Imran Khan Calls for Nationwide Protests After 17-Year Jail Term in Toshakhana-2 Case

Imran Khan

Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan urged his supporters to gear up for countrywide protests following a 17-year jail term handed to him and wife Bushra Bibi in a corruption case.Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were sentenced to 17 years in jail each by a court on Saturday in the Toshakhana 2 corruption case.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Khan, 73, who has been in jail since August 2023, faces multiple cases launched against him since his ouster from power in April 2022. The Toshakhana 2 case involves alleged fraud in state gifts that the former first couple received from the Saudi government in 2021.

In a conversation with his lawyers in Adiala Jail after the “military-style trial decision” Khan urged his supporters to stand up in protest after the decision, according to a midnight statement posted on Khan’s X account.

It was not known who posted his conversation on his personal account as Khan has no access to his social media handles in jail.

“I have sent a message to (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister) Sohail Afridi to prepare for the street movement. The entire nation will have to rise for its rights,” he said, and added: “Struggle is worship, and I am even ready to embrace martyrdom for the true freedom of Pakistan!”

He argued that the latest sentence did not come as a surprise and asked his legal team to move the high court against the decision.

“Like the baseless decisions and sentences of the last three years, the Toshakhana-II decision is also nothing new to me. This decision was given in haste by the judge without any evidence and without fulfilling the legal requirements,” he said, adding that his legal team was “not even heard”.

He also said that it was inevitable for the Insaf Lawyers Forum, a group of lawyers to his Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, and the legal community to come forward for justice.

“For the struggle to establish the supremacy of law and restore the Constitution, it is essential for the Justice Lawyers Forum and the lawyers’ front to come to the forefront. Only the system of justice can protect the people. Without it, neither economic progress nor moral development is possible,” he said.

He also targeted the army’s leadership for his detention, but in the same vein said that the “army is mine”, showing his effort to win its support while attacking the top leadership of the armed forces.

Khan also alleged that he and wife were being “continuously subjected to mental torture by keeping us in solitary confinement”.

“There is a ban on our books, TV, and meetings. Every prisoner in jail can watch TV, but even watching TV has been banned for me and Bibi Bushra,” he alleged.

Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023 in case launched after he was removed from office though a no-trust vote in April 2022.

The Toshakhana is a department under the Cabinet Division that stores gifts given to rulers and government officials by heads of other governments and foreign dignitaries. Once deposited, the gifts can be bought back following proper rules and procedures.

In October 2024, Bushra was granted bail by the Islamabad High Court in this case, and a month later, Khan was also granted bail in the same case. They were indicted in December last year.

Pakistani Court Sentences Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi to 17 Years in Toshakhana-2 Case

A Pakistani court on Saturday sentenced Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief and former PM Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 17 years in prison in connection with the Toshakhana-2 corruption case, local media reported.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The case involves the purchase of an expensive jewellery set, gifted to Imran by the Saudi crown prince during an official visit in May 2021, at a nominal price.The verdict was pronounced by Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)’s special court during proceedings conducted at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail, where Imran is being imprisoned.

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Under the ruling, Imran was sentenced to a total of 17 years in prison, receiving 10 years of rigorous imprisonment under several sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, and seven years under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Bushra Bibi also received a 17-year imprisonment sentence under the same legal provisions.

Additionally, both were fined Rs 16.4 million, with failure to pay the fines resulting in further imprisonment.

“This court, while passing sentences, has considered the old age of Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi, as well as the fact that Bushra Imran Khan is a female. It is in consideration of both said factors that a lenient view has been taken in awarding lesser punishment,” Pakistani leading daily Dawn reported, quoting the court order.

Following the verdict, legal teams of Imran and Bushra said they would challenge the verdict before the high court.

The two were reportedly indicted in December last year, and in October this year, both denied the charges, calling them “fabricated and politically motivated” attempts to strip him from politics.

Reports suggest that while recording his statement before the special court, Imran dismissed the prosecution’s version, alleging that the entire case was “malicious, fabricated, and politically engineered”.

He argued that he did not fall within the definition of “public servant” under the Pakistan Penal Code, maintaining that during his tenure as the Prime Minister, he was not aware of the specific details of the gift presented to his wife.

The PTI founder asserted that all procedures under the country’s Toshakhana Policy 2018 were followed. He added that the gift was reported to the PM Office protocol section, assessed, and legally retained following payment to the national exchequer.

“We complied with the Toshakhana Policy in letter and spirit,” he said.

