cynthia erivo pays
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Cynthia Erivo pays sweet tribute to Ariana Grande …

ByJustpaste.in

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have once again reminded fans why their friendship remains one of the most beloved bonds to come out of Wicked. The longtime co-stars reunited onstage in London, creating an emotional moment that quickly became one of the highlights of Grande’s Eternal Sunshine Tour. 

On August 16, Erivo surprised fans at London’s O2 Arena when she joined Grande during the second night of the singer’s London shows. The pair performed “For Good,” the emotional Wicked song that has become closely associated with their characters, Elphaba and Glinda. They also treated the audience to the “Get Happy/Happy Days Are Here Again” medley. 

The reunion was especially meaningful because it marked their first live performance together since the 2025 television special Wicked: One Wonderful Night. Their return to the stage together brought back memories of their years working on the two Wicked movies and the friendship they developed away from the spotlight. 

Erivo has previously spoken warmly about singing with Grande, describing her as one of the few people she genuinely loves performing alongside. She explained that she does not often want to sing with other people, but Grande is different because their voices and energy naturally complement one another. 

That affection was clear during their London reunion. The two stars embraced onstage, while Grande was also seen kissing Erivo’s hand, adding another tender moment to the performance. Their chemistry once again reminded audiences of the special connection they built while bringing Elphaba and Glinda to life. 

Their friendship has faced plenty of public speculation over the years. However, Erivo has repeatedly made it clear that their bond is genuine. In a 2026 interview, she discussed how people struggled to understand the closeness between two women and emphasized that deep, platonic female friendships are real. 

The London reunion therefore felt like more than just another surprise concert appearance. It was a celebration of music, friendship and the lasting impact of Wicked. For fans who have followed Erivo and Grande since the beginning of their journey as Elphaba and Glinda, seeing them share the stage again was a particularly touching reminder that their connection continues long after the cameras stop rolling.

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    Militant facilitator Mufti Zafaryab arrested

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    Authorities have arrested self-styled cleric Mufti Zafaryab for allegedly facilitating the banned militant group referred to by the Pakistani government as Fitna al-Khawarij. According to an official statement, the suspect said he completed an eight-year Dars-e-Nizami course at Jamia Nizam-ul-Uloom, Yateem Khana, Bannu, and later completed a three-year specialization in Islamic jurisprudence (Takhassus fi al-Fiqh) at Al-Markaz Al-Islami, Ghoriwala. In a recorded statement, Zafaryab admitted that he had been in contact with militant commander Hikmat Roshan. He said state institutions were aware of his links, which ultimately led to his arrest. The suspect alleged that the militant commander sought religious rulings from him to justify extortion carried out in the name of jihad. He further claimed that he, along with several others, had been offered positions and financial incentives by the group. Expressing remorse, Zafaryab said he regretted his actions and stated that the group has no connection with Islam. He described its activities and ideology as un-Islamic and contrary to Sharia. He also said the militant group promotes extremist beliefs and considers the killing of Muslims to be permissible, rejecting its ideology and distancing himself from its actions. The arrest comes as security forces continue counterterrorism operations against militant groups across the country.

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    Pakistani stars celebrate Independence Day with patriotic spirit

