ISLAMABAD – The Supreme Court of Pakistan dismissed an appeal seeking to increase the imprisonment sentence of convict Sajjad in a murder case. A three-member bench headed by Justice Hashim Kakar heard the case. During the proceedings, Justice Kakar remarked that the convict had already completed his 15-year sentence, questioning the purpose of the appeal. The plaintiff’s counsel argued that the high court had commuted the death sentence to life imprisonment, and they sought to increase the sentence. However, Justice Kakar observed that the sentence had already been served, and further remarked that a conviction can have long-term implications, such as affecting the convict’s eligibility to contest elections or take the CSS exam after release. Given that the convict had completed his sentence, the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal.
Deep-brain structures like the basal ganglia or the thalamus wield major influence on our behavior. If something goes awry, dysregulation in the deep brain may trigger neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease or depression.
Despite the clear importance of these structures, our knowledge about them remains limited by their location, making them difficult to study and treat.
In a new study, researchers unveil a device that might offer an alternative to invasive procedures. Featuring a novel ultrasound helmet, it not only modulates deep-brain circuits without surgery, but reportedly can do so with unrivaled precision.
Related: Ultrasound Can Probe Deep Into The Brain to Relieve Pain
The technology represents a leap forward in our ability to study and influence the deep brain, says senior author Bradley Treeby, a biomedical engineer at University College London (UCL).
“This advance opens up opportunities for both neuroscience research and clinical treatment. For the first time, scientists can non-invasively study causal relationships in deep-brain circuits that were previously only accessible through surgery,” Treeby says.
“Clinically, this new technology could transform treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders like Parkinson’s disease, depression, and essential tremor,” he says, “offering unprecedented precision in targeting specific brain circuits that play key roles in these conditions.”
The new system builds on existing methods like transcranial ultrasound stimulation and MRI-guided focused ultrasound, but it’s designed to address limitations of each, such as the former’s low focal precision and the latter’s need for stabilizing skull screws.
The new helmet can target areas in the brain 1,000 times smaller than conventional ultrasound devices can, and 30 times smaller than similar technologies that specifically target deeper areas of the brain, the study found.
It does this using an array of 256 elements configured on the helmet’s interior, which emit focused ultrasound beams at specific areas of the wearer’s brain to raise or reduce neuronal activity.
A schematic of the ultrasound helmet. (Martin et al., Nat. Comm., 2025)
The device also includes a soft plastic face mask, which helps stabilize the wearer’s head to improve the precision of the ultrasound beams.
The study involved experiments with seven human volunteers who wore the helmet while researchers used it to target their lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN), a small part of the thalamus involved with processing visual information.
One experiment required subjects to watch a flashing checkerboard as ultrasound beams from the helmet targeted their LGN. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans showed a simultaneous surge of activity in the visual cortex, suggesting the LGN was successfully hit.
This real-time monitoring capability is an important feature, says first author Eleanor Martin, a physicist and engineer in UCL’s Biomedical Ultrasound Group.
“We designed the system to be compatible with simultaneous fMRI, enabling us to monitor the effects of stimulation in real time,” she says. “This opens up exciting possibilities for closed-loop neuromodulation and personalised therapies.”
Another experiment demonstrated the durability of the helmet’s effects, with changes in visual cortex activity continuing for 40 minutes after stimulation.
Subjects reported no conscious perception of any visual changes during these tests, the researchers note, yet fMRI scans nonetheless revealed significant and persistent shifts in neural activity at the intended locations.
“The ability to precisely modulate deep-brain structures without surgery represents a paradigm shift in neuroscience, offering a safe, reversible, and repeatable method for both understanding brain function and developing targeted therapies,” Treeby says.
Related: Smart Brain Implants Can Now Adapt to Optimize Parkinson’s Treatment
More research is needed to fully explain what’s happening in this process, the researchers point out, but these results already amount to a breakthrough.
Such deft neuromodulation was previously impossible without invasive methods, and it offers new hope for patients with certain conditions, says co-author and clinical neuroscientist Ioana Grigoras from the University of Oxford.
“We are particularly excited about its potential clinical applications for neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease, where deep-brain regions are especially affected,” Grigoras says.
DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Child star Umar Shah, who appeared on famous ‘Jeeto Pakistan’ and ‘Shan-i-Ramazan’ television shows, passed away here on Monday, his elder brother, Ahmed Shah, also a popular TikTok star, announced the news on his official social media account.
His funeral prayers were offered on Daraban Road attended by a large number of relatives and locals. He was later laid to rest in Zakhori Sharif graveyard. His school staff placed a bouquet on his grave and expressed deep grief, calling his death a great loss.
According to Umar’s uncle and mentor Daniyal Shah, the child’s health deteriorated suddenly last night. He was rushed to the hospital, where he vomited, causing fluid to enter his lungs, which led to his death. Daniyal also mentioned that a poisonous snake had been killed in the house earlier.
Ahmed Shah, his elder brother, shared the heartbreaking news on his official social media account, writing: “Our family’s little shining star, Umar Shah, has returned to his Creator. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.” He also requested prayers for his late brother and the family’s patience.
The sudden death of Umar Shah has left not only his family but also millions of fans in shock and grief. Known for his innocent smile and playful nature, Umar had become popular alongside his elder brothers, Ahmed and Abu Bakar, often appearing together on ARY Digital’s popular shows.
According to dawn.com, soon after, tributes began pouring in from celebrities who remembered the sibling duo from their work on ARY Digital. Jeeto Pakistan host Fahad Mustafa was among the first, saying he was “speechless” that “Umer had left us”.
Waseem Badami, who often hosted Umar and his brother on his Shan-i-Ramazan show, said he had been in touch with doctors who told him Umar died in the early hours of Monday from cardiovascular arrest.
Adnan Siddiqui, TV actor, called the star a “beam of light, joy and innocence,” saying he was shattered to hear of little Umar’s passing.
Aijaz Aslam, a senior actor, called Umar “a little angel,” adding that he was “a bright, kind soul who brought smiles to everyone at Jeeto Pakistan”. Shaista Lodhi and Hina Altaf expressed their grief on waking up to the news of Umar’s death. Lodhi called the news “shocking”.
Actors Mahira Khan and Momal Sheikh were also heartbroken by the news.
CHARSADDA: Residents have expressed deep concern over the lack of measures to control the ‘alarming’ increase in dengue cases in different localities of Charsadda district.
A total of 771 cases of dengue have so far been reported in the district.
A health department spokesperson Dr Zeeshan Hayat said a total of 771 active cases had so far been detected in the district, adding out of whom, 21 patients were under treatment in hospitals, while rest of them were being treated at homes by mobile medical teams.
Dr Zeeshan said fumigation was going on in the affected areas through a fogger machine while medicines were also being provided to patients.
He appealed to the people to strictly follow the precautionary measures to prevent spread of dengue.
On the other hand, the people said local lawmakers, including a provincial minister from Charsadda, had not taken any effective steps to prevent dengue.
They said though the highest number of dengue cases in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had been reported from Charsadda, no contact or meeting had been made with either the chief minister or the provincial health minister so that urgent steps could be taken to prevent dengue.
They demanded that the government provide more fogger machines, medical equipment and necessary resources on an emergency basis to control dengue.
THREE KILLED: Three people, including a woman, were shot dead in separate incidents in the limits of Tangi police station.
The police said a resident, Kamran Khan, shot dead his wife over a family dispute in Qarun Dheri area.
They said on the report of the deceased’s sister a case was registered against the accused, his brother and father.
In another incident, Owais, a resident of Lande Bazaar, was killed over a verbal altercation.
Ikram Humayun, a brother of the deceased, said Ali Hassan along with his father shot dead his brother after a verbal altercation.
Separately, Ghafar Ali, a resident of Station Kalay, shot at and injured Abbas, of the same area, over an old enmity. The injured filed a report against the accused, telling the police he was going to the market to buy some items when Ali opened fire on him, leaving him seriously injured.
Later, Abbas succumbed to injuries in the hospital.
WASHINGTON: In a major bipartisan initiative, US lawmakers have introduced the Pakistan Freedom and Accountability Act (H.R. 5271), aimed at imposing sanctions on Pakistani officials responsible for human rights abuses and actions undermining democracy.
