heroes and villains
Heroes and Villains throughout history that have defined their industries and workflow as we know it today. Those we look up to, and those we learn mistakes from.
The Empty Locker
I didn’t know his name at first. I only knew the silence. It was a Tuesday in October. The high school hallway buzzed with its usual chaos—backpacks slamming, laughter echoing, sneakers squeaking on linoleum. But one locker stayed shut. No one leaned against it. No one dropped off homework. Just a quiet space where a boy should have been.
By KAMRAN AHMADabout 9 hours ago in Journal
The Suitcase in the Hallway
I didn’t pack lightly. The suitcase sat by the door for three days—half-full, then overflowing, then emptied again. I kept adding things I thought I’d need: my favorite coffee mug, the photo from last summer, the sweater that still smelled like home. Then I’d take them out, convinced they were too heavy, too sentimental, too much.
By KAMRAN AHMADabout 9 hours ago in Journal
The Couple We All Watched Grow Up
I didn’t know them. But I felt like I did. For over a decade, they were part of my life—not as celebrities, but as characters in a story I watched unfold in real time. I saw them at seventeen, awkward and bright-eyed on red carpets, fumbling through interviews, hiding smiles behind their hands. I saw them navigate fame, heartbreak, and the slow, steady work of becoming adults—all while the world watched, judged, and claimed ownership of their journey.
By KAMRAN AHMADabout 9 hours ago in Journal
War clouds in the Middle East — US, Israel and Iran face to face. AI-Generated.
oman: (special report)journalist malik sarfraz hussain awan. The Middle East is once again in the grip of severe military tension, where after joint air and missile attacks by the US and Israel on important military and strategic targets inside Iran, Iran retaliated vigorously, targeting not only Israel but also US military installations in the Gulf region. According to the initial military briefing, the Israel Defense Forces and the United States Armed Forces attacked various cities in Iran, including the capital Tehran, the industrial and defense center Isfahan, Qom, Kermanshah and other sensitive locations. According to the Israeli position, this operation was carried out to limit Iran’s growing missile and drone capabilities, while US officials called it a preemptive measure to defend their allies and stabilize the region. According to Iranian media, some military installations were damaged in the attacks and a few personnel were killed and injured, but the full damage estimate is still underway. Iran responded immediately by launching ballistic missiles and drones towards Israel through the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and also attempted to target US bases in the Gulf countries. According to reports, alarm sirens were sounded and air defense systems were activated near the Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the US Navy Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, and some military installations in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Several missiles were claimed to have been destroyed in the air, while reports of limited material damage were also received. Israel said its defense system was largely effective, but explosions were heard in a few places. Iran has warned that if its territory is attacked again, the response will be more severe and widespread. The most immediate and significant impact of this military exchange was on the airspace of the entire region, where Iran completely closed its airspace and suspended all international and domestic flights. Israel also temporarily closed its airspace and stopped civilian flights as a precautionary measure. Iraq has been warned of becoming a potential missile passageway. Due to the fear, it immediately closed its airspace and dozens of flights were canceled. Jordan closed its airspace for a few hours as a precaution and later allowed limited flights. Qatar increased air surveillance, suspended some routes and issued special instructions to pilots. Bahrain announced restrictions on air traffic in view of the security situation. Kuwait diverted several international flights. The United Arab Emirates tightened surveillance in its northern airspace and instructed many aircraft to take alternative routes. Saudi Arabia did not announce a complete closure, but it imposed additional surveillance in the eastern sector and temporarily suspended some flights. Lebanon and Syria also issued alerts, while Turkey increased security measures in its eastern airspace. As a result of these extensive closures, flights from Europe to the Gulf and Asia had to take longer routes, which increased fuel costs and travel times. International airlines made urgent changes to schedules and canceled or postponed several flights, keeping in mind the safety of passengers. This extraordinary closure has practically turned the region into a military zone where defense systems are active 24 hours a day and radars are on full alert. Security is on high alert on the ground as well. An emergency has been declared in hospitals and civil defense agencies are mobilized. Oil prices fluctuated in global markets while investors adopted a cautious attitude. Activities on the diplomatic front have intensified and the United Nations Security Council has called an emergency meeting and appealed to the parties for an immediate ceasefire, restraint and diplomatic negotiations. In the Security Council meeting, some countries expressed concern over unilateral military actions, while others questioned Iran's missile program and regional role. The statement issued after the meeting said that the continuation of tensions in the region could pose a serious threat to global peace and security and that all relevant parties should abide by international law and the UN Charter. The UN Secretary-General also stressed that the civilian population and civilian aviation should be protected at all costs. Experts say that if these clashes are not limited, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and the Gulf states could also be directly or indirectly involved in the conflict. According to military analysts, the two sides are currently sending each other messages through limited but symbolic use of force. However, in the event of any miscalculation or additional attacks, the situation could quickly turn into a full-scale war. The biggest question in the current situation is whether behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts will succeed in reducing tensions or whether this crisis will take the form of a long and destructive regional conflict. The region is currently in a state of uncertainty, airspace closures remain partially in place, military preparations are increasing, and the eyes of the international community are focused on the next few days, which will determine the future of this crisis.
