تازہ ترین

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    Bilawal urges Mirpur voters to support PPP in AJK …

    Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has urged the people of Mirpur to actively participate in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections. Bilawal issued a video message along with his sister, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari. He addressed voters as polling continued across Mirpur Division. Bilawal asked Kashmiris to come out of their homes and cast their votes. He said the people should use their democratic right to decide their future. He urged voters to support PPP candidates by voting for the party’s arrow symbol. Bilawal said the PPP believes that boycotting elections has never produced successful results. He therefore called on voters to take part in the electoral process instead of staying away from polling stations. The PPP chairman said voters should participate if they want their rights to be protected. He specifically mentioned the right to governance and ownership. He also called for the establishment of a truth and reconciliation commission for Azad Kashmir. Bilawal said the PPP wanted the people of Kashmir to have a strong voice in decisions affecting their future. He again urged voters to support the party and ensure their participation in the elections. Meanwhile, polling is continuing in the first phase of the AJK Legislative Assembly elections. Voting began at 8am and is scheduled to continue until 5pm. The first phase covers 13 constituencies in Mirpur Division. The constituencies are located in the districts of Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber. Polling has started at most stations. However, voting could not begin at polling stations 36 and 37 in Aghar Colony, Kotli, because voters had not arrived. Officials are monitoring the polling process across the division. Authorities have also urged citizens to exercise their right to vote peacefully. Mirpur Commissioner Raja Tahir Mumtaz and Deputy Inspector General Kamran Ali visited wards 16 and 17 of LA-3. They reviewed the polling arrangements and assessed the situation at the polling stations. Speaking to journalists, the commissioner said polling had been proceeding peacefully across all three districts since the morning. He appealed to voters to leave their homes without fear and participate in the elections. The commissioner assured citizens that the administration had made security and other necessary arrangements. He said voters would be provided with a peaceful environment to cast their ballots.

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    Iran warns Ukraine of response over alleged Caspian Sea attack

    Iranian officials have warned Ukraine that Tehran will not ignore attacks against its interests. The warning came after Iran accused Ukraine of allegedly targeting an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea. Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said any action against Iran would carry consequences. He said the United States and Israel were already aware of Iran’s position. Azizi also warned that Ukraine could soon realise that Iran does not leave hostile actions against it unanswered. He said the list of countries making what he described as wrong calculations about Iran’s response was growing. The remarks followed an alleged attack on an Iranian commercial ship in the Caspian Sea. Iranian authorities said one crew member was killed and another was injured in the incident. Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the reported attack. It also summoned Ukraine’s chargé d’affaires to formally lodge a protest. The incident has raised concerns about the possibility of the wider Middle East conflict creating new tensions involving Ukraine and Iran. The Caspian Sea has now emerged as another area of concern amid the escalating regional disputes. Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that a Russian vessel allegedly carrying weapons to Iran had been targeted in the Caspian Sea. Kyiv has previously accused Iran of supporting Russia in its war against Ukraine. Iran, however, has strongly criticised what it describes as attacks on its territory and interests. Tehran has repeatedly warned that hostile actions could trigger retaliation. Azizi’s latest comments suggest that tensions between Iran and Ukraine could increase following the reported maritime incident. His warning also comes at a time when Iran is already facing heightened military and diplomatic pressure

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    Kris Jenner shares emotional tribute to late mom MJ Campbell

    Kris Jenner has paid a heartfelt tribute to her late mother, Mary Jo “MJ” Campbell, on what would have been her first birthday since her passing. On Sunday, July 26, the Kardashian-Jenner matriarch shared an emotional post on Instagram to celebrate her mother’s life and legacy. The touching tribute came just 10 days after Kris announced that MJ had died at the age of 91. The Instagram post featured a collection of cherished family photographs, many of which appeared to have been taken during MJ’s 90th birthday celebration. The first image showed the late family matriarch smiling brightly while wearing a colorful floral jacket. Other photos captured precious moments between Kris and her mother, including one of the pair sitting together at a table and another showing them sharing a warm embrace. Kris also included a family portrait featuring several members of the Kardashian-Jenner family, including Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Kendall Jenner and other loved ones gathered together. Additional pictures highlighted MJ enjoying special family occasions, with one memorable image showing her flashing a peace sign while smiling for the camera. Accompanying the nostalgic photo carousel, Kris wrote a simple yet emotional message: “Happy Heavenly Birthday Mommy. I love you.” The birthday tribute follows the heartbreaking announcement Kris shared on July 16, when she revealed that her beloved mother had passed away. In her earlier message, the reality television personality reflected on the immense impact MJ had on her life and described the deep sorrow of losing her. “There are no words that could ever capture what she has meant to me or the heartbreak of having to say goodbye,” Kris wrote while announcing her mother’s death. She also praised her mother for the values she instilled in her family, saying MJ was the heart of their household and taught her the importance of unconditional love, kindness and cherishing every moment with loved ones. Mary Jo “MJ” Campbell was a familiar face to fans of the Kardashian family’s reality television shows over the years. Known for her warmth, elegance and close bond with her daughters and grandchildren, she frequently appeared alongside the famous family during special occasions and celebrations. MJ was the mother of two daughters, Kris Jenner and Karen Houghton. Karen passed away in March 2024 due to cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac arrhythmia, making MJ’s final years especially difficult following the loss of her younger daughter. Kris has often spoken about the special relationship she shared with her mother, crediting her with shaping the strong family values that have remained central to the Kardashian-Jenner family. Her latest birthday tribute served as both a celebration of MJ’s life and a reminder of the lasting influence she continues to have on her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The emotional post was met with an outpouring of support from fans and followers, many of whom offered messages of love, prayers and remembrance while honoring the memory of Mary Jo “MJ” Campbell.

