The week in rewind – here’s everything you missed (or couldn’t stop talking about)
1. Case No. 9: Why Kamran Isn’t Cross-Examined & What the Trial Reveals About the Law
Case No. 9 presents a courtroom sequence that had us questioning – and, in its own way, educating. Sehar faces Kamran as proceedings continue, yet when Kamran appears before the court, he is not cross-examined. The omission is deliberate, rooted in the structure of Pakistan’s criminal procedure. Under Section 340 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Cr.P.C.), an accused person has the right to defend themselves through legal counsel, but cannot be compelled to testify under oath. The law gives them the option to speak – not the obligation. This principle is further reinforced by Article 13(b) of Pakistan’s Constitution, which protects every individual from being compelled to be a witness against themselves.
Kamran’s silence, therefore, is not an oversight in the trial – it is his legal right. Unless the accused voluntarily testifies under oath, they cannot be subjected to cross-examination. The court may question the accused under Section 342, but even then, the individual cannot be forced to answer. The burden of proof rests entirely on the prosecution. This framework preserves the presumption of innocence – a central tenet of Pakistan’s criminal justice system.
If the law were to compel testimony from the accused, it would reverse that presumption, effectively requiring an individual to prove their own innocence. That is precisely what Pakistan’s procedural and constitutional protections are designed to prevent.
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2. Pakistan Idol: 5 Contestants Who Stood Out At The Karachi Auditions
For those new to the show, Pakistan Idol is the country’s premier singing competition, bringing together aspiring singers from all over Pakistan to compete for the title of the nation’s next music sensation. With high-energy performances, expert judging, and emotional backstories, the show has quickly become a favorite among viewers.
The Karachi auditions were no exception. From soulful ballads to energetic performances, several contestants impressed the judges and left audiences talking. Here’s a closer look at five contestants who stood out and are already making waves in the music scene!
3. From London To Pakistan: Jemima Goldsmith & Imran Khan Pay Tribute To Lady Annabel Goldsmith
Lady Annabel Goldsmith, a prominent British socialite and the former mother-in-law of Imran Khan, passed away on October 18, 2025, at the age of 91. She was the daughter of the 8th Marquess of Londonderry and became widely recognized as the inspiration behind the iconic Mayfair nightclub, Annabel’s, founded by her first husband, Mark Birley. Beyond her association with high society, Lady Annabel Goldsmith was a woman of depth and compassion, involved in various charitable causes and admired for her warmth and wit. Annabel’s became a symbol of sophistication, drawing royalty and celebrities alike – from Queen Elizabeth II to Frank Sinatra – and forever linked her name to London’s glittering social scene.
Keep reading here!
4. Prince Andrew, Epstein, and the Memoir That Refuses to Let the Past Die
Prince Andrew’s name has once again found its way into global headlines. The release of Nobody’s Girl — the posthumous memoir of Virginia Giuffre — and a fresh U.S. investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s network have revived one of the most unsettling stories of modern royal history. Giuffre’s book, written before her tragic death earlier this year, details her years of abuse under Epstein and the powerful men who moved within his circle. Among them: Britain’s Prince Andrew. Read more!
5. In Conversation With Wahaj Ali As Ali C. in Jinn Ki Shadi Unki Shadi
Jinn Ki Shadi Unki Shadi has managed to crack the code on humour while dabbling in the supernatural, with hints of a storyline that’s striking a balance between light-hearted comedy and a plot that just hits the right watch-spot. There’s romance, there’e comedy, there’s suspense, thrill, and then… there’s Ali C. We decided to catch up with the actor behind the character as Wahaj Ali takes our questions on Ali C – Khushi aka Sehar Khan’s love interest in JKSUKS. Read on!
6. The Heist At The Louvre Museum
On the morning of Sunday, 19 October 2025, four masked individuals carried out a daring daylight robbery at the Louvre Museum in Paris. The thieves accessed the museum from the south-facing façade along the Seine and used a vehicle-mounted lift to reach the second-floor balcony window of the Galerie d’Apollon. Two of the men broke in using cutting tools, triggering alarms as they gained entry. The entire operation took only four to seven minutes, after which the thieves escaped on motorbikes. They reportedly attempted to set fire to the lift vehicle before fleeing, though museum staff intervened. The museum was evacuated immediately, and it remained closed the following day to allow investigators to secure the scene. Get to know more details here!
7. When Good Dramas Lose Their Way: 5 Story Traps Pakistani Writers Need To Dodge
We’ve all been there: you spot a new Pakistani drama that looks promising – strong cast, interesting trailer, maybe a theme you don’t always see. You tune in for episode 1. You appreciate the atmosphere, the style, the vibe. But somewhere along the way, maybe around episode 10, 15 or 25, the script shifts. The story starts feeling off. You’re watching because you started, but you’re not feeling it anymore. And you ask yourself: “Should I even keep going?”
The truth is: Every time a Pakistani drama shifts the narrative, it raises the bar, and audiences’ expectations rise along with it – sharp performances, riveting characters, real emotions. However, unfortunately, many other stories fail to dodge the recurring story-habits (let’s call them traps) that drag them down. If we recognise these traps early in the story, we stop watching midway. These dramas promise a good start, move into a mediocre middle, and then plummet into a disappointing end. Let us walk you through five of the most common traps we’ve spotted – with some examples to ground them here!
That’s all from us for this week – see you again with more stories next week!
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