تازہ ترین

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    Rajab Butt claims his net worth has crossed Rs1 billion

    LAHORE, July 26: Pakistani YouTuber and social media personality Rajab Butt has claimed that his net worth has crossed Rs1 billion, saying he officially became a billionaire last year. Butt made the claim during a podcast appearance where he was asked whether he considered himself a millionaire or a billionaire. The YouTuber responded by asking the host whether she understood the difference between the two terms. After the host confirmed that she did, Butt revealed that he had crossed the billionaire mark in terms of his wealth. According to Butt, his net worth has exceeded Rs100 crore, which is equivalent to more than Rs1 billion. He attributed his financial success to years of hard work and his career as a digital content creator. Butt has built a large following on YouTube and other social media platforms in a relatively short period. His content has also generated significant attention because of his publicly displayed lifestyle. The YouTuber has frequently shared glimpses of an expensive lifestyle with his followers. His social media presence has included luxury items, costly watches, international trips and lavish celebrations. His wedding also attracted considerable attention online and further increased public interest in his personal life and financial status. Butt said his reported wealth was not achieved overnight. He described it as the result of around 12 years of hard work. The rise of creators like Butt highlights the growing financial potential of Pakistan’s digital content industry. YouTube, brand promotions and other online platforms have created new opportunities for creators to build businesses and generate substantial income. However, Butt’s net-worth claim is based on his own statement during the podcast. No independent financial records were provided in the discussion to verify the figure.

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    Modi forms task force to reform exam system

    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a high-powered task force to reform the country’s examination system following weeks of student-led protests over alleged irregularities in major entrance exams. The announcement came a day after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned, as the government faced growing pressure from students and opposition groups demanding changes to the examination process. Modi said the new task force would be headed by Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of technology company Infosys. The panel will focus on improving the examination system and making it more transparent, reliable and technology-driven. In a video message posted on social media, Modi said the government wanted to restore confidence in upcoming examinations as quickly as possible. He stressed that the system must ensure greater transparency and make effective use of technology. The protests had been led in large part by supporters of the social media-driven Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Thousands of students and young people gathered at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over several weeks, making the demonstrations among the most significant anti-government protests in India in recent years. The movement initially focused on alleged problems and irregularities in examinations, but its demands later expanded. Protesters also raised concerns about unemployment, limited opportunities for young people and what critics described as the government’s increasingly authoritarian approach. The protest site was largely cleared on Sunday. Municipal workers washed the surrounding roads and began repainting walls covered with slogans, posters and graffiti. Some protesters criticised the decision to remove the writings, saying the messages represented an important record of the movement. Rahul, a protester who had visited the site, said demonstrators had photographed and recorded the posters and slogans before they were removed. He said they wanted the material to remain documented and remembered. Some young people who travelled long distances to participate in the demonstrations arrived after the protest had already ended. One 19-year-old participant said he had travelled for around 20 hours after seeing videos of the demonstrations on Instagram. He said he wanted to witness the atmosphere and join other young protesters. Another visitor accused the government of worsening the situation by attempting to suppress the demonstrations. He argued that the crackdown had contributed to the protests becoming larger.

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    Vaibhav Sooryavanshi powers India to T20I series sweep

    Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivered another impressive performance as India defeated Zimbabwe by 35 runs in the third T20I at Harare Sports Club on Sunday. The victory helped India complete a 3-0 series sweep and bounce back strongly after disappointing T20I series defeats against Ireland and England. India were invited to bat first and posted 192-5 in their 20 overs. Sooryavanshi led the charge with a blistering 81 off 49 balls, smashing eight fours and four sixes. The 15-year-old immediately showed his attacking intent, hitting Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza for a boundary from the opening delivery. He reached his half-century from 31 balls before being dismissed in the 14th over. Sooryavanshi has enjoyed a remarkable series in Zimbabwe. He began with a stunning half-century from just 18 balls in the opening match and followed it with a quick 20 off nine deliveries in the second game. His latest innings further underlined his growing reputation as one of India’s most exciting young batting talents. Ishan Kishan also contributed with a brisk 29, hitting four boundaries before being dismissed by Raza. Zimbabwe struggled during the chase and slipped to 65-4, with opener Brian Bennett and captain Raza both departing without scoring. Ryan Burl provided some resistance with an unbeaten 54, while Wessly Madhevere added 28. The pair shared a 60-run partnership for the fifth wicket, but Zimbabwe could not maintain the required scoring rate. The hosts eventually finished at 157-7, falling 35 runs short of India’s target. The result gave India a much-needed boost after their recent struggles overseas. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, suffered their second consecutive T20I series defeat after losing 2-1 to Bangladesh.

