pakistan begins commonwealth
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Pakistan begins Commonwealth Games 2026 campaign with hopes pinned on Arshad Nadeem

ByJustpaste.in

GLASGOW: The 2026 Commonwealth Games have officially begun in Glasgow and will continue until August 2, bringing together nearly 3,000 athletes from 74 countries to compete across multiple sporting disciplines.

Pakistan has sent a 36-member contingent, including 20 athletes, along with coaches and officials, to participate in this year’s event.

The national team will compete in six sports: athletics, boxing, judo, gymnastics, lawn bowls and swimming.

Pakistan’s biggest medal hope is Olympic javelin champion Arshad Nadeem, who will defend his Commonwealth Games title. Having achieved historic success for Pakistan on the international stage in recent years, Arshad is widely regarded as the country’s strongest contender for a gold medal.

In athletics, Pakistan will be represented by Arshad Nadeem, Faiqa Riaz, Ansar Abbas, Muhammad Akhtar, Muhammad Ismail, Muhammad Yasir and Noreen Hussain.

The boxing squad includes Afzal Khan, Fatima Zahra, Malaika Zahid, Qudratullah and Samama Rehman. Shah Hussain Shah will compete in judo, while Shehzad Ali will represent Pakistan in gymnastics.

In lawn bowls, Maqsood Waseem Khan and Muhammad Ayub Qureshi will compete, while Hamza Asif, Hareem Malik, Jehanara Nabi and Muhammad Ahmed Durrani will represent Pakistan in swimming.

Sports analysts believe Pakistan’s brightest medal prospect is Arshad Nadeem in the men’s javelin throw. If he performs at his best, he is considered a leading favourite to win gold.

Pakistan could also challenge for medals in boxing, although the competition is expected to be tough. In judo, Shah Hussain Shah is viewed as another strong contender, given Pakistan’s previous success in the sport at the Commonwealth Games.

In gymnastics, lawn bowls and swimming, the main objective for Pakistani athletes will be to reach the final rounds and achieve personal best performances.

Overall, experts believe Pakistan has the potential to win one to three medals, with the strongest possibility being a gold medal through Arshad Nadeem. A standout performance in boxing or judo could further improve the country’s medal tally.

As the Games get underway, Pakistani fans will be closely following Arshad Nadeem, whose achievements have made him one of the country’s most celebrated athletes and an inspiration for the next generation of sportsmen and women.

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    Tight security marks peaceful Chehlum procession

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    The main Chehlum procession concluded peacefully in Karachi on Tuesday after passing through its designated route under comprehensive security arrangements. Thousands of mourners participated in the annual religious procession to mark Chehlum, also known as Arbaeen, which commemorates the 40th day of mourning for the martyrdom of Imam Husain (AS), the grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Law enforcement agencies implemented an extensive security plan to ensure the procession was held without any untoward incident. The event concluded successfully after participants reached the designated endpoint. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah expressed satisfaction over the peaceful conclusion of the procession. He praised the Sindh Police, Pakistan Rangers, and other security agencies for their coordinated efforts to maintain law and order throughout the day. The chief minister also appreciated the cooperation extended by procession organisers, religious scholars, volunteers, and participants. He said their collective efforts helped ensure the religious event remained peaceful and well-organised. Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar also commended the police for their professional performance. He said the successful completion of Chehlum processions reflected effective planning and strong coordination among all institutions responsible for security. A comprehensive security strategy had been put in place ahead of the event. More than 11,000 police officers and personnel were deployed across Karachi to protect Chehlum processions, religious gatherings, and imambargahs. Security officials remained on high alert throughout the day. Additional police personnel were stationed along the procession route and at sensitive locations across the city. Rangers and other law enforcement agencies also assisted in maintaining security. Authorities carried out continuous patrolling, snap checking, and picketing in different areas. Officers were instructed to remain present in their respective jurisdictions and ensure strict monitoring of important public places, government buildings, private installations, and religious sites. To facilitate security arrangements, several major roads along the procession route remained closed. Traffic police introduced a detailed diversion plan to reduce inconvenience for commuters. Motorists were advised to use alternate routes through Lasbela Chowk, Nishtar Road, Kashmir Road, Shahrah-i-Quaideen, Martin Road, Bahadur Yar Jang Road, Soldier Bazaar, and other connecting roads. Traffic police personnel remained deployed across the city to guide commuters and manage the flow of vehicles.

