The helicopters were hired for 17 days, from August 28 to September 13, 2025, as the province dealt with the flood emergency.

However, the payment and subsequent regularization of the expenditure have raised several procedural and financial questions from government departments.

Finance Department Questions Delayed Payment Process

The Punjab Finance Department questioned why the process to regularize and clear the payment was initiated eight months after the helicopter services had already been provided.

According to the available record, there was no clear explanation for the delay.

The department also raised concerns about the verification of the helicopter’s flying hours. It noted that the government record did not include independent verification of the flying logs to confirm the actual number of hours for which the provincial government was billed.

Concerns Over Helicopter Service Rates

Questions were also raised regarding the rates charged by the private company.

The Finance Department observed that there was no independent assessment available to establish whether the rates were reasonable and consistent with prevailing market prices.

For emergency services, determining whether the quoted rates reflect market conditions is particularly important because direct contracting may be used without the same competitive process normally required for government procurement.

PPRA Highlights Emergency Procurement Requirements

The Punjab Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) acknowledged that direct contracting can be permitted during emergency situations.

However, it emphasized that the relevant legal provisions must be clearly identified and properly followed.

PPRA also stressed the importance of market research and analysis before determining the rates for emergency services. This would help establish whether the amount being claimed is reasonable and justified.

Tax Implications Also Under Review

The documents also highlight concerns regarding potential tax liabilities.

The Finance Department noted that applicable taxes and other tax implications had not been adequately addressed during the processing of the payment.

As a result, the government will need to examine whether all relevant tax obligations were properly considered before the Rs. 160.3 million payment is finalized.

Rs. 72.23 Billion Already Released for Flood Operations

The Punjab Finance Department had already released approximately Rs. 72.23 billion for flood rescue, relief and rehabilitation activities.

Despite the availability of substantial funds for the emergency response, questions remain over the procedure followed to hire the helicopters and the subsequent process used to regularize the expenditure.

The issue is therefore not simply about the availability of funds, but also about whether the procurement, verification and payment procedures were properly followed.

Punjab Chief Secretary Defends Emergency Hiring

The Punjab Chief Secretary maintained that the helicopters were hired under emergency circumstances and stated that payment for the services is the responsibility of the provincial government.

The government is now expected to examine the outstanding issues before the Rs. 160.3 million payment is processed.

Key areas under review include the eight-month delay in regularization, independent verification of flying hours, assessment of market-based rates and applicable tax obligations.

The case highlights the financial and procedural challenges governments can face when making urgent procurement decisions during major natural disasters, where immediate response is essential but proper documentation and accountability remain equally important.

Speaking in an interview with former Pakistan cricketer Fawad Alam, Afridi discussed a wide range of topics, including Karachi’s infrastructure, his early cricketing days, the 2010 spot-fixing controversy, criticism surrounding Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi’s captaincy and his advice to young cricketers.

Afridi Shares His Concerns About Karachi

Afridi began by praising the people of Karachi but explained that moving to Islamabad became necessary for a better quality of life.

Reflecting on his visits back to his hometown, the former captain said he feels disappointed to see roads and infrastructure still in poor condition despite years of development work.

He also questioned why Karachi continues to face infrastructure problems despite significant investment in construction and property development.

According to Afridi, Karachi has tremendous potential, but much more needs to be done to improve the city’s infrastructure and living conditions.

Praises Shahrah-e-Bhutto Expressway

While criticizing the overall condition of Karachi’s infrastructure, Afridi acknowledged that some projects have brought positive changes.

He specifically mentioned the Shahrah-e-Bhutto Expressway, saying it was an example of useful development in the city. However, he stressed that one or two major projects are not enough to meet the needs of a city as large as Karachi.

Afridi also highlighted Islamabad’s infrastructure and location as major reasons behind his decision to relocate. He said the city’s connectivity to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Lahore through the motorway makes travelling more convenient.

Karachi Played a Major Role in Afridi’s Cricket Journey

Despite his criticism of the city’s infrastructure, Afridi spoke fondly about the Karachi where he grew up and began his cricket journey.

