trump blames canada
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Trump blames Canada for wildfire smoke as scientists reject sanctions threat

US President Donald Trump has accused Canada of “poisoning” American air with smoke from widespread forest fires, threatening to impose 50% tariffs and demand compensation from its northern neighbour.

Speaking following the World Cup final, Trump claimed he urged Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to halt the blazes from crossing the border, declaring that the US was being “unnecessarily invaded by filthy, polluted and unhealthy air”.

In support, Republican Senator Bernie Moreno announced plans to introduce legislation sanctioning Canada for alleged forest mismanagement. Over 8.1 million acres of Canada’s boreal forest have burned following a severe heat dome, causing hazardous, hazy air across major US and Canadian cities.

Leading climate scientists and ecologists have forcefully dismissed Trump’s claims, describing the rhetoric as unfounded, logistically impossible, and a form of victim-blaming.

Experts, including Michael Mann and Lori Daniels, emphasised that the intensified fires are a direct symptom of global climate change rather than improper forest management. They pointed out that clearing or “raking” Canada’s vast, remote boreal forests is physically unfeasible, noting that the smoke flows both ways across the border and requires international climate action rather than trade penalties.

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    Salman Rushdie attacker convicted on US federal terrorism charges

    The man who stabbed renowned author Salman Rushdie during a public event in 2022 has been found guilty on multiple federal terrorism charges in the United States. The verdict marks another major legal milestone in a case that drew worldwide attention because of the long standing threats against the celebrated novelist. A federal jury in Buffalo, New York, convicted 28 year old Hadi Matar after only a few hours of deliberation. Prosecutors argued that the attack was motivated by decades old calls for Rushdie’s death following the publication of his controversial novel The Satanic Verses. Matar was found guilty of attempting to provide material support to Hezbollah, engaging in terrorism across national borders, and providing support to terrorists. Matar is already serving a 25 year prison sentence after being convicted in a New York state court for attempted murder. Following the federal conviction, he now faces the possibility of life imprisonment when he is sentenced in November. The federal trial began last week and included testimony from Rushdie himself. The 79 year old author described the attack that left him with life changing injuries. The defence did not call Matar or any other witnesses to testify during the proceedings. Rushdie has lived under threat since the publication of The Satanic Verses in 1988. The novel sparked widespread controversy in parts of the Muslim world, leading Iran’s then Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini to issue a religious decree in 1989 calling for the author’s death. The fatwa also targeted people involved in publishing the book and led to violent attacks over the following years, including the killing of Japanese translator Hitoshi Igarashi in 1991. Although the Iranian government later distanced itself from the fatwa, US prosecutors said it continued to receive support from Hezbollah leaders and was reaffirmed by Iran’s current Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence showing that Matar spent more than a year studying the fatwa before carrying out the attack. They argued that he deliberately planned the assault to carry out the religious decree against Rushdie. The attack took place on August 12, 2022, while Rushdie was preparing to speak at the Chautauqua Institution, an educational and cultural centre in New York state. Matar rushed onto the stage and repeatedly stabbed the author before audience members intervened and restrained him until police arrived. Rushdie suffered multiple stab wounds to his head, neck, chest, and hand. The injuries permanently blinded him in one eye and caused severe damage to several internal organs. Another man on stage was also injured during the incident. Born in the United States and holding Lebanese citizenship, Matar had been living in New Jersey before the attack. His conviction in state court earlier resulted in a 25 year prison sentence, but the federal terrorism charges carry significantly harsher penalties. Rushdie, who was born in India and later became a British and American citizen, spent many years under police protection after the fatwa was issued. He lived largely in hiding throughout the 1990s before gradually returning to public life and eventually settling in New York City. The latest verdict closes another chapter in one of the most widely followed literary and terrorism related cases in recent history. It also reinforces the long lasting impact of threats that began nearly four decades ago over a work of fiction and continued to influence events many years later.

