fazlur rehman urges
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Fazlur Rehman urges peace as Kashmir protests cont…

ByJustpaste.in

ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has called for restraint and dialogue amid the ongoing protest movement in Kashmir, urging state institutions to prioritize reconciliation over confrontation.

In a video message released on Friday, the veteran religious and political leader said demonstrations in Kashmir have continued for nearly two months, describing the movement as a reflection of public frustration. He paid tribute to the patience and resilience of the Kashmiri people, saying they had shown remarkable endurance despite prolonged unrest.

According to Fazlur Rehman, tensions escalated on June 5, prompting efforts by a mediation committee to help resolve the crisis through negotiations. He said the committee had approached him with confidence to support a peaceful settlement, but claimed its efforts did not receive the attention they deserved from the authorities.

The JUI-F chief alleged that the government had remained focused on suppressing the movement through the use of force rather than engaging in meaningful dialogue. He appealed to the protest committee to allow more time for mediation and avoid taking any major step that could further escalate the situation.

“I salute the patience and perseverance of the Kashmiri people,” Fazlur Rehman said, adding that the movement was spreading across Kashmir and drawing attention from audiences around the world.

He also urged state institutions to adopt a path of peace instead of violence, emphasizing that reconciliation and mutual understanding were essential for resolving political disputes and restoring stability.

The remarks come at a time of heightened political activity and continued demonstrations in parts of Kashmir, where various groups have been calling for action on governance and public concerns. While political leaders continue to offer differing assessments of the situation, Fazlur Rehman stressed that dialogue remains the most effective way to reduce tensions and move toward a lasting solution.

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    Motorway police must avoid unlawful challans

    ByJustpaste.in

    Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has assured goods transporters that he will not allow the motorway police to issue a single unjustified or unlawful traffic challan, stressing that the government will honour all commitments made to the transport sector. The minister made the remarks at a reception hosted in his honour by goods transporters following the successful conclusion of negotiations between transporters and the government. Addressing the gathering, Abdul Aleem Khan urged transporters to comply with the axle-load policy, saying the regulation serves their own interests. He explained that carrying excessive weight puts additional pressure on vehicles and causes significant damage to roads and other transport infrastructure. The federal minister acknowledged the vital role of the transport industry in keeping the country’s economy moving. He said the government needs the cooperation of transporters to support economic growth and improve the overall transportation system. Abdul Aleem Khan also assured the transport community that he would personally monitor their concerns if necessary. “If required, I will stand on the roads myself to observe the problems faced by transporters,” he said, underlining his commitment to resolving issues through direct engagement. The development follows high-level talks chaired by Sindh Governor Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi, during which representatives of the Pakistan Goods Transport Association held negotiations with federal and provincial government officials. The talks ended successfully, prompting goods transporters to suspend their nationwide strike, which had continued for nine days. The transporters have agreed to postpone the strike for 40 days and resume the movement of goods across the country. The agreement has temporarily eased tensions between the government and the transport sector, while both sides are expected to use the 40-day period to address outstanding concerns and work toward a longer-term resolution.

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    FPCCI seeks industry consultation before revision of incremental power package