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    PSX faces heavy selling as KSE-100 index drops over 1,300 points

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    KARACHI: Selling pressure intensified at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Tuesday as investor sentiment weakened amid growing uncertainty over the prospects of a peace agreement between the United States and Iran and the reopening of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The benchmark KSE-100 Index came under pressure during the trading session, losing more than 1,300 points as investors remained cautious and reduced exposure to major stocks across several sectors. At around 2pm, the KSE-100 Index stood at 179,996.62 points, showing a decline of 1,313.66 points, or 0.72%, from the previous close. The market witnessed broad-based selling, with several major sectors contributing to the decline. Automobile assemblers, cement companies, commercial banks, fertiliser manufacturers, oil and gas exploration firms and oil marketing companies (OMCs) remained under pressure. Several index-heavy stocks also traded in negative territory. Prominent companies including HUBCO, Mari Petroleum (MARI), Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDC), Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC), Habib Bank Limited (HBL), MCB Bank, Meezan Bank (MEBL) and United Bank Limited (UBL) were among the stocks weighing on the benchmark index. Previous session also ends lower The latest decline follows a weak close in the previous trading session. On Monday, the PSX initially moved higher but lost momentum during the second half of the session as investors opted to book profits in heavyweight shares. The KSE-100 Index eventually closed at 181,310.28 points, down 119.74 points, or 0.07%. The continued weakness suggests that investors are closely monitoring developments in international markets, particularly the situation surrounding oil supplies and the Strait of Hormuz. US-Iran tensions keep markets on edge Global financial markets remained unsettled on Tuesday as hopes for an agreement between Washington and Tehran appeared to fade. Negotiations aimed at ending the conflict and restoring normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have encountered fresh difficulties. US President Donald Trump on Monday responded to Iran’s conditions for a possible peace agreement by putting forward his own demands, including calls for compensation related to deaths and losses associated with wars, attacks and protests. The tougher rhetoric has raised concerns that diplomatic efforts could take longer, potentially prolonging disruptions around the crucial maritime route. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, and prolonged disruption to shipping through the waterway could have significant consequences for crude oil supplies and global energy prices. Oil prices climb to highest level since July 31 The uncertainty surrounding the situation was reflected in international oil markets. Brent crude futures climbed to around $88 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose to approximately $82.45 per barrel. Both benchmarks reached their highest levels since July 31 after recording gains of roughly 5% during Monday’s trading session. Higher oil prices are a major concern for economies that depend heavily on imported energy. For Pakistan, sustained increases in global crude prices could increase the country’s import bill and place additional pressure on external accounts, inflation and domestic fuel prices. The rise in energy prices is also being closely watched by investors because higher input costs can affect corporate profitability and influence monetary policy expectations. Asian markets remain cautious The uncertainty was not limited to Pakistan. Asian equity markets moved within a narrow range as investors assessed the potential impact of rising energy prices on inflation and economic growth. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan moved between gains and losses before trading modestly higher. South Korea’s Kospi also recorded a slight increase. However, the escalation in tensions around the Gulf kept overall market sentiment fragile, with investors remaining wary of further developments that could affect energy supplies and global trade. US stock futures were also slightly positive on Tuesday. Nasdaq futures rose around 0.28%, while S&P 500 futures gained approximately 0.1%, following a weaker session on Wall Street on Monday. Inflation data in focus Investors are also awaiting the latest US consumer price data, which could provide further clues about the direction of interest rates and inflationary pressures in the world’s largest economy. The increase in crude oil prices has added another element of uncertainty ahead of the inflation report. A sustained rise in fuel and energy costs could complicate efforts to bring inflation closer to central-bank targets. For Pakistani investors, the combination of geopolitical uncertainty, higher global oil prices and pressure on heavyweight shares is likely to remain a key factor influencing trading sentiment in the near term.

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    Urmila Matondkar’s ex-husband Mohsin Akhtar shar…

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    Mohsin Akhtar, the former husband of veteran Bollywood actress Urmila Matondkar, has shared a fresh collection of romantic photographs with his new wife, Nida Bhatt, giving fans another glimpse into their wedding celebrations. The 43-year-old businessman and model posted photographs from his walima ceremony several months after announcing his marriage to Nida. Alongside the pictures, Mohsin shared an emotional message expressing his love and appreciation for his new wife. In his heartfelt post, Mohsin described Nida as much more than his wife, calling her his “home” and “peace.” He also promised to stand by her, value her and continue loving her throughout every chapter of their journey together. The new photographs offer glimpses of the couple celebrating their marriage with family and friends. Mohsin had previously shared pictures from his wedding with Nida in June, officially revealing details of his new marriage to his followers. His latest social media post has attracted attention largely because of his previous high-profile marriage to Urmila Matondkar, one of Bollywood’s well-known actresses. Before marrying Nida, Mohsin was married to Urmila. The couple tied the knot on February 4, 2016, in an intimate ceremony attended by close friends and family members. Their relationship attracted considerable attention at the time, partly because of their age difference and their interfaith marriage. Mohsin, who comes from a Kashmiri business background and has worked as a model, is around 10 years younger than Urmila. Following their separation, both have continued with their respective lives and careers. Mohsin’s latest posts now focus on his new relationship and marriage, with his affectionate message to Nida offering a glimpse into his current personal life. The newly shared wedding photographs have given fans a closer look at the celebrations surrounding Mohsin and Nida’s marriage. His romantic caption has also drawn attention, particularly his description of his wife as his source of comfort and happiness. While Urmila Matondkar remains a prominent name in Indian cinema, Mohsin Akhtar’s latest social media update has shifted the spotlight toward his new chapter in life. The couple’s wedding pictures are continuing to attract interest online as fans react to the romantic moments and Mohsin’s emotional message for his new bride.

