تازہ ترین

  • | |

    Bilawal calls for truth commission to end AJK unre…

    ByJustpaste.in

    PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has urged the government and protesters in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to agree on the formation of a truth and reconciliation commission to investigate the violence and political tensions that have gripped the region. Speaking to party workers in Muzaffarabad on Tuesday, Bilawal said the commission could provide a peaceful mechanism to determine the facts behind the unrest and help prevent further loss of life. He said maintaining peace, fairness and transparency was particularly important during the ongoing AJK elections, arguing that the issue should not be treated as a contest between winners and losers. According to Bilawal, the PPP had been advocating a truth and reconciliation commission for about a month. He proposed that protesters suspend their demonstrations while the commission investigates the incidents and presents its findings. He criticised both the authorities and protesters for failing to compromise, warning that ordinary Kashmiris were suffering despite having no connection with either side. Bilawal said those responsible for violence should be identified through an investigation rather than being punished on the streets. He also accused the state of giving greater importance to the interests of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) than to the interests of Kashmir. Bilawal questions AJK election process Bilawal also criticised the conduct of the AJK elections, particularly the violence and allegations of irregularities reported during polling in parts of the region. He claimed that the PPP had a strong mandate in Mirpur and alleged that polling stations were forcibly occupied and party polling agents removed. He also accused rival political workers of using violence to influence the electoral process. According to preliminary election results, the PML-N won nine of the 13 constituencies in the first phase, while the PPP secured four seats. Bilawal rejected the results in several constituencies and alleged that the PPP’s mandate had been compromised. He questioned how PPP candidate Chaudhry Yasin could lose his home constituency and described the result as unacceptable. He also criticised the decision to conduct the AJK elections in three phases, alleging that the arrangement had failed to prevent electoral malpractice. The PPP chairman referred to reports of violence, firing and the death of a political worker, while also raising concerns over internet disruptions in parts of the region. He called on the authorities to decide whether national interests or political considerations would guide their actions in AJK. Bilawal warned that continued violence and political instability could damage the future of the region. He urged PPP workers to remain peaceful but said the party would not accept attacks on its supporters or the alleged seizure of polling stations. He also appealed for political restraint, saying that the PPP wanted to pursue peaceful politics but would continue to defend what it considers its electoral mandate.

  • | |

    Rajab Butt breaks silence on viral gym video with …

    ByJustpaste.in

    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.

  • | | |

    Burnt body found in Karachi car identified through…

    ByJustpaste.in

    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.

  • | | |

    PCB introduces comprehensive fitness policy for do…

    ByJustpaste.in

      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.

  • | | | |

    Pakistan-US relations strengthen as PM Shehbaz Sha…

    ByJustpaste.in

    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.

  • |

    Seales rocks Pakistan as West Indies tighten grip on first test

    ByJustpaste.in

      TAROUBA: Pakistan’s batting line-up came under early pressure as the visitors slipped to 25-3 while chasing a target of 211 against the West Indies on the fourth day of the opening Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Tuesday. West Indies fast bowler Jayden Seales made an immediate impact with the new ball, removing Pakistan’s top order during an impressive opening spell. His early breakthroughs left the tourists struggling before lunch and handed the hosts complete control of the contest. Pakistan’s chase began on a disappointing note when opener Imam-ul-Haq was dismissed for just five runs. Azan Awais also failed to settle at the crease, contributing only three runs before returning to the pavilion. With both openers dismissed inside the first five overs, Pakistan found themselves under significant pressure at 21-2. Seales continued his destructive spell by trapping Salman Ali Agha leg before wicket without allowing him to score. The dismissal reduced Pakistan to 25-3, placing the visitors in a difficult position with a challenging target still well out of reach. Experienced batter Babar Azam then joined wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan in an attempt to stabilize the innings. The pair negotiated the remaining overs of the morning session without losing another wicket, providing Pakistan with some much-needed resistance after the early collapse. Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s bowlers wrapped up the West Indies’ second innings for 181, setting a victory target of 211. Veteran fast bowler Mohammad Abbas starred with the ball, producing another outstanding spell to claim his seventh five-wicket haul in Test cricket. The West Indies resumed play at 126-7, hoping their lower order could stretch the lead and make Pakistan’s chase more difficult. Shamar Joseph and Kemar Roach responded with an aggressive counterattack, frustrating the Pakistani bowlers with a valuable lower-order partnership. The pair added 28 runs during the morning session to extend their stand to 61 runs. Their attacking approach pushed the West Indies’ overall lead beyond 180 runs, strengthening the hosts’ position in the match. Shamar Joseph played an entertaining innings, scoring 38 runs from just 27 deliveries. His knock featured four towering sixes and one boundary, allowing the West Indies to score valuable quick runs before Pakistan finally broke the partnership. Mohammad Ali provided the breakthrough by deceiving Joseph with a slower delivery, bringing an end to the dangerous stand. Despite the dismissal, the West Indies tail continued to add useful runs as Kemar Roach and Jomel Warrican frustrated Pakistan with another steady partnership. Roach contributed 18 runs before becoming Mohammad Abbas’ fourth victim of the innings. Warrican also added an important 14 runs, helping the West Indies move their lead closer to the 200-run mark. Abbas then completed the innings by dismissing Warrican, finishing with exceptional figures of 5 wickets for 22 runs in 15.5 overs. His disciplined pace bowling proved crucial in preventing the West Indies from posting an even bigger target. Mohammad Ali and Khurram Shahzad also played important supporting roles with the ball. Ali picked up two wickets in his 14-over spell, while Khurram Shahzad claimed two scalps after bowling 15 overs. Although Pakistan succeeded in restricting the West Indies to 181 in the second innings, the visitors’ difficult start with the bat shifted the momentum back in favour of the home side. With Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan at the crease, Pakistan will rely heavily on their experienced pair to steer the chase and keep hopes of victory alive as the first Test heads toward an exciting finish.