NASA’s IXPE Solves Long-Standing Mystery of X-Ray Origins in Black Hole Jets

NASA

NASA’s Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) has helped astronomers solve a decades-old mystery about the origin of X-rays from powerful jets produced by supermassive black holes. The findings were published on November 11 in The Astrophysical Journal Letters by the American Astronomical Society.

An international team of scientists carried out IXPE’s longest-ever observation of a single object, studying the Perseus Cluster for more than 600 hours over a 60-day period between January and March. This also marked the first time IXPE observed a galaxy cluster.

At the center of the Perseus Cluster lies 3C 84, an active galaxy known for its bright X-ray emissions. Researchers focused on measuring the polarization of X-rays from this galaxy, which provides key clues about how the radiation is produced. To separate the galaxy’s signal from the surrounding hot gas, scientists combined IXPE data with observations from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, NuSTAR, and the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory.

“While measuring the polarization of 3C 84 was one of the key science goals, we are still searching for additional polarization signals in this galaxy cluster that could be signatures of more exotic physics,”said Steven Ehlert project scientist for IXPE and astronomer at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville.

The study found a net X-ray polarization of about 4%, closely matching polarization levels seen in optical and radio observations. These results strongly support the synchrotron self-Compton model, in which X-rays are produced when lower-energy light from the same jet interacts with highly energetic particles.

Scientists say the findings rule out alternative explanations and confirm how X-rays are generated in black hole jets. Further analysis of IXPE data from other regions of the Perseus Cluster is ongoing

Bloodbath at Bondi Beach: Hanukkah Celebration Turns Deadly as 12 Killed, 29 Injured in Terror Attack”

Bloodbath at Bondi Beach

Sydney, December 14, 2025 — Australia has been shaken by a deadly terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, one of the country’s most famous public places, during a Hanukkah celebration organised by Chabad of Bondi. Authorities have confirmed that the Jewish community was deliberately targeted.

The attack happened on the first night of Hanukkah, a time usually marked by prayer, family gatherings and joy. Families, children and community members were present when gunmen opened fire, turning a peaceful event into a scene of panic and tragedy..Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

What Happened

According to police, two attackers dressed in black arrived near the celebration area and began shooting at the crowd using shotguns. Witnesses reported hearing dozens of gunshots, with people running for safety, hiding behind structures, or even jumping into the water to escape.

One of the attackers was shot dead by police during a gunfight. The second attacker was seriously injured and taken into custody. There are also reports that a brave bystander helped stop one attacker by tackling and disarming him.

Police are investigating whether a third person may have been involved. A nearby vehicle was searched, and suspicious items, possibly explosive materials, were found.

Casualties and Injuries

Authorities confirmed that at least 12 people were killed, including one of the attackers.
Around 29 people were injured, among them:

  • Two police officers, both in serious condition
  • A child, whose condition is being closely monitored

Emergency teams acted quickly, with ambulances, helicopters and hospitals placed on high alert across Sydney.

Official Response

New South Wales Police and Premier Chris Minns officially declared the incident a terrorist attack, stating it was a clear act of hatred aimed at the Jewish community.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the scenes were “shocking and distressing” and offered his full support to the victims and their families. He praised emergency responders for their fast action and said there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Security was tightened across Sydney, especially around religious places and public gatherings.

Community and Global Reaction

Jewish leaders in Australia strongly condemned the attack, calling it a targeted act of antisemitism. Many said the attack reflects growing concerns about hatred against Jewish communities worldwide.

International leaders, including officials from Israel, expressed outrage and solidarity with Australia. Messages of support poured in from around the world.

A Rare but Tragic Event

This is being described as Australia’s deadliest mass shooting since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. Australia is known for strict gun laws and very low levels of gun violence, making this attack especially disturbing for the nation.

Investigation Ongoing

Police say the investigation is still underway. The motive, full network of those involved, and final casualty numbers are still being confirmed. Authorities have urged the public to avoid spreading rumours and to rely only on official updates.


Deadly Shooting at Brown University: 2 Students Killed, 9 Injured; Suspect Remains at Large

Brown University

A tragic mass shooting rocked the prestigious Ivy League campus of Brown University on Saturday afternoon, leaving two students dead and nine others injured. The incident occurred amid final exams, turning a routine academic day into one of horror and chaos.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The shooting took place around 4:05 p.m. ET inside the Barus & Holley building, which houses the School of Engineering and Physics Department. According to university officials and Providence police, the attack happened during a review session for a Principles of Economics final exam in a first-floor classroom. Multiple exams were scheduled in the building that day, with exterior doors reportedly unlocked to accommodate students.

