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Azad Kashmir goes to polls under revised schedule following civil unrest

ByJustpaste.in

Voting has commenced in the Mirpur division of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) for the first phase of the region’s general elections, following weeks of political instability and civil unrest.

The election commission announced a three-phase schedule across 45 assembly constituencies after campaign activities were severely disrupted by protests led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a civil rights movement recently banned under anti-terrorism laws.

The unrest primarily stems from JAAC’s demand to abolish 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan, which the group contends allow mainstream Pakistani political parties to improperly influence local government formation.

While the AJK Supreme Court ruled that these reserved seats hold constitutional protection and cannot be removed by executive decree, security remains high across polling areas, with officials warning of strict legal measures against any attempts to disrupt the voting process.

Following the Mirpur phase, voting for the Muzaffarabad division and refugee constituencies will take place on August 2, concluding with the Poonch division on August 10.

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    Sistrology face backlash over Spider-Man movie outfits

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    Spider-Man fever has reached Pakistan, but a recent appearance by popular YouTube sisters Sistrology has sparked an online debate over fashion and modesty. With Tom Holland returning as Peter Parker in the latest Spider-Man film, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the superhero has once again become a global pop culture sensation. The film has dominated conversations worldwide, drawing huge crowds to cinemas and inspiring fans to celebrate the iconic Marvel character in different ways. The excitement has also been felt in Pakistan, where moviegoers have flocked to theatres to watch the superhero adventure. As the craze continues to grow, many fans have embraced the theme by wearing Spider-Man-inspired outfits and accessories during cinema visits. Among those joining the trend were the members of Sistrology, the popular Pakistani YouTube sisters known for sharing lifestyle content, vlogs, and family moments. The younger sisters recently attended a screening of the film dressed in Spider-Man-themed outfits, documenting the experience in a vlog that quickly gained traction across social media platforms. While many viewers enjoyed the fun and playful costumes, others reacted negatively after clips from the vlog began circulating online. The sisters’ appearance soon became the subject of widespread discussion, with social media users expressing mixed opinions about their clothing choices. Critics argued that the outfits were not suitable and questioned whether they aligned with local cultural values. Some users claimed the costumes were too revealing, while others suggested the sisters should have opted for more modest attire. A number of comments focused on the contrast between international pop culture trends and traditional expectations surrounding public appearances in Pakistan. Several social media posts criticizing the vlog quickly went viral. One user questioned the absence of modesty, while another described the outfits as inappropriate. Others used humour and wordplay to mock the costumes, creating memes and jokes that spread across various platforms. Despite the criticism, the sisters also received support from fans who defended their right to express themselves through fashion. Supporters argued that the costumes were inspired by a globally popular superhero and were intended purely for entertainment. Many also pointed out that dressing according to a movie theme is a common practice at cinemas around the world and should not automatically become a source of controversy. The incident has once again highlighted how quickly social media can turn a lighthearted moment into a national discussion. Public figures and influencers often find themselves under intense scrutiny, with even casual fashion choices becoming topics of debate. As of now, Sistrology have not publicly responded to the criticism surrounding their Spider-Man-themed outfits. However, the discussion continues online, with users divided between those who believe the sisters crossed a line and those who feel they are being unfairly judged for simply participating in a global movie trend. The episode reflects the growing influence of social media in shaping public opinion, where viral moments can spark conversations about entertainment, culture, fashion, and personal expression within just a few hours.

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    Scottish FA withdraws support for Infantino amid FIFA controversy

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Scottish Football Association (SFA) has withdrawn its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, adding to the growing pressure on the football governing body’s chief ahead of next year’s presidential election. The decision follows Infantino’s controversial proposal involving private investment and the potential sale of stakes linked to the World Cup. The plan has faced strong opposition from several European football associations, raising fresh questions over FIFA’s governance and transparency. SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell confirmed on Monday that Scotland would not vote for Infantino at the next FIFA Congress. “The Scottish FA will not be voting for Gianni Infantino. That’s in line with the UEFA position, and we’ve maintained that stance throughout,” Maxwell said. Scotland has joined England, Ireland and Wales among European federations that have withdrawn their backing for the FIFA president. Infantino is facing mounting criticism after three football confederations accused him of “deception” over his private-investor World Cup proposal in an open letter published last week. The controversy has also placed greater attention on FIFA’s internal governance. SFA president Mike Mulraney currently serves as chair of FIFA’s finance committee. Maxwell said football administrators should focus on their responsibilities rather than remaining constantly in the public spotlight. He argued that FIFA needs stronger transparency, better governance and improved communication with its member associations. “There’s obviously been a fall-down in governance,” Maxwell said, adding that changes to FIFA’s structure and approach would need to be discussed. With opposition growing across Europe, Infantino faces an increasingly difficult challenge as he seeks to retain his position and secure another term at next year’s FIFA Congress.