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    Pakistan celebrated its 79th Independence Day on Friday, August 14, with people across the country coming together to express their love for the nation. Members of the Pakistani entertainment industry also joined the celebrations, using social media to share patriotic messages, family moments and prayers for the country’s future. Several prominent showbiz personalities, including Asim Azhar, Aiman Khan, Muneeb Butt, Resham, Amar Khan, Faysal Quraishi, Zara Noor Abbas, Asad Siddiqui and others, marked the occasion through posts and stories on Instagram. Their celebrations reflected a mixture of national pride, family togetherness and heartfelt wishes for Pakistan. Actor Danish Taimoor shared a particularly emotional message, acknowledging that life in the country can sometimes bring frustration, disappointment and uncertainty. However, he stressed that despite the challenges, Pakistan remains home and deserves to be valued. Taimoor highlighted the sacrifices behind the creation of the country, reminding his followers that Pakistan was not simply handed to its people. It was achieved through struggle, prayers and sacrifices made by generations. His message focused on the emotional connection people share with their homeland and encouraged Pakistanis to remain hopeful despite difficulties. He concluded his message with a powerful expression of national unity, emphasizing that the identity of Pakistan is closely connected with its people. Other celebrities also embraced the festive spirit by sharing pictures and videos from their Independence Day celebrations. Saif Ali Khan was seen in a scenic clip singing a national song on stage, adding a musical touch to the day’s celebrations. Muneeb Butt also shared a warm family moment with his followers. In an Instagram story, his wife Aiman Khan and their daughters could be seen celebrating the occasion and chanting the popular slogan “Pakistan Zindabad.” The family’s cheerful celebration quickly became part of the many patriotic moments shared by Pakistani celebrities online. Across social media, stars dressed in traditional and festive outfits, displayed the national colours and shared messages wishing their fellow citizens a happy Independence Day. Many also used the occasion to pray for peace, stability, progress and prosperity in the country. The entertainment industry’s participation reflected how Independence Day continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Pakistanis. While celebrities used their platforms to celebrate the country’s achievements, several messages also acknowledged the challenges faced by ordinary citizens. From emotional reflections on the sacrifices made for independence to joyful family celebrations, the stars’ posts captured different sides of the national occasion. Their messages ultimately carried a common sentiment: despite hardships and differences, Pakistan remains a shared home and a source of collective identity. As the country marked another year of independence, Pakistani showbiz personalities joined millions of citizens in celebrating the nation while expressing hope for a peaceful, prosperous and brighter future. Their heartfelt messages served as reminders of the importance of unity, resilience and love for the homeland.

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    PSX extends decline as KSE-100 drops over 1,260 po…

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    The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) remained under pressure on Friday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index extending its recent losing streak during the morning trading session as investor sentiment stayed weak. By the time trading was suspended for the routine Friday prayer break, the KSE-100 Index had fallen 1,264.14 points, or 0.74%, to 170,475.30. The market opened in negative territory and continued to fluctuate throughout the session. The index reached an intraday high of 171,208.55 before declining to a low of 169,512.88, reflecting persistent selling pressure across the market. Trading activity remained moderate, with more than 114 million shares changing hands during the morning session. The total value of traded shares stood at approximately Rs7.83 billion before the temporary suspension. Market participants said investors remained cautious as profit-taking continued in several heavyweight stocks. The absence of strong buying interest also contributed to the downward trend, keeping the benchmark index below its previous closing level. The market moved within a wide range of nearly 1,700 points during the session, highlighting continued volatility as investors assessed economic conditions and overall market sentiment. Analysts said investors are closely monitoring developments that could influence market direction, including corporate earnings, economic indicators and broader financial conditions. They added that confidence has remained subdued in recent sessions, resulting in increased selling activity. Trading is expected to resume after the Friday prayer break, with investors watching for signs of a recovery. Market experts believe the direction of the afternoon session will determine whether the benchmark index can recover some of its losses or end the week on another negative note.

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    Tanweer Ahmed champions human-centred AI at UN you…