  • | |

    741 dangerous buildings identified across Sindh

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has identified 741 dilapidated and dangerous buildings across the province. The disclosure was made during a meeting of the Sindh Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in Karachi. The meeting was chaired by PAC Chairman Nisar Khuhro. According to an official statement, the SBCA briefed the committee about the condition of buildings across Sindh. The authority said a large number of unsafe structures were located in Karachi. Of the 741 dangerous buildings identified across the province, 588 are situated in Karachi. The figure includes 444 buildings classified as heritage structures. The SBCA also informed the committee about steps taken to deal with buildings that pose risks to residents and the public. According to the authority, approval has been granted to evacuate 59 dilapidated buildings. Permission has also been given to demolish 39 structures considered dangerous. The issue of heritage buildings also came under discussion during the meeting. The Public Accounts Committee decided to summon the Heritage Committee at its next session. It also sought a detailed report on buildings constructed illegally around the Mazar-i-Quaid. The committee expressed concern over unauthorised construction in important areas of Karachi. It directed the relevant authorities to provide complete details of such structures. The meeting also discussed illegal housing schemes operating in Karachi. The committee was informed about 58 unauthorised housing schemes in the city. The PAC directed authorities to take steps to prevent people from investing in these illegal schemes. It also ordered action against individuals and groups involved in operating them. The committee further directed officials to identify and disclose the names of people involved in the illegal housing projects. The latest disclosure has raised concerns over the safety of residents living in old and structurally weak buildings across Sindh. The authorities are now expected to take further measures to identify unsafe structures, evacuate residents where necessary and remove buildings that pose an immediate threat. The issue is particularly significant in Karachi, where hundreds of old and heritage buildings are located in densely populated areas.

  • | |

    PM Shehbaz seeks stronger US ties in trade, IT and…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for stronger cooperation between Pakistan and the United States in key economic and strategic sectors. The prime minister made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation of the US Congress. The delegation included Ryan Zinke and Representative Michael Baumgartner. According to an official statement, the meeting focused on Pakistan-US relations and opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation. Prime Minister Shehbaz welcomed the visit by the US lawmakers. He described it as a positive step towards strengthening ties between the two countries. The prime minister also conveyed his best wishes to US President Donald Trump. He appreciated Trump’s role in helping secure a ceasefire between Pakistan and India. Shehbaz described the US president’s intervention as bold and decisive. The prime minister said Pakistan wanted to further expand cooperation with the United States in several important areas. These included trade, agriculture, information technology and energy. He said stronger economic engagement could create new opportunities for both countries. Pakistan, he added, was interested in building broader and more productive relations with the United States. The US congressional delegation also spoke positively about bilateral relations. The delegation said President Trump’s strong ties with Pakistan’s leadership were producing positive results. It also recognised the importance of continued engagement between Islamabad and Washington. The visiting lawmakers praised Pakistan for its role in efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. The meeting comes as Pakistan seeks to deepen its relations with the United States. Economic cooperation remains an important part of the bilateral relationship. Trade and investment are among the areas where Pakistan wants greater engagement with the US. Islamabad is also seeking cooperation in technology, agriculture and energy. The government believes stronger cooperation in these sectors can support economic growth and create new opportunities for businesses. The meeting also highlighted the importance of political engagement between the two countries. Regular exchanges between Pakistani and US officials can help strengthen mutual understanding. Following the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted a reception for a delegation of executives from the US corporate sector. The reception provided an opportunity to discuss business and investment opportunities. The government is seeking greater participation from international companies in Pakistan’s economy. It hopes stronger engagement with the US corporate sector will help attract investment and expand economic cooperation.

  • | |

    Govt increases fuel prices as international oil ra…

    ByJustpaste.in

    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.

  • | |

    Pakistani passport ranks fourth weakest globally

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan’s passport has been ranked the fourth weakest in the world in the latest Henley Passport Index. The Pakistani passport stands at 101st place in the global ranking. Its holders can access 29 destinations without obtaining a visa in advance or through visa-on-arrival facilities. The Henley Passport Index evaluates passports based on the number of destinations their holders can enter without securing a visa before travelling. The index covers 199 passports and 227 travel destinations. The latest ranking shows that Pakistan’s passport remains ahead of only three passports. These belong to Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. The ranking highlights the limited international mobility available to Pakistani passport holders compared with citizens of many other countries. Pakistan’s neighbouring countries have performed better in the latest index. China ranks 60th globally. India is placed at 81st. Iran stands at 96th. Despite its low overall ranking, Pakistani citizens can travel to several destinations without obtaining a visa before departure. Visa-free access is available for Pakistani passport holders to Barbados, the Cook Islands, Dominica, Haiti, Micronesia, Montserrat, Rwanda, St Vincent and the Grenadines, The Gambia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vanuatu. Pakistani travellers can also obtain visas upon arrival in a number of countries. These include Burundi, Cambodia, the Comoro Islands, Djibouti, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, the Maldives, Mozambique, Nepal, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Timor-Leste and Tuvalu. In addition, Pakistani citizens can obtain electronic travel authorisations for Kenya, Seychelles and Sri Lanka. The passport ranking is widely used as an indicator of international travel access. A higher position generally means that passport holders can enter more destinations without obtaining a visa in advance. Singapore continues to hold the strongest passport in the latest ranking. It tops the index with access to 192 destinations. Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates share second place. Their passport holders can access 188 destinations. Sweden ranks third, with access to 187 destinations. The latest figures underline the significant gap between Pakistan and the countries at the top of the global passport ranking.