Brown University President Christina Paxson confirmed late Saturday that all victims—two killed and at least nine injured—were students. Of the injured, several were in critical but stable condition at Rhode Island Hospital, while one suffered non-life-threatening injuries from fragments.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley described the event as “a deeply tragic day,” noting that the shooter entered the building and opened fire before fleeing on foot via the Hope Street exit. Police described the suspect as a male in his 30s, dressed in all black or dark clothing, possibly wearing a mask or hat. Surveillance video released by Providence police shows a person of interest walking away from the scene, though the face is not clearly visible.

A massive manhunt involving over 400 law enforcement officers—including local police, Rhode Island State Police, FBI, and ATF—continued into the night and early Sunday. The campus and surrounding neighborhoods remained under a shelter-in-place order for hours, with students hiding in darkened rooms, libraries, and gyms. Many relied on informal student chats for updates after initial confusing alerts, including a retracted message claiming a suspect was in custody.

Eyewitness accounts painted a picture of panic: students barricading doors, turning off lights, and whispering in fear. One student in a nearby lab described hearing sirens and rushing to shelter. The university canceled all final exams scheduled for Sunday and announced counseling services for the community.

President Donald Trump stated he was briefed on the incident, and Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee called it “unthinkable.” This marks the first school shooting in Rhode Island since at least 2008, amid a year with over 150 gunfire incidents on U.S. school campuses.

Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI. The motive remains unknown, and the investigation is ongoing.

The Brown community mourns the loss, with tributes pouring in for the victims. This incident underscores the ongoing crisis of gun violence in American educational institutions.

UN Expert Warns Pakistan Over Imran Khan’s Detention Conditions, Raises Torture Concerns

Imran Khan

Alice Jill Edwards, the UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, issued a strong statement urging Pakistan to immediately improve the detention conditions of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

She warned that his treatment could amount to torture or inhuman/degrading punishment, violating international human rights standards.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Imran Khan

Key Concerns Highlighted by the UN Expert

  • Prolonged solitary confinement: Khan has reportedly been confined for up to 23 hours a day in his cell since his transfer to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on September 26, 2023, with constant camera surveillance and highly restricted access to the outside world. Prolonged solitary confinement beyond 15 days is considered psychological torture under international law.
  • Poor physical conditions: His small cell lacks natural light, adequate ventilation, and proper climatic protection, leading to extreme temperatures, foul odors, insect infestations, nausea, vomiting, and significant weight loss.
  • Health issues: At age 73, Khan has pre-existing conditions (spinal injury from 2013 and gunshot wounds from a 2022 assassination attempt) and has reportedly been denied adequate medical care, including visits by personal physicians.
  • Restricted visits: Meetings with lawyers and family are frequently interrupted or prematurely ended; he is denied outdoor exercise, interaction with other inmates, or communal prayers.

Edwards has formally communicated these concerns to the Pakistani government and will continue monitoring the situation.

Background and Political Context

Imran Khan, founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, has been detained since August 2023 on multiple charges (including corruption and inciting violence), which his supporters describe as politically motivated to sideline him after his 2022 ouster via a no-confidence vote. His imprisonment remains a flashpoint in Pakistan’s polarized politics, with ongoing PTI protests demanding his release and allegations of a broader crackdown on the party.

Recent developments include:

  • Protests outside Adiala Jail by PTI supporters, family members, and even the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister (denied access multiple times).
  • Government rebuttals asserting Khan receives facilities per prison rules (better than standard B-class privileges) and has had hundreds of meetings since 2023.
  • Heightened tensions, including resolutions in provincial assemblies calling for PTI bans and warnings of treason cases against Khan.

This UN intervention adds international pressure amid domestic turmoil, with Khan’s family (including ex-wife Jemima Goldsmith) and PTI amplifying claims of inhumane treatment and political persecution. The Pakistani government maintains all actions are lawful.