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    Tanweer Ahmed, a technology and artificial intelligence professional, has called for a human-centred approach to AI adoption, stressing that emerging technologies should support people rather than replace them. Speaking at the Youth and AI Summit at United Nations Headquarters in New York on International Youth Day, Ahmed delivered a presentation titled “Keeping Humanity in AI Adoption.” He focused particularly on how nonprofit organisations can use artificial intelligence responsibly while protecting human judgment and accountability. Ahmed said his professional background in technology consulting, data analytics and AI had given him experience in understanding the opportunities created by emerging technologies. However, he said his passion for the nonprofit sector was rooted in his earlier experiences working with communities and young people. He recalled working on a community farm and participating in cultural education activities in Cuba during 2007 and 2008. In 2010, he travelled to South Africa, where he taught mathematics to fifth-grade students. Ahmed said these experiences shaped his long-term desire to contribute to communities and help children around the world. He described his appearance at the UN event on International Youth Day as an honour and an opportunity to reconnect with those early aspirations. During his presentation, Ahmed discussed the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and its increasing use by individuals, businesses and nonprofit organisations. He explained that AI adoption should not simply mean occasionally using chatbots or other AI applications. Instead, organisations should strategically integrate AI into their daily workflows, operations and decision-making processes. Ahmed highlighted several areas where nonprofits can use AI, including internal productivity, communication, fundraising, grant writing and administrative tasks. He presented the Ugandan Water Project as an example of how AI can support a nonprofit organisation. The project works to improve access to clean water in Uganda and reduce the impact of waterborne diseases. According to Ahmed, the organisation uses AI to assist with grant applications and donor outreach. Previous grant applications and organisational information can be analysed to help prepare targeted applications for new funding opportunities. Ahmed stressed that AI-generated material is not simply submitted without human involvement. Staff review, edit and verify the content before applications are sent to funders. He said AI had also helped the organisation identify new grant opportunities and improve internal processes, including contract drafting and project-management workflows. Ahmed emphasised that the purpose of such technology should be to make employees more efficient rather than eliminate their jobs. He also discussed AI-powered voice-to-text technology used in social work and community services. Such systems can allow workers to record information while they are in the field and transfer it into required software, reducing the amount of time spent on administrative duties. Ahmed said reducing paperwork could give nonprofit workers more time to interact directly with the people and communities they serve. However, he warned that AI adoption also presents challenges. These include financial costs, limited access to technology, concerns over job losses, inaccurate information, privacy issues, bias and difficulties in understanding cultural and linguistic nuances. He also highlighted concerns about the environmental impact of the infrastructure required to operate increasingly powerful AI systems. Ahmed urged organisations to develop responsible AI policies covering privacy, security, fairness, transparency, human oversight and accountability. He encouraged nonprofit organisations to learn from one another and share successful experiences with AI, saying organisations working for social causes can benefit from cooperation rather than competing over technological approaches. A key message of his presentation was that humans must remain responsible for AI-assisted decisions. Ahmed warned organisations against blindly accepting AI-generated content and urged them to review outputs carefully, correct errors and ensure that technology does not replace human judgment. Who is Tanweer Ahmed, the Pakistani-American philanthropist? Pakistani-American businessman and philanthropist Tanweer Ahmed has attracted renewed attention in Pakistan following his reported $9 million contribution to the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) and his recent appearance alongside senior Pakistani officials in the United States. Ahmed, who is based in Houston, has built a diverse business portfolio in the United States while also becoming involved in philanthropy, education, healthcare and cricket. His recent contribution to NUST is aimed at supporting talented students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. The endowment is expected to provide scholarships to deserving students each year, with a particular focus on fields such as artificial intelligence, information technology, science and other emerging technologies. Ahmed has said his objective is to ensure that talented Pakistani students are not deprived of quality education because of financial difficulties. He has also expressed plans to expand similar scholarship initiatives to other educational institutions. The businessman has also supported infrastructure and technology-related initiatives at NUST, including the development of facilities intended to strengthen research and innovation. His philanthropic activities extend beyond education. Ahmed has been associated with healthcare initiatives in Pakistan and has supported efforts aimed at providing assistance to communities affected by natural disasters. He also drew attention for his role in relief efforts following the devastating floods that struck Pakistan in 2022. He has been credited with helping mobilise substantial humanitarian assistance for flood-affected communities. Ahmed’s business journey began after he moved to the United States as a student. According to accounts of his career, he initially worked in restaurants and at gas stations while trying to establish himself. He later moved through several positions in the American fast-food industry. His career accelerated after he joined Jack in the Box as a shift manager. His performance and business approach helped him move into senior management positions, eventually leading to opportunities in the Taco Bell franchise system. Ahmed later expanded into franchising and developed a large portfolio of food outlets across several US states. His business interests have also extended into insurance, energy, transportation and other sectors. Over the years, he has developed a reputation as an entrepreneur who combines commercial ventures with philanthropic activities. Ahmed is also closely associated with the development of cricket in the United States. A passionate cricket enthusiast, he established the Prairie View Cricket Complex near Houston after acquiring a large tract of