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    River garden residents protest repeated increase i…

      Residents of River Garden Islamabad have strongly protested a fresh increase in monthly maintenance charges after the society’s management, River Garden Development Private Limited (RDPL), once again raised service fees. According to residents, the revised charges have been applied unilaterally in bills issued from July onward, placing an additional financial burden on homeowners. Residents claim that this is not the first time maintenance charges have been increased. They state that RDPL had already raised service charges several times during 2023, 2024, and 2025. As a result of these repeated revisions, the cumulative increase in maintenance fees over the past few years has reportedly exceeded 175 percent, leading to growing frustration among residents. A large number of River Garden residents have previously challenged these increases in court. During 2023 and 2024, several homeowners obtained stay orders against the hikes, arguing that the increases were unjustified and lacked transparency. However, residents allege that despite these court orders, the management has continued to introduce higher maintenance charges and adopt various administrative measures that they believe place pressure on residents to withdraw their legal cases. The latest increase has once again triggered widespread criticism within the community. Residents argue that they continue to pay maintenance charges despite receiving inadequate and below-standard services. They believe that the fees being collected do not reflect the quality of facilities available in the housing society. Residents have demanded that maintenance charges should be determined through a transparent and independent process. They have called for the appointment of a neutral third-party auditor to evaluate the society’s operational expenses and recommend fair service charges. They also insist that the rates should be comparable to those charged by neighboring housing societies offering similar facilities and services. According to the residents, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) regulations emphasize that housing societies must prioritize the provision of essential infrastructure and address the concerns of residents before imposing additional financial burdens. They argue that instead of increasing maintenance charges, the management should first improve the condition of the society and fulfill its basic responsibilities. Residents highlighted several longstanding issues that, they say, remain unresolved. They claim that many roads within River Garden are damaged and require urgent repair. They also pointed out that the boundary wall of the housing society is still incomplete, raising concerns about security. In addition, residents say that the promised community center has yet to be constructed despite repeated assurances. They have also expressed concerns over the increasing number of stray dogs roaming the society, describing the situation as a public safety issue for families and children. Other complaints include poor maintenance of green areas, with grass and wild shrubs reportedly left unattended for extended periods. Residents further criticized the relocation of the society’s cemetery, stating that it has been moved approximately 13 kilometers away from the residential area, making it difficult for families to visit and creating inconvenience during funeral arrangements. The residents have once again appealed to the Chairman of the Capital Development Authority to take immediate notice of the matter. They have urged the authority to review the process used to determine monthly maintenance charges and introduce a transparent mechanism that ensures fairness and accountability. Furthermore, residents have requested the CDA to ensure that RDPL fulfills its obligations by improving infrastructure, completing pending development projects, and providing the essential services promised to homeowners. They believe that only after these basic facilities are delivered should any discussion regarding increases in maintenance charges take place. The issue has become a major concern for many families living in River Garden, who say they are willing to pay reasonable service charges but expect transparency, accountability, and quality services in return. They hope that intervention by the CDA will help resolve the dispute and ensure that residents receive the facilities and standards they were promised when investing in the housing society.

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    Shai Hope anchors West Indies after Pakistan strike early

    Shai Hope remained unbeaten on 89 as West Indies reached 303-7 at lunch on the second day of the first Test against Pakistan at the Brian Lara Stadium. Hope faced 174 deliveries and struck six boundaries and one six during a composed innings that helped the hosts recover from early pressure. Pakistan made an important breakthrough soon after play resumed, removing well-set batter Kavem Hodge for 84. West Indies had started the day on 194-3 after rain severely disrupted the opening day. Hodge’s dismissal came after he edged a delivery from Mohammad Ali towards second slip, where Salman Ali Agha completed the catch. Pakistan’s bowlers had another chance shortly before the wicket when Hope was dropped in the slips by Azan Awais. The missed opportunity proved costly as Hope continued to strengthen West Indies’ position. At the other end, Shamar Joseph provided valuable support to Hope. He was unbeaten on 23 from just 12 balls, hitting four boundaries and a six to keep the scoreboard moving quickly. Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad also tested the West Indies batters during the morning session, but Hope held firm to guide the hosts through to lunch. West Indies now have an opportunity to build a sizeable first-innings total, while Pakistan will look for quick wickets in the afternoon session to prevent the hosts from taking control of the Test.

