تازہ ترین

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    Apple briefly crosses $5 trillion market value

    ByJustpaste.in

    Apple has become the second company in history to reach a market valuation of $5 trillion. The technology giant briefly crossed the landmark during trading on Tuesday. Its shares rose as much as 1.8% to a record intraday price of $342.89. The rise pushed Apple’s market capitalisation above the $5 trillion mark. The stock later gave up some of its gains, but the milestone marked another major achievement for the iPhone maker. The surge also helped Apple reclaim its position as the world’s most valuable publicly traded company. It moved ahead of chipmaker Nvidia in market value. The latest rally reflects continued investor confidence in Apple. The company has taken a different approach to the growing artificial intelligence race. Apple has focused on partnerships and external infrastructure instead of making huge investments in its own data centres. This strategy has helped the company control capital spending while expanding its AI capabilities. Several major technology companies have committed billions of dollars to AI infrastructure. Apple has sought to avoid some of those heavy costs. The company has instead worked with external partners to support its AI-related services. Its collaboration with Google is among the initiatives aimed at strengthening features such as the upgraded Siri assistant. Apple’s approach has helped reduce pressure on its cash flow. It has also reassured investors as the company works to expand its presence in artificial intelligence. The $5 trillion milestone comes as Apple continues to focus on its hardware and services businesses. The company is also looking for new ways to encourage customers to upgrade their devices. As part of that effort, Apple has introduced a new device-leasing programme in the United States in partnership with Klarna. Under the programme, customers can lease iPhones for payments starting at $17.99 per month. The initiative is designed to make new devices more affordable and encourage consumers to upgrade their existing phones. Apple’s latest market milestone highlights the scale of investor expectations surrounding the company. It also shows the continued strength of its brand and business model in an increasingly competitive technology sector.

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    Tom Holland, Jon Bernthal bring humour to new Spider-Man film

    ByJustpaste.in

    Tom Holland and Jon Bernthal have revealed how their friendship helped create a more humorous atmosphere while filming Marvel’s upcoming film Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The two actors had previously worked together on Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated epic The Odyssey. Holland described that experience as remarkable but demanding. After completing work on Nolan’s film, the actors moved on to the new Spider-Man project. Holland said the change in atmosphere was immediate. According to Holland, the pair spent around six weeks working in an improvised and relaxed environment. They frequently joked on set and looked for new ways to add humour to the upcoming movie. Holland said their off-screen relationship also influenced the connection between their characters. He explained that the relationship originally written in the script changed significantly during production. Holland credited Bernthal’s acting and creative input for helping shape the final dynamic. Bernthal also spoke warmly about his long-standing relationship with Holland. The actor said he had known Holland since the British star was 17. The two had even worked together on audition tapes for the Marvel Cinematic Universe before Holland became widely known for playing Spider-Man. Bernthal praised Holland’s development as an actor and said he remained impressed by his personality. He described Holland as kind, hardworking and grounded despite his enormous success in Hollywood. The upcoming film will bring Holland’s Spider-Man together with Bernthal’s Punisher. Their partnership is expected to be one of the major attractions of the new Marvel project. The actors’ comments suggest that their real-life friendship played an important role in developing the chemistry between their characters.

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    Police constable martyred, Two suspected robbers k…

    ByJustpaste.in

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

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    Nolan’s Odyssey explores the cost of flawed choices