Chinese Tourist Hu Congtai Deported for Violating Visa Rules After Entering Ladakh and J&K

Hu Congtai

A Chinese national who entered Ladakh and Jammu Kashmir in violation of his visa conditions has been deported to Hong Kong, officials said, according to multiple media reports on Thursday.According to officials cited by The Hindu, Hu Congtai, 29, who was detained in Srinagar last week, was flown to New Delhi on the evening of December 10 for onward deportation.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Congtai had arrived in Delhi on November 19 on a tourist visa that allowed travel only to Buddhist sites in Varanasi, Agra, New Delhi, Jaipur, Sarnath, Gaya and Kushinagar. Instead, he took a flight to Leh on November 20 and failed to register at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office counter at Leh airport.He was taken into custody in Srinagar after landing there from Delhi on December 1.

Afghan Islamic Scholars Declare Foreign Fighting Illegal as Taliban Reaffirm Ban on Cross-Border Militancy

Afghan Islamic Scholars

A major gathering was held at Kabul University where more than one thousand Afghan Islamic scholars, religious leaders, and political figures came together to discuss the issue of security and foreign militancy. At the end of this meeting, a joint declaration was released, and its message was very clear: no Afghan is allowed to leave the country to take part in armed fighting abroad.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Clear Message from Afghan Religious Leaders

The declaration stated that going outside Afghanistan for military operations is not permitted under Islamic law. The scholars stressed that anyone who tries to travel to another country for fighting is acting against the teachings of Islam and the rules of the Afghan state.

In the fourth point of the declaration, the scholars strongly urged the Islamic Emirate — the Taliban government — to take firm and necessary action to stop such individuals. They also called for anyone who breaks this rule to be labelled as a rebel and someone who disobeys the authority of the Islamic Emirate.

This part of the declaration is seen as especially important because it directly concerns cross-border militancy. Neighbouring countries, such as Pakistan, have long raised concerns that armed groups use Afghan soil to plan or launch attacks. The joint statement appears to respond to these concerns by publicly confirming that such activities must not be allowed.

Taliban Supreme Leader Reinforces the Ban

The Taliban’s supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, has spoken many times about this issue. He has clearly said that fighting outside Afghanistan cannot be called jihad. Instead, he describes it simply as war — and such war is forbidden.

Afghanistan’s Defence Minister, Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, repeated this message during a televised address to the country’s security forces. He explained that if any individual leaves Afghanistan to fight in another country without the direct permission of the Amir-ul-Mu’mineen (Supreme Leader), then this action is not considered jihad. Instead, it is an act of disobedience against the Islamic Emirate.

His message was firm: no Afghan fighter should cross the border for armed operations without official approval, and doing so brings harm to both the country and its laws.

Part of International Assurances

The Taliban’s position on foreign fighting is also connected to their commitments to the international community. Since taking control of Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban have repeatedly promised countries such as Pakistan, China, Iran, and the United States that Afghan territory will not be used by militant groups to harm other nations.

Although these assurances exist, many nations have argued that enforcement remains inconsistent. Various governments and organisations have expressed doubts about whether the Taliban are fully capable of controlling all militant groups operating within Afghanistan.

Even so, this new declaration from both scholars and political leaders is seen as an attempt to strengthen Afghanistan’s official policy and show the world that the Taliban leadership does not support cross-border violence.

Importance for Regional Peace

The statement from Kabul University is viewed as part of a wider effort to bring stability to the region. Afghanistan is located in a sensitive geographical area, sharing borders with Pakistan, Iran, China, and Central Asian countries. Any movement of fighters across these borders can quickly lead to tension, conflict, or diplomatic pressure.

By openly declaring that foreign fighting is illegal, the Afghan scholars aim to reduce misunderstandings and to reassure neighbouring countries. Regional peace can only be maintained if Afghanistan itself prevents any group from using its land to start conflicts elsewhere.

A Step Toward Internal Control

Inside Afghanistan, this decision is also seen as a move to strengthen the government’s authority. By labelling unauthorised fighters as rebels, the Taliban are trying to stop internal groups from acting independently. The government wants to show that only the central leadership has the right to make decisions about national security and military matters.

This approach may help the Islamic Emirate bring more discipline within its ranks and reduce the influence of independent armed groups.

Conclusion

The joint declaration by Afghan scholars, combined with repeated instructions from the Taliban leadership, marks an important moment in Afghanistan’s security policy. The message is simple: no Afghan is allowed to take part in armed operations outside the country. Those who do so without permission will be treated as disobedient rebels.

Whether this policy will be fully enforced remains a question, but it is seen as a significant step toward improving regional peace and shaping Afghanistan’s future direction.

Australia Enforces World-First Law Blocking Social Media Access for Children Under 16

Social Media

Australia has officially become the first country in the world to enforce a nationwide minimum age of 16 years for using major social media platforms. The new rules came into effect on 10 December 2025, marking a major shift in how governments regulate online spaces for children.

