تازہ ترین

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    Pakistan, Saudi Arabia eye historic economic partn…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said Pakistan wants to transform its economic relations with Saudi Arabia into a long-term strategic economic partnership. The prime minister made the remarks during a meeting with Prince Mansour, chairman of the Saudi-Pakistan Joint Business Council, who was accompanied by a high-level Saudi business delegation. According to an official statement issued in Islamabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz conveyed his respect and best wishes for Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The meeting focused on expanding economic cooperation and increasing investment between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Both sides discussed opportunities for stronger business-to-business and government-to-government collaboration. Prince Mansour expressed interest in investment opportunities in several key sectors of Pakistan’s economy. These included agriculture, ports, highways and the outsourcing of airport operations. The Saudi delegation also showed interest in investment opportunities in real estate, energy, power distribution and information technology. Prime Minister Shehbaz said the time was right to strengthen joint cooperation between the two countries through both government and private-sector partnerships. He stressed the importance of developing stronger economic and commercial ties with Saudi Arabia and creating opportunities for increased investment. Prince Mansour reaffirmed the Saudi government and business community’s interest in expanding commercial links with Pakistan. During their visit, the Saudi business delegation is scheduled to meet senior government officials as well as important representatives of Pakistan’s private sector. The meetings are expected to explore potential investment projects and identify areas where Pakistani and Saudi companies can develop joint ventures.

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    Free Russian film screenings to be held at Centaur…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Residents of Islamabad will have an opportunity to watch a selection of Russian films for free this weekend at Centaurus Mall. The event, organised with the support of the Russian Embassy, will feature screenings of four Russian movies. Organisers said admission will be free, but seating will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The organisers clarified that the event is open to the general public and is not restricted to invited guests. No seats will be reserved for embassy officials, special guests or any particular group. Visitors can choose to attend any of the four scheduled movie screenings. Families are also welcome to attend the event, providing they follow the age restrictions applicable to individual films. Organisers have particularly advised visitors to check the age classification before attending. Two of the movies are intended exclusively for adult audiences and will not be suitable for children. The film screenings are aimed at providing residents with an opportunity to experience Russian cinema and explore its cultural and artistic themes in an informal setting. Visitors are also permitted to take photographs and record videos during the event. However, they have been requested to respect other audience members and avoid creating disturbances. Guests have been asked not to use flashlights or make excessive noise while taking photographs or videos, so that the screenings can continue without disruption

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    PML-N wins top AJK Assembly posts with clear major…

    ByJustpaste.in

    MUZAFFARABAD: The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has secured both key parliamentary positions in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, with Chaudhry Tariq Farooq elected speaker and Ahmed Raza Qadri chosen as deputy speaker. Both PML-N nominees secured 32 votes each in the 53-member assembly during separate elections held on Tuesday. For the speaker’s position, PML-N Secretary General Chaudhry Tariq Farooq faced Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) nominee Qasim Majeed. A total of 46 lawmakers participated in the voting. Farooq received 32 votes, while Majeed secured 13. One vote was declared invalid. Following the result, outgoing Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar administered the oath to Farooq. He subsequently handed over charge of the assembly to the newly elected speaker. Farooq then chaired the election for the deputy speaker’s office. The PML-N nominated Ahmed Raza Qadri, while the PPP fielded Amir Abdul Ghaffar Lone. The voting pattern remained unchanged, with 46 lawmakers casting ballots. Qadri secured 32 votes against Lone’s 13, while one vote was declared invalid. Farooq administered the oath of office to the newly elected deputy speaker after the announcement of the result. The successful elections give the PML-N control of the two most important parliamentary offices in the AJK Assembly. The party emerged as the largest political force in the recent AJK elections. Polling was held in three phases between July 27 and August 10. The PML-N won 25 of the 38 directly contested seats, while the PPP secured 12. The lone elected member of the Awami Dast-o-Bazu later joined the PML-N, further strengthening its position in the assembly. Members of the newly formed assembly congratulated Farooq and Qadri after they took charge of their respective offices. They expressed hope that the new leadership would ensure effective parliamentary proceedings and strengthen the functioning of the legislative institution.