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has called on the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) to consult industry representatives before making any changes to the Incremental Package for industrial electricity consumers. The business community has warned that revising the package without taking major industrial stakeholders into confidence could create market distortions, undermine the intended benefits of the scheme and potentially transfer additional costs to industries that do not qualify for incremental consumption incentives. In post-hearing comments submitted to Nepra on August 12, 2026, FPCCI said the regulator had already directed that the proposed changes to the Incremental Package should first be presented to and discussed with industry representatives before being brought back for approval. The federation welcomed the direction, describing meaningful stakeholder participation as essential for developing a workable electricity pricing mechanism for industrial consumers. FPCCI highlights delayed review FPCCI also raised concerns over the failure to conduct the package’s scheduled quarterly review. According to the federation, the Incremental Package was specifically designed to undergo a review every three months. However, no review had been conducted for approximately eight months. The federation said the prolonged delay had created uncertainty for industrial consumers and prevented the timely identification and correction of issues within the package. FPCCI urged Nepra to immediately carry out the overdue review and ensure that the quarterly review mechanism is followed consistently in the future. The federation argued that regular reviews were particularly important because industrial electricity consumption, production conditions and operating costs can change significantly over time. Major industry bodies seek participation FPCCI requested Nepra to formally engage leading industry organisations before the next hearing on the proposed revision. The organisations named by the federation include the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), as well as other major chambers and industrial associations. FPCCI said the participation of these organisations would allow the regulator to understand the practical challenges faced by different categories of industrial consumers. It stressed that the revised package should be based on actual industrial requirements and should not discriminate against existing consumers who are unable to qualify as incremental users. Warning against cost shifting The federation expressed concern that changes to the package could result in an unintended transfer of costs to non-incremental industrial units. FPCCI said any revised mechanism should ensure that incentives provided to additional electricity consumption do not create a financial burden for other consumers. It also called for clear safeguards to ensure that only genuine incremental electricity consumers receive the benefits of the package. According to the federation, the regulator should introduce mechanisms capable of preventing existing consumption from being presented as new or incremental demand merely to obtain preferential electricity rates. FPCCI maintained that a transparent verification system would be necessary to protect the integrity of the package and prevent potential misuse. Requests submitted to Nepra In its submission, FPCCI made a series of requests to the power regulator. The federation asked Nepra to formally consult FPCCI, KCCI, KATI, APTMA and other major industry bodies before the next hearing. It also requested the authority to provide sufficient advance notice of the date and time of any consultation, along with an online meeting link, so that FPCCI could coordinate participation by relevant chambers, associations and industrial representatives. The federation further sought a formal opportunity to present detailed recommendations on the proposed redesign of the Incremental Package. It called for safeguards restricting benefits to genuine incremental units and urged Nepra to immediately conduct the quarterly review that has remained pending for the past eight months. FPCCI also proposed making consultation with major industrial chambers and associations mandatory before any future revision or review of the Incremental Package or similar electricity pricing schemes. Invitation to power-sector institutions In a further effort to promote direct dialogue, FPCCI invited Nepra, the Power Planning and Monitoring Company (PPMC) and the Central Power Purchasing Agency-Guaranteed (CPPA-G) to visit its head office in Karachi. The federation proposed holding detailed discussions with the relevant institutions in the presence of industry representatives. FPCCI said direct engagement would provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to examine the existing mechanism, identify practical shortcomings and develop solutions based on actual operating conditions in the industrial sector. It maintained that consultation could help bridge the gap between regulatory objectives and the realities faced by industrial consumers. Industry seeks predictable power policy The dispute over the Incremental Package comes amid continued concerns among industrial consumers over electricity costs, competitiveness and the predictability of power-sector policies. For export-oriented and energy-intensive industries, electricity pricing is a major component of production costs. Business representatives have therefore repeatedly called for stable and transparent tariff mechanisms that allow companies to plan production and investment decisions. FPCCI said any changes to the Incremental Package should balance the objective of increasing electricity consumption with the need to maintain fairness among different categories of industrial consumers. The federation believes that a properly designed package, supported by regular reviews and meaningful industry consultation, could encourage additional industrial electricity consumption without imposing unintended costs on existing consumers.

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    18 Girls’ Schools in Upper Dir recommended for t…