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    Rashmika Mandanna returns to Instagram

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      Actress Rashmika Mandanna, who was injured while filming a dance sequence for her upcoming movie Mysa has returned to Instagram after taking a break from social media. In a heartfelt post, she updated her fans about her health and recovery, sharing details about the injury and her healing journey. Rashmika posted a series of pictures from her recovery period, including photos of herself spending time indoors and playing puzzle games to keep herself occupied. Alongside the images, she reflected on how difficult the past few weeks had been. She admitted that injuries can be physically painful and emotionally exhausting, describing them as one of the toughest experiences she has had to deal with recently. In her message, the actress revealed that this was not an isolated incident. She explained that it was actually the third injury she had suffered within a relatively short period of time. Looking back on the experience, she said it made her realize the importance of treating her body with greater care and respect. Rashmika acknowledged that she often pushes herself too hard while working and that she needs to stop treating her body like a machine. Instead, she said she has learned that rest, recovery, and self-care are just as important as hard work and dedication. The actress also gave fans a simple explanation of the injury she sustained during the filming of the dance sequence. She said that one of the muscles connecting her hip and leg on the right side had become detached. According to her, this type of injury requires patience because the muscle needs time to heal and reattach properly. As a result, she has had to pause many of her professional commitments while focusing entirely on rehabilitation and following medical advice. Despite the setback, Rashmika remained optimistic in her post. She expressed gratitude for the love, prayers, and encouragement she has received from fans throughout her recovery. She explained that the support from her followers has motivated her to stay positive even during difficult days. She also hinted that although the healing process is slow, she is making progress and hopes to return to work once she has fully recovered. Her candid update was warmly received by fans across social media, many of whom flooded the comments section with messages wishing her a speedy recovery. Supporters praised her honesty in discussing her physical and emotional struggles, noting that her experience serves as a reminder that actors often perform physically demanding scenes that can result in serious injuries. Many also appreciated her message about listening to one’s body and recognizing the importance of health over work. Rashmika’s recovery story highlights the challenges performers face behind the scenes while entertaining audiences. Although filming schedules and demanding dance sequences require immense dedication, her experience emphasizes that health should always come first. As she continues to recover, fans eagerly await her return to the screen and hope to see her back in full health, ready to continue her successful career with renewed strength and resilience.

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    Saudi Crown Prince urges Trump to avoid escalation…

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    Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has spoken by phone with US President Donald Trump, reportedly expressing concern over Washington’s plans for major military strikes against Iran. According to international media reports, the Saudi crown prince urged the US president to take steps to reduce tensions in the region and avoid further military action against Iran. The call comes amid growing fears that an escalation between Washington and Tehran could destabilize the wider Middle East and threaten regional security. During the conversation, Mohammed bin Salman reportedly emphasized the importance of pursuing diplomatic channels and finding ways to de-escalate the situation. Saudi Arabia has maintained close ties with the United States while also seeking to avoid a broader regional conflict that could affect the security and stability of Gulf countries. Reports indicate that Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, and Pakistan are also encouraging Washington to reduce tensions and seek a diplomatic solution. The countries have reportedly expressed concerns that any major escalation could have serious consequences for the region and potentially disrupt trade, energy supplies, and maritime routes. Meanwhile, diplomatic contacts appear to be continuing on multiple fronts. Qatari mediators have reportedly been in communication with Iran’s foreign minister, US special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Omani officials as efforts to prevent further escalation gather momentum. The diplomatic activity comes as concerns remain high over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes. A significant portion of global oil shipments passes through the waterway, making any disruption a major concern for international energy markets. Separately, a US-based website has claimed that negotiators have made some progress toward reaching an agreement aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. However, details of the reported progress remain unclear, and there has been no confirmed announcement of a final agreement from the parties involved. The latest diplomatic efforts suggest that regional and international actors are increasingly pushing for negotiations to prevent the situation from developing into a wider conflict. Any breakthrough in talks could help ease tensions and reduce the risk of further military confrontation in the region.

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