ppp rejects sindh
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PPP rejects Sindh division, calls province ‘red …

ByJustpaste.in

KARACHI: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has firmly rejected any proposal to divide Sindh into administrative units, with Sindh government spokesperson Saadia Javed declaring that the province remains a “red line” for the party.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Javed said the PPP has never supported the division of Sindh and has no intention of doing so in the future. She argued that Pakistan’s current economic challenges and rising inflation make the creation of additional administrative units impractical, questioning how the government would finance such a move.

Criticising the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), she described the demand for new administrative units as a political stunt. Javed questioned the performance of senior MQM leaders, including Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal and Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, asking what concrete steps they had taken to address the concerns of their voters or improve education and public services.

She reiterated that Karachi is the capital of Sindh and stressed that any attempt to divide the province is unacceptable to the PPP. According to Javed, while some people in Punjab may favour the creation of additional administrative units, the people of Sindh do not share that view.

Addressing Karachi’s civic challenges, she acknowledged that infrastructure development is underway but admitted that progress has not been as fast as residents expect. Referring to ongoing construction on University Road, she recognised the inconvenience faced by commuters and residents. She also shared her own experience, saying that despite living in Defence for four decades, her home still does not receive a regular water supply.

Javed said the provincial government is working to resolve Karachi’s longstanding issues and insisted that all of the city’s problems should not be blamed solely on the current administration. She expressed confidence that visible improvements in Karachi would emerge by the end of the year.

On the Red Line Bus Rapid Transit project, the spokesperson said work is progressing at a rapid pace, adding that the deadline for completing the mixed-lane track has been set for July 31.

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    Federal Shariat Court to hear challenge to under-1…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: A legal challenge to Punjab’s recently enacted law criminalising marriages involving individuals under the age of 18 has moved forward after the Federal Shariat Court cleared procedural objections and directed that the petition be fixed for hearing. The petition, filed by Mufti Muhammad Aslam through his counsel Mudassar Chaudhry Advocate, questions key provisions of the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Act 2026. The Governor of Punjab, through the provincial secretary, and other relevant authorities have been named as respondents in the case. According to the petition, Sections 2(d), 2(c) and other provisions of the law are inconsistent with the Constitution and Islamic principles. The petitioner argues that declaring marriages involving individuals under the age of 18 as a criminal offence is contrary to Shariah and contends that the state has no authority to interfere in matters governed by Islamic law. The petitioner has requested the court to declare the provisions prescribing criminal penalties for under-18 marriages unlawful and strike down the disputed sections of the Act. The plea also seeks a stay on the implementation of the law until the Federal Shariat Court reaches a final decision. The case had initially faced a procedural objection because it challenged an ordinance that has since been passed by the Punjab Assembly and enacted as law. After the legislation was formally approved, the petitioner amended the plea to challenge the Act instead of the ordinance and resubmitted it before the court. Following the amendment, the Registrar of the Federal Shariat Court removed the objection and ordered that the matter be scheduled for hearing before the bench. The upcoming proceedings are expected to attract significant legal and public attention, as they concern the interpretation of child marriage laws, constitutional provisions and Islamic jurisprudence. The court’s eventual ruling could have important implications for the implementation of the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Act 2026 and the broader debate surrounding the legal age of marriage in Pakistan. Until the court hears the matter, the law remains in force unless a stay order is granted during subsequent proceedings.

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    AJK election first phase concludes, vote counting …

