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    Rajab Butt breaks silence on viral gym video with …

    Pakistani YouTuber and social media influencer Rajab Butt has responded to widespread speculation regarding his relationship with fitness influencer Sadia Baloch after videos of the two working out together at a gym went viral across social media platforms. The rumors gained momentum shortly after Rajab Butt confirmed his separation from his former wife, Iman. As the viral clips spread online, many social media users began speculating that the YouTuber and Sadia Baloch might be involved in a romantic relationship. The videos showed Rajab assisting Sadia during workout sessions, demonstrating different exercises, and offering fitness guidance. The clips quickly attracted thousands of views and comments, with online discussions ranging from supportive messages to criticism and unverified claims about their personal lives. The growing speculation prompted Rajab Butt to publicly address the matter and clarify the nature of their relationship. Speaking about the viral videos, Rajab Butt stated that his connection with Sadia Baloch is strictly based on friendship and professional respect. According to him, the purpose of their meeting at the gym was solely related to fitness training and exercise. He emphasized that there is no romantic relationship between them despite the assumptions circulating on social media. Rajab also urged his followers not to draw conclusions based on short viral clips. He explained that brief videos often fail to provide the full context of a situation and can easily lead to misunderstandings. He encouraged fans to rely on verified information rather than believing rumors or speculation shared online. Sadia Baloch, a well-known fitness and digital content creator from Karachi, has built a strong following by sharing workout routines, health advice, and motivational fitness content. Her growing popularity in Pakistan’s digital community has made her a recognizable figure among fitness enthusiasts. The incident once again highlights how viral social media content can fuel speculation about public figures, especially when personal milestones such as relationship changes are already attracting public attention. While online discussions continue, Rajab Butt’s statement makes it clear that he views his association with Sadia Baloch as purely professional and centered on fitness. As with many viral stories, the situation serves as a reminder that social media clips often present only a small part of a larger picture. Public figures frequently face intense scrutiny, making it important for audiences to distinguish between verified statements and unconfirmed rumors before forming opinions.

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    Burnt body found in Karachi car identified through…

    A partially burnt body discovered inside a car in Karachi’s Surjani Town has been identified through biometric technology after an initial case of mistaken identity complicated the investigation. According to police, the body was recovered from a vehicle in Shah Beg Goth, located in Karachi’s District West. At first, investigators believed the deceased was 42-year-old Zeeshan Naz, based on documents, a mobile phone, and the vehicle found at the scene. However, when the suspected victim’s family was contacted, they identified the recovered belongings but stated that the body did not belong to their relative. The conflicting information prompted investigators to expand the scope of their inquiry. Police used biometric verification and other technical methods to establish the victim’s identity. The biometric scan confirmed that the deceased was 38-year-old Qurban Hussain, son of Ghulam Sabir Khan. After confirming the identity, police traced and contacted the victim’s family. Authorities said Qurban Hussain originally belonged to Muzaffargarh but had been living with his wife in North Karachi Sector 7-A, where he worked as a sanitation worker. His wife, Sakina Bibi, later identified the body, bringing an end to the uncertainty surrounding the victim’s identity. Police said the discovery marks significant progress in the investigation, although several questions about the case remain unanswered. Investigators are now trying to determine how the victim ended up inside the vehicle and the circumstances that led to his death. They are also searching for the individual connected to the documents and mobile phone recovered from the car, as those items do not belong to the deceased. Authorities believe tracing that person could provide important leads in the homicide investigation. Police have confirmed that a murder case is being registered, and further investigations are underway to identify those responsible. Forensic evidence, digital records, and witness statements are expected to play a key role in uncovering the sequence of events. The case highlights the importance of biometric technology in criminal investigations, particularly when victims are difficult to identify due to the condition of the body. By combining forensic techniques with technical investigations, law enforcement officials were able to establish the victim’s identity despite the initial confusion. Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive or announced any arrests. Investigators say they are pursuing multiple leads and are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward as the investigation continues.