By Malik Sarfraz Hussain Awan2 days ago in Journal
Rawalakot: Decision to provide full state protection to 14-year-old victim girl in Shabu scandal . AI-Generated.
After serious concerns were raised by senior journalists, young lawyers and social and human rights groups in the case of a 14-year-old victim girl under protection under the Shabu scandal in Pakistani-administered Jammu and Kashmir, Poonch district, Rawalakot tehsil, Deputy Commissioner Poonch Syed Mumtaz Kazmi took immediate notice and issued instructions to the Social Welfare Department that the victim girl should not be handed over to any individual or influential element and that she should be provided with complete state, legal and psychological protection. According to sources, during a meeting with the Deputy Commissioner, a delegation of journalists informed him of the alleged pressure, interference of influential elements, and serious concerns regarding the safety and security of the girl, after which the district administration assured to take immediate and effective action. The minor girl is currently in the custody of the Child Protection Unit, however, there are reports that her real maternal uncle is trying to get her out of custody and is allegedly part of a criminal gang, who is accused of involving his close female relatives in illegal and immoral activities. These circumstances have made the girl's safety, peace of mind and future extremely delicate and complicated. It is being clarified that no application was filed by the maternal uncle in the matter, rather some circles created confusion by spreading false information. According to the latest reports, the real attempt is being made by the real maternal uncle, over which social and human rights circles have expressed serious concern. According to the background, the mother of the victim girl has been nominated in several cases in the past and an arrest was also made in one case recently. It is alleged that the girl was allegedly involved in illegal and immoral activities, while the father is saying that he does not recognize the girl. All these circumstances have made the situation very sensitive and complicated regarding the legal protection, security, education, psychological support and future of the minor. According to sources, the victim girl has also appealed to the higher authorities for immediate protection and some officers of the Social Welfare Office are under pressure, however, no official statement has been made in this regard. After the instructions of the Deputy Commissioner, it is expected that all kinds of protective measures will be taken while keeping the girl in state custody to ensure her safety, mental peace, education, housing and physical security. Public, social and welfare circles have demanded that a transparent, impartial and legal investigation be conducted into the matter and if the intervention of any individual or group is proven, strict legal action should be taken against them so that the future and human rights of the victim girl can be ensured. Along with this, the Chairman of the Welfare Organization Court, Chaudhry Akhtar Hussain, has also been appealed to provide shelter to the affected girl in his institution so that she can get all the opportunities for education, psychological support, residential security and human development in a safe environment. Moreover, local social workers and human rights activists are also playing an active role in the protection of the girl and they have demanded that immediate monitoring, joint teams of police and social welfare authorities be formed at the local level so that any illegal or harmful interference can be thwarted in a timely manner. Overall, this decision is being described as a very important milestone in the promotion of respect for human rights, legal protection of minors, state responsibility, social awareness and child welfare in the area and social circles, journalists and legal experts have called it not only welcome but also a guiding step for the future, so that in the future there is no lack of protection and enforcement of the law for any minor or vulnerable person and every girl has the right to education, development and living in accordance with human rights in a safe environment. special report by journalist malik sarfraz hussain awan
By Malik Sarfraz Hussain Awan5 days ago in Journal
The Digital Renaissance: How Celebrity Empires Are Redefining Wealth in 2026. AI-Generated.
The year 2026 marks a significant turning point in the global entertainment economy. We have moved past the era where a celebrity's value was determined solely by their presence on a cinema screen or a music stage. Today, "stardom" is a sophisticated, multi-layered financial ecosystem. Icons are no longer just faces of brands; they are leveraging their cultural capital to build diversified business empires that rival traditional corporations.
By Before Good6 days ago in Journal
Prince Andrew, the Epstein Scandal, and the Ongoing Impact on the British Monarchy
The British monarchy has weathered wars, abdications, divorces, and global scrutiny. But few modern controversies have shaken public confidence like the scandal involving Prince Andrew and his association with Jeffrey Epstein.