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    Crackdown in Hua Hin Against Dozens of Foreigners Allegedly Using Thai Nominees to Hide Land Worth 300 Million Baht

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    Hua Hin/Prachuap Khiri Khan – The Royal Thai Police have rolled out Phase 6 of their nationwide campaign against foreign nominee networks, targeting companies and property projects in Hua Hin suspected of using Thai nationals as proxy shareholders for foreign investors. Led by Deputy National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Samran Nualma, the operation brought together […]

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    PM orders fast-track strategy for Discos privatisa…

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    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the relevant authorities to adopt a comprehensive strategy to attract local and international investors for the privatisation of state-owned electricity distribution companies (Discos). He also ordered the restructuring of the Privatisation Commission within one month to strengthen its role in the reform process. Chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad, the prime minister said the privatisation programme must move forward according to the approved timelines. He stressed that every stage should be completed transparently and in line with international standards and legal requirements. He added that the process should deliver positive financial results while protecting the interests of electricity consumers. The prime minister instructed officials to ensure that reputable investors participate in the bidding process. He said investor confidence should be increased through effective planning, transparency and a clear policy framework. At the same time, he emphasised that consumer rights should remain a top priority during the transfer of power distribution companies to the private sector. Officials informed the meeting that investor roadshows for the first phase of the privatisation programme had been completed successfully. These campaigns focused on Gujranwala Electric Power Company (Gepco), Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (Fesco) and Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco). Similar investment outreach activities held in Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and China also received encouraging responses from potential investors. The meeting reviewed progress on institutional reforms within the Privatisation Commission. The prime minister directed the commission to recruit experienced professionals in finance, law and information technology. He said hiring qualified experts would improve the commission’s capacity to manage large-scale transactions and strengthen investor confidence. He also instructed officials to incorporate recommendations from professional consultants into the privatisation process. All legal, financial and regulatory requirements should be completed without delay to ensure smooth implementation, he added. The prime minister further ordered the establishment of an effective grievance redress mechanism to address complaints from consumers after the companies are privatised. He said public confidence would depend on uninterrupted services, transparency and accountability. The government is offering investors the opportunity to acquire majority or full ownership of Fesco, Gepco and Iesco, along with management control. These companies are considered among the strongest electricity distribution companies in the country and together provide power to more than 14 million consumers across Punjab, the Islamabad region and parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The privatisation plan is part of the government’s broader economic reform programme. The initiative aims to improve operational efficiency, reduce financial losses, attract domestic and foreign investment, strengthen service delivery and modernise Pakistan’s power sector through greater private-sector participation.

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    Saudi-led coalition hits Houthi military sites nea…

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    The Saudi-led military coalition announced on Saturday that it had carried out precision strikes against Houthi military positions in Yemen’s Al Hudaydah governorate, saying the operation was aimed at neutralizing threats to commercial shipping in the Red Sea. In a statement, the coalition said the strikes targeted military sites linked to the Houthi movement and stressed that Al Hudaydah Port was not targeted during the operation. It added that all Yemeni ports remain open to maritime traffic and international shipping. According to the coalition, the destroyed targets were associated with activities that posed a threat to commercial vessels navigating the Red Sea, one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes. Officials said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to safeguard regional security and ensure the uninterrupted flow of global trade. The coalition warned that it would continue to respond if Houthi forces carried out further hostile actions against shipping or Saudi interests. It also reiterated its commitment to protecting merchant vessels and the Kingdom’s strategic interests, saying military operations would continue whenever necessary to counter security threats. The latest strikes come amid heightened tensions across the Middle East, where attacks on commercial shipping have raised concerns among international maritime operators and governments. The Red Sea remains a vital corridor for global energy supplies and cargo traffic, making any disruption a matter of international concern. There was no immediate response from the Houthi movement regarding the coalition’s claims or the reported strikes. The situation in Yemen continues to be closely monitored, with regional and international observers warning that any escalation around key shipping lanes could have wider implications for global trade and security. Despite the latest military action, the coalition maintained that navigation through Yemeni ports and the Red Sea remains unaffected and commercial vessels can continue operating normally.

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    Pakistanis get relief as US visa policy overturned

    ByJustpaste.in

    A US federal judge has struck down a State Department policy that suspended immigrant visa processing for applicants from Pakistan and 74 other countries. US District Judge Jeannette Vargas issued the ruling in Manhattan, finding that the policy exceeded the legal authority of Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The State Department had introduced the suspension in January, preventing consular officials from issuing immigrant visas to applicants based solely on their nationality. Judge Vargas described the policy as unlawful and said it conflicted with federal immigration law. She ruled that the law does not give the Secretary of State the authority to impose a blanket suspension on immigrant visa issuance based on an applicant’s nationality. The policy affected applicants from a wide range of countries, including Pakistan and Bangladesh in South Asia. Several countries in Latin America, the Balkans, Africa, the Middle East and the Caribbean were also included. US authorities had defended the measure by arguing that applicants from the listed countries were considered more likely to become dependent on government-funded assistance after entering the United States. The ruling came in a case brought by immigrant rights organisations, visa applicants and US citizens sponsoring family members from the affected countries. The plaintiffs challenged the State Department’s decision, arguing that the blanket suspension unlawfully restricted access to the immigrant visa process. The decision represents a legal setback for the Trump administration, which has pursued tougher immigration policies since returning to office. The administration has said its immigration measures are intended to strengthen national security and reduce pressure on public resources. Immigrant rights groups, however, have criticised several aspects of the crackdown. They have raised concerns about due process, discrimination and the treatment of ethnic minorities. The State Department had not immediately issued a response to the judge’s decision.

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