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    Sarfaraz defends selection after Pakistan defeat

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed has hinted at possible changes to the playing XI for the second Test following the team’s 90-run defeat to the West Indies in the series opener. Speaking after the match, Sarfaraz admitted that Pakistan’s batting performance fell well below expectations, particularly in the second innings, where the side once again failed to build meaningful partnerships. He described the batting collapse as the biggest factor behind the defeat and stressed that the team must improve if it hopes to level the series. The coach said Pakistan had a valuable opportunity to take control of the match by securing a first-innings lead but failed to capitalize on the advantage. According to him, the missed opportunity shifted the momentum in favour of the hosts and made the chase in the fourth innings significantly more difficult. Sarfaraz also reflected on the dismissal of opener Imam-ul-Haq, saying the left-hander had looked comfortable at the crease and was batting well before losing his wicket. He believed that had Imam shown a little more patience, Pakistan could have built a stronger foundation and put themselves in a better position to challenge the target. The head coach also expressed disappointment with the team’s bowling effort on the third day of the Test. He pointed to the 61-run partnership for the eighth wicket by the West Indies, saying Pakistan should not have allowed the lower-order batters to add crucial runs. He noted that those extra runs eventually proved significant in the context of the match. Despite criticism over Pakistan’s team selection, Sarfaraz defended the decision to field five specialist bowlers. He said the management had carefully assessed the playing conditions before finalizing the combination and believed it was the right approach based on the nature of the pitch. “We selected the side after evaluating the conditions and felt that playing five bowlers gave us the best chance of taking 20 wickets,” he said, adding that the execution on the field ultimately mattered more than the team composition. Looking ahead to the second Test, Sarfaraz confirmed that changes remain a possibility as the coaching staff reviews the team’s performance. He revealed that middle-order batter Saud Shakeel and opener Abdullah Shafique are still under consideration for selection. However, he made it clear that no final decision has been taken regarding the playing XI. The coaching staff will assess the match situation, the expected pitch conditions and the overall balance of the side before naming the team for the second Test. Pakistan will now look to regroup quickly after the disappointing start to the series, with the second Test offering an opportunity to bounce back and keep the contest alive. Team management will be hoping that both the batting and bowling units respond positively after a below-par performance in the opening match.

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    Nawaz Sharif heading LHAR to give old Lahore a new…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Lahore’s old city is going through a major change under a heritage revival plan, and the project has now been placed directly under the leadership of Pakistan Muslim League-(N) leader Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. According to a recent notification issued by the Punjab government’s Local Government and Community Development Department, Nawaz Sharif has been made chairman of the newly formed board of the Lahore Heritage Area Revival project, also known as (LHAR) and patron-in-chief of the Punjab Walled Cities and Heritage Areas Authority (PWCHAA) Earlier, Nawaz Sharif only held the position of chief patron of the project. This meant he could give advice but had no formal powers. Under the new rules, the project’s legal structure has been changed, and a proper board has been formed. This board is now headed directly by the three-time former prime minister. The notification was published in the Punjab Gazette on July 23. It was issued under Section 8-A of the Punjab Walled Cities and Heritage Areas Authority Act 2012. The notification was approved by the governor of Punjab. With this change, the Lahore Heritage Area Revival Board has been formally established. The board now has full executive and administrative powers. Officials say this step was taken to remove bureaucratic delays in restoring the city’s historic fabric. The heritage revival areas cover Mughal, Sikh and colonial-era sites. Details of the ongoing work will be shared soon. Several government departments are working together on the project. These include the Traffic Engineering and Planning Agency, known as TEPA, C&W and PWCHAA. TEPA is handling infrastructure work, such as building basements and parking. The PWCHAA is handling the restoration of old buildings. A major part of the plan is to turn old city streets into pedestrian zones. This includes the route from New Anarkali to Paan Gali in Lohari. It also includes Bora Bazaar, which has Bakshi Market inside it. Another walking route will run from Kacheri Chowk to Anarkali and then onward to Neela Gumbad. To name a few. Many buildings along these routes are old. All of them are being restored as part of the project. One of the biggest parts of the plan is a new public space called Neela Gumbad Square, where a two-floor underground parking garage is being built; it will become a place for families to walk and gather. Fountains and seating areas will be added. The Parks and Horticulture Authority will help plant trees and grass in the area. Other nearby heritage sites are also being restored. These include Ewing Hall and the first Bank of India building. The mosque near Neela Gumbad is also being renovated, while some roads nearby will be closed for traffic. LHAR spokesperson also responded to earlier criticism in media reports, where past reports only mentioned TEPA, even though other departments were also doing important work on the ground. The project now has a monitoring cell in place to track progress and check timely completion. The spokesperson further said that shopkeepers near Neela Gumbad were paid compensation a year before their shops were relocated. The officials had collected data on each shop’s daily business and income before deciding how much compensation to give; this was done so shopkeepers would not lose their livelihood during construction. With Nawaz Sharif now in the driving seat and his past records of completing mega projects on time, officials believe the project will move forward faster. The government says the goal is to restore Lahore’s historic buildings and streets while creating new public spaces for residents and visitors.