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    Aly Goni, Jannat Zubair win Laughter Chefs Season 3

    After weeks of entertaining audiences with cooking challenges, laughter, and teamwork, Aly Goni and Jannat Zubair emerged as the winners of Laughter Chefs Season 3. The popular duo lifted the winner’s trophy in the grand finale, bringing an exciting season of culinary tasks and light-hearted competition to a memorable close. Throughout the season, Aly and Jannat consistently proved to be one of the strongest teams in the competition. Their chemistry, quick thinking, and ability to handle a variety of cooking challenges helped them stand out among the contestants. Whether preparing difficult dishes under time pressure or tackling unexpected twists, the pair impressed both the judges and viewers with their teamwork and determination. As the finale concluded, celebrations quickly began, with Aly sharing the happy moment on social media. Posting a series of photos with Jannat and the championship trophy, the actor reflected on the emotional journey they experienced together during the competition. In his heartfelt caption, Aly expressed that the victory represented much more than simply winning a reality show. He wrote that they had earned not only a trophy but also the love and trust of their supporters while overcoming every challenge that came their way. Describing their partnership as one built on unwavering support and resilience, he dedicated the victory to the bond they developed throughout the competition, calling them champions who stood together until the very end. Jannat also took to social media to celebrate the special occasion. Sharing photographs from the grand finale, she thanked everyone who had supported her throughout the season and reflected on the memories she would cherish long after the show ended. The actress said the experience had given her unforgettable moments, meaningful friendships, and relationships she would always treasure. She admitted it was difficult to fully express her emotions after the finale, adding that the show had become much more than just another television project. She also thanked fans for showering the team with love during the season and said she was already looking forward to reuniting with everyone on set in the future. The duo’s victory was met with an enthusiastic response across social media, where fans congratulated the winners and praised their consistent performances throughout the season. Many viewers highlighted their strong partnership, positive attitude, and entertaining presence as reasons they deserved to win the title. Fellow television personalities also extended their congratulations, celebrating the pair’s successful journey on the show. Laughter Chefs Season 3 combined comedy with cooking, giving celebrity contestants a chance to showcase their culinary skills while entertaining audiences with fun-filled tasks, playful banter, and friendly rivalries. The unique format kept viewers engaged from the premiere to the finale, with each episode featuring new challenges that tested both cooking ability and teamwork. As the curtain falls on another successful season, Aly Goni and Jannat Zubair leave the competition as deserving champions. Their consistent performances, strong friendship, and ability to stay composed under pressure helped them secure the coveted title, making their victory one of the season’s most celebrated moments.

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    Kangana Ranaut’s viral NEET claim dismissed as fake

    Actor and politician Kangana Ranaut has once again found herself at the center of online discussions after a viral post falsely claimed that she had requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to appoint her as India’s Education Minister. The statement quickly spread across social media platforms, leading many users to believe it was genuine because it closely resembled Kangana’s usual writing style. However, the viral quote is fabricated and was never shared by the actress. According to the fake post, Kangana allegedly said she understood the importance of education and wanted to become the country’s Education Minister. The message also included a satirical proposal related to the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), claiming that students who watched her films in theatres would receive extra marks in the medical entrance examination. The fabricated statement read that she wanted to be appointed Education Minister because she was “the first person to show people the truth that India attained independence in 2014.” It further joked that awarding additional NEET marks to students who watched her movies would help end her string of box-office flops while also benefiting students. The post gained significant attention online, with many users sharing screenshots and commenting on the supposed remarks. Some believed the statement was authentic due to its resemblance to Kangana’s outspoken social media posts, while others questioned whether it had been created as satire. Despite its widespread circulation, the claim has been confirmed to be false. Kangana did not make the statement, nor did she post it on any of her verified social media accounts, including Instagram. There is no evidence that she requested to become India’s Education Minister or proposed any changes to the NEET examination in the manner described. The viral message appears to have been carefully crafted to imitate Kangana’s distinctive online tone, making it convincing enough to mislead many social media users. Such edited or fabricated posts often spread rapidly, particularly when they involve well-known public figures and controversial topics. The incident serves as another reminder of how quickly misinformation can circulate online. Experts frequently advise users to verify viral claims by checking official social media accounts or credible sources before sharing them further. Kangana, known for expressing her views on political and social issues, has often made headlines for her outspoken opinions. However, in this case, the viral statement circulating online has no factual basis and should not be treated as a genuine comment from the actress. As the post continues to be shared across various platforms, social media users are being urged to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of viral content before accepting it as true. The claim about Kangana Ranaut seeking the Education Minister’s post and offering extra NEET marks to students who watch her films is entirely false.

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    Jennifer Garner honors Ben Affleck’s late mother with tribute

    Jennifer Garner appeared to honor her former mother-in-law, Chris Anne Boldt, with a meaningful fashion choice during a recent outing in Los Angeles. The actress was seen visiting the Brentwood Farmers Market on Sunday, dressed casually in a white T-shirt featuring the French phrase “Maman Je T’aime,” which translates to “I love you, Mom.” The simple yet touching message drew attention as it came weeks after the passing of Ben Affleck’s mother. Chris Anne Boldt died on June 2 at the age of 83 after battling pancreatic cancer. According to her family, she passed away peacefully in her sleep. She had been diagnosed with the disease in December 2025, and her death marked a difficult loss for the Affleck family. Although Jennifer Garner has not publicly commented on the meaning behind her outfit, many viewed the shirt as a subtle and respectful tribute to Chris. Garner has long maintained a close and supportive relationship with Ben Affleck’s family, even after the couple ended their marriage. Jennifer and Ben were married from 2009 until their separation in 2015. Despite their divorce, they have remained committed to co-parenting their three children and are often seen together during family events. Their ability to maintain an amicable relationship has frequently been praised, with both stars putting their children’s well-being first. The former couple shares three children: Violet, 20, Fin, 17, and Samuel, 12. Over the years, Garner and Affleck have continued to support one another as parents while keeping their family life as stable as possible. Ben Affleck has previously spoken with great admiration about his mother and the influence she had on his life and career. In an earlier interview, the Oscar-winning actor described Chris as a dedicated educator who valued learning and hard work. He shared that his mother taught in public schools after studying at Harvard University, where she also earned her master’s degree. She spent years teaching fifth- and sixth-grade students, leaving a lasting impact on those she educated. Affleck also reflected on his father’s different background, explaining that he worked a variety of jobs, including as an auto mechanic, bartender, and janitor at Harvard. The actor has often credited both of his parents for shaping his values and perspective. Jennifer Garner has generally kept her personal life private, especially when it comes to family matters. However, her appearance at the farmers market wearing a shirt with such an affectionate message has led many fans to believe it was a quiet gesture of remembrance following Chris Anne Boldt’s passing. While neither Garner nor Affleck has addressed the speculation, the outing highlighted the enduring bond between their families. Garner’s thoughtful choice of clothing was widely seen as a sign of compassion and respect, reflecting the close connection she shared with Ben Affleck’s mother despite the end of their marriage.

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    Sindh announces July 29 holiday for Shah Abdul Lat…

    The Sindh government has announced a province-wide public holiday on Wednesday, July 29, to mark the annual Urs of renowned Sufi poet and mystic Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai. The decision was announced through an official notification issued by the Sindh Information Department on Monday. The holiday will apply to provincial government offices and institutions operating under the administrative control of the Sindh government. It will also cover autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies, government corporations and local councils across the province. However, essential services will remain operational during the holiday. Employees working in services considered necessary for public safety and welfare will continue their duties. The Urs of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai is observed every year at his shrine in Bhit Shah, Matiari district. The event attracts thousands of devotees from different parts of Pakistan. Visitors gather at the shrine to pay tribute to the Sufi poet and reflect on his teachings, poetry and spiritual message. Special religious and cultural activities are traditionally held during the Urs. Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai is regarded as one of the most influential figures in Sindhi literature and Sufi tradition. His poetry is known for themes of love, spirituality, peace and human dignity. The provincial holiday is expected to facilitate devotees and residents participating in Urs-related activities across Sindh.