    ByJustpaste.in

    Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey explores a character who is far from a conventional hero. Odysseus is brave, intelligent and determined. He is also deeply flawed. That complexity appears to be at the centre of Nolan’s interest in the ancient Greek epic. The nearly 3,000-year-old story follows Odysseus as he attempts to return to Ithaca after the Trojan War. His journey is filled with violence, loss, temptation and encounters with powerful gods and mythical creatures. Yet the film is not simply about a warrior trying to find his way home. It is also about the consequences of his decisions. Odysseus repeatedly makes choices that produce consequences he struggles to control. His actions often begin with understandable motives. Revenge, anger, pride and a desire to protect his men push him into increasingly dangerous situations. His treatment of the Trojans is one example. Odysseus considers himself a man who respects the rules of combat. However, the Trojan War forces him into tactics that contradict his personal principles. The wooden horse becomes the most striking example of this conflict. His deception helps the Greeks defeat Troy, but it also establishes a chain of events that follows him long after the war ends. His encounter with the Cyclops Polyphemus further exposes his weaknesses. Odysseus and his crew manage to escape the Cyclops’ cave. But instead of leaving quietly, Odysseus attacks again. His decision is driven by anger and revenge. The consequences are devastating. Polyphemus calls upon his father, Poseidon, to punish Odysseus. The resulting curse turns the journey home into an extended ordeal. Odysseus continues trying to save his men. However, his efforts repeatedly end in tragedy. One decision leads to another, and the consequences gradually become impossible to contain. His crew members begin to lose faith in their commander. The man determined to bring them home becomes the leader whose decisions ultimately contribute to their deaths. This moral conflict is familiar territory for Nolan. The director has repeatedly built stories around protagonists whose choices carry enormous consequences. Bruce Wayne, for example, attempts to protect Gotham by allowing a dangerous lie surrounding Harvey Dent to survive. The consequences eventually force him to confront the price of that decision. In Oppenheimer, the central character develops the atomic bomb in an attempt to help defeat Nazi Germany. Yet his success leaves him haunted by the destructive power he helped unleash. Dunkirk presents another interpretation of home. For the soldiers trapped on the beaches of France, home represents survival, safety and the possibility of returning with their dignity intact. For Oppenheimer, however, home becomes something more complicated. It represents the peace of mind he can no longer recover after witnessing the consequences of his work. For Odysseus, home is deeply personal. Ithaca represents his family, his kingdom and the identity he lost during two decades away. Returning home is therefore more than reaching a physical destination. His journey changes him. He leaves as a king and eventually returns disguised as a beggar. Along the way, he encounters monsters, hostile forces and divine punishment. He also watches his companions disappear one by one. By the time Odysseus reaches the end of his journey, the question is no longer simply whether he can return home. The bigger question is whether a man who has experienced so much violence can ever truly return as the person he once was. That question sits comfortably within Nolan’s broader storytelling style. His characters often achieve their goals but pay an enormous personal price. Their victories rarely come without consequences. The Odyssey brings that recurring theme to one of its most ancient and powerful forms. Odysseus survives the journey, but survival does not erase what happened along the way. His homecoming becomes a reckoning with the violence, losses and choices that shaped him. Nolan’s interpretation therefore turns the epic into more than an adventure story. It becomes a meditation on guilt, responsibility, identity and the lasting cost of extraordinary choices. At its heart, The Odyssey asks what happens when a man spends years fighting to return home, only to discover that the journey has changed the meaning of home itself.

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

    ByJustpaste.in

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

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    Kuwait’s foreign minister arrives in Pakistan on…

    ByJustpaste.in

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

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

    ByJustpaste.in

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

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    Pakistan ranks fifth globally in viral Hepatitis b…

    ByJustpaste.in

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

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    PM Shehbaz orders nationwide high alert

    ByJustpaste.in

      Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed all federal and provincial authorities to remain on maximum alert and maintain full preparedness to tackle any emergency resulting from the ongoing monsoon rains and the flood situation affecting different parts of the country. The directive was issued during a high-level review meeting held in Islamabad on Tuesday to assess the impact of the current monsoon spell and evaluate the government’s response to flooding and related emergencies. During the meeting, the Prime Minister directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to maintain close coordination with Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) and provincial governments. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that weather forecasts and monsoon-related alerts are shared promptly with all relevant federal and provincial institutions to support timely decision-making and emergency response. Shehbaz Sharif also tasked Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal with chairing daily meetings of the Flood Committee to closely monitor the evolving situation, review developments, and recommend appropriate measures to minimize the impact of heavy rainfall and flooding. Highlighting the risks in Pakistan’s mountainous regions, the Prime Minister stressed that the early warning system for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and flash floods must remain fully operational. He underscored the need for constant vigilance in vulnerable northern areas where melting glaciers continue to pose a serious threat. The Prime Minister noted that although Pakistan contributes only a small fraction to global greenhouse gas emissions, it remains one of the countries most severely affected by climate change. He said the government is actively implementing short-term, medium-term, and long-term strategies aimed at reducing the country’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters and strengthening resilience against extreme weather events. Shehbaz Sharif instructed the NDMA, in collaboration with all relevant departments, to take every possible measure to protect lives, safeguard property, and strengthen disaster response efforts throughout the ongoing monsoon season. The meeting was attended by NDMA officials and chief secretaries from all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Participants received detailed briefings on recent rainfall, the extent of damages, and the progress of rescue, relief, and rehabilitation operations. Officials informed the meeting that the NDMA is providing full logistical support and resources to provincial governments to manage flood-related emergencies in northern regions, while also assisting authorities in responding to the ongoing heatwave affecting Sindh and Balochistan. The participants were also briefed that another heavy spell of monsoon rainfall is expected over the next two days in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and southern Sindh. A further nationwide spell of significant rainfall is forecast for the second week of September. The meeting was informed that the Flood Committee established on the Prime Minister’s instructions continues to hold regular meetings to monitor the situation and ensure the effective implementation of rescue, relief, and rehabilitation measures across the country. According to the latest figures presented during the briefing, the current monsoon season has claimed 110 lives, injured 360 people, damaged 796 houses, and caused the death of 376 livestock. Officials also highlighted that the ongoing El Niño phenomenon has accelerated glacier melting in Pakistan’s northern regions, increasing the likelihood of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods and flash floods over the coming month. Authorities have already identified high-risk areas and are taking preventive measures to reduce potential damage. The meeting was further informed that immediate action has helped bring urban flooding under control in central Punjab, including Lahore, while drainage operations continue in agricultural areas affected by floodwaters. Authorities also confirmed that the flood situation in Dera Ghazi Khan and nearby districts remains under control. Officials reported that timely operations have led to the reopening of roads at 106 locations, restoring connectivity in affected areas. The meeting was also told that the National Emergency and Telecommunication Centre, established by the Ministry of Information Technology, is fully operational, enabling Rescue 1122 teams to respond quickly to emergency calls from any mobile phone across the country. In addition, authorities have identified 700 locations nationwide for rainwater storage during the monsoon season. The initiative aims to conserve water for agricultural use during dry periods while improving long-term water management and climate resilience.