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    UEFA opposes FIFA’s $20bn commercial venture proposal

    ByJustpaste.in

    FIFA is facing growing criticism over its proposal to establish a new commercial subsidiary valued at $20 billion, a move that would oversee the commercial and operational management of the FIFA World Cup and other major international tournaments. The governing body plans to launch the new entity under the name FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). According to the proposal, the company would be responsible for handling commercial rights, sponsorship operations, event management, and other business activities linked to FIFA’s flagship competitions. While FIFA intends to retain full control of the new company, it plans to sell up to 20 percent of its shares to outside investors. The sale is expected to raise approximately $4.2 billion, which FIFA says will be reinvested into the global development of football. The proposal has sparked strong opposition, particularly from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), which argues that the plan risks turning the governance of football into a commercial asset. UEFA believes the sport’s core values should not be influenced by external investors, warning that football’s integrity and independence must remain protected. FIFA, however, insists that the new structure is designed to strengthen, rather than undermine, the global game. The organization says the funds generated through the partial sale of the company will support football development projects around the world, including investments in infrastructure, coaching programs, grassroots initiatives, women’s football, youth development, and financial assistance for member associations. FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the proposal, saying the organization remains committed to ensuring equal opportunities for football development across all regions. He emphasized that any net profits generated through the new subsidiary would be reinvested directly into football rather than distributed elsewhere. Infantino also stressed that FIFA would continue to exercise full authority over football governance, competition regulations, the international match calendar, and the organization of its tournaments. According to FIFA, the creation of the subsidiary would not affect the governing body’s decision-making powers or its responsibility for managing the sport. Reports have suggested that the group of potential investors could be led by an investment platform associated with Joshua Kushner, although FIFA has not officially confirmed the identities of any future shareholders. The proposal has also drawn criticism from several political figures and football stakeholders, who argue that the FIFA World Cup is one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events and should not become part of a structure involving private investment. Critics believe that introducing outside shareholders, even without granting them control, could create commercial pressures that may influence the long-term direction of the sport. Despite the backlash, FIFA has made it clear that the proposal has not yet been finalized. Before any changes are implemented, the plan will be presented to FIFA’s Council and all 211 member associations for review and approval. The final decision will depend on whether FIFA’s members believe the new commercial structure can generate greater financial support for football while preserving the organization’s independence, governance, and commitment to the global growth of the game.

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    Mikayla Nogueira celebrates finalizing divorce from Cody Hawken