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    Police register kidnapping case after six-year-old…

    Rawalpindi police have registered a kidnapping case after an extensive day-long search failed to locate a six-year-old girl who disappeared near Committee Chowk, prompting authorities to launch a formal criminal investigation while continuing search efforts. The missing child, identified as Hareem Umair, vanished near Landa Bazaar on Thursday morning after her family, who had travelled from Lahore to visit relatives in Rawalpindi, prepared to return home. According to police, her father, Umair Ali, realised she was missing while helping his children into the family vehicle following heavy overnight rainfall. The disappearance triggered a large-scale rescue operation led by Rescue 1122 amid concerns that the child may have been swept away by fast-flowing rainwater in the area’s drainage system. Heavy rainfall had caused stormwater drains and Nullah Leh to overflow, complicating search efforts. Rescue teams divided the search area into four sectors, covering more than four kilometres from the site of the disappearance through Bohar Bazaar Chowk, Colonel Maqbool Chowk, Liaquat Road, Gawalmandi, and extending to Moti Mahal Bridge. Officials searched both open and covered sections of the drainage network. According to Rescue 1122, two specialised water rescue teams, consisting of 12 rescuers and five emergency vehicles, participated in the operation. The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) also assisted in the search. Despite the extensive effort, no trace of the child was found before the operation was temporarily suspended after sunset due to poor visibility. Officials said the search would resume the following morning. Speaking to the media, Hareem’s father said he immediately searched nearby streets and questioned security personnel and relatives after discovering that his daughter was missing. He told police that the street was submerged under approximately one foot of rainwater at the time of the incident, leaving uncertainty over whether the child had been swept away or abducted. Following the unsuccessful search, relatives and local residents staged a protest at Bohar Bazaar Chowk, demanding intensified efforts to recover the missing girl. The demonstration continued for more than an hour before police assured protesters that every available resource would be used to continue both the investigation and the search operation. Waris Khan Police subsequently registered a First Information Report (FIR) under Section 363 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which relates to kidnapping. Authorities say both rescue operations and the criminal investigation remain ongoing as efforts continue to locate the missing child.

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    Fire breaks out at warehouse near Karachi’s Sher…

      KARACHI: A fire broke out at a warehouse near Shershah in Karachi West, prompting emergency response teams to rush to the scene and begin efforts to bring the blaze under control. According to Rescue 1122, its teams were immediately dispatched to the affected area after receiving information about the incident. Rescue personnel are currently engaged in firefighting operations and are working to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby buildings and commercial establishments. The fire reportedly erupted at a warehouse located in the vicinity of Shershah, an area known for its busy commercial and industrial activities. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, while officials have not immediately provided details regarding the extent of the damage or whether anyone was injured. Rescue 1122 officials said their teams were actively working at the site to control the flames. Firefighters are using emergency equipment to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the warehouse or surrounding properties. The incident has raised concerns because warehouse fires can spread rapidly, particularly when buildings contain combustible materials, packaging, chemicals or other flammable goods. Such fires can also generate thick smoke, making firefighting operations more difficult and creating risks for people living or working nearby. Emergency personnel have been focusing on bringing the situation under control while assessing the conditions inside and around the affected warehouse. Authorities may also inspect the premises after the fire is extinguished to determine how the incident started and whether safety regulations were being followed. The Shershah area is one of Karachi’s important commercial zones, with numerous warehouses, workshops, markets and businesses operating in and around the locality. A fire in such an area can potentially affect surrounding businesses and disrupt traffic and commercial activity. Residents and workers in the vicinity have been Fire breaks out at warehouse near Karachi’s Shershah area KARACHI: A fire broke out at a warehouse near Shershah in Karachi West, prompting emergency response teams to rush to the scene and begin efforts to bring the blaze under control. According to Rescue 1122, its teams were immediately dispatched to the affected area after receiving information about the incident. Rescue personnel are currently engaged in firefighting operations and are working to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby buildings and commercial establishments. The fire reportedly erupted at a warehouse located in the vicinity of Shershah, an area known for its busy commercial and industrial activities. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, while officials have not immediately provided details regarding the extent of the damage or whether anyone was injured. Rescue 1122 officials said their teams were actively working at the site to control the flames. Firefighters are using emergency equipment to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the warehouse or surrounding properties. The incident has raised concerns because warehouse fires can spread rapidly, particularly when buildings contain combustible materials, packaging, chemicals or other flammable goods. Such fires can also generate thick smoke, making firefighting operations more difficult and creating risks for people living or working nearby. Emergency personnel have been focusing on bringing the situation under control while assessing the conditions inside and around the affected warehouse. Authorities may also inspect the premises after the fire is extinguished to determine how the incident started and whether safety regulations were being followed. The Shershah area is one of Karachi’s important commercial zones, with numerous warehouses, workshops, markets and businesses operating in and around the locality. A fire in such an area can potentially affect surrounding businesses and disrupt traffic and commercial activity. Residents and workers in the vicinity have been advised to remain cautious and avoid approaching the affected location unnecessarily. Keeping roads and access routes clear is particularly important during emergency operations because firefighting vehicles and rescue teams need sufficient space to reach the site and carry out their work. At the time of the initial report, there were no confirmed details regarding casualties or the financial losses caused by the fire. Officials are expected to provide further information once firefighting operations are completed and the situation is assessed. The incident once again highlights the importance of fire safety measures at warehouses and commercial facilities. Proper storage of combustible materials, functional fire extinguishing systems, emergency exits and regular safety inspections can help reduce the risk of major fires and limit damage when accidents occur. Rescue 1122 teams remain engaged in firefighting efforts, while further details about the cause of the blaze, possible injuries and property damage are awaited. Authorities are expected to investigate the incident after the fire has been brought under control. The investigation will help determine whether the fire was caused by an electrical fault, an equipment malfunction, negligence or another factor. For now, emergency teams are concentrating on their immediate priority: extinguishing the fire, protecting nearby properties and ensuring the safety of people in the surrounding area. Further updates are expected as officials assess the situation and complete their operations. to remain cautious and avoid approaching the affected location unnecessarily. Keeping roads and access routes clear is particularly important during emergency operations because firefighting vehicles and rescue teams need sufficient space to reach the site and carry out their work. At the time of the initial report, there were no confirmed details regarding casualties or the financial losses caused by the fire. Officials are expected to provide further information once firefighting operations are completed and the situation is assessed. The incident once again highlights the importance of fire safety measures at warehouses and commercial facilities. Proper storage of combustible materials, functional fire extinguishing systems, emergency exits and regular safety inspections can help reduce the risk of major fires and limit damage when accidents occur. Rescue 1122 teams remain engaged in firefighting efforts, while further details about the cause of the blaze, possible injuries and property damage are awaited. Authorities are expected to investigate the incident after the fire has been brought under control. The investigation