He recalled how passionate the city was about cricket, saying children in his neighbourhood would play the sport throughout the day. He also remembered looking up to cricketing heroes such as Imran Khan.

Afridi revealed that he initially started as a fast bowler before eventually switching to spin. He also trained under former cricketer Mohsin Rasheed during his early years.

According to Afridi, Karachi’s club cricket scene was highly competitive, with large crowds attending matches and even established first-class players taking part.

He described earning a place in a Karachi cricket club as a significant achievement and said the city’s cricket culture played a major role in making the sport an important part of his life.

Afridi Reflects on 2010 Spot-Fixing Scandal

The former Pakistan captain also revisited the 2010 spot-fixing scandal, describing it as one of the most difficult periods of his career.

The controversy involved three Pakistan players who were later found guilty of deliberately bowling no-balls during a Test match in England.

Afridi said he had concerns at the time and had attempted to protect younger players from certain individuals, but felt that his warnings were not acted upon by team management.

The revelations, he said, came as a major shock because he had not imagined that players within the national team could become involved in such actions.

Looking back, Afridi said he now prefers to leave the controversy in the past.

Afridi Defends His Views on Babar Azam

Afridi also addressed the perception that he has been overly critical of former Pakistan captain Babar Azam.

He said some of his comments have been misunderstood on social media and stressed that criticism should not automatically be interpreted as opposition.

Afridi praised Babar as one of Pakistan’s most consistent players and said he considers him among the best players he has seen in the country.

However, he emphasized that even great players need to continue developing throughout their careers. He compared Babar’s journey with that of India’s Virat Kohli, pointing out that Kohli also developed gradually before reaching the highest level.

Afridi said he has consistently praised Babar, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan, while also believing that their individual performances should ultimately contribute to Pakistan winning more matches.

Advice to Shaheen Shah Afridi on Captaincy

Speaking about his son-in-law, Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, the former captain revealed that he had advised him to think carefully before accepting the national captaincy.

Afridi said captaincy comes with enormous pressure because the leader is often held responsible when the team does not perform.

He explained that a captain has to manage personal performance, team results and media expectations simultaneously.

Although Afridi tried to discourage Shaheen from taking on the responsibility, he acknowledged that leading Pakistan is a dream for many cricketers and there is nothing wrong with wanting the role.

He also emphasized the importance of giving a captain the authority needed to make decisions effectively.

Afridi’s Message to Young Cricketers

Afridi concluded with advice for aspiring cricketers, urging them to dream big, work hard and remain disciplined.

He encouraged young players to aim for representing Pakistan rather than settling for limited ambitions, while emphasizing that there are no shortcuts to success.

He also warned young cricketers about spending too much time on social media, saying that the pressure and criticism associated with online platforms can negatively affect players during difficult periods.

His message was simple: focus on cricket first, stay disciplined and let your performance speak for itself.

For Afridi, Karachi may have shaped his cricketing journey, but his latest comments show that his connection with the city remains deeply personal—even as he continues to question whether its infrastructure has kept pace with its enormous potential.

The couple confirmed the milestone through social media, with Ronaldo sharing a romantic image on Instagram showing two hands wearing wedding rings. The post quickly attracted millions of likes, highlighting the huge global interest surrounding the couple.

Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez Tie the Knot

According to Portuguese media reports, Ronaldo and Rodríguez exchanged vows on 11 August in Cascais, a picturesque coastal town near Lisbon. Their five children are also reported to have attended the special occasion.

The wedding marks a major milestone for the couple, who have been together for around a decade. Ronaldo and Rodríguez first met at a Gucci store in Madrid, where Rodríguez was working at the time. Ronaldo was then playing for Real Madrid.

The couple announced their engagement on 11 August last year. Rodríguez shared a photograph of her large diamond engagement ring alongside a heartfelt message in Spanish, confirming that she had said yes.

A Family of Seven

Ronaldo is the father of five children, with two of them being his children with Rodríguez. She has also played an important role in raising his other three children.