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    Fatima Zahra secures Pakistan’s first Commonweal…

    ByJustpaste.in

      Pakistan received its first major success at the Commonwealth Games as national boxer Fatima Zahra secured a place in the women’s boxing semifinals, guaranteeing the country’s first medal of the tournament. Competing in the women’s 60kg weight category, Fatima Zahra delivered a dominant performance in the quarterfinals, defeating New Zealand’s Jordan Wilson by a unanimous 5-0 decision. With the victory, the Pakistani boxer advanced to the semifinals and ensured at least a bronze medal for her country under the competition’s boxing format. The quarterfinal bout took place at the SEC Hall Five in Glasgow, where Fatima Zahra displayed confidence, composure, and technical superiority throughout the contest. She controlled all three rounds with disciplined boxing, combining effective footwork, accurate punches, and strong defensive skills to keep her opponent under pressure from the opening bell until the final round. Her impressive display left no room for doubt among the judges. All five judges scored the contest in her favor, awarding her a comprehensive unanimous decision victory over Jordan Wilson. The result marked one of Pakistan’s most significant achievements at the ongoing Commonwealth Games and provided an early boost to the country’s medal hopes. According to the boxing competition rules, every athlete who reaches the semifinals is guaranteed at least a bronze medal, as there is no third-place playoff. By advancing to the last four, Fatima Zahra officially secured Pakistan’s first medal of the Games, regardless of the outcome of her semifinal contest. The achievement is another milestone in Fatima Zahra’s growing international career. She has consistently represented Pakistan on the global stage and has already established herself as one of the country’s leading female boxers. Her latest success reflects both her dedication and the steady progress she has made through years of hard work and international competition. This is not the first time Fatima Zahra has won a medal for Pakistan at a major sporting event. She previously claimed a bronze medal at the Islamic Solidarity Games, where her performances earned widespread praise and highlighted her potential to compete against some of the best boxers in the region. That experience has helped strengthen her confidence and prepared her for bigger challenges on the international stage. Following her convincing victory in the quarterfinals, Fatima Zahra has now set her sights on the semifinal, where she will aim to continue her winning run and secure a place in the gold medal match. A victory in the next round would guarantee Pakistan either a silver or gold medal, making it one of the country’s most notable boxing achievements in recent years. Her qualification for the semifinals has been welcomed as an encouraging moment for Pakistan’s sporting community, particularly for women’s boxing, which continues to grow despite facing limited resources and opportunities. Fatima Zahra’s success is expected to inspire aspiring female athletes across the country and demonstrate that Pakistani women can compete successfully at the highest levels of international sport. With a guaranteed bronze medal already secured, all eyes will now be on Fatima Zahra as she prepares for the semifinal showdown. Pakistani fans will be hoping she can maintain her outstanding form, overcome her next opponent, and move one step closer to winning the Commonwealth Games title, adding another memorable chapter to Pakistan’s sporting history.