Key points:

• Adnan Sami has released a four-song musical project dedicated to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
• The collection explores themes of leadership, resilience and remembrance.
• The release marks the latest addition to Sami’s music catalogue.
• Sami has built an international career spanning South Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
• He received India’s Padma Shri award in 2020 for his contribution to the arts.

LONDON – Singer, composer and pianist Adnan Sami has released a four-song musical project dedicated to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The collection features four original compositions centred on themes of leadership, resilience and remembrance. The release adds a new chapter to Sami’s music career, which spans more than three decades.

Latest addition to Sami’s music catalogue

Adnan Sami has established himself as one of South Asia’s best-known recording artists. Over the years, he has built an international audience through concerts and music releases across Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

His commercially successful albums include Kabhi To Nazar Milao and Tera Chehra. His music blends Indian classical influences with pop and orchestral arrangements.

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International recognition

In 2020, Sami received India’s Padma Shri, one of the country’s highest civilian honours, in recognition of his contribution to the arts.

He has also received several music awards during his career, including honours associated with MTV India.

The latest release has attracted attention because it is a rare multi-song project by a prominent South Asian artist dedicated to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

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.

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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.