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    Indian police use water cannons to disperse Bihar exam protesters

    ByJustpaste.in

    PATNA: Indian police used water cannons and detained several protesters in Bihar on Tuesday as students demonstrated against alleged irregularities in a civil services recruitment examination. The protesters were demanding cancellation of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examination over allegations that question papers had been leaked and that other irregularities had affected the recruitment process. The protesters attempted to march towards the governor’s residence in the state capital, Patna. Police blocked their route and used water cannons after demonstrators pushed through barricades. Several protesters were also taken into police custody and transported away from the demonstration site. The BPSC examination is one of Bihar’s most competitive recruitment tests. It is conducted to select officials for various positions in the state administration. The latest demonstrations are linked to an examination held in December 2024. More than 300,000 candidates reportedly competed for around 2,000 positions. The recruitment process was completed in June after multiple stages, including examinations and interviews. Authorities have previously rejected claims of a widespread question paper leak. However, a re-examination was ordered at one examination centre following complaints at the time. Police later said the protest had become peaceful. Senior police officer K.S. Anupam said most of the protesters’ demands had been addressed by the government. Bihar Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari also said the government had responded to the students’ concerns. He maintained that discussions with the protesters remained possible and that the government’s doors were open for further dialogue. The dispute comes amid growing student protests in India over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations. Similar demonstrations have taken place in other Indian states, with concerns ranging from alleged paper leaks to recruitment procedures and examination management. In neighbouring Jharkhand, protests over similar allegations previously resulted in the cancellation of civil service examinations. The latest unrest has also added to pressure on authorities to strengthen safeguards around competitive examinations, which attract hundreds of thousands of applicants seeking government jobs.

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    SC fixes Sept 16 hearing on Imran’s medical tran…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has fixed September 16 for hearing a contempt petition filed by Uzma Khanum, sister of PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, over the alleged non-implementation of the court’s order regarding his medical treatment. The petition was submitted after the government took Imran Khan to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) instead of shifting him to Shifa International Hospital, as directed by the Supreme Court in its August 18 order. The court had also directed arrangements for regular meetings between Imran Khan and his family. PTI had challenged the government’s decision and filed a contempt petition through Uzma Khanum. The petition was returned after the Supreme Court registrar raised certain objections. The party later resubmitted it after addressing the objections. Speaking outside the Supreme Court, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan said the party wanted the matter to be heard at the earliest. He said the PTI founder’s health remained the party’s primary concern. Gohar urged the authorities to facilitate meetings between Imran Khan and his family members. He maintained that the Supreme Court’s August 18 order had not been implemented in its original form. Uzma Khanum also submitted an application seeking an early hearing. She expressed concern over what she described as a deterioration in Imran Khan’s health and argued that further delay could have serious consequences. The application alleged that the government had failed to follow the Supreme Court’s directions. It maintained that if authorities required clarification about the order, they should have approached the court instead of taking a different course of action. The government, meanwhile, has filed a review petition challenging the August 18 order. It has described the directive as discriminatory and sought its reconsideration. Imran Khan was taken to PIMS on August 21 for a medical examination and was later returned to Adiala Jail after doctors declared him medically fit. The government has maintained that security concerns prompted the decision to use PIMS instead of Shifa International Hospital. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the security situation involving PTI workers affected the planned transfer. The Supreme Court had also declined an immediate hearing of petitions seeking contempt proceedings and review of its August 18 order. The government’s review petition is therefore expected to be heard according to the court’s schedule. Gohar said PTI wanted Imran Khan’s sister, Dr Uzma, and his personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan, to be included in the medical board. He also called for the medical tests recommended by Imran Khan’s doctors to be conducted. The PTI chairman said the party was currently focusing on Imran Khan’s health rather than political matters. He described the issue as a humanitarian concern and urged the authorities to implement the Supreme Court’s directions. Gohar also questioned the detention of Imran Khan’s physician, Dr Faisal Sultan, who was taken to Shifa International Hospital. He asked why the doctor was detained for several hours while Imran Khan was not transferred to the same facility. He reiterated that a Supreme Court order should be followed unless the court itself modifies, reviews or suspends it. Gohar said PTI also recognised the importance of security arrangements and did not want any violation of security protocols. However, he claimed the party had not been informed in advance that security concerns would prevent Imran Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital.