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    Kendall Jenner enjoys Chris Stapleton concert with Jacob Elordi

    Kendall Jenner and Jacob Elordi have once again sparked romance speculation after enjoying a cozy date night at Chris Stapleton’s All-American Road Show concert on July 24 at the Gorge Amphitheatre in George, Washington. The rumored couple was spotted watching the performance from a side-stage VIP area, where they appeared relaxed and comfortable in each other’s company. Kendall, founder of 818 Tequila, was seen sipping a drink while enjoying the music, while Elordi, dressed casually in a white T-shirt and a baseball cap, leaned in to chat with her throughout the evening. Their appearance quickly caught the attention of fellow concertgoers, with several fans sharing videos on social media. One widely circulated TikTok clip captured the excitement of attendees after realizing the pair were standing nearby, further fueling online discussion about their relationship. The concert outing is the latest in a string of public appearances that have kept romance rumors surrounding the two celebrities alive throughout the summer. Speculation about Kendall and Jacob’s relationship first intensified after they were seen spending time together during this year’s Coachella Music and Arts Festival in April. Since then, the pair have reportedly been spotted enjoying several trips together, including vacations in Hawaii, dining outings in Tokyo, and travels to Elordi’s native Australia. Although neither Kendall nor Jacob has publicly confirmed they are dating, their frequent appearances together have continued to attract attention. Photos and videos of the pair have regularly surfaced online, with fans closely following their rumored romance. Before their latest concert date, Kendall and Jacob were also seen spending time with Kylie Jenner and actor Timothée Chalamet during a double date in Los Angeles, adding more fuel to ongoing speculation about their relationship. Interestingly, Kendall Jenner and Jacob Elordi have known each other for several years. The Saltburn actor attended Jenner’s birthday celebration in 2022, though the two were not romantically linked at the time. Romance rumors only began circulating in early 2026 after the pair were spotted chatting at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in March. Their appearance together at Coachella the following month further intensified speculation that they had grown closer. Around the same time, reports suggested that the pair had been spending time together privately and were getting to know one another over the previous few months. Since then, they have continued to appear together on multiple occasions, though they have chosen not to address the rumors publicly. Both Jenner and Elordi have previously spoken about the challenges that come with maintaining relationships while living in the spotlight. They have each expressed a preference for keeping their personal lives private despite constant public interest and media attention. For now, the pair remain silent about the true nature of their relationship. However, with each new public outing, fans continue to speculate that the model and the Australian actor may be one of Hollywood’s newest celebrity couples. Whether or not they decide to confirm their romance, their latest concert date has only added to the growing buzz surrounding them.