The couple welcomed their first daughter together, Alana Martina, in 2017. Their youngest daughter, Bella, was born in April 2022. Bella was born alongside a twin brother, who sadly passed away shortly after birth.

The family currently lives together in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Ronaldo continues his football career.

Ronaldo’s Remarkable Football Career

The wedding comes during another significant chapter in Ronaldo’s extraordinary football career. The Portuguese superstar has scored nearly 1,000 goals while representing some of the biggest clubs in football, including Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al-Nassr, as well as the Portugal national team.

Ronaldo remains captain of Portugal and recently appeared at his sixth and final FIFA World Cup, setting a record for the number of appearances at men’s World Cup finals alongside Argentina’s Lionel Messi.

The 41-year-old has also won the prestigious Ballon d’Or five times, placing him second on the all-time list behind Messi, who has claimed the award eight times.

Ronaldo Set to Remain at Al-Nassr

Ronaldo’s football future also remains firmly tied to Saudi Arabia. After joining Al-Nassr in 2022, the Portuguese forward signed a new two-year contract that will reportedly keep him at the Riyadh-based club until 2027.

Beyond football, Ronaldo has also built an enormous business empire and global personal brand. Last year, the Bloomberg Billionaires Index estimated his net worth at approximately $1.4 billion, making him the first football player to reach billionaire status.

With a legendary football career, a growing family and now a marriage to Georgina Rodríguez, Ronaldo enters another memorable chapter both on and off the pitch.

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab recently visited Orangi Town to inaugurate a new operational base of the Sindh Integrated Emergency and Health Services (SIEHS), the organization behind the province’s Rescue 1122 ambulance network.

The emergency base has been shifted from Kati Pahari to a government-owned building near Banaras, with the aim of improving response times in Orangi Town and other densely populated areas.

So far, so good.

But then came the moment that got social media talking: the mayor hopped onto a bicycle ambulance.

And yes, it looks exactly like what you’re imagining.

Wait… Is That Actually an Ambulance?

Before anyone starts imagining a patient being rushed to the hospital on the back of a bicycle, there’s an important detail: bicycle ambulances are not new.

Rescue 1122 introduced Karachi’s bicycle ambulance service back in May 2025.

The idea is actually fairly practical. Karachi has plenty of neighborhoods where roads are so narrow, crowded or blocked by traffic that a conventional ambulance can spend precious minutes simply trying to reach the patient.

A bicycle, on the other hand, can squeeze through places where a full-sized ambulance would basically need a miracle—and perhaps a police escort.

SIEHS has also displayed mountain-bike ambulances as part of its emergency fleet and introduced female rapid-response bicycle teams during 2025.

But Why Is Everyone Making Fun of It?

The internet, being the internet, naturally had questions.

For many people, the bicycle’s extremely basic appearance made the initiative look less like an emergency innovation and more like “Karachi traffic finally defeated the ambulance.”

The sight of the mayor personally riding the pedal-powered vehicle also gave social media plenty of material.

Critics questioned whether a bicycle ambulance should be presented as a major technological achievement when Karachi continues to struggle with bigger issues involving healthcare, transportation and emergency infrastructure.

And let’s be honest: if your city has potholes large enough to qualify as swimming pools, the phrase “advanced emergency transport” is going to invite a few jokes.

Okay, But Does the Bicycle Actually Make Sense?

Surprisingly, yes.

A bicycle ambulance obviously isn’t going to replace a conventional ambulance. It can’t transport a patient to the hospital, carry extensive life-support equipment or provide the space and protection of a proper road ambulance.

Nobody is going to be loading a patient onto it and shouting, “Chalo bhai, hospital!”

That’s not the point.

The bicycle is designed for first response.

In crowded markets, narrow streets and heavily congested neighborhoods, a trained responder on a bicycle may be able to reach a patient several minutes before a larger ambulance.

Those few minutes can matter.

A responder can assess the situation, provide first aid and begin stabilizing the patient while a conventional ambulance makes its way through Karachi’s legendary traffic.

So, Is It a Joke or Actually Useful?

Perhaps a little bit of both.

