Key points:

• Olivia Rodrigo has launched a voter registration campaign ahead of the US midterm elections.
• The initiative is being organised in partnership with nonprofit HeadCount.
• Participants can enter a sweepstakes for tickets to Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields festival.
• The campaign follows Rodrigo’s criticism of the Trump administration over an immigration advertisement using her song.
• The festival will feature an all-women lineup and support charities for women and girls.
• Several advocacy groups will promote civic engagement and women’s rights during the event.

LAHORE – Pop star Olivia Rodrigo has partnered with nonprofit HeadCount to encourage voter registration before the United States midterm elections. The campaign offers fans a chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to the Daisy Chain Fields festival.

To enter, eligible participants must check their voter registration, register to vote or explore election resources. The prize includes festival tickets, travel and hotel accommodation. Meanwhile, the campaign follows Rodrigo’s public criticism of the Trump administration over an immigration advertisement.

Rodrigo condemns use of her song

In November, the US Department of Homeland Security used Rodrigo’s song all-american bitch in an online immigration campaign.

The advertisement urged undocumented immigrants to leave the United States voluntarily. Rodrigo quickly condemned the campaign on social media.She said officials should never use her music to promote what she called “racist” and “hateful propaganda.”

Later, she expanded on her criticism in interviews with Dazed magazine and British Vogue. She described the advertisement as disturbing.Moreover, she called the government’s use of her music a “weaponization” of her art.

Festival to promote music and civic engagement

HeadCount is organising the voter registration campaign. The nonprofit promotes civic participation through concerts and music festivals across the United States. In addition, organisers will donate all net proceeds from the festival to charities supporting women and girls.

Rodrigo will host Daisy Chain Fields on August 29 in Irvine, California. The festival will feature an all-women lineup.Artists include Chappell Roan, Doechii, Santigold, Sarah McLachlan, Mitski, The Breeders, Bikini Kill and Stevie Nicks.

Advocacy groups to join event

The festival will also feature several nonprofit organisations. These groups will share information on reproductive rights, maternal health, economic empowerment and domestic violence prevention.

Furthermore, the Center for Reproductive Rights and Planned Parenthood are expected to participate. As a result, organisers hope to combine live music with civic engagement and public awareness.

Read more: Locarno Film Festival 2026 lineup 223 films and 103 world premieres

Key Points: 

• Final Verdict: An anti-terrorism court in Karachi has sentenced the main accused, Atif Zaman, to two counts of the death penalty. 

• Long Legal Battle: This landmark decision successfully concludes a complex legal process that spanned seven years. 

• Financial Penalty: In addition to the capital sentence, the court ordered the convict to pay a Rs. 1 million fine to the victims’ families. 

• Fugitive Warrant: Furthermore, the court issued permanent arrest warrants for the co-accused, Adil Zaman, who remains at large. 

KARACHI – A Special Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Karachi has delivered its final judgment in the high-profile murder case of television anchor Mureed Abbas and his business partner, Khizer Hayat. Operating within the Judicial Complex at Central Jail Karachi, the court found the prime suspect, Atif Zaman, guilty on multiple counts of homicide. Consequently, the judge awarded him a double death sentence for his actions. 

Along with the capital punishment, the court imposed a significant financial penalty of Rs. 1 million. Therefore, according to the judicial directive, this total sum must be distributed directly to the legal heirs of the deceased. Meanwhile, the court issued permanent arrest warrants for the convict’s brother, Adil Zaman. Because he absconded after the Supreme Court rejected his bail plea, authorities have officially classified him as a proclaimed offender. 

Background of the Financial Dispute 

The structural roots of this case trace back to July 9, 2019, in Karachi’s Defense neighborhood. At that time, a severe dispute regarding a business investment culminated in a fatal confrontation in the Khayaban-e-Bukhari area. For this reason, the encounter resulted in the immediate death of Bol News anchor Mureed Abbas due to multiple injuries. Similarly, his business associate, Khizer Hayat, later succumbed to his wounds at a local medical facility. 

“The conviction marks the conclusion of a lengthy legal process aimed at delivering accountability for the victims’ families,” legal observers noted following the ATC decision. 

Immediate Apprehension of the Suspect 

Following an immediate investigation, law enforcement officers swiftly located and apprehended the primary suspect at his residence shortly after the incident took place. Furthermore, the quick response from police ensured that key evidence was secured directly at the scene. In addition, this vital evidence ultimately helped prosecutors build a definitive case over the subsequent years of legal proceedings. Thus, the long trial process has finally come to an end with the Mureed Abbas murder case verdict. 

Case Fact Sheet 

What was the final verdict in the Mureed Abbas case? 

The Anti-Terrorism Court found the main accused, Atif Zaman, guilty and sentenced him to two counts of the death penalty, alongside a Rs. 1 million fine. 

What was the underlying cause of the incident? 

The case originated from a severe financial dispute linked to business investments between the parties involved in July 2019. 

What is the legal status of the second accused individual? 

Adil Zaman, the co-accused and brother of the primary convict, remains a fugitive from justice. The court has issued permanent warrants for his arrest.

Read More: Iqra Kanwal, Areeb await court ruling on interim bail in NCCIA case  

Key Points:

• Locarno Film Festival has announced the official lineup for its 79th edition.
• The festival will take place from August 5 to August 15, 2026, in Switzerland.
• A total of 223 films, including 103 world premieres, will be screened.
• The International Competition includes new films by Hong Sangsoo, Nelson Yeo, Denis Côté and several other acclaimed directors.
• New works by Albert Serra, Olivia Wilde, James Gray and Peter Brunner are also part of the festival programme.
• Organisers received a record 7,759 submissions, representing productions from 69 countries

LAHORE – The Locarno International Film Festival has unveiled the official lineup for its 79th edition. The festival will run in Locarno, Switzerland, from August 5 to August 15, 2026.

This year’s programme features 223 films from around the world, including 103 world premieres. Established filmmakers and emerging talent will present their work across competition and non-competition sections.

International Competition features acclaimed filmmakers

The International Competition includes the latest film by South Korean director Hong Sangsoo. Singapore’s Nelson Yeo, Canada’s Denis Côté, Portugal’s Edgar Pêra and Senegal’s Mamadou Dia will also compete with new projects. Spanish filmmaker Albert Serra will screen his latest feature in the Out of Competition section.

Festival organisers said productions and co-productions from 69 countries are part of this year’s programme. The wide international representation makes this one of the festival’s most diverse editions.

Record submissions for 2026 edition

Organisers received a record 7,759 submissions, almost 22 per cent more than last year. The final selection includes 223 films, four more than the previous edition. Women directed 25 per cent of this year’s feature films. Female filmmakers also directed five of the 17 films competing in the International Competition.

Piazza Grande to host major premieres

The Piazza Grande section will once again host evening screenings in Locarno’s famous open-air square, which can accommodate around 8,000 people. The programme includes The Invite by Olivia Wilde, Paper Tiger by James Gray, Down the Arm of God by Peter Brunner and All About Corinne by Marc Fitoussi.

Artistic director highlights this year’s vision

Artistic Director Giona A. Nazzaro described the programme as an adventurous selection that explores today’s challenges while celebrating strong storytelling and cinematic innovation. The Locarno Film Festival remains one of Europe’s oldest and most respected film festivals. It continues to showcase independent and international cinema while premiering new films from leading directors.