The bill was announced by Bill Huizenga, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on South and Central Asia and Republican Party lawmaker from Michigan, and co-led by Democrat leader from California Sydney Kamlager-Dove, along with representatives John Moolenaar (Republican), Julie Johnson (Democrat), and Jefferson Shreve (Republican). Additional cosponsors include Rich McCormick (Republican), Jack Bergman (Republican), Joaquin Castro (Democrat), and Mike Lawler (Republican).
The freedom and accountability bill authorizes the US President to impose sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which allows Washington to target individuals responsible for severe human rights violations or corruption. In this case, it would apply to current or former senior officials of Pakistan’s government, military, or security forces.
The legislation also reaffirms US support for free and fair elections in Pakistan and emphasises the importance of upholding democratic institutions and human rights.
Bill referred to Foreign Affairs and Judiciary committees for review
It builds on House Resolution 901 (H.Res. 901), passed in June 2024 with overwhelming bipartisan support.
That resolution expressed strong backing for democracy in Pakistan, called for protection of free and fair elections, and urged the US administration to engage with the Pakistani government to uphold human rights, rule of law, and freedom of speech.
Speaking on the new legislation, Congressman Huizenga said, “The United States will not sit idly by, as individuals who currently serve or have previously served in Pakistan’s government, military, or security forces commit or downplay blatant human rights abuses.
The Pakistan Freedom and Accountability Act is a bipartisan measure designed to protect the people of Pakistan by holding bad actors accountable and ensuring that neither the democratic process nor free speech is drowned out in Pakistan.”
Ranking Member Kamlager-Dove emphasised, “Promoting democracy and protecting human rights are core tenets of US foreign policy and must remain central to the administration’s engagement in Pakistan.
“At a time of democratic backsliding and global unrest, the US must defend these values at home and abroad—and hold those who undermine them accountable. I’m proud to join Chair Huizenga in introducing legislation to sanction those who threaten democracy, human rights, and rule of law in Pakistan.”
Democrat leader from Texas Julie Johnson added, “By holding officials accountable when they undermine free and fair elections or commit gross human rights abuses, we send a strong message: those who attack democracy will face consequences, and they will not find impunity on the global stage.”
Diaspora’s efforts
Pakistani-American advocacy groups have played a central role in promoting the freedom and accountability bill and supporting the H.Res. 901.
Ex-president of Pakistan-American Public Affairs Committee Asad Malik said, “This legislation empowers the people of Pakistan and ensures that human rights, free speech, and democracy violators will be accountable and face appropriate consequences.”
Dr Malik Usman of First Pakistan Global highlighted the broader impact of the diaspora’s efforts, saying, “This is a testament to the Pakistani diaspora’s relentless advocacy in Congress and grassroots mobilisation in our communities. This landmark bill is a major step toward Haqeeqi Azadi — standing shoulder-to-shoulder with 250 million Pakistanis for democracy, human rights, and the release of all political prisoners, including Imran Khan.”
The bill has been referred to both the House Foreign Affairs and Judiciary Committees for review. Observers note that its bipartisan backing and alignment with H.Res. 901 increase the likelihood of progress through Congress.
Mr Malik added, “This is not just a bill. It affirms that the US Congress is listening, and that Pakistani-Americans will not stop fighting until democracy and human rights are restored in Pakistan, including freedom for Prime Minister Imran Khan and all political prisoners.”
With the accountability bill, the US reasserts its longstanding position of supporting democracy, human rights, and rule of law in Pakistan while holding accountable those who threaten these values.
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has initiated steps to launch a high-speed rail service between Islamabad and Rawalpindi, aiming to reduce travel time, ease traffic congestion and provide affordable transport to residents of the twin cities.
A high-level meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi was held at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) headquartersto finalise key aspects of the project, with the participation of Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and senior officials from the interior ministry, Pakistan Railways, CDA, Rawalpindi Commissioner’s Office and law enforcement agencies.