    ByJustpaste.in

    Beauty influencer Mikayla Nogueira has officially finalized her divorce from husband Cody Hawken, marking the end of their marriage with a celebratory social media post that quickly caught the attention of fans. On July 28, the 28-year-old content creator took to Instagram to share the milestone, posting a carousel of photos and a short video expressing her excitement. She captioned the post, “HAPPIEST DAY OF MY LIFE!!!” signaling that she was ready to embrace a new chapter. For the occasion, Mikayla wore an all-black outfit that reflected the theme of her celebration. Her black shirt featured the words “Just Divorced,” paired with matching black pants and high heels. She completed the look with a black sash decorated with the word “Divorced” in gold lettering, adding a playful touch to the event. A video included in the post showed the influencer running down a staircase before jumping with excitement, clearly enjoying the moment as she celebrated the official conclusion of her marriage. Mikayla first revealed that she and Cody had decided to separate in February. At the time, she shared an emotional video with her followers, asking them to prepare themselves before announcing that she was getting a divorce. While confirming the split, she made it clear that she would not discuss the reasons behind the decision. Instead, she emphasized that maintaining privacy was important because she wanted to protect Cody during what she described as a difficult period for both of them. She also expressed hope that they would each find happiness moving forward. Mikayla acknowledged that ending a marriage is never an easy experience and noted that no one enters a marriage expecting it to end in divorce. Despite the emotional challenges, she said both of them deserved the opportunity to heal and begin new chapters in their lives. The influencer also reassured her followers that the separation was amicable. According to Mikayla, there was no hostility between the former couple, and they intended to remain on good terms after the divorce. She said they hoped to stay in contact and continue supporting each other as friends, highlighting the mutual respect that remained despite the end of their relationship. Mikayla and Cody had been married for more than two years before deciding to part ways. Throughout their relationship, Cody occasionally appeared in Mikayla’s social media content, with fans following their journey from engagement to marriage. News of their separation earlier this year came as a surprise to many followers. Now that the divorce has been officially finalized, Mikayla appears focused on moving forward with a positive outlook. Her latest Instagram post reflects a sense of relief and optimism as she begins the next phase of her life, while continuing to thank her supporters for standing by her during a challenging personal journey.

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    Robert Pattinson’s daughter adorably calls him ‘Daddy Batman’

    ByJustpaste.in

    Robert Pattinson and his fiancée, actress and singer Suki Waterhouse, are enjoying parenthood, and the couple’s two-year-old daughter has come up with a heartwarming nickname for the Hollywood star. During a recent podcast appearance, Waterhouse opened up about family life and shared a sweet glimpse into how their daughter views her father while he films his superhero projects. The actress revealed that their little girl now affectionately calls Pattinson “Daddy Batman,” a nickname inspired by the actor’s iconic role as the Caped Crusader. According to Waterhouse, the toddler has become so used to seeing her father dressed in the Batman costume during video calls that she naturally associates him with the beloved DC superhero. She explained that balancing work and family often leads to unusual moments. While she may be at home with their daughter, Pattinson is frequently on set in full costume and makeup. During FaceTime calls, he sometimes appears wearing heavy eye makeup, fake injuries, and blood as part of filming. Despite his dramatic appearance, Waterhouse said their daughter is completely unfazed. Instead of being frightened, she happily chats with him and accepts his superhero look as normal. The actress shared that their daughter is a cheerful and outgoing child who has grown accustomed to seeing her father transform into different characters for his acting career. She joked that the little one barely notices the elaborate costumes anymore, making the nickname “Daddy Batman” a natural part of their daily life. Pattinson, best known for his performances in the Twilight franchise and several critically acclaimed films, has been in a relationship with Waterhouse since 2018. After years of dating, the couple confirmed their engagement in 2023 and welcomed their first child in 2024. Although the pair generally keep their family life private, Waterhouse occasionally offers fans small insights into their experience as first-time parents. Her latest comments have delighted fans, who praised the adorable nickname and the wholesome family dynamic. Pattinson is expected to return as Batman in the highly anticipated sequel directed by Matt Reeves. The upcoming film will see the actor reprise his role as Gotham’s legendary protector, a performance that has already earned praise from audiences worldwide. As production continues, it appears that Pattinson has gained one very special fan at home. While millions know him as Batman on the big screen, his daughter has made the title far more personal by lovingly calling him “Daddy Batman” — a nickname that perfectly blends Hollywood stardom with family life.

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    Rs4.21bn collected, thousands await housing