    ByJustpaste.in

      LOWER DIR: The District Education Officer (Female) in Upper Dir has recommended the temporary closure of 18 girls’ schools for one week, citing concerns over the safety of students and teaching staff amid the prevailing security situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. According to an official letter sent by the District Education Officer (Female), Upper Dir, to the district deputy commissioner on Saturday, the education department has expressed serious concerns about the security of educational institutions located in border areas. Officials said the uncertain situation has raised fears about the safety of students and teachers travelling to and attending schools in vulnerable areas. The letter stated that reports received from relevant Sub-Divisional Education Officers indicated that a number of schools were directly exposed to potential security threats because of the ongoing situation in the region. As a precautionary measure, the education department requested the district administration to approve the temporary closure of 18 girls’ schools from August 15 to August 22. The proposed closure includes girls’ high schools, middle schools and primary schools located in areas considered vulnerable because of their proximity to the affected border region. The schools included in the recommendation are situated in Panakot, Qulandai, Dobando, Umrailal, Shandalbagh, Qashqari, Rokhan, Kass, Raza Banda and Khan Shaheed. The official communication was also forwarded to senior officials of the education department and district administration, including the secretary of the Elementary and Secondary Education Department, the director of education, the deputy commissioner of Upper Dir and the district monitoring officer. However, the proposed closure has not yet been formally approved. The deputy commissioner of Upper Dir told local reporters that the administration had not taken a final decision regarding the closure of the 18 girls’ schools. The recommendation comes against the backdrop of heightened security concerns in the mountainous areas of Upper Dir. A security operation is currently underway in Dobando, where a gun battle between police personnel and suspected terrorists began on Wednesday night and continued into Thursday. Officials said the opposing sides remained positioned against each other during the operation and that heavy weapons were reportedly being used. At the time of the reports, however, authorities had not confirmed any casualties resulting from the encounter. The latest security concerns come after a separate deadly incident in neighbouring Lower Dir last month. Two policemen were martyred and 16 others were injured during an exchange of fire with suspected terrorists at Haidari Top, a mountainous location in the district. According to officials, law enforcement personnel had launched a search-and-strike operation in the area after receiving information about the presence of suspected terrorists. During the operation, armed militants reportedly launched a sudden attack on the security personnel. The ensuing gun battle continued for several hours, resulting in casualties among the law enforcement personnel. The security situation has prompted authorities to remain cautious, particularly in areas where schools are located close to conflict-affected or sensitive zones. The education department’s recommendation to temporarily suspend classes is intended as a preventive measure rather than a permanent closure. The final decision regarding the 18 girls’ schools will rest with the district administration. Officials are expected to assess the security situation before deciding whether educational activities can continue safely or whether the temporary closure should be implemented. For now, authorities are closely monitoring developments in the border areas, while the education department has emphasised that the safety of students and teaching staff remains the primary concern.

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    Phil Collins says Taylor Swift’s success is ‘well deserved’ after memorable early performance

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    Music icon Phil Collins has spoken warmly about Taylor Swift, praising the singer-songwriter’s rise to global stardom and saying her remarkable success has been fully earned. Speaking during a BBC Radio 2 interview, the Genesis frontman reflected on a performance that left a lasting impression on him. Collins recalled watching Swift perform her ballad “White Horse” at the Songwriters Hall of Fame event in 2008, describing the moment as one that has stayed with him ever since. According to Collins, the performance stood out because of its simplicity and emotional honesty. With only an acoustic guitar accompanying her, Swift delivered the song in a way that highlighted both her songwriting and vocal ability. He said the heartfelt sentiment behind the lyrics, combined with her expressive singing, made the performance unforgettable. Collins explained that the stripped-back arrangement allowed the emotion of the song to shine through, adding that it created a lasting soft spot for both the track and the artist. Looking back, he said it is easy to understand why Swift went on to become one of the most successful musicians of her generation. Swift has spent the years since that performance building one of the music industry’s most celebrated careers. Her albums have consistently topped charts around the world, while her songwriting has earned widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards. Her ability to reinvent her sound while maintaining a close connection with fans has made her one of the defining artists of modern pop music. The admiration appears to be mutual. In 2019, Swift performed a cover of Collins’ song “Can’t Stop Loving You,” introducing the classic hit to many younger listeners while paying tribute to one of her musical influences. The performance was widely welcomed by fans of both artists. Collins, whose career with Genesis and as a solo performer has earned him worldwide recognition, remains one of the most influential figures in popular music. His comments about Swift reflect an appreciation for artistry across generations, highlighting how memorable performances and strong songwriting can create lasting respect between musicians. As both artists continue to leave their mark on music history, Collins’ praise serves as another reminder that genuine talent is often recognised by fellow performers. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/phil-collins-praises-taylor-swift-1236307708/

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    Ten additional LHC judges sworn in after appointme…