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    Dr Summaiya flags 14 flaws in Mir Raza Ali post-mo…

    KARACHI: Police Surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed has identified 14 serious deficiencies in the post-mortem examination of Mir Raza Ali and formally raised concerns with the police, calling for a thorough review of the forensic findings. In a letter addressed to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) District East, Dr Summaiya questioned the quality and completeness of the autopsy report prepared by Dr Osama Sheikh. She highlighted several procedural and forensic shortcomings that, according to her, could affect the accuracy and credibility of the investigation. According to the letter, no X-rays were conducted on the body before or during the post-mortem examination. Dr Summaiya stated that such imaging is a standard forensic requirement and can help identify bullet trajectories, fractures and other internal injuries that may not be visible during a routine examination. She further pointed out that no chemical analysis was carried out to determine the presence of gunpowder residue around the entry wound. The absence of such testing, she noted, limits the ability to determine the firing distance and other important forensic details. The police surgeon also stated that the internal examination of the skull and neck was not performed. She said these examinations are essential in cases involving firearm injuries, particularly when determining the exact cause of death and the path of the bullet. Dr Samia’s letter also criticised the documentation process followed during the autopsy. She said no measurement scale was used while recording the injuries, making it difficult to accurately assess the size of the wounds. She added that photographs of the injuries were not taken in accordance with accepted forensic standards. She further observed that the report did not adequately explain the bone characteristics associated with the entry and exit wounds, making the injury assessment incomplete. The letter also highlighted that the nature and stage of decomposition of the body had not been clearly described in the report. According to Dr Summaiya, documenting decomposition is important in estimating the time of death and assessing the condition of the body. Another major concern raised was the reported size of the wounds. The post-mortem report recorded the entry wound as significantly larger than the exit wound, a finding Dr Summaiya described as unusual and requiring immediate re-examination and verification. She also questioned the identification process, stating that although the face of the deceased was reportedly unrecognisable, no DNA sample was collected to scientifically confirm the identity of the body. Dr Summaiya urged the investigating authorities to carefully review the post-mortem findings and address the identified shortcomings to ensure that the forensic investigation meets professional standards and supports a fair and transparent legal process.

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    Sarwat Gilani celebrates Special Olympics athletes

    Renowned Pakistani actor and Special Olympics Pakistan (SOP) Ambassador Sarwat Gilani shared heartwarming moments from the organization’s three-day national sports competition, which concluded following a vibrant celebration of inclusion, sportsmanship, and determination. The three-day event, held from July 21 to July 23, brought together athletes with intellectual disabilities from across the country to showcase their athletic talents and foster a spirit of unity through sports. Taking to social media, Gilani shared a recap featuring photos and video clips highlighting her interactions with competitors, volunteering alongside organizers, and presenting awards to winners during the closing ceremony. The national competition featured a total of 82 athletes representing diverse regions, including Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Federal territory. Highlighting the success of the games, Special Olympics Pakistan praised the participating athletes on its official social media channels, noting that every moment of the tournament reflected the intense passion and dedication of the individuals involved. Reflecting on her long-standing commitment as brand ambassador and advocate for the organization’s mission, Gilani emphasized the broader societal importance of empowering individuals with special needs: “At Special Olympics Pakistan, we celebrate athletes who redefine courage, resilience, and possibility every single day. They don’t just compete — they inspire a nation. They remind us that inclusion is not charity; it is justice. It is love in action.” In addition to celebrating the sports gathering, Gilani used the platform to promote Inclusion Rocks, an upcoming concert series aiming to raise awareness and support for the cause. Featuring musicians Faisal Kapadia and Murtaza Qizilbash, the musical initiative is scheduled to take place across Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore. Special Olympics Pakistan continues to work towards transforming the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through sports, creating opportunities for nationwide participation and building a more inclusive society. Gilani’s active participation and advocacy during the national event served to further spotlight the remarkable resilience and achievements of the nation’s special athletes.

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