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    Ushna Shah welcomes first child with Lion King-themed reveal

    ByJustpaste.in

    KARACHI: Pakistani actor Ushna Shah and her husband, Hamza Amin, have welcomed their first child, a baby boy. The actor shared the news with her followers on social media on Tuesday, introducing her newborn son through a playful Lion King-inspired announcement. Shah shared several pictures of the baby and affectionately described him as her “little lion cub”. She said the newborn had already become the centre of their world. The actor also joked about the early days of motherhood, describing the baby’s routine as a cycle of eating, sleeping and diaper changes. The pictures featured the newborn wearing a cute lion-themed outfit. In one of the images, the baby appeared dressed as a lion cub while the popular animated film The Lion King played in the background. Shah also gave her followers a glimpse of the preparations made to welcome the new family member. The photographs included welcome cookies, floral decorations and the baby’s crib. The announcement quickly attracted congratulatory messages from Shah’s fans, friends and fellow members of the entertainment industry. The arrival of the baby marks a new chapter in Shah and Amin’s lives. The couple got married in 2023 and have now welcomed their first child together. Ushna Shah is a well-known name in Pakistan’s television industry. She has earned recognition for her performances in several popular drama serials and has built a strong following through her work on television and social media.

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    Pakistan rejects Taliban allegations over Badakhsh…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has rejected allegations by the Afghan Taliban that Pakistani forces were involved in or supported armed opposition groups during violence in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province. The Ministry of Information dismissed the allegations as baseless and said no credible evidence had been presented to support the claims. The ministry issued the response after Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid alleged in an interview with Aamaj News that Pakistani authorities were physically involved in the unrest in Badakhshan. Pakistan strongly rejected the assertion and said the claim did not reflect the facts on the ground. According to the Ministry of Information, the situation in Badakhshan is linked to Afghanistan’s own internal security and governance challenges. It maintained that there was no evidence establishing Pakistani involvement in the violence. The ministry said independent reports had described the clashes as an armed conflict involving opposition to what it called the Taliban’s non-inclusive and oppressive rule. It added that such reporting had not established any Pakistani role in the fighting. Pakistan also reiterated its stated position that it wants peace and stability in Afghanistan. The ministry said Islamabad had no interest in destabilising its neighbouring country. It urged the Afghan Taliban authorities to focus on addressing the challenges emerging from their own governance rather than attributing Afghanistan’s internal problems to Pakistan. The ministry stressed that allegations unsupported by evidence could not replace established facts. Pakistan has repeatedly called for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan and has maintained that instability inside the neighbouring country should be addressed through political and internal measures.

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    Sheheryar Munawar shares snapshots from London to Spain getaway

    ByJustpaste.in

    Actor Sheheryar Munawar and his wife, Maheen Siddiqui, have been treating fans to glimpses of their latest European trip. The couple shared a series of snapshots from their travels across London and Spain. Sheheryar kicked things off with a photo of himself wearing a beret while taking in the sights. In another shot, the couple posed together at a gift shop in London’s Notting Hill, with Maheen smiling beside him. A separate photo captured Sheheryar sharing a lighthearted moment with children, though he kept their faces hidden in the post. He captioned the carousel with a playful note about the clouds catching his attention. Maheen also documented parts of the trip herself, sharing photos from Malaga, Spain. In one post, she’s seen soaking up the sunshine in a yellow outfit, set against the city’s scenic coastal backdrop. Sheheryar later added more photos from Spain, jokingly declaring he’d entered his “cowboy era.” The pictures showed him hiking under the sun in a grey tank top, along with another shot posing beside an off-road vehicle. He also showed off a fresh tan while exploring various Spanish cities, sampling local food and taking in traditional flamenco performances. His caption played on the tan itself, adding a playful touch to the post. The couple also shared a more relaxed side of the trip, posing together on an electric bike during one of their outings. Together, the series of posts gave followers a colourful look into their summer getaway, spanning London’s streets, coastal Spain, outdoor adventures, local cuisine and quieter, laid-back moments. Sheheryar and Maheen married in December 2024 and have continued sharing glimpses of their life together on social media since. Their latest travel updates offer fans another warm look into their journey as a married couple, blending sightseeing, adventure and everyday affection throughout the trip.