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    Dhabeji power fault puts Karachi water supply at r…

    Karachi’s water supply has come under fresh pressure after a power disruption at the Dhabeji Pumping Station affected the operation of three pumps. The Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) warned on Sunday that several areas of the city could experience a temporary reduction in water supply following the disruption. According to KWSC, the power failure occurred around 8:45am in the third phase of the Dhabeji Pumping Station. The affected section remained without electricity, forcing three pumps to stop working. The disruption is expected to reduce Karachi’s water supply by around 75 million gallons per day. Areas that could face lower water pressure or interruptions include North Nazimabad, Nazimabad, Gulberg Town, New Karachi, Landhi, Korangi and Scheme 33. KWSC said it was coordinating with K-Electric to restore the electricity supply and bring the affected pumps back online. Officials said normal water distribution would resume as soon as the pumps were operational again. However, K-Electric disputed the cause of the outage. The power utility said the issue was an internal fault in KDA Pumping Feeder 2, which supplies electricity to the Dhabeji station, and was not caused by a problem with its wider distribution network. K-Electric said electricity to 19 of the station’s 22 pumping motors remained available. Its technical team was also in contact with KWSC to help resolve the problem. The latest disruption comes as Karachi is already struggling with recurring water shortages and distribution problems. KWSC officials have previously raised concerns over damage to major water pipelines during ongoing development and construction activities. Officials said excavation work linked to the Red Line Bus Rapid Transit project and the K-IV water project has repeatedly damaged pipelines along University Road. The repeated damage has disrupted the city’s water distribution network and affected supplies to several neighbourhoods.

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    Another FIR against Rajab Butt: Lahore police laun…

    A new police case has been registered against social media personality Rajab Butt and several others following an alleged altercation at a private café in Lahore. The case was filed at Nawab Town Police Station after a woman accused the group of assault, intimidation, and involvement in a firing incident. According to the First Information Report (FIR), the complainant stated that she and her friends visited a private café on July 25 when an argument reportedly broke out. She alleged that two men and two women behaved aggressively with one of her friends, leading to a heated confrontation. The complainant further claimed that members of the group physically assaulted them by slapping them and allegedly displayed firearms during the incident. The FIR also alleges that one of the accused fired a weapon, creating panic at the scene. In her complaint, the woman alleged that the entire incident took place at the direction of Rajab Butt. Based on these allegations, police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to determine the facts surrounding the incident. Authorities have stated that evidence will be collected, witness statements will be recorded, and all claims mentioned in the FIR will be examined as part of the ongoing investigation. As of now, Rajab Butt and the other individuals named in the FIR have not issued any official public response regarding the allegations. Since the investigation is still underway, the accusations remain unproven, and no court has determined criminal liability. Further developments are expected as police continue their inquiry.

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    Shein posts $99m loss ahead of Hong Kong IPO

    Online fashion retailer Shein has reported a $99 million loss for the first quarter of 2026, highlighting the growing impact of higher import costs, weaker US sales and increased regulatory pressure. The company had recorded a $395 million profit during the same period a year earlier. Its latest financial disclosure comes as Shein prepares for a planned listing in Hong Kong. The company has not yet revealed the size of the initial public offering, expected share price, listing date or the amount it hopes to raise. However, the filing provides investors with a clearer picture of the challenges facing the fast-fashion giant ahead of its potential market debut. A major factor behind the weaker performance is the removal of a US duty exemption for low-value packages. The previous system allowed goods worth less than $800 to enter the country without import duties. Shein said the change has negatively affected its US sales and overall growth while increasing operating expenses. Products of Chinese origin sold through the company and shipped to the US are now subject to taxes ranging from 10% to 87.5%, according to the filing. The company said it is considering several measures to manage the higher costs, including raising prices for American customers. Shein’s US revenue fell 14.3% to $2.04 billion in the first quarter, compared with $2.38 billion a year earlier. The US remains one of its most important markets, although its contribution to total revenue has declined. The company is also facing additional pressure in Europe. The European Union has introduced a €3 charge on low-value e-commerce imports, a move aimed at addressing concerns over competition from low-cost overseas sellers. Shein warned that the European market could experience an impact similar to, or greater than, the one seen in the US following the removal of the duty exemption. The retailer’s financial performance had already weakened in 2025. Its annual revenue increased by 8% to $41.85 billion, but net income dropped nearly 39% to $2.06 billion. Growth also slowed significantly compared with the previous year. Part of the latest quarterly loss was linked to a $328 million accounting charge related to the changing value of convertible preferred shares held by investors. Shein has also faced growing scrutiny over labour practices, environmental concerns and the impact of its business model. The company has defended its policies and said it maintains strict standards against labour abuses within its supply chain. Shein received approval from Chinese regulators for its Hong Kong listing in July, clearing an important hurdle after earlier efforts to pursue listings in New York and London did not materialise.