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works raised serious concerns over delays in major federal housing projects, where thousands of allottees have waited years for possession of their plots and apartments despite making payments. The committee decided to summon the Chairman of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in its next meeting to brief it on investigations, inquiries and legal issues related to delayed housing projects managed by the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA). The decision came after lawmakers expressed frustration over the long delays in the Green Enclave I project in Bara Kahu, Islamabad, where some allottees have reportedly waited years for possession after making payments for many years. The Senate committee, chaired by Senator Nasir Mehmood, reviewed the progress of several housing schemes and questioned why projects launched for public sector employees and other members had remained incomplete for such a long period. During the briefing, officials informed the committee about the status of housing schemes managed by FGEHA and the PHA Foundation. While reviewing the Green Enclave I project in Bara Kahu, the committee learned that land acquisition started in 2009 and the project covers around 3,375 kanals. Members expressed concern that despite a construction agreement being signed in 2019, physical development work remains suspended due to disputes related to contracts, work execution and security requirements. The committee was told that many allottees had been making payments since 2008 but had still not received physical possession of their plots. Lawmakers questioned how citizens could continue waiting for years after fulfilling their financial responsibilities. Housing officials informed the committee that development work could restart after approval from the relevant board once contractual disputes are resolved. However, members expressed dissatisfaction over the continued delay and decided to seek answers from NAB regarding the matter. The committee also reviewed the Green Enclave II or Sky Garden Housing Scheme located in Mauza Kathar and Mauza Mangal. Officials informed the committee that the project covers around 7,300 kanals and that more than 2,455 consent notices have been issued. The committee was informed that over Rs4.21 billion had been collected from members under different categories. Officials said land related issues in Mauza Kathar had been resolved, while the court decided legal disputes regarding Mauza Mangal in favour of FGEHA in April 2026. The committee reviewed the expected development timeline and was informed that block wise plot handovers are planned between December 2026 and March 2027. To remove administrative delays, the committee decided to call the Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi for a detailed briefing in the next meeting. The committee also examined the EHFPRO Lifestyle Residency Apartments project in Sector G 13, Islamabad. Officials informed lawmakers that around 70 percent of the physical work had been completed, but the project faced serious problems due to rising construction costs after COVID 19, financial difficulties and the death of the private contractor. Following repeated violations, the joint venture agreement was terminated and FGEHA took control of the project. Officials said they are now trying to restart the project through a Public Private Partnership model to avoid placing additional financial pressure on allottees. The committee was informed that the project’s planning approval has been completed and the process to select a new partner is underway. Members directed the ministry to provide regular updates on the progress of the project. The Senate committee also reviewed the PHA F Residencia Project on Kuchlak Road, Quetta, and other government housing facilities. Officials informed the committee that the Quetta project has achieved around 50 percent physical progress. They said construction work has progressed on houses and apartment blocks, while additional units are being processed through new tendering. The committee also reviewed maintenance work at Federal Lodges and noted improvements in cleaning, repairs, and electrical work. Members discussed issues faced by residents, including water supply, drainage and basic facilities at some housing schemes. Officials informed the committee that discussions were ongoing between housing authorities and residents’ representatives to solve these problems. The committee also reminded residents that any unauthorised changes in buildings must be regularised through the Capital Development Authority. Senator Nasir Mehmood stressed that housing projects involving public money must be completed on time and that the rights of allottees must be protected. The committee said delays in public housing schemes create financial and emotional difficulties for citizens and directed relevant departments to improve transparency and speed up development work.

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    HR Committee raises alarm over violence against wo…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad: Concerns over increasing cases of gender based violence and the protection of women and children came under discussion as the National Assembly Standing Committee on Human Rights reviewed government efforts to prevent crimes, improve investigations and provide better support to victims. The committee questioned whether existing systems are strong enough to protect victims and ensure quick justice, while calling for clearer laws, wider awareness campaigns and improved access to support services. The 13th meeting of the committee reviewed the performance of the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), government measures against violence and progress on previous recommendations. The meeting was chaired by Committee Chairperson Asiya Naz Tanoli, with Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Barrister Danyal Chaudhry serving as co chair.   During the briefing, NCSW informed the committee that its complaint management system has been active for the last five months to help women report problems and receive support. Officials said consultants working on the complaint system received special training with support from Rozan to improve complaint handling. The committee was also informed that gender based data is being updated through the National Gender Data Portal to help the government make better policies based on facts. Officials said the first Gender Parity Report has already been published and future reports will include provincial level information. The committee was informed that NCSW has also conducted media training sessions to improve reporting of rape and gender violence cases. Officials said journalists were trained to report such sensitive cases with responsibility, dignity and care for victims. The Ministry of Human Rights told the committee that reported cases of gender based violence increased between 2022 and 2024, leading authorities to strengthen special investigation units and women and child protection units. Officials said police officers and relevant staff received specialised training while complaint systems were improved to provide faster support to victims. Barrister Danyal Chaudhry stressed that awareness about harassment laws is necessary in both public and private institutions. He said people must understand their rights and responsibilities so that victims can seek help and legal procedures remain clear for everyone involved. He also called for removing confusion around the definition of harassment so that both complainants and accused persons understand their legal position. The parliamentary secretