تازہ ترین

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    BTS confirms Grammy boycott after backlash over new Best Asian Pop category

    BTS has officially stepped back from the upcoming Grammy Awards, following major fan backlash over a newly created category many felt singled out Asian artists instead of including them. On Wednesday, July 29, the K-pop group announced it would not be submitting its music for consideration at the 69th Annual Grammy Awards, effectively confirming a boycott of next year’s ceremony. The announcement came through a joint statement posted across the members’ individual Instagram Stories. Jung Kook, Jimin, V, Suga, RM, Jin, and J-Hope all shared the same message, confirming that none of them would take part in the ceremony scheduled for February 7, 2027. “We have decided not to submit to the Grammys this year. We hope music can be heard and embraced for what it is, beyond region or language,” the group wrote. They added a note of thanks to their fanbase, saying, “Thank you to ARMY and everyone who continues to support us.” The decision means BTS is walking away from a shot at what would have been their first-ever Grammy win, something the members have repeatedly named as one of their biggest career goals. Skipping the ceremony entirely puts that milestone on hold, at least for another cycle. The move follows the Recording Academy’s June 16 announcement introducing five new award categories for the 2027 Grammys, one of which was Best Asian Pop Music Performance. While intended as a way to recognize the genre’s growing global reach, the category quickly drew criticism from BTS’s fandom. Many argued that instead of placing Asian artists on equal footing with their peers across other genres, the new category effectively boxed them into a separate lane, something fans felt ran counter to the idea of true recognition. Critics of the category pointed out that grouping Asian pop acts together, regardless of style or sound, risks reducing diverse artists to a single regional label rather than judging their work on the same terms as everyone else in the industry. For a band that has spent years pushing for mainstream recognition without being defined solely by their nationality, the new category struck a nerve. BTS’s decision to sit out the ceremony entirely sends a clear message about where they stand on the issue, even at the cost of a long-awaited Grammy opportunity.

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    PSX plunges over 1,300 points amid global market sell-off

    The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) came under heavy selling pressure on Wednesday. The benchmark KSE-100 Index fell sharply during the trading session. The index dropped 1,339.73 points, or 0.75%, to reach 176,284.15 by 1:04pm. The decline came as regional markets also faced pressure and oil prices continued to rise. The KSE-100 had already fallen 1,297.67 points, or 0.73%, earlier in the session. At 9:34am, the index was trading at 176,326.21. The market remained volatile throughout the session. The KSE-100 recorded an intraday high of 176,935.03 and a low of 175,631.74. Trading activity remained significant. Around 120.55 million shares changed hands during the session. The total traded value stood at Rs10.69 billion. The previous close of the KSE-100 Index was 177,623.88. The latest decline therefore reflected a clear shift in investor sentiment. The pressure on the local market came amid a wider sell-off across Asian stock markets. Investors have become increasingly cautious about global economic conditions. Concerns surrounding heavy investment in artificial intelligence-related companies have also affected market sentiment. Investors are assessing whether valuations in some technology sectors have risen too quickly. The rise in international oil prices added another source of uncertainty. Oil prices increased after fresh attacks were reported in the Middle East. The developments have raised concerns about possible disruptions to global oil supplies. Higher energy prices could also increase inflationary pressures in several economies. Investors are also watching the potential impact of higher oil prices on interest rates. A prolonged rise in energy costs could complicate efforts to control inflation. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have further increased uncertainty in global financial markets. The latest developments have encouraged investors to adopt a more cautious approach. The negative trend in Asian equities also affected sentiment at the PSX. Local investors remained under pressure as the benchmark index continued to trade in negative territory.

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    FBISE unveils SSC 2026 results, 1st time AI assist…

    ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) has announced the results of the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) Part-I and Part-II First Annual Examination 2026, revealing strong overall performance while introducing artificial intelligence (AI) in the paper-marking process for the first time. The results were officially declared during a ceremony in Islamabad, where Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui inaugurated the announcement. Addressing the event, FBISE Chairman Prof Dr Ikram Ali Malik highlighted the Board’s efforts to ensure smooth and transparent examinations. He said a total of 292,831 students appeared in the SSC examinations this year, with 1,006 examination centres established across the country. To oversee the process, 2,012 supervisory staff members and 6,996 invigilators were deployed. The chairman also revealed that more than 10,700 teachers applied to assess examination papers, while 4,855 examiners were selected for the task. He described the introduction of AI-assisted marking as a major step towards improving accuracy and efficiency in the evaluation process. During the examination period, 86 cases involving the use of unfair means were reported. According to the results, SSC Part-I recorded an overall pass percentage of 59.77 per cent, with 88,646 students passing out of 150,077 candidates. SSC Part-II achieved a significantly higher success rate of 91.33 per cent, as 128,070 of the 141,653 candidates cleared the examinations. In the Science Group, Afeera Ijaz secured the top position with 1,089 marks. Amna Nauman claimed second place with 1,088 marks, while Huzaifa Haider finished third with 1,086 marks. Among Humanities students, Fatima Zahra emerged as the overall topper with 1,037 marks. Muhammad Maaz and Manaal Zahid shared second position after each scoring 1,031 marks, while Aneesa Nisar secured third place with 1,023 marks. The Board said the introduction of AI-assisted marking reflects its commitment to modernising Pakistan’s examination system while maintaining transparency and fairness in the assessment process.

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    Policeman martyred in Swat anti-terror operation

    A police constable was martyred during an ongoing operation against suspected terrorists in Swat’s Kabal tehsil, police said on Wednesday. The operation is being carried out in the Shalkho Sar area. Security forces launched the action after receiving information about the presence of terrorists in the region. According to Swat police, Elite Force Constable Gulfam embraced martyrdom while fighting the militants on Tuesday night. Police said he showed courage during the operation and sacrificed his life in the line of duty. The operation is being conducted jointly by the Counter-Terrorism Department, Swat Police and Upper Swat Police. Senior police officials are supervising the operation. The Malakand regional police officer and the district police officers of Swat and Upper Swat are overseeing the security action. Police said security personnel have surrounded the area where the terrorists are believed to be present. The suspects have reportedly been confined to the Shalkho Sar area. Officials also reported that the operation may have caused heavy casualties among the terrorists. However, further details about the number of casualties were not immediately available. The security forces continue to search the area as the operation remains underway. Officials are taking measures to prevent the suspects from escaping. Swat District Police Officer Umar Khan said the police force remains committed to maintaining peace in the region. He said law enforcement personnel would continue their efforts to protect the public. He also stressed that police would remain prepared to make sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. The latest incident comes as security concerns continue to affect parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Reports in recent months have pointed to the presence of militants in Kabal and Matta tehsils of Swat. Security forces have increased operations in areas where militant activity has been reported. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has remained one of the major regions affected by militant violence. Law enforcement agencies have continued conducting intelligence-based and targeted operations to counter terrorist threats. A security assessment released in June by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies also highlighted the worsening security situation. The assessment said Pakistan’s security environment had deteriorated significantly in May after showing improvement during the previous two months. According to the assessment, the increase was largely linked to rising militant violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

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    Karan Johar credits Shah Rukh Khan for filmmaking success

    Indian filmmaker Karan Johar marked the occasion of Guru Purnima with an emotional tribute to two people he says transformed his life and career—superstar Shah Rukh Khan and filmmaker Aditya Chopra. Through a heartfelt social media post, Karan reflected on the guidance, encouragement, and unwavering faith they showed in him long before he became one of Bollywood’s most successful directors. Sharing nostalgic photographs with Shah Rukh Khan and Aditya Chopra, Karan looked back on the early days of his journey in the film industry. He recalled a life-changing moment when Aditya Chopra invited him to assist on the iconic film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. At the time, Karan was planning to continue his studies, but Aditya convinced him to stay back and experience filmmaking from behind the scenes. According to Karan, Aditya spoke to him late one night and urged him to work on the film. More importantly, he encouraged Karan to become a director, insisting that he had the talent for it. Karan remembered Aditya telling him that avoiding this path would be one of the biggest mistakes of his life. Those words remained with him and eventually changed the direction of his future. The following morning, Karan discussed the opportunity with his father, the late producer Yash Johar. He asked for one year to work on a film set before making any long-term decisions. Karan shared that his father questioned whether he understood the responsibilities of working on a set. When Karan admitted he did not, Yash Johar offered advice that stayed with him forever. He explained that technical knowledge alone could make someone a producer, but becoming a director required genuine passion and commitment. Karan acknowledged that Aditya Chopra believed in his potential at a time when he lacked confidence in himself. That encouragement gave him the courage to step into filmmaking and eventually direct his first feature film. The filmmaker also reflected on another unforgettable moment involving Shah Rukh Khan. During a trip to Switzerland, the actor confidently told Karan that he would one day become a director and that Shah Rukh himself would star in his debut film. Karan admitted he did not take the promise seriously at the time, assuming it was simply a kind gesture. However, after returning to India, Shah Rukh Khan fulfilled that promise. He stood by Karan and supported him as he prepared for his directorial debut. That support eventually led to the creation of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, the film that launched Karan Johar’s career as a director and became one of Bollywood’s biggest successes. Concluding his Guru Purnima message, Karan expressed deep gratitude to both Shah Rukh Khan and Aditya Chopra. He said their trust, mentorship, and belief helped him overcome self-doubt and pursue storytelling with confidence. Karan added that every success and failure he has experienced in his career has been possible because of the guidance and support they gave him. He described the two as the greatest influences on his journey and thanked them for making it possible for him to tell stories on the big screen.

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    Pari and Haroon’s bond stealing the show in the lastest episodes of Aik Muhabbat Aur

    Aik Mohabbat Aur, written by Faiza Iftikhar and directed by Farooq Rind, continues to win hearts with its story of love finding a second chance. Starring Maya Ali and Ahad Raza Mir in the lead roles, the drama has slowly built one of its most touching subplots around the growing bond between Haroon Malik and little Pari, the daughter of Khushbakht Naz. Ahad Raza Mir’s portrayal of Haroon has struck a chord with viewers, especially in how he treats Pari, a child who isn’t biologically his, with the same warmth and care as any father would. Haroon has fully welcomed her into his life, spending time with her in a way that feels natural rather than performed. The most recent episodes gave fans a scene that’s now spreading widely online. Interestingly, it is Pari who accepts Haroon into her world first, even before her mother Khushbakht fully processes the shift. In the scene, Haroon gently asks Pari what he means to her, and without hesitation, she calls him “Baba.” The moment has been praised for feeling genuine rather than staged, with both Ahad Raza Mir and the young actress playing Pari delivering performances that landed emotionally with audiences. Since airing, the scene has become one of the standout talking points from the show, with viewers flooding social media to share how it made them feel. Fans did not hold back their reactions. One viewer wrote that hearing Pari say “Baba” brought them to tears. Another said the moment gave them goosebumps the second the word left her mouth. A third pointed out how well Ahad captured the emotional weight of the moment through his expression alone, calling it one of his most affecting scenes yet in the drama. The scene’s popularity speaks to how invested audiences have become in Haroon and Pari’s relationship, a storyline that’s quietly turned into one of the drama’s emotional anchors. As Aik Mohabbat Aur moves forward, this father-daughter dynamic looks set to remain one of its most talked-about elements, with fans eager to see how their bond continues to grow. Here is the reaction:

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    AJK police accuse JAAC of hidden agenda, weapons s…

    Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Police have accused the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of pursuing an agenda aimed at creating unrest in the region. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Khawar Ali Shaukat made the allegations during a press conference in Rawalakot on Wednesday. The police official said recent violence in Rawalakot had raised serious questions about the group’s claim that it was engaged in peaceful protests. Shaukat alleged that armed groups attacked security personnel at several locations across the city over the past two days. According to the police official, the attackers used sophisticated weapons during the clashes. He said security personnel came under repeated fire during the incidents. The SSP said one Rangers official was martyred in the violence. He added that around 15 police officers and other law enforcement personnel were injured. Shaukat claimed that several suspects had been arrested in connection with the attacks. He said a significant quantity of weapons and ammunition was recovered from those taken into custody. The recovered weapons allegedly included heavy arms. Police also claimed to have seized an automatic weapon believed to be of American origin. The SSP said the recovery raised concerns about the nature and objectives of the group involved in the violence. He accused the proscribed organisation of attempting to disrupt peace in AJK and create divisions within society. Shaukat also rejected claims circulating on social media that security forces had deliberately targeted peaceful protesters. He said the situation on the ground was different from the narrative being presented online. According to the police official, law enforcement agencies exercised restraint throughout the unrest. He claimed that security personnel responded only after coming under attack. The latest police statement comes after clashes between protesters and security forces in different parts of AJK. Violence was reported in Rawalakot on Monday and in Mirpur on Tuesday. The clashes reportedly resulted in several casualties, although details surrounding the losses remained disputed. The JAAC has been holding protests across the region for several weeks. Among its demands is the abolition of 12 seats in the local legislature reserved for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir. The dispute has led to growing tensions between protesters and the authorities. The government has also accused militant elements of exploiting the protests. It has alleged that some groups involved in the unrest are pursuing a foreign agenda and receiving financial support from India. The JAAC has rejected such allegations and accused security forces of using excessive force against its supporters. The group has claimed that dozens of its supporters were killed during clashes. However, the claim has not been officially confirmed. The competing claims have added to uncertainty surrounding the situation in AJK. Authorities are now investigating the violence and the alleged involvement of armed individuals. Police have also indicated that further arrests could follow as the investigation progresses.

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    Rakhi Sawant slams Kangana Ranaut over student protest remarks

    Actor and television personality Rakhi Sawant has strongly criticized fellow actress and politician Kangana Ranaut following her controversial remarks about student protesters. Kangana’s comments, made after the resignation of former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, have sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many accusing her of insulting young people who participated in the demonstrations. The controversy began when Kangana reacted to the protests by sharing a message on Instagram in which she referred to the student protesters using derogatory language. Her comments quickly drew criticism from internet users, who described the remarks as offensive and disrespectful toward the country’s youth. Among those speaking out against Kangana was Rakhi Sawant, who publicly condemned the actress in a video shared on Instagram. Rakhi did not hold back her criticism, calling Kangana a “chudail,” a Hindi word that translates to “witch,” while accusing her of repeatedly making insulting statements about ordinary people. In her video, Rakhi defended the students and questioned Kangana’s comments about young women participating in the protests. She said that the daughters and students of the country deserve respect rather than criticism and urged public figures to choose their words responsibly. Rakhi also questioned Kangana’s political standing and challenged her popularity among the public. She argued that true leadership comes from earning people’s trust and support instead of making controversial statements that offend citizens. Addressing Kangana directly, Rakhi said, “What did you do to become an MP? If you ever contest elections again, you may not receive people’s support. Why are you speaking like this about the girls of our country? Why are you insulting our students and our daughters?” The outspoken actress further alleged that such remarks damage the image of public representatives and create unnecessary divisions. She insisted that celebrities and politicians should encourage young people instead of discouraging or insulting them. Rakhi also referred to the incident that took place at Chandigarh Airport in 2024, when Kangana was slapped by a security staff member following her controversial comments about farmers. While condemning violence, Rakhi suggested that repeated provocative statements could continue to attract strong public reactions if such behavior does not change. She warned Kangana that making inflammatory remarks against different sections of society could lead to growing public anger, adding that respect for citizens is essential for anyone holding public office. The exchange has generated intense debate across social media platforms, with users expressing divided opinions. While many supported Rakhi’s criticism and defended the student protesters, others argued that public disagreements between celebrities should remain respectful despite political differences. As the controversy continues, neither Kangana Ranaut nor her team has issued a fresh response to Rakhi Sawant’s latest comments. However, the incident has once again placed both actresses at the center of a heated online discussion, highlighting the growing scrutiny surrounding statements made by public figures on political and social issues.

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    Jared Leto faces sexual misconduct allegations

    American actor and musician Jared Leto is facing new public allegations of sexual misconduct after 10 women came forward in a BBC documentary titled _Jared Leto: Hollywood’s Dark Secret_. The film focuses on claims that span more than a decade, between 2002 and 2016. During that period Leto was in his 30s and 40s. He is now 54. The women allege they encountered Leto when they were teenagers or in their early 20s. Four of the women detail what they describe as criminal sexual conduct. One woman said she was sexually assaulted in a motel bathroom when she was 17. Another said Leto threatened her with sexual assault when she was 19. A third alleged she had sex with Leto in California at age 17. In California the legal age of consent is 18, meaning the act would be classified as statutory rape. She told the BBC that when she raised the issue of age, Leto dismissed it. A fourth woman alleged she was groomed by Leto from age 16, including receiving multiple sexually explicit phone calls in which he suggested they have sex. Beyond those four, four other women told the BBC they received repeated phone calls from Leto that were strange and often sexual in nature while they were still young. They said the calls left them uncomfortable and confused at the time. The BBC said it attempted to verify the accounts. According to the broadcaster, friends and family members of several women confirmed they were told about the encounters with Leto at the time they happened. In some cases the BBC said it had reviewed photographs and messages that supported parts of the women’s statements. The documentary also includes testimony from two men who worked with Leto’s band, Thirty Seconds to Mars, for many years. Both described an uneasy atmosphere among crew members regarding Leto’s interactions with young female fans. They said staff observed Leto inviting teenage girls backstage to his dressing room and to the house where the band was recording. “I think everyone thought the age gap was way too big,” one of them said in the film. Leto did not respond to the BBC’s requests for comment ahead of the documentary’s release. Representatives for the actor have not issued a public statement as of press time. The program also references the broader conversation around Leto online. The BBC reported it had counted more than 120 separate allegations posted online over the years relating to Leto’s behavior toward women, some of them dating back more than a decade. Leto is a well-known Hollywood actor and Academy Award winner. His credits include _Dallas Buyers Club_, for which he won Best Supporting Actor, _Suicide Squad_, and the recent _Masters of the Universe_. He is also the lead singer of the rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars. No criminal charges have been filed in connection with the allegations detailed in the documentary.

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    Gohar Rasheed criticises Aurat March posters

    Actor Gohar Rasheed, known for his versatility and outspoken nature, has sparked a fresh round of public debate after sharing his views on Aurat March during a recent podcast appearance, taking particular issue with what he described as vulgar posters that appear at the annual women’s rights march. Rasheed drew a comparison between two things he sees as similarly problematic. He said that women should not be objectified, and in that spirit, item numbers in films should not exist because they reduce women to objects. He then extended that same logic to certain placards that appear at Aurat March, arguing that some posters cross a line into vulgarity and do not represent an appropriate way to communicate ideas or demands. He said the same points could be made in a more sophisticated manner without resorting to language or imagery that he found objectionable. The remarks touched on one of the most consistently contested topics in Pakistani public life. Aurat March, held annually on March 8 in major cities across Pakistan to mark International Women’s Day, has been a flashpoint for debate since its earliest editions. Supporters argue it is a necessary and long-overdue platform for women to voice demands around safety, equality and rights. Critics, including Rasheed, have frequently taken issue with specific posters that appear at the marches, arguing that certain slogans or images do not reflect the broader values of Pakistani society. The response online was immediate and divided, as it tends to be whenever the march becomes the subject of public commentary. Some users agreed with Rasheed. One person wrote: “He is right. Now Aurat Marchers will go against him,” anticipating the backlash while expressing support for the sentiment. Others pushed back sharply. One commenter wrote: “I wish he was this offended by violence against women and child rape,” arguing that the energy directed at posters would be better channelled toward the far graver issues women face daily. Another said: “Three men mansplaining what women should do or not do,” pointing to the irony of male voices deciding what is and is not an appropriate mode of feminist expression. The division in the comments reflects the genuine complexity of the debate. For those who support Aurat March unconditionally, the criticism of posters is a distraction from the march’s core purpose and represents the kind of policing of women’s expression that the march itself is pushing back against. For those who share Rasheed’s view, the concern is that certain forms of communication within the march alienate potential allies and hand critics easy ammunition to dismiss the broader cause. What is clear from the reaction is that this is a conversation Pakistan has not finished having, and that every public voice that enters it, whether from the entertainment industry or elsewhere, adds another layer to a debate that touches on deeply held values about gender, expression and what it means to advocate for change.