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    Nadia Afgan says actors mask money worries behind curated posts

    ByJustpaste.in

    Actor Nadia Afgan is speaking candidly about the financial pressures young actors face early in their careers. She specifically criticised the trend of moving into expensive, high-status neighbourhoods purely to keep up appearances. Reflecting on how demanding the profession really is, Nadia said the job is far tougher than it looks from the outside. She explained that young actors often work incredibly hard when starting out, and encouraged them to prioritise saving money or investing in property, rather than chasing status symbols just because their peers happen to live a certain lifestyle. According to Nadia, that kind of comparison amounts to peer pressure, and it’s pushing many actors into spending well beyond what they can sustainably afford. She also took aim at social media for reinforcing that illusion. Nadia pointed out that people readily post about their cars, scenic views or business-class flights, but rarely share the moments of genuine financial stress that often follow, like panicking over a hefty bill. Speaking more broadly about shifts within the entertainment industry, Nadia said visibility now often matters more than actual talent. She noted that becoming an influencer first has become a common route into television dramas, with anyone holding a camera and an active social media following able to break in more easily. She added that production houses tend to prioritise numbers over craft as well. According to Nadia, casting someone with a large following almost guarantees higher viewership, which directly benefits the channel or production house involved. She admitted knowing many genuinely talented individuals who get overlooked, while influencers with large followings continue landing opportunities instead. Beyond industry commentary, Nadia also reflected on her own journey as an actor. She spoke about her long-held desire to move beyond comedic roles, admitting that meaningful change only came gradually, as her personality and outlook evolved over time. She shared that her father’s illness and eventual passing brought a newfound sense of steadiness to her life. According to Nadia, having witnessed life’s ups and downs so closely has helped her understand and portray complex characters with far greater depth. Nadia is best known for her roles in dramas including “Suno Chanda,” “Shashlik,” “Shehr-e-Zaat” and “Kabuli Pulao.”

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    Swedish DJ Axwell to headline Karachi’s first electronic music event

    ByJustpaste.in

    Karachi is preparing to host its first-ever international electronic music event. Swedish DJ and producer Axwell will headline “First Light” on September 19 at Moin Khan Academy, DHA Sports Club, according to a statement from OP Productions. Axwell, whose real name is Axel Christofer Hedfors, is a member of the globally renowned group Swedish House Mafia. Organisers describe him as one of the most influential figures in modern electronic music. Conceived and creatively directed by OP Productions CEO Omer H Paracha, “First Light” draws its name from the symbolic moment of dawn breaking. According to the statement, the event has been designed as a cinematic, light-driven production, combining an international headliner with a custom-built stage, large-scale visuals, and a strong emphasis on audience safety and overall experience. Local acts Bilal Brohi and Hazey will open the night ahead of Axwell’s headline performance, organisers confirmed. OP Productions described Pakistan as one of the largest untapped markets in global live entertainment. The company pointed to the country’s population of more than 240 million and its notably young median age as key factors that make it an attractive destination for international touring artists. According to the organisers, “First Light” is intended to serve as a long-term platform for bringing global touring acts to Pakistan, positioning the country more firmly on the international live-entertainment map. Paracha said the event is meant to show the world what Pakistan is truly ready for. He added that Pakistanis deserve the chance to experience world-class live entertainment, and that the country has every right to claim its place on the global stage. He further stated that Pakistan already has the audience, energy and appetite for large-scale live events, and that “First Light” aims to prove the country is fully capable of hosting them. Tickets are being sold through Ticketwala, with Bronze, Silver, Gold, VIP and Platinum categories available. Limited early-bird pricing is currently on offer across select tiers. Organisers also confirmed a dedicated Pink section has been reserved exclusively for solo women, reflecting the event’s stated commitment to providing a safe, welcoming environment for all attendees. OP Productions describes itself as a Karachi-based live-entertainment company specialising in international artist bookings, large-scale event production, and ticketing operations across Pakistan.