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    PCB introduces comprehensive fitness policy for do…

      The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has introduced a comprehensive domestic cricket fitness policy for the 2026-27 season, making physical fitness a key requirement for players representing regional, departmental, district, and zonal teams across the country. The newly announced policy has been designed to improve players’ overall fitness standards and ensure they are better prepared for the physical demands of modern cricket. Covering athletes from junior age-group competitions to first-class domestic cricket, the framework aims to establish a consistent and measurable fitness system throughout Pakistan’s domestic structure. The fitness programme has been developed by PCB Director of Sports and Exercise Medicine Javed Mughal. It follows a structured two-tier model that has been designed to align with international cricket standards while remaining practical, reliable, and easy to implement across different levels of the domestic game. The testing procedures have been created to produce consistent and repeatable results, allowing coaches and trainers to accurately monitor players’ physical progress. Under the new system, Tier 1 will apply to players representing the country’s 20 regional teams, eight departmental first-class sides, and more than 25 Grade-II departmental teams. These players will be required to complete 11 separate fitness tests, providing a total of 17 scoring opportunities during the assessment process. Tier 2 has been introduced for players competing in senior district cricket, U19 district teams, and regional U17 and U15 squads. Participants in this category will undergo eight different fitness tests, offering a maximum of 12 scoring opportunities. The PCB has also established a clear scoring system to determine whether a player passes or fails the assessment. In Tier 1, players may receive up to seven red scores and still meet the required fitness standard. However, recording eight or more red scores will result in a failed assessment. Those who fail will be allowed one opportunity to retake the test. Similarly, Tier 2 players will fail the assessment if they receive six or more red scores. The board hopes that the grading system will encourage players to maintain high fitness standards while also identifying areas requiring improvement. Fitness monitoring will not end after the initial assessment. Players who successfully complete the testing process will undergo another round of fitness evaluations approximately six months later. The purpose of the follow-up assessment is to measure each player’s progress and ensure that fitness levels continue to improve throughout the season. According to the PCB, every player is expected to demonstrate measurable improvement compared to their initial baseline results. The board believes continuous assessment will promote long-term physical development rather than one-time preparation for testing. The policy also outlines the procedure for players who do not meet the required benchmarks. Instead of repeating only the failed components, any player who fails the assessment will be required to complete the entire fitness testing programme again. This approach is intended to ensure overall physical readiness rather than focusing on individual weaknesses. The responsibility for conducting the assessments will rest with PCB-approved strength and conditioning coaches. These coaches will supervise fitness testing at every level of domestic cricket and submit the results to the National Cricket Academy along with the PCB’s Medical and Sports Science Department for evaluation and record-keeping. With this initiative, the PCB aims to strengthen the fitness culture within domestic cricket, enhance player performance, and create a stronger pathway for athletes aspiring to represent Pakistan at the international level.

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    Pakistan-US relations strengthen as PM Shehbaz Sha…

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed a bipartisan delegation from the United States Congress in Islamabad, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation across key economic and strategic sectors. The meeting underscored the growing momentum in Pakistan-US relations and highlighted the importance of continued dialogue between the two countries. The U.S. congressional delegation included Representatives Ryan Zinke and Michael Baumgartner. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch, and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker. During the discussions, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the visiting lawmakers and described their visit as a positive step toward deepening cooperation between Pakistan and the United States. He also congratulated the American people on the upcoming 250th anniversary of U.S. independence and conveyed his best wishes to President Donald Trump. The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for President Trump’s role in helping reduce tensions between Pakistan and India during the 2025 crisis. Referring to the ceasefire reached in May 2025, Shehbaz Sharif said diplomatic engagement helped prevent further escalation and contributed to regional stability. This reflects the Prime Minister’s stated position regarding the events. Highlighting future opportunities, Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan is keen to enhance collaboration with the United States in trade, investment, agriculture, information technology, mining, minerals, and energy. He emphasized that stronger economic cooperation should remain a cornerstone of the bilateral partnership. The visiting U.S. lawmakers thanked the Prime Minister for the warm hospitality extended during their visit. They noted that President Trump’s positive relationship with Pakistan’s leadership has had a favorable impact on bilateral engagement. They also acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional peace and stability. Both sides agreed on the importance of increasing exchanges between lawmakers from Pakistan and the United States. They said more frequent parliamentary visits could strengthen mutual understanding and support long-term cooperation. Following the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted a reception for a delegation of U.S. corporate executives visiting Pakistan. The business delegation included representatives from the information technology, technology, energy, mining, manufacturing, and other industries. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to building a stronger economic partnership with the United States. He encouraged American companies to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan and emphasized the valuable role of the Pakistani-American community in fostering closer ties between the two nations. The meeting reflects both countries’ interest in maintaining constructive diplomatic engagement while expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and regional stability.

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    Govt increases fuel prices as international oil ra…

    The Government of Pakistan has announced a fresh increase in petroleum prices, raising the price of petrol by Rs. 1.63 per litre and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs. 1.55 per litre. The revised prices will come into effect from July 29, according to a notification issued by the Petroleum Division. Following the latest revision, petrol will now cost Rs. 335.81 per litre, while high-speed diesel will be available at Rs. 388.38 per litre. Officials said the increase reflects fluctuations in international crude oil prices caused by renewed tensions in the Persian Gulf, which have affected global energy markets. The government continues to collect substantial taxes and duties on petroleum products. Consumers currently pay around Rs110 per litre in taxes and levies on petrol, while diesel carries approximately Rs96 per litre in taxes and duties. Fuel prices have remained volatile throughout the year. Diesel had previously reached a record Rs520.35 per litre in early April after rising sharply from Rs281 per litre during the escalation of the US-Iran conflict. Similarly, petrol climbed to a peak of Rs458.41 per litre after increasing from Rs266 per litre in early March. Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik recently announced that fuel prices would now be reviewed daily instead of weekly. The decision aims to ensure domestic fuel prices better reflect international market trends, especially during periods of global uncertainty. Under the new policy, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) will determine daily fuel prices based on changes in international oil markets. However, the move has faced criticism from the All Pakistan Dealers Association, which has warned that it may launch protests against the daily pricing mechanism. Petrol is primarily used by private vehicle owners, motorcycles, rickshaws, and small transport operators. As a result, any increase directly impacts middle- and lower-income households. High-speed diesel is widely used in heavy transport, agriculture, power generation, and industrial sectors, meaning price hikes can also increase transportation and production costs, contributing to inflation. With monthly sales of 700,000 to 800,000 tonnes, petrol and diesel remain Pakistan’s largest petroleum products by consumption and are significant contributors to government revenue. As global oil prices continue to fluctuate, consumers should expect further adjustments in domestic fuel prices in the coming weeks.

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    Police constable martyred, Two suspected robbers k…

    A police constable was martyred while two suspected robbers were killed during an exchange of fire in Karachi’s Orangi Town early Tuesday morning, according to police officials. The incident occurred near Liaquat Chowk within the jurisdiction of Pakistan Bazaar Police Station during a routine police patrol. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) West Tariq Illahi Mastoi said four police officers were conducting motorcycle patrols when they encountered armed suspects. According to the police, the suspects opened indiscriminate fire upon spotting the patrol team, prompting officers to return fire in self-defense. During the shootout, both suspected robbers were killed at the scene. Police recovered two pistols, ammunition, spent shell casings, and the motorcycle allegedly used by the suspects. However, 26-year-old Constable Hassan Ali sustained serious gunshot injuries during the exchange. He was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital, where doctors made every effort to save his life. Despite medical treatment, he succumbed to his injuries and was later declared martyred. District West police spokesperson Nabeel Ahmed Rajput stated that the constable was wearing body armor at the time of the encounter. However, the bullets struck him from the side, causing fatal injuries. Constable Hassan Ali was unmarried and hailed from Sukkur. Following funeral prayers at the Garden Police Headquarters in Karachi, his body was transported to his hometown for burial. The funeral was attended by Sindh Inspector General of Police Javed Alam Odho, Additional IGP Azad Khan, and several senior police officials, who paid tribute to the fallen officer’s sacrifice. Police investigations later revealed that one of the deceased suspects had a significant criminal history. Officials said he had previously been arrested in connection with the 2021 killing of an assistant sub-inspector and was involved in at least 13 criminal cases. Another criminal case had also been registered against the second suspect. The incident highlights the continuing security challenges faced by law enforcement personnel in Karachi. Police officers frequently encounter armed criminals during patrols, placing their lives at risk while carrying out their duties. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to continuing operations against street crime and organized criminal networks across the city to improve public safety and maintain law and order.