The bicycle ambulance may look funny—and watching a mayor inaugurate an emergency service by riding one certainly makes for a memorable headline.

But underneath the memes is a fairly simple idea: sometimes the fastest emergency vehicle isn’t the biggest one.

The real question isn’t whether a bicycle looks impressive. It’s whether it can help emergency responders reach people faster.

In a city where traffic can turn a 10-minute journey into a small documentary series, maybe the humble bicycle deserves a chance.

Just don’t expect it to start competing with Formula 1 anytime soon.

Despite their deep political differences, leaders from both parties have publicly backed the idea of creating additional provinces, with South Punjab emerging as the first potential new province.

The unexpected agreement came during a television appearance, where representatives of both parties expressed support for changing Pakistan’s existing administrative structure.

‘New Provinces Will Definitely Be Formed’

Federal Minister for Defence Production Raza Hayat Hiraj made a strong statement, saying new provinces will “definitely” be created.

Hiraj also dismissed speculation about political changes at the federal level, saying neither Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif nor Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi are going anywhere.

According to Hiraj, the prime minister himself will oversee the creation of the new provinces.

His comments add weight to growing discussions in political circles about whether Pakistan could soon embark on one of its biggest administrative changes in decades.

PTI Also Backs the Idea

Interestingly, PTI Chief Whip Malik Amir Dogar also expressed agreement with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s position that new provinces should be created.

Dogar said there was complete consensus over the creation of South Punjab, while arguing that future provinces should be established according to population.

He indicated that South Punjab should be the first region considered for provincial status.

The apparent agreement between representatives of two political parties that have remained fierce rivals makes the development particularly noteworthy.

Mohsin Naqvi’s Blunt Warning

The debate gained momentum after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi delivered unusually direct remarks at the first Pakistan Economic Summit in Islamabad last week.

Naqvi argued that Pakistan’s existing governance structure has effectively failed to address the country’s long-standing problems.

“The system we are living under has collapsed,” he said, arguing that simply continuing with the same structure would not resolve the country’s challenges.

According to the interior minister, Pakistan has been operating under the same basic system for decades, while problems continue to pile up.

He also stressed that democracy can take different forms and suggested that major administrative reforms should be considered.

‘Take It to the Public’

Naqvi said meaningful change would require public involvement and suggested that the question of new provinces or administrative units should ultimately be taken to the people.

He warned that if the current system continues unchanged, Pakistan could still be debating the same problems years from now.

His remarks have added fresh momentum to the long-running debate over whether Pakistan needs additional provinces to improve governance, administration and representation.

Could South Punjab Be the First?

With both PML-N and PTI figures now publicly expressing support for new provinces—and South Punjab being specifically mentioned—the question is no longer simply whether the idea has political backing.

The bigger question is whether Pakistan is actually preparing to redraw its administrative map.

For years, demands for a separate South Punjab province have remained part of the country’s political debate. But the latest statements from rival political camps could signal a significant shift.

Whether these statements eventually translate into legislation and constitutional changes remains to be seen.

One thing, however, is clear: an issue that has divided Pakistani politics for years now appears to have found common ground between two of its biggest political rivals.

And that could make the debate over new provinces one of Pakistan’s most closely watched political stories in the months ahead.

From IBA Graduate to Successful Entrepreneur

Mir Raza Ali was widely known as a young entrepreneur who transformed a simple waffle cart into one of Karachi’s recognized dessert brands. A graduate of the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi, he launched Wafflix with a classmate and steadily expanded the business through determination and hard work.

His entrepreneurial journey inspired many young Pakistanis, making him a symbol of ambition and innovation in the country’s growing startup ecosystem.

How Did Mir Raza Ali Go Missing?

According to police, Mir Raza Ali left his home in PECHS Block 2 during the early hours of July 28, 2026, telling his family that he would return within ten minutes.

Security camera footage later captured him getting into a white vehicle outside his residence, leading many to initially believe he had been abducted.

Two days later, his body was discovered in bushes near Shahi Qila in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, opposite the University of Karachi. Authorities confirmed he had suffered a gunshot wound to the chest.