    ByJustpaste.in

    Polling for the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections concluded on Monday, with vote counting now underway across 13 constituencies in Mirpur Division. The first phase covered three districts — Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber. Polling was initially scheduled to end at 5pm but was extended by one hour. Voting continued until 6pm to provide voters with additional time to cast their ballots. More than 1.4 million registered voters were eligible to participate in the first phase. The Election Commission had established 2,454 polling stations across the three districts. Of these, 597 polling stations were set up across four constituencies in Mirpur district. Kotli had 1,107 polling stations across six constituencies, while 608 polling stations were established in three constituencies of Bhimber. A total of 296 candidates, including nominees from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party and independent candidates, contested the 13 seats. Polling disrupted at some stations Although polling remained largely peaceful, some polling stations reported disruptions. In Kotli’s Aghaar Colony, voting continued at Polling Station 38. However, polling could not begin at Stations 36 and 37 because voters did not arrive. PPP AJK Election Cell in-charge Sardar Abdul Shakoor claimed that disturbances occurred at polling stations 119, 120 and 121 in LA-5 Barnala. He said polling was affected for some time. According to Shakoor, voting resumed after security forces reached the area. However, he said the polling process remained slow. The PPP also established a central election monitoring cell in Islamabad. Senior party leaders, including Sherry Rehman, Nadeem Afzal Chan, Shazia Marri, Sharjeel Memon and Saeed Ghani, monitored developments and remained in contact with election officials, district administrations and party candidates. Former National Assembly speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf expressed concern over alleged irregularities at different polling stations. He called for additional security personnel at sensitive locations, including Gulpur, Thurochi and Muhajir Camp. He urged the Election Commission to immediately and impartially investigate all complaints and ensure free, fair and transparent elections. Political leaders urge voters to participate PML-N candidate Chaudhry Tariq Farooq cast his vote at Polling Station 161 in Bhimber’s LA-7 constituency. Speaking after voting, Farooq said voter turnout was expected to be higher in rural areas than in cities. He also expressed confidence in the security and election arrangements in Bhimber. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, accompanied by his sister Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, appealed to voters in Mirpur to participate in the elections. In a video message, Bilawal urged people to leave their homes and exercise their right to vote if they wanted Kashmir’s future to be decided by its people. He also asked voters to support PPP candidates. PPP Karachi Division President Saeed Ghani described the election as a contest between the genuine issues of Kashmiris and what he called false promises. Ghani said Kashmiris needed political rights, ownership rights and employment opportunities. He criticised the focus on providing a limited number of buses, saying development should address wider public needs. PPP leader Nadeem Afzal Chan also raised concerns about alleged federal interference and the use of government resources during the elections. He demanded that the polls remain free, fair and transparent. He also called on the federal government to avoid any involvement that could influence the electoral process. PPP spokesperson Shazia Marri said the people of Kashmir would deliver their verdict through their votes. She said the party’s election symbol, the arrow, represented hope for the people of Mirpur. Police praise peaceful polling AJK police said the first phase of polling remained peaceful across Mirpur Division. A spokesperson for the AJK police chief said voters had rejected calls for unrest and instead chose to exercise their democratic right. Voters began arriving at polling stations soon after voting opened at 8am. AJK Inspector General of Police Liaquat Ali Malik thanked residents for cooperating with law enforcement agencies and helping maintain peace during the election. He warned that no individual, including political workers, would be allowed to take the law into their own hands. Mirpur Commissioner Raja Tahir Mumtaz and DIG Kamran Ali also visited Ward 16/17 in LA-3 to review the polling arrangements. The commissioner said polling had remained peaceful across Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber. He urged voters to come out without fear and assured them that the administration had made arrangements for a secure environment. Security arrangements strengthened Authorities made extensive security arrangements for the elections. AJK Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said legal action would be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt the voting process. AJK Chief Secretary Khushal Khan said state institutions were fully prepared to maintain peace during the elections. He said the people had rejected attempts to create disorder and demonstrated confidence in the democratic process.

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    NewJeans’ fourth anniversary comeback sparks fan concern