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    LAHORE: Ten additional judges of the Lahore High Court took oath on Tuesday after President Asif Ali Zardari approved their appointments, bringing an end to a weeks-long delay over their induction. Chief Justice Aalia Neelum administered the oath to the newly appointed judges during a ceremony at the Lahore High Court. The judges who took oath were Ghulam Sarwar Nihung, Muhammad Ajmal Khan Zahid, Aamir Ajam Malik, Shireen Imran, Asad Ali Bajwa, Muhammad Amjad Pervez, Khalid Ibn-i-Aziz, Munawar Iqbal Duggal, Syed Farhad Ali Shah and Muhammad Usman Ghani Rashid Cheema. Justice Tariq Mahmood Bajwa also took oath as a permanent judge of the Lahore High Court after completing his probationary period. The newly appointed additional judges will serve for one year from the date they took oath. Despite the latest appointments, the Lahore High Court still has 10 vacant positions against its approved strength of 60 judges. The number of vacancies is expected to rise to 11 following the retirement of Justice Shahid Karim next week. Earlier on Tuesday, President Zardari approved the appointment of 19 additional judges to five high courts. He also confirmed five judges as permanent members of the superior judiciary. The appointments had remained pending since July after the Judicial Commission of Pakistan recommended the candidates for the positions. The delay had led to a dispute over the presidential approval process. The oath-taking ceremony had initially been scheduled for July 27 but was postponed indefinitely. The issue gained further attention after the president neither approved the appointment summary nor returned it for reconsideration within the expected period. The government had maintained that there was no legal basis for keeping the recommendations pending. At one stage, officials even considered constitutional options to address the delay. Meanwhile, legal teams representing the presidency and the federal government held discussions to resolve the matter. Sources said the talks between the two sides made progress and helped pave the way for the appointments to be approved. The president’s legal team had previously raised concerns about the proceedings of the Judicial Commission. Questions were also raised over the rejection of several nominees and the eligibility of some recommended candidates. The dispute had also raised concerns about delays in filling vacant judicial positions in the high courts.

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    Gigi Hadid breaks silence after secret wedding rumours

    ByJustpaste.in

    Gigi Hadid has made a fresh social media appearance after recently grabbing attention with a wedding ring during a public outing with her boyfriend, Bradley Cooper. The supermodel, who was previously in a relationship with singer Zayn Malik, returned to Instagram on Sunday, August 9, sharing a series of photos that gave fans a glimpse into her summer days with her daughter, Khai. The update came just days after Gigi and Bradley fueled speculation that they may have secretly tied the knot. The 31-year-old model appeared to be enjoying a relaxed summer getaway with family and friends. Among the first pictures she shared was a sweet beach moment featuring Gigi alongside her younger sister, Bella Hadid. Both sisters looked effortlessly stylish as they posed together while enjoying the sunny surroundings. Another photo showed Gigi spending time with a close friend on a yacht, while their daughters were seen wearing matching swimsuits. The collection of images also captured several warm mother-daughter moments, highlighting how the model has been making the most of her summer break with Khai. Gigi’s post quickly attracted significant attention from her millions of followers. While many fans praised the beautiful summer snapshots, others could not help but notice how much Khai has grown. Several followers took to the comments section to express their surprise at seeing the little girl looking noticeably older. Fans described Khai as “so big” and shared their amazement at how quickly she appears to be growing up. The Instagram update also gave Gigi an opportunity to shift the focus away from the recent wedding speculation and toward her personal life and time with her daughter. Rumours surrounding Gigi and Bradley intensified earlier this month when the couple were spotted together in Paris. On Monday, August 3, the pair were photographed walking hand in hand through the French capital, with their jewellery immediately catching the attention of fans. Both appeared to be wearing rings on their hands, leading to widespread speculation that they may have secretly exchanged wedding vows. However, neither Gigi nor Bradley has publicly confirmed that they are married. The couple, who have reportedly been romantically linked since 2023, have generally kept their relationship away from the spotlight. Their rare public appearances have therefore continued to attract considerable attention. Gigi’s ring also became a major talking point among fans. The jewellery reportedly features 33 quarter-carat diamonds set alongside 18-karat yellow and white gold in a Grosgrain design. The ring has been reported to cost around $6,450. Despite the growing speculation, Gigi has not addressed the marriage rumours directly. Instead, her latest Instagram post focused on her summer memories, family and daughter. For now, fans will have to wait for Gigi or Bradley to confirm whether the rings were simply jewellery or a sign of a secret wedding.

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