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    Khanewal placed on flood alert as DC Hena Arshad o…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Protective embankments inspected at Head Sidhnai, Mai Safura, Kund Sargana and Fazil Shah as Ravi and Chenab water levels remain under continuous surveillance Khanewal: Deputy Commissioner Khanewal Hena Arshad has issued a pre-emptive alert to all relevant departments, directing them to maintain complete operational preparedness for any possible flood emergency in the district. The alert comes as Punjab faces an evolving monsoon and river-flood situation. According to the latest official update, moderate flooding has been recorded in the River Chenab at Khanki, Qadirabad and Chiniot Bridge. Low-level flooding has also been reported at Trimmu on the Chenab and at Balloki and Sidhnai on the River Ravi. The Deputy Commissioner visited Head Sidhnai, the Mai Safura Bund Breaching Section, Kund Sargana and Fazil Shah Bund, where she inspected flood-protection infrastructure and reviewed emergency response arrangements. Officials of the Irrigation Department briefed her on the prevailing water situation in the Ravi and Chenab rivers, the structural strength of protective embankments, vulnerable riverine areas, evacuation planning and precautionary measures being taken to minimise possible losses. Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue Fazal Abbas, Assistant Commissioner Kabirwala Muhammad Haroon and officers representing the Irrigation Department, Rescue 1122, Revenue Department and other concerned agencies accompanied the Deputy Commissioner during the inspection. At Head Sidhnai, Hena Arshad inspected the Mai Safura Bund Breaching Section, surrounding flood embankments and the railway bridge. She reviewed the condition of the protective infrastructure and the safety measures being implemented around vulnerable locations. The Deputy Commissioner directed the Irrigation Department, Kabirwala tehsil administration, Rescue 1122, Revenue Department and other agencies to remain fully alert and maintain uninterrupted coordination. She stressed that machinery, rescue boats, emergency equipment, personnel and transportation resources must remain available for immediate deployment. Any weakness detected in an embankment or protective structure should be repaired without delay, she added. Earlier, while chairing a flood-preparedness meeting at Head Sidhnai, the Deputy Commissioner said that the district administration had completed the necessary arrangements to respond effectively to a possible emergency. She ordered the immediate strengthening of flood embankments, removal of encroachments from waterways and vulnerable locations, and implementation of all remaining precautionary measures. During her visits to Kund Sargana and Fazil Shah Bund, Hena Arshad instructed officials to prepare for the timely and safe evacuation of residents from low-lying riverine settlements whenever water conditions require such action. She directed the administration to identify vulnerable populations in advance, maintain updated evacuation lists and ensure the availability of transport for families, livestock and essential belongings. The Deputy Commissioner also ordered that flood-relief camps and facilities established by the Health and Livestock departments remain fully operational. These camps must be prepared to provide shelter, medicines, drinking water, food, veterinary assistance and other essential services immediately after an emergency is declared. Punjab authorities have intensified flood monitoring across rivers, headworks and barrages. Drone surveillance has also been conducted at Head Sidhnai and other strategic locations to monitor water flows, riverbank erosion and possible incoming flood waves. The wider provincial situation remains sensitive. More than 4,300 residents have already been evacuated from vulnerable settlements along the Chenab in Chiniot district following an increase in water levels, illustrating the speed with which river conditions can affect downstream communities. The National Disaster Management Authority has also issued a weather advisory covering July 25 to July 30, warning of further monsoon activity and associated flooding hazards. Hena Arshad said water levels and river conditions across Khanewal district were being monitored continuously. She instructed all departments to remain vigilant and respond immediately to any rise in water levels, weakening of embankments or other emergency situation. “The protection of citizens’ lives, property and livestock is the district administration’s foremost priority,” the Deputy Commissioner said, reaffirming that negligence or delays in flood-preparedness measures would not be tolerated. Residents of low-lying areas near the Ravi, Head Sidhnai and adjoining riverine belts have been advised to remain attentive to official announcements, avoid approaching rivers and flood channels, and cooperate with the administration if precautionary evacuation becomes necessary. Citizens may contact Rescue 1122 during an immediate emergency or call the Provincial Disaster Management Authority’s disaster helpline 1129 to report flood-related risks and seek assistance.

