bowler Zaman Khan as a replacement for injured pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi for the remainder of the KFC Big Bash League (BBL), the franchise confirmed on Friday. Zaman Khan has been cleared as an international replacement player and will be available for Heat’s remaining matches in the tournament. He is expected to feature in Saturday’s clash against his former side Sydney Thunder at the Gabba. The 23-year-old previously represented Sydney Thunder during the 13th edition of the Big Bash League, where he impressed by claiming eight wickets in four matches at an average…
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has supported a reduction in heavy taxes imposed on imported mobile phones, citing growing public concern over the rising cost of smartphones in the country. According to PTA officials, the existing tax regime has made modern smartphones unaffordable for a large segment of the population, limiting access to essential digital services. The authority noted that mobile phones are no longer a luxury item but a basic necessity for education, business, digital banking, and online employment. Sources said the PTA has submitted formal recommendations to the government, urging a review of import duties and taxes…
PESHAWAR: The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Bannu Region and Lakki Marwat Police carried out a joint intelligence-based operation in Lakki Marwat district, killing three militants, officials said on Tuesday. According to CTD authorities, the operation was conducted within the limits of Noorng Police Station. The slain militants were identified as target killer Muhammad alias Mujahid, Khaji Fawadullah alias Maaz, and Afnan Khan alias Afnani. Officials said the militants were wanted in multiple cases, including attacks on police, terrorism, murder, and attempted murder. During the operation, law enforcement personnel recovered weapons and other materials from their possession. CTD officials confirmed that…
LAKKI MARWAT: At least one person was killed and nine others, including two women, were injured on Monday after an explosion targeted a private factory bus in the Novardah Khail area of Lakki Marwat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to police, the incident occurred within the jurisdiction of Lakki City Police Station when a bus transporting workers to a cement factory was hit by an explosive device near Baghokhel Road. The blast caused severe damage to the vehicle, resulting in casualties among the passengers. District Police Spokesperson Qudratullah stated that the attack was carried out by militants linked to Fitna al-Khawarij,…