According to a press release issued by the interior ministry, the rail link will connect Margalla Railway Station in Islamabad with Saddar Railway Station in Rawalpindi, covering the distance in just 20 minutes. The project is expected to be launched on March 23, with the first phase utilising the existing railway track. A second phase will extend the service to other parts of the federal capital.
Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi confirmed that the project would operate on the existing track and would require the procurement of modern Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs), expected to be imported from China or another country.
Railway ministry to provide and maintain track infrastructure, CDA to manage operations
He said the procurement process could take at least a month, and the formal PC-I of the project would be presented to the Planning Division soon.
To enhance connectivity, the CDA’s electric buses will act as feeder services, facilitating easy access to Margalla Station. Metro buses already connected to the station will also support the initiative.
Under the agreed framework, the railways ministry will provide and maintain the track infrastructure, while the CDA will manage the rail operations. The framework agreement is set to be finalised and signed next week.
Participants agreed to import state-of-the-art trains to ensure a modern, efficient and comfortable commuting experience. The initiative aims to save time and fuel, reduce traffic pressure and provide a cost-effective public transport alternative.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the project reflected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of public-centric development and modern infrastructure. “With its completion, thousands of citizens will have access to a quality travel facility,” he stated.
Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi called it a milestone in public welfare, enabling swift and convenient travel for residents of both cities.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry described the initiative as a low-cost, high-speed transport option that will ease the growing burden on roads connecting Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
The concept of a rail link between the twin cities dates back to the early 2000s during the tenure of former President Pervez Musharraf. Earlier proposals included running trains from Chaklala to Margalla Station or along the Islamabad Expressway. In 2014, even the construction of the elevated Metro Bus route between Saddar and Faizabad was partially aimed at supporting future rail connectivity.
Pakistan Railways to introduce reforms
Pakistan Railways announced inclusive reforms ensuring safety and dignity for Women and Persons with Special Abilities.
In a meeting, chaired by Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi at the Ministry of Railways, it was decided to enhance passenger facilities and ensure safety. The meeting placed special emphasis on the welfare of women and persons with special abilities.
The minister announced that gender-responsive protocols would be implemented across railway stations and trains to ensure a safe, dignified and peaceful travel environment for women passengers.
For this purpose, it was decided that awareness posters would be displayed inside railway stations and trains, regular announcements and awareness messages will be broadcast at stations, railway staff will be provided with gender sensitisation and specialised training and a comprehensive awareness campaign will be launched for women’s safety.
In addition, it was decided that all upcoming refurbished trains will include designated seating for persons with special abilities, while wheelchairs will be ensured at major railway stations to facilitate their travel with dignity and ease.
On the occasion, Mr. Abbasi said: “Pakistan Railways considers all its passengers a valuable asset. These initiatives, particularly for women and persons with special abilities, reflect our commitment to providing a modern, inclusive, and passenger-friendly railway system.”
ISLAMABAD: Convener of the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights (PCCR) MNA Dr Nikhat Shakeel Khan has urged young girls to take benefit from the vaccination campaign launched by the government against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and vaccinate against the virus being the leading cause of cervical cancer.
“Today marks an important milestone in safeguarding the health and future of our children, as Pakistan launches a nationwide Cervical Cancer Prevention Campaign from Sept 15 to 27. This campaign focuses on vaccinating girls aged 9 to 15 years.
“As Convener of the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights, I strongly endorse this initiative, which is a vital step toward protecting the lives of young girls and reducing the future burden of preventable diseases. Cervical cancer claims thousands of lives every year, yet it is a disease we can defeat through timely vaccination, awareness, and access to healthcare.
“This campaign reflects the government’s commitment, in collaboration with our partners, to prioritize child health and well-being. It is not only an investment in the health of our young girls but also a critical stride towards achieving our national and global commitments on child rights, women’s health, and sustainable development.
“I call upon parents, communities, educators, healthcare workers, and media to extend their full support to ensure maximum participation in this campaign. “By protecting our girls today, we are securing a healthier, stronger, and brighter Pakistan tomorrow.”
ISLAMABAD: The special judge central on Monday summoned two army officers to testify in Toshakhana case against PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi.