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    Maryam Nawaz’s electric bus gift to AJK sparks d…

    Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s decision to provide 10 electric buses to Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has ignited a political and constitutional debate over the use of provincial resources outside Punjab. The controversy intensified after the buses arrived in Muzaffarabad just days before the first phase of the AJK Legislative Assembly elections. Maryam Nawaz shared a video on social media announcing that the green electric buses had reached Muzaffarabad. The buses carried banners featuring her photograph alongside the message, “A gift from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.” The announcement came only two days before polling in the Mirpur Division, where election campaigning was underway. At the time, Maryam Nawaz and Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif were in the region to campaign for their party’s candidates. The timing of the announcement prompted criticism from political opponents and legal observers, who questioned whether public resources should be used during an active election campaign. The issue has also sparked a broader debate over whether a provincial government can spend taxpayer-funded resources outside its constitutional jurisdiction. Critics argue that the Punjab government’s primary responsibility is to serve the residents of Punjab, while supporters maintain that intergovernmental cooperation and public welfare projects are permissible under certain circumstances. Senior PML-N leader and Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah defended the party’s participation in the election campaign. Speaking to local media, he stated that because Azad Jammu and Kashmir does not have a caretaker government during elections, federal and provincial ministers are legally allowed to campaign. However, Rana Sanaullah also acknowledged concerns about the electoral process. He suggested that the newly elected AJK Legislative Assembly should consider legal reforms to prevent governments in power from influencing elections through official positions or public resources. The controversy has renewed discussions about election ethics, transparency, and the appropriate use of taxpayer funds during political campaigns. Legal experts note that while development assistance between governments is not uncommon, the timing and political context of such announcements often determine whether they are viewed as administrative decisions or campaign-related activities. As political debate continues, the electric bus initiative has become a key issue in discussions about governance, constitutional authority, and the responsible use of provincial resources ahead of elections.

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    Kuwait’s foreign minister arrives in Pakistan on…

    Kuwait’s Foreign Minister, Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday for an official visit to Pakistan at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The visit highlights the longstanding friendship and growing diplomatic cooperation between the two countries. According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Kuwaiti foreign minister received a warm welcome upon his arrival at Islamabad International Airport. Additional Secretary for the Middle East, Zahid Hussain, welcomed the distinguished guest on behalf of the Pakistani government. During the visit, senior officials from both countries are expected to hold high-level discussions on a wide range of bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest. The talks will focus on strengthening political cooperation, expanding economic partnerships, enhancing trade and investment opportunities, and promoting collaboration in various sectors. The Foreign Office stated that the visit reflects the deep-rooted brotherly relations between Pakistan and Kuwait, built on a shared history, mutual trust, and close cooperation over the years. Both nations have maintained friendly diplomatic ties and regularly work together on regional and international platforms. Pakistan and Kuwait enjoy strong cooperation in labor, energy, investment, and defense, while a large Pakistani expatriate community continues to contribute significantly to Kuwait’s economy. The leadership of both countries has repeatedly expressed a commitment to further strengthening these ties through increased engagement and high-level exchanges. Officials believe the visit will provide an opportunity to review the progress made in bilateral relations and identify new areas for collaboration. Discussions are also expected to cover regional developments in the Middle East and South Asia, as well as other international issues of common concern. The official visit underscores the shared commitment of Pakistan and Kuwait to enhancing diplomatic relations, promoting economic cooperation, and expanding strategic partnerships. It also reaffirms both countries’ desire to deepen engagement through regular dialogue and continued collaboration for mutual benefit. The outcomes of the meetings are expected to contribute to stronger Pakistan-Kuwait relations and pave the way for future initiatives aimed at boosting trade, investment, and regional cooperation.

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    Pakistan increases Diyat amount by 97% to over Rs….

    The federal government has significantly increased the value of diyat (blood money) for the fiscal year 2026-27, setting the amount at more than Rs. 19 million due to a sharp rise in silver prices. The new value represents an increase of nearly 97 percent compared to the previous year. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Finance, the official value of diyat has been fixed at Rs. 19,352,390 in accordance with the provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), 1860. Under Pakistani law, diyat refers to the compensation paid by an offender to the heirs of a person killed in a criminal case. The amount is determined based on the value of 30,630 grams of silver, as outlined in Section 323 of the PPC. The latest increase is mainly linked to the significant rise in silver prices. The diyat amount for the fiscal year 2025-26 was Rs. 9,828,670, meaning the new figure has almost doubled within one year. The value of diyat has continued to rise in recent years due to fluctuations in precious metal prices. For the fiscal year 2023-24, the amount was fixed at Rs. 6,757,902, which was already a 56 percent increase from Rs. 4,318,524 in 2022-23. Section 323 of the Pakistan Penal Code states that courts must determine the diyat amount while considering Islamic injunctions from the Quran and Sunnah, as well as the financial circumstances of both the convicted person and the victim’s heirs. However, the amount cannot be lower than the value of 30,630 grams of silver. The law also requires the federal government to announce the value of silver through an official notification each year. This declared value becomes the basis for calculating the minimum diyat amount for that financial year. The increase has renewed discussion over the method used to calculate blood money. In July 2025, a proposed amendment was introduced in the Senate suggesting that the minimum diyat calculation should be changed from 30,630 grams of silver to either 2,000 grams of gold or one-fourth of the assets owned by the convicted person. The latest notification highlights how changes in precious metal markets can directly affect legal compensation amounts in Pakistan. As silver prices continue to fluctuate, the annual revision of diyat remains an important financial and legal matter affecting victims’ families and the criminal justice system.

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    Pakistan ranks fifth globally in viral Hepatitis b…

    Pakistan has been ranked among the countries with the highest number of viral hepatitis cases worldwide, with the country standing fifth globally in total hepatitis burden, according to the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA). The warning was issued on the occasion of World Hepatitis Day, highlighting the growing public health challenge caused by hepatitis B and C infections. PMA Secretary General Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro said Pakistan has one of the world’s largest burdens of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), with around 10 million people suffering from chronic Hepatitis C. In addition, an estimated 3.8 million people are living with chronic Hepatitis B (HBV), bringing the total number of people affected by viral hepatitis in the country to approximately 13.8 million. According to the PMA, Pakistan’s hepatitis burden is higher than many countries and is exceeded only by China, India, Indonesia, and Nigeria. The national prevalence rate of Hepatitis C is estimated between 4.8 and 7.5 percent, while Hepatitis B affects around 1.1 to 1.7 percent of the population. Health experts warned that untreated hepatitis can lead to serious complications, including liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, which collectively claim more than 37,000 lives in Pakistan every year. Dr Shoro stated that Pakistan contributes a significant share of new global Hepatitis C infections due to unsafe medical practices. He highlighted that thousands of new infections occur annually because of the reuse of unsterilized syringes, unsafe medical equipment, and unscreened blood transfusions. Other major causes of hepatitis transmission include unsafe surgical procedures, dental treatments, tattooing, body piercing, shaving with contaminated razors at barber shops, and practices carried out by unqualified healthcare providers. Low coverage of the mandatory Hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine has also remained a concern. President Asif Ali Zardari said hepatitis remains one of the country’s most serious public health challenges but emphasized that it can be prevented and treated through early detection, timely medical care, and collective efforts. He stressed the need for strict regulation of unsafe healthcare practices and awareness campaigns to protect citizens. National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also highlighted the importance of prevention, early diagnosis, and access to quality treatment. He said strengthening the healthcare system and improving public awareness are essential steps toward reducing the disease burden. Health authorities and public representatives called for greater cooperation between government institutions, healthcare providers, and communities to control hepatitis transmission and improve treatment access across Pakistan.