    ByJustpaste.in

    K-pop girl group NewJeans celebrated their fourth debut anniversary by releasing new promotional content, raising speculation about a possible four-member comeback after nearly two years away from the music scene. At midnight on July 22 (KST), the group unveiled a series of summer-themed videos and photos under the title “2026 Summer of NewJeans.” The newly released content featured Hanni, Haerin, Minji and Hyein, marking the group’s first official update together in a long time. The release also confirmed Minji’s return to group activities following months of uncertainty. However, Danielle was absent from the anniversary content after officially leaving the agency at the end of 2025. The cheerful summer concept has led many fans to believe that NewJeans may finally be preparing for a long-awaited musical comeback. Although no official announcement about a new album or single has been made, the timing of the promotional campaign has fuelled excitement across social media. Despite the anticipation surrounding the group’s return, the new photos and videos also sparked mixed reactions among fans. While many welcomed seeing the members together again, others expressed concern over their appearance and questioned whether the group was genuinely happy. Several fans claimed that the members looked unhappy in the promotional images, with some describing the content as rushed and lacking the group’s usual energy. Social media users shared comments suggesting the members appeared exhausted, while others said the videos did not reflect the bright and lively image NewJeans had been known for since their debut. The group’s activities have remained uncertain since the highly publicised legal dispute involving their agency, ADOR, and its former CEO Min Hee-jin. The conflict dominated headlines throughout 2025 and significantly affected NewJeans’ career, forcing the members to pause group promotions for an extended period. A major legal development came when a Seoul court ruled that the members’ exclusive contracts with ADOR remained legally valid. Following the ruling, Hanni, Haerin and Hyein gradually resumed activities with the agency, while discussions regarding Minji’s future also progressed positively before her eventual return. Danielle, however, officially ended her contract with the company and continues to face an ongoing legal dispute related to damages claimed by the agency. Soon after NewJeans released their anniversary content, Danielle shared a new post on Instagram that quickly attracted widespread attention. Alongside a selfie, she wrote an uplifting message about hope, resilience and staying grateful even during difficult times. Fans also noticed that Danielle was wearing a cap with the word “REVENGE” printed across it. The detail immediately sparked speculation online, with many wondering whether the choice of clothing carried a hidden message related to her former agency or the ongoing legal battle. However, Danielle has not commented on the meaning behind the cap, and there is no confirmation that it was intended as a reference to the dispute. As NewJeans celebrate four years since their debut, fans remain divided between excitement over the possibility of new music and concern about the challenges the members have faced. Until an official comeback announcement is made, speculation surrounding the group’s future is likely to continue.

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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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    PIA-style model proposed for DISCO privatisation