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    Karachi to remain hot, humid as rain chances emerg…

    Karachi is expected to remain hot and humid over the next three days. The weather is likely to stay partly cloudy. Light drizzle is also possible in some parts of the city. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, Karachi’s maximum temperature is expected to remain between 34°C and 36°C during the next three days. The weather department said most parts of Sindh will experience hot and humid conditions today. However, some areas could receive rainfall. Tharparkar district may receive light rain accompanied by thunderstorms. Residents have been advised to remain cautious during periods of strong winds and thunderstorms. August could bring more rain A private weather forecasting organisation has also issued a longer-range outlook for August. It said low-pressure systems could develop over the Bay of Bengal during the first 10 days of August. These weather systems could increase the chances of rain across several parts of Pakistan. Northern areas of the country may experience a strong spell of rainfall. Sindh and Balochistan could also receive one or two rain spells during the period. Karachi may see rainfall during the first week of August if favourable weather systems develop. The forecast comes as Pakistan continues to experience monsoon weather. Rainfall in different regions has already affected temperatures and local weather conditions. However, meteorologists have stressed that the August forecast is based on long-range weather models. Such forecasts can change as new weather data becomes available.

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    SBP holds interest rate at 11.5pc amid growth conc…

    The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has kept its policy rate unchanged at 11.5 per cent, maintaining the existing monetary policy stance amid concerns over economic growth. The decision was announced on Monday by SBP Governor Jameel Ahmed following a meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). The central bank’s decision was largely expected by financial market analysts. Most experts had predicted that the SBP would maintain the current rate to support macroeconomic stability while monitoring economic conditions. Market surveys conducted by brokerage firms showed that more than 90 per cent of respondents expected the policy rate to remain unchanged. Only a small number of analysts had anticipated a possible increase. The decision comes as Pakistan continues to balance economic stability with the need to encourage business activity and investment. Higher interest rates can help control inflation and support financial stability, but they can also increase borrowing costs for businesses and consumers. The SBP had reduced its policy rate by 50 basis points to 10.5pc in December 2025. It later raised the rate by 100 basis points to 11.5pc in April 2026. Since then, the central bank has maintained the rate at 11.5pc. Business groups have continued to call for a significant reduction in borrowing costs. They argue that lower interest rates could help businesses expand operations, increase investment and support economic activity. However, the central bank has opted for a cautious approach. Policymakers appear focused on maintaining overall economic stability while assessing inflation, growth and other financial indicators.

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    Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai spotted during New York outing

    Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan have once again delighted fans after recent photos of the couple enjoying a peaceful evening in New York surfaced on social media. The pictures, shared by a fan online, captured the Bollywood stars taking a relaxed evening walk together during what appeared to be a break from Abhishek’s filming schedule for his upcoming movie King. The couple also happily stopped to pose for a selfie with a fan, earning praise from admirers for their warm and friendly gesture. For the casual outing, Abhishek opted for a simple look, wearing a T-shirt paired with a cap, while Aishwarya looked elegant in an all-black outfit. Their relaxed appearance and cheerful expressions quickly caught the attention of fans, with many expressing happiness at seeing the couple spending quality time together. The photos have gone viral across social media, where fans have been celebrating the rare glimpse into the couple’s personal life. Known for keeping their family life largely private, Abhishek and Aishwarya occasionally make public appearances together, making such candid moments especially meaningful for their supporters. In a recent interview, Abhishek reflected on the early days of his relationship with Aishwarya and shared memories of their first meeting. He recalled that they first met in 2000 while working on the film Dhai Akshar Prem Ke. Looking back, the actor admitted that he had no idea at the time that Aishwarya would eventually become his life partner. He explained that although they got along well from the beginning, he did not immediately realize that she was his soulmate. Abhishek also spoke warmly about their marriage, expressing gratitude for Aishwarya’s role as a mother to their daughter, Aaradhya. He credited her for raising their daughter with strong values and described Aishwarya as not only a devoted parent but also his soulmate. Reflecting on nearly two decades of married life, the actor said their journey together has been like a dream. He also hinted that he has special plans to celebrate their upcoming 20th wedding anniversary, although he chose not to reveal any details, saying he wanted to keep the surprise for the right time. During the conversation, Abhishek was also asked about the secret to maintaining a happy marriage. Responding with his trademark sense of humour, he joked that husbands should say “sorry” to their wives three times every night before going to bed, drawing laughter with his light-hearted advice. The actor has often spoken about the importance of family and balancing his personal and professional life. His comments once again highlighted the strong bond he shares with Aishwarya and the mutual respect that has defined their relationship over the years. Professionally, Abhishek is preparing for the release of King, one of his highly anticipated upcoming projects. Fans are eager to see him return to the big screen, while the latest New York pictures have added another reason for admirers to celebrate the couple, offering a rare and heartwarming glimpse into their life away from the spotlight.