Investigation Takes an Unexpected Turn

As investigators reconstructed his final movements, the case took an unexpected direction.

According to officials familiar with the investigation, Mir Raza Ali had recently been dealing with significant financial difficulties. Police say he had reportedly suffered investment losses worth millions of rupees and was under pressure to repay investors.

Investigators also learned that he had requested a loan of Rs30 million from one investor, but the request was declined. The same investor reportedly told police that Mir had mentioned experiencing “weird thoughts” before his disappearance.

Police Trace His Final Hours

Investigators believe Mir returned to his office after arriving home from work, where he allegedly collected a pistol before returning home again.

Police say he left behind the keys to his house and car, his wristwatch, and some cash for his mother. Investigators also determined that all data on his iPhone had been deleted before he disappeared.

According to the statement of an online ride-hailing driver, Mir hired a cab, requested his favorite song during the journey, and paid the driver more than the required fare.

CCTV footage from Gulistan-e-Jauhar later showed him walking alone after being dropped off. Investigators say no one else was seen accompanying him.

Missing Pistol Raises Questions

Police later recovered Mir’s mobile phone after tracing a person who had allegedly found it and inserted a SIM card into the device.

Investigators also recovered the holster for his pistol hanging from a tree near the location where his body was found. However, the firearm itself has not yet been recovered.

Officials believe it is possible that someone passing through the area may have taken both the phone and the weapon.

Why Police Are Not Ruling Anything Out

Although several pieces of evidence have led investigators to consider the possibility of suicide, police say the case is far from closed.

According to investigators, three major questions remain unanswered:

• Why did Mir travel to that specific location in Gulistan-e-Jauhar?
• Where is the missing pistol?
• Why was no gunshot residue detected on his hands, despite medical experts confirming that the bullet was fired from close range?

Officials noted that because the body had partially decomposed before being discovered, it is possible that any gunshot residue had deteriorated over time.

Investigation Still Underway

Police say they are continuing to analyze CCTV footage, review Mir Raza Ali’s call records, and interview family members, friends, business associates, and other individuals connected to the case.

Authorities remain hopeful that the investigation will provide clearer answers in the coming days.

For now, the circumstances surrounding the death of the young entrepreneur remain under investigation, and officials have not reached a final conclusion regarding the cause of his death.

Just when fans thought comedian and television host Tabish Hashmi had bid farewell to Hasna Mana Hai, Geo TV has turned the story on its head.

After Hashmi’s emotional farewell message sparked widespread reports that he was leaving the popular comedy talk show, Geo TV has now confirmed that he will continue hosting the program—leaving viewers wondering what really happened behind the scenes.

Geo TV Confirms Tabish Hashmi Will Continue

In a post shared on the official Hasna Mana Hai X account on August 2, Geo TV announced:

“Finally, HMH ka S̶o̶f̶t̶w̶a̶r̶e̶ Set update ho gaya hai. Watch brand new HMH with the same old Tabish Hashmi only on Geo TV Network.”

The announcement makes it clear that while the show is getting a refreshed format, Tabish Hashmi will remain its host.

Why the Confusion?

The latest update comes shortly after Hashmi’s Instagram farewell message, which many fans interpreted as confirmation that he was stepping away from the show. The post quickly fueled speculation across social media, with many believing his journey on Hasna Mana Hai had come to an end.

However, neither Geo TV nor Tabish Hashmi has publicly explained why the farewell message was posted or what it actually referred to. It remains unclear whether it marked the end of a production season, a temporary break, the relaunch of the show, or something else entirely.

Was It a Marketing Strategy?

The conflicting announcements have led to plenty of speculation online. Some social media users believe the farewell message may have been part of a promotional campaign designed to build excitement for the show’s revamped version.

At the same time, another theory circulating online suggested that Hashmi’s recent comments in support of Kashmir may have contributed to his reported departure. However, there is no official statement or credible evidence linking his temporary farewell to his political views, and neither Geo TV nor Hashmi has addressed these claims.