The judge concluded cross-examination of two key witnesses including an approver Sohaib Abbasi in over six-hour-long proceeding inside Adiala Jail in the case relating to alleged irregularities in retaining the expensive Bulgari Jewelry set from Toshakhana gifts.
Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand presided over the trial, during which the defence team completed cross-examination of the two witnesses.
Private appraiser Sohaib Abbasi, who had submitted an affidavit in the case, and former prime minister’s personal secretary Inam Shah, were both questioned extensively by defence lawyers.
The court summoned two more witnesses — former prime minister’s military secretary Brig Muhammad Ahmed and deputy military secretary Col Rehan — to appear at the next hearing and record their statements.
During the proceedings, Mr Khan and his wife were produced before the special court, while his three sisters, along with defence counsel Barrister Ali Zafar, were present in courtroom.
ISLAMABAD: Apart from the affluent sheikhs of Qatar and Saudi Arabia, who lavished Pakistan’s dignitaries — including visiting bureaucrats — with expensive gifts, mainly wristwatches, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received a traditional golden dagger during the first six months of 2025.
The Toshakhana record, made public by the cabinet division for the period between January and June 2025, lists high-value items such as watches, luxury vehicles, carpets, handicrafts, and traditional artefacts presented to top state functionaries, including the president, prime minister, ministers, and senior officials during foreign visits and local engagements.
The data, comprising 137 entries, records gifts received from heads of state, royal families, diplomats, and business delegations. However, the value of these gifts is still being assessed by the cabinet division.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received a total of 61 gifts, mostly decorative and traditional items. These included several high-end wristwatches. Notably, on the first day of 2025, he was presented with two luxury wristwatches — an IWC Schaffhausen and a Panerai, both with warranty cards — by Sheikh Abdul Hadi Mana Al-Hajri of Qatar.
Record shows PM received 61 out of total 137 gifts presented to state officials
The Shah of the State of Selangor, Malaysia, gifted PM Shehbaz a ‘Golden Kris’ — a traditional Malaysian dagger. Additionally, the president of Turkiye presented him with an electric car.
During his visit to Azerbaijan, the prime minister received a handmade silk carpet and other items. The President of Tajikistan gifted him a box containing a golden teacup with a spoon.
While in Saudi Arabia, PM Shehbaz received a model of Mimbar-e-Rasool from Prince Mansour Bin Muhammad Bin Saad bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, and a wooden box containing two documents — the Charter of Makkah in English and Arabic — from Dr Mohammad Abdulkareem Al-Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League.
From Iran, the PM was presented with a wall hanging and a shield by the Chief of General Staff. Other gifts included handmade carpets, onyx decorations, paintings, tea sets, books, and shields.
Interestingly, while the Saudi hosts did not overwhelm the prime minister with lavish gifts, several Pakistani officials visiting the Kingdom — led by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi — received high-end wristwatches.
On Jan 28, Interior Minister of Saudi Arabia gifted six Rolex watches, five Tudor watches, three Black Armin watches, and nine Frank Rosha watches to Pakistani officials, primarily government officers.
The record shows that President Asif Ali Zardari received 11 gifts, including a ladies’ suit and a bedsheet from the High Commissioner of Bangladesh. The most valuable among his gifts was an electric vehicle from the president of Turkiye. He also received a carpet from the Iranian foreign minister, as well as vases, candle stands, shields, a coffee set, and onyx items.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received several Afghan carpets and traditional bowls, while Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was presented with prayer mats and Turkish handicrafts.
Other ministers, advisers, and security officials were gifted watches, rugs, wall hangings, and porcelain items.
ISLAMABAD: The United Nations Human Rights Council will hold an urgent debate in Geneva on Tuesday on Israel’s 9 September attack targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar, the Council said on Monday.
The September 9 Israeli airstrike, which Hamas says killed five of its members but not its leadership, has prompted US-allied Gulf Arab states to close ranks, adding to strains in ties between the United Arab Emirates and Israel, which normalised relations in 2020.
The Israeli attack was widely condemned across the Arab and Islamic world as a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and international law.
The urgent debate was requested by Pakistan on behalf of member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and by Kuwait on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Tuesday’s debate will be the 10th of its kind to be held at the UN Human Rights Council since its creation in 2006.