By Omasanjuwa Ogharandukun9 days ago in Journal
Pakistan airstrikes: Targeting border terror hideouts. AI-Generated.
Pakistan has launched an effective and large-scale operation against terrorist hideouts and camps along the Afghan border, with the aim of strengthening security in the border areas and reducing the risk of attacks by militant groups. According to Pakistani military and official sources, the operation was carried out based on intelligence and with precautionary measures so as not to harm civilians or irrelevant locations and to target key terrorist hideouts and leadership. A total of seven camps and hideouts were targeted in the operation, including alleged hideouts of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and some of its allies, as well as the Islamic State Khorasan, and these were the same locations from which suicide bombings and other terrorist attacks were carried out in Pakistan in recent days. For example, a suicide bombing in Bajaur district killed 11 security personnel and a girl and injured several people, in northwestern Khyber In another attack in Bannu, Pakhtunkhwa, two soldiers and seven militants were killed, while a civilian was killed and seven security personnel were injured in a drone attack on a tank. In this context, Pakistan summoned the Afghan charge d’affaires to the Foreign Office and lodged a strong protest and demanded that the Afghan interim government take immediate and effective action against terrorist groups present in its country, as Pakistan maintains that Afghan soil is being used for terrorist operations and attacks, and Pakistan made it clear that it reserves the right to take action at any appropriate place to ensure its security. According to local sources and media, the terrorist hideouts and their infrastructure were severely damaged after the airstrikes in Barmal district of Paktika and Khogyani district of Nangarhar, and the sounds of explosions were heard far and wide. However, Afghan authorities did not confirm the number of casualties or injuries, due to which it is not known how many militants were killed in the attacks or to what extent civilians were affected. According to a statement issued by Pakistan, this The operations were carried out on the basis of intelligence and are aimed at damaging the border strength of terrorist groups and reducing the chances of future attacks. Meanwhile, Pakistan has also called on the international community to put pressure on the Afghan government to eliminate terrorist hideouts and promote lasting peace and security in the border areas. The interim government of Afghanistan has not yet given any definitive or official response to this operation. In the current situation, this incident comes against the backdrop of an increase in terrorist incidents in the northwestern areas, including a suicide attack in Bajaur, other attacks in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and a drone attack in Tank, which affected security forces and civilians and for which responsibility was attributed to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. According to security sources, some Afghan citizens or extremist groups were also involved in training and contacts behind these attacks, which strengthened allegations of Pakistan's use of Afghan territory, while the Afghan interim government did not confirm this allegation. Tensions on the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been rising for the past several months and in recent years There have also been several border clashes, shelling and accusations, in which both countries accused each other of violating the ceasefire and diplomatic protests, negotiations and mediation efforts were made. However, there is still a need for negotiations for peace and order, mutual cooperation and a common strategy against terrorism in the region. This operation shows that the government and security forces of Pakistan give top priority to the safety of its people and the security of the country and will not back down from any action against terrorism. These operations are also a clear message to terrorists in the border areas that Pakistan will take all possible measures to protect its borders and people. The current situation and future reactions will also affect regional politics, security cooperation and international relations, and will also put pressure on the possibilities of negotiations and mediation between the two countries. Overall, this incident shows the government's commitment to Pakistan's ongoing efforts against terrorism, border security and the protection of the people, and Pakistan has made it clear that any dangerous activity in the border areas will not be tolerated. No terrorist operation or attack will be allowed, while in the future too, Pakistan's security forces will take all possible steps to protect their country and people. At the same time, it has also become clear that no terrorist group present in the border areas will be allowed to carry out any unjustified operation or attack, and Pakistan's border security forces will continue their measures to ensure the safety of the lives and property of the people. Continuous intelligence and surveillance will continue to identify and target the hideouts of terrorists, and every effort will be made to completely eliminate the possibility of terrorist groups operating from across the border. Through this operation, Pakistan also sent a message that no kind of terrorism or attack will be allowed in the future and the presence of terrorist groups in the border areas will be prevented. Overall, this situation is increasing in the region.The incident clearly highlights the dangers of terrorism and the responsibilities of security forces, and the government of Pakistan is determined to take all possible steps in this regard to ensure the safety of the people and the security of the country. Written by: Malik Sarfaraz Hussain Awan
By Malik Sarfraz Hussain Awan9 days ago in Journal