The law, known as the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024, was passed in late November 2024. It requires major platforms—including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat, X (Twitter), Threads, Reddit, Twitch, and Kick—to take “reasonable steps” to stop children under 16 from creating or keeping accounts.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

If platforms fail to follow the law, they could face huge penalties of up to A$49.5 million (about USD 33 million).


Why Australia Introduced This Law

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the new law as a “landmark moment” for families. He said that the government wants to give parents more control and protect children from growing online risks such as:

  • Cyberbullying
  • Online addiction
  • Predatory behaviour
  • Exposure to violent or inappropriate content
  • Mental health impacts caused by social media pressure

The law has received strong public support, especially from parents and child safety groups.

social media

How Platforms Are Enforcing the Rule

To follow the law, companies must verify users’ ages. Many platforms have started to introduce:

  • Facial age estimation technology
  • ID-based age checks
  • Automated account detection
  • Manual review systems

Some platforms, like Meta (Instagram, Facebook, Threads), even began removing underage accounts earlier in December 2025.

Importantly, children and parents will not be punished. Only platforms are held responsible for allowing underage users.


Criticism and Concerns

While many support the law, some groups have raised concerns:

  • Privacy risks: Age-verification tools may collect sensitive data.
  • Enforcement difficulties: Tech experts say children might still find ways around the checks.
  • Impact on vulnerable youth: Some young people—especially those in rural areas or LGBTQ+ teens who rely on online communities—may feel isolated.
  • Possible overreach: Digital rights groups argue that the law gives too much power to the government and tech companies to monitor users.

There have already been “teething problems”, with some under-16 accounts still active or bypassing barriers. However, the government and the eSafety Commissioner say these systems will improve over time.


Global Reaction

Australia’s move is being closely watched around the world. Countries such as Malaysia, Denmark, Norway, and several EU nations are considering similar age restrictions. If the model succeeds, it could inspire more countries to adopt stronger child-safety regulations online.


A New Phase of Online Safety

With this law, Australia has positioned itself as a global test case for age-based internet regulation. Supporters believe it will create a safer digital world for children. Critics warn that it may raise new challenges around privacy and access.

Either way, the law marks a historic shift—and signals that governments are becoming more willing to regulate big tech to protect young users.

Imran Khan’s Sisters Denied Jail Visit, Stage Late-Night Protest as Police Use Water Cannons in Freezing Cold

Imran Khan’s Sisters

On 9 December 2025, a tense situation unfolded outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi after the sisters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan were denied permission to meet him. His sisters — Aleema Khan, Uzma Khanum and Noreen Niazi — arrived at the jail for a scheduled family meeting but were stopped by officials, who said they had reached after visiting hours.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The family, however, argued that a court order clearly allows meetings on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and accused authorities of violating legal instructions.

Sit-in Protest Until Late Night

After being refused entry, Khan’s sisters sat on the road outside the jail in protest. They were soon joined by senior PTI leaders — including lawyers like Salman Akram Raja — and dozens of supporters. They demanded immediate access to see Imran Khan, who has been in jail since August 2023.

Aleema Khan said her brother was being kept in “illegal isolation” and that the family had been denied visits many times before. She also alleged that Khan was facing “torture” in custody.

The protest continued for several hours, stretching well past midnight and into the early hours of 10 December. Roads around the jail were sealed and police deployed in large numbers.

Water Cannons Used in Freezing Weather

As negotiations failed and the crowd refused to disperse, police reportedly used water cannons to break up the protest — despite extremely cold winter temperatures. Videos shared online showed PTI supporters running as police sprayed water on them.

Several people were detained, while PTI strongly criticised the government for using force on what they called a “peaceful protest.”

Background

Imran Khan has been in prison for over two years on multiple cases. In the past, authorities have suspended family meetings, accusing visitors of discussing politics inside the jail, which they say violates prison rules.

Just a week earlier, Khan’s sister Uzma was allowed a rare meeting and reported that he looked physically stable but was under “mental pressure.”

PTI leaders have called the repeated denial of family meetings “political victimisation,” while the government insists it is simply following rules.

Tension Continues

The late-night confrontation has further increased political tension in Pakistan. PTI has demanded Khan’s immediate release and better treatment in jail, while supporters are planning more protests if restrictions continue.

Authorities have not yet commented on whether future family visits will be allowed.