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    ISLAMABAD: The government has proposed a new financial structure for the privatisation of three major power distribution companies. The plan covers Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO), Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO) and Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO).The proposal is based on the restructuring model used during the privatisation process of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). Under the proposed plan, selected assets and liabilities of the three companies will be separated from their balance sheets.The government plans to establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for this purpose. The SPV will be owned by the government. It will hold specific assets and liabilities removed from the DISCOs. The restructuring is aimed at making the companies more attractive to private investors. The government wants to offer financially stronger entities to potential buyers.Land assets are among the items expected to be separated from the DISCO balance sheets. Liabilities related to retired employees and pension benefits will also be shifted to the SPV.These pension-related liabilities were worth around Rs312 billion for the three companies as of June 2025. The final amount could change after the companies’ balance sheets are restructured. The government plans to use audited financial results for March 2026 as the basis for the final calculation.The three DISCOs had combined assets of around Rs1.2 trillion in June 2025. Their combined liabilities stood at approximately Rs1.05 trillion.The companies together reported net positive equity of around Rs145 billion. However, the financial position of the three companies varies considerably.GEPCO had negative equity of around Rs14.4 billion as of June 2025. The final figures may be different because the government is using March 2026 audited accounts for the restructuring process. The Privatisation Commission board has recommended that the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation approve the restructuring plans. The plans cover the first group of DISCOs selected for privatisation.The proposed arrangements have been prepared using audited financial statements for the period ending March 31, 2026. Officials believe the new structure could increase the value of the companies for the government.It is also intended to make the transactions commercially viable for private-sector investors. The government hopes the approach will attract stronger interest from domestic and international buyers.The strategy closely resembles the model adopted for PIA. During the airline’s privatisation process, the government separated more than Rs650 billion in liabilities from PIA’s balance sheet.The move was designed to leave the airline in a stronger financial position before its transfer to new owners. A similar approach is now being considered for the three DISCOs.The Privatisation Commission has been informed that both local and foreign investors have shown interest in the companies. The government has already announced deadlines for Expressions of Interest.Investors interested in FESCO must submit their Expressions of Interest by August 7, 2026. The deadline for GEPCO is August 21, 2026.For IESCO, the deadline has been set for September 7, 2026. FESCO has a relatively stronger financial position among the three companies.Its assets stood at around Rs410.3 billion as of June 2025. Its liabilities were approximately Rs347 billion.The company reported positive equity of around Rs63 billion. The equity position was supported by deposits for shares and gains from asset revaluation.FESCO also recorded a profit after tax of around Rs9.4 billion. Its non-current liabilities stood at approximately Rs217.6 billion.Staff retirement benefits accounted for around Rs123 billion of these liabilities. The company’s current liabilities were estimated at about Rs130 billion.Trade payables made up around Rs118 billion of the current liabilities. GEPCO reported a profit after tax of around Rs13.7 billion.Its total assets stood at approximately Rs238 billion. However, its equity remained negative at around Rs14.4 billion.The company’s total liabilities were around Rs252.5 billion. Staff retirement benefits accounted for approximately Rs79 billion.IESCO reported a loss after tax of around Rs1.42 billion during the same period. The company had total assets of approximately Rs547 billion.Its liabilities stood at around Rs450 billion. Despite recording a loss, IESCO had positive equity of around Rs97 billion. The company’s equity position was supported by a share deposit of approximately Rs67 billion. It also benefited from a surplus revaluation of around Rs158 billion.IESCO’s liabilities included staff retirement benefits worth around Rs110 billion. The company also carried deferred tax liabilities.The proposed privatisation is part of Pakistan’s wider power-sector reform programme. It is also linked to commitments made under Pakistan’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).Pakistan has repeatedly pledged to reduce government involvement in the power distribution sector. The commitment to privatise at least three DISCOs has been made several times since 2013.Previous attempts, however, failed to reach completion. The IMF has urged Pakistan to implement structural reforms in the power sector.The broader objective is to reduce electricity costs for households and businesses. The reforms also aim to improve the operational efficiency of power distribution companies.The IMF has previously noted delays in the private-sector participation process for DISCOs. The first group, consisting of FESCO, GEPCO and IESCO, faced delays after potential investors raised concerns about the proposed transaction structure.The government has now said that those concerns have been addressed. Officials expect the privatisation process to move forward.The government is targeting completion of the first phase by early 2027. The proposed SPV will be an important part of the process.It is intended to separate selected financial burdens from the three companies before they are offered to private investors. The government hopes the restructuring will improve investor confidence and make the DISCO transactions more commercially attractive.

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    A once-wary Hollywood slowly warms to AI

    ByJustpaste.in

    Once fiercely resistant to artificial intelligence, Hollywood is increasingly embracing the technology through major studio deals, strategic investments, and streamlined production workflows—all while insisting that core human storytelling remains at the heart of filmmaking. ​The shift marks a noticeable departure from early industry hostility, which peaked during the 2023 labor strikes when actors and writers rallied against algorithmic displacement, copyright infringement, and digital likeness exploitation. Early generative AI tools also suffered from obvious visual glitches, such as distorted hands and unnatural lip movements, reinforcing widespread skepticism among creative professionals. ​However, recent technological leaps and major corporate investments have rapidly normalized AI integration. A major catalyst occurred in March when Netflix acquired Ben Affleck’s AI startup, InterPositive, for $587 million to enhance production workflows. Soon after, Lionsgate acquired a stake in AI video generator Runway, and Google invested in independent powerhouse A24. Executives note that AI has now been utilized across approximately 300 Netflix titles—primarily during post-production and for complex visual effects sequences—allowing creative teams to work faster and more efficiently. ​Rather than replacing human performers, filmmakers are pivoting toward “hybrid” and non-linear production techniques. Director Jon Erwin’s production company, The Wonder Project, partnered with AI platform Luma to create hyper-realistic, real-time background environments without traditional green screens or motion-capture suits, leaving actors free to perform naturally. Their recent release Young Washington, starring Oscar winner Ben Kingsley, successfully demonstrated the commercial viability of this approach by grossing over $40 million against a $20 million budget. ​While major legacy studios remain cautious, industry experts suggest that broader adoption is inevitable. Visual effects creators and directors emphasize that while AI serves as an amplifying tool for scope, scale, and pre-visualization, the essential emotional connection between actor, director, and camera remains irreplaceable.

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