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    Austin Reaves’ Lakers future faces fresh trade questions

    ByJustpaste.in

    LOS ANGELES: Austin Reaves has just secured a massive new contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, but his long-term future in Hollywood could still become a major talking point after the franchise made sweeping changes to its roster this summer. The Lakers have entered a new era with their focus increasingly centred on Luka Doncic, while the departure of LeBron James has changed the shape and direction of the team. Reaves, meanwhile, remains an important part of the Lakers’ plans. The 28-year-old guard re-signed with Los Angeles in late June on a four-year, $180 million contract, including a player option in the final season. The deal appeared to confirm that the Lakers viewed Reaves as a key piece alongside Doncic. His contract also reportedly gives Los Angeles greater financial flexibility moving forward, including the possibility of pursuing another player with the non-taxpayer mid-level exception next summer. But the Lakers’ subsequent move for centre Walker Kessler has complicated the picture. Los Angeles acquired Kessler from the Utah Jazz in July, reportedly committing significant draft capital in the process. The move reflects the Lakers’ desire to secure a long-term defensive presence in the frontcourt, but it also reduced the number of valuable assets available to the franchise. That situation has prompted NBA insider Zach Lowe to raise an intriguing possibility: Reaves could eventually become a trade candidate. Lowe argued that the Lakers paid heavily for Kessler and now have fewer tradeable assets with which to reshape the roster. “There’s no question that they overpaid for him,” Lowe said, suggesting the Lakers may eventually have to decide whether the current roster is good enough or whether they need to pivot by moving Reaves. The logic behind the speculation is straightforward. Doncic is now firmly positioned as the franchise cornerstone, making it highly unlikely that Los Angeles would consider moving him. Reaves, however, could command significant interest around the league if the Lakers eventually decide they need additional draft capital or another major piece. That does not mean a trade is imminent. In fact, Reaves could be more important to the Lakers than ever during the upcoming season. With James no longer in the picture, the team will need additional scoring, playmaking and leadership around Doncic. Reaves has already demonstrated that he can thrive in a high-pressure environment, evolving from an undrafted player into one of the Lakers’ most valuable contributors. His new contract suggests the organisation believes he can play an important role in its next chapter. Yet NBA roster building can change quickly. If the Lakers struggle to build a championship-calibre supporting cast around Doncic, Reaves’ value could become a tempting trade asset — particularly because the team has already sacrificed considerable draft capital to acquire Kessler. For now, Reaves remains a Laker and an important part of the franchise’s post-LeBron era. But with Doncic at the centre, Kessler anchoring the future frontcourt and the Lakers’ trade assets significantly reduced, one question is beginning to emerge: Could Austin Reaves ultimately become the price Los Angeles pays to build its next championship team?

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    Pakistan tops FTR medal table at F-Class World Championship in UK

    ByJustpaste.in

    LONDON: Pakistan has produced a historic performance at the 7th F-Class World Championship in the United Kingdom, emerging as the highest medal-winning nation in the FTR category after securing 4 gold, 4 silver and 5 bronze medals during the opening individual competitions. The championship, being held at the renowned Bisley National Shooting Centre, began on 12 August and has brought together 207 elite long-range shooters from 24 countries. The first phase featured individual matches over distances of 800, 900 and 1,000 yards. Competing with a modest contingent of just 12 shooters, Team Pakistan outperformed much larger international teams, underlining the country’s rapid rise in long-range target shooting. The achievement comes only three years after Pakistan entered the international F-Class arena, making its emergence as a major force all the more remarkable. The standout performer was Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Ali, who delivered a world-class performance to claim the coveted Individual FTR World Champion title. He won three gold, one silver and one bronze medal, finishing ahead of all 207 competitors through exceptional consistency across all three shooting distances. His triumph marks the biggest individual achievement in Pakistan’s F-Class shooting history. Sepoy Muhammad Waleed added another gold and a bronze medal to Pakistan’s tally, while Huzaifa Gill excelled in the Under-25 category with three silver and two bronze medals. Ahsan Gill also secured a bronze medal. Pakistan’s impressive depth was reflected in the overall standings, with seven shooters—Lt Col Junaid Ali, Muhammad Waleed, Obaid, Qasim, Huzaifa Gill, Junaid Waqas and Ahsan Gulrez—finishing among the championship’s top 100 competitors. The latest success follows another outstanding performance at the F-Class British Open 2026, held at Bisley earlier this month, where Pakistan won seven gold, two silver and four bronze medals, signalling the country’s growing stature in international long-range shooting. Attention now turns to the prestigious 16-member World Championship Team Match, scheduled for 15–16 August, where Pakistan will compete across 800, 900 and 1,000 yards with hopes of adding to its remarkable medal haul. Pakistan’s performances at Bisley have established the national team as one of the fastest-rising forces in world F-Class shooting and brought considerable pride to the country on the international stage.

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