So, What Really Happened?

For now, the only confirmed information is Geo TV’s public announcement that viewers can expect to see “the same old Tabish Hashmi” in a refreshed version of Hasna Mana Hai.

Whether the farewell was part of a carefully planned promotional campaign, a misunderstanding, or something else entirely remains unknown.

What do you think? Was this simply a clever marketing stunt to create buzz around the show’s relaunch, or was there another reason behind the unexpected twist? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

The unusual phenomenon has drawn attention from Saudi Arabia’s renowned climate and astronomy expert, Dr. Abdullah Al Misnad, who explained that the rare occurrence is the result of the difference between the Islamic lunar calendar and the Gregorian solar calendar.

Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which follows the Earth’s orbit around the Sun, the Islamic calendar is based on the phases of the Moon. As a result, the Islamic year is around 11 days shorter, causing Islamic months to shift earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar.

Over time, this gradual shift allows Islamic events—including Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr, and Eid-ul-Adha—to move through every season. In exceptionally rare cases, the timing aligns in a way that allows three Eid celebrations to fall within the same Gregorian year.

That’s exactly what’s expected to happen in 2039. The year is forecast to begin with one Eid, followed by another later in the year, and then a third Eid before the calendar turns to 2040—creating an extraordinary milestone for Muslims worldwide.

Experts say this rare alignment beautifully illustrates the unique nature of the Islamic calendar and its deep connection to the lunar cycle. While such an event has occurred in the past, it remains an uncommon phenomenon that captures the interest of astronomers and the public alike.

For millions of Muslims, 2039 is shaping up to be a truly special year—one filled with extra moments of celebration, gratitude, and spiritual reflection. It’s a rare reminder of how the lunar calendar continues to create extraordinary moments that bridge faith, astronomy, and history.

According to information released by the influential British publication Daily Mail, the couple’s lavish wedding ceremony will be held this upcoming weekend on Ronaldo’s home island of Madeira.

According to the source, the marriage ceremony will take place at the Main Church of Funchal. After this, the newlyweds, along with their guests, will go to a five-star hotel to celebrate this significant day.

To ensure the confidentiality of the event and the safety of the guests, the hotel management has informed other vacationers in advance that two floors of the complex and several bar areas will be completely closed to outsiders on Friday and Saturday.

It should be noted that Funchal is the city where Cristiano Ronaldo was born, which gives the wedding ceremony a special symbolic meaning.

Ronaldo and Georgina have been together since 2016 and are raising 5 children together. The Portuguese footballer officially proposed to his girlfriend only in 2025. According to reports, this wedding is expected to become one of the most discussed and spectacular ceremonies of the year in the sports world.

Al Jazeera’s English-language website became inaccessible to many users across Pakistan on Monday, a day after the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting publicly accused the Qatar-based news network of biased coverage of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections.

The website could not be accessed through multiple internet connections in Pakistan, including desktop browsers such as Chrome and Firefox, as well as mobile internet services. Several users also reported experiencing similar issues on social media.

At the time of publication, neither the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) nor Al Jazeera had issued a public statement confirming the cause of the disruption or whether any official restriction had been imposed.

The apparent outage follows criticism from Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which on August 2 accused Al Jazeera of “selective reporting” during coverage of polling stations in Muzaffarabad amid the AJK elections.

In a post published on its official X account, the ministry alleged that the broadcaster relied on “carefully chosen timings and scripted statements from selected individuals” to present what it described as a misleading portrayal of the electoral process. The ministry further labeled the coverage as “yellow journalism” and claimed it aligned with the interests of external actors seeking to undermine the credibility of the elections.

Despite the timing of the website’s inaccessibility, no government authority has publicly confirmed that Al Jazeera has been blocked in Pakistan. The exact cause of the disruption remains unknown, and it could not be independently verified whether the issue affected all internet service providers nationwide or was limited to specific networks.

As of publication, Al Jazeera’s website remained inaccessible through several internet connections tested in Pakistan, including desktop and mobile networks. The cause and geographic scope of the disruption have not been independently established.