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    Brilliant comeback by Pakistan as West Indies fold…

    Pakistan produced an impressive bowling performance on the second day of the opening Test in Tarouba, dismissing West Indies for 311 in their first innings after the hosts had looked firmly in control at the end of Day 1. West Indies resumed play on 194 for 3, but Pakistan’s pace attack maintained disciplined lines and lengths to trigger a dramatic collapse. The home side managed to add only 117 more runs before losing their remaining seven wickets. Shai Hope played the leading role for West Indies with a well-crafted 92, narrowly missing out on a century. Kevlon Hodge also made an important contribution with 84 runs. Shamar Joseph scored 23, while Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Amir Jangoo added 21 runs each. Justin Greaves made 15, Brandon King contributed 12, and Roston Chase scored 10. Mohammad Ali was the standout performer for Pakistan, finishing with impressive figures of 4 wickets for 50 runs. Mohammad Abbas provided excellent support by claiming three wickets, while Khurram Shahzad picked up two. Aamir Jamal also chipped in with one wicket to complete the innings. West Indies had ended the opening day in a strong position at 194 for 3, but Pakistan’s bowlers turned the match around with a disciplined and determined display on the second morning. Their efforts prevented the hosts from posting a significantly bigger total and handed Pakistan valuable momentum heading into their first innings

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    Young people increasingly turn to AI chatbots for emotional support and social advice

      Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly common source of support for teenagers and young adults as many begin relying on AI-powered chatbots to navigate personal conversations, relationships, and everyday social situations. Recent national studies suggest that around 20 percent of young people now seek guidance from AI companions for emotional support and relationship advice instead of turning to friends, family members, or other trusted individuals. Experts say that the growing popularity of AI chatbots reflects changing communication habits among younger generations. Many users are employing these digital tools to help write difficult text messages, prepare for challenging conversations, and better understand complicated social interactions. For many, artificial intelligence provides a convenient and accessible way to think through personal situations before speaking with others. Researchers have found that many teenagers appreciate AI because it is available at any time of the day or night. Unlike human conversations, interacting with a chatbot does not involve the immediate fear of criticism, embarrassment, or rejection. This constant availability has made AI an appealing option for individuals who may feel anxious about discussing sensitive topics with people in their lives. Clinical psychologist Joshua Goodman believes that AI chatbots can offer users a comfortable environment to explore their thoughts and emotions. He explained that conversations with artificial intelligence may feel like a safe place where young people can discuss issues they might hesitate to share with parents, teachers, or friends. This sense of privacy and emotional comfort has contributed to the increasing use of AI for personal guidance. However, mental health professionals caution that artificial intelligence should not be viewed as a replacement for genuine human relationships. While AI can provide information, suggestions, and conversational support, experts emphasize that it lacks the emotional understanding, empathy, and lived experience that real people bring to meaningful relationships. Clinical psychologist Mary Alvord has warned that although AI conversations may seem safe, users should remember that perceived privacy is different from actual privacy. She pointed out that interactions with chatbots may be stored, analyzed, or processed by technology providers, meaning users should be careful about sharing highly personal or sensitive information. Experts also stress that artificial intelligence cannot fully replicate the complexity of human communication. Media psychologist Don Grant explained that chatbots are generally designed to remain supportive and non-confrontational. While this may make conversations feel comfortable, it also means users may not experience the constructive challenges, disagreements, or honest feedback that often help people develop stronger communication skills and emotional resilience. According to specialists, relying too heavily on AI for social interactions could reduce opportunities to practice real-life communication. Building confidence in conversations, resolving disagreements, and forming lasting friendships require experiences that technology cannot fully provide. Human relationships involve empathy, body language, emotional understanding, and shared experiences that remain difficult for artificial intelligence to reproduce. To encourage a healthy balance, health professionals recommend using AI as a supportive tool rather than a substitute for personal relationships. They advise parents, educators, and young adults to establish clear boundaries regarding AI use while continuing to prioritize conversations with family members, friends, teachers, and mental health professionals when needed. Experts also encourage young people to regularly practice face-to-face communication, participate in social activities, and develop interpersonal skills that strengthen emotional well-being. These experiences help build self-confidence, improve problem-solving abilities, and create meaningful personal connections. As artificial intelligence continues to become part of everyday life, specialists believe it can play a positive role when used responsibly. However, they emphasize that maintaining genuine human relationships remains essential for emotional growth, mental health, and long-term social development. AI may offer convenience and support, but meaningful human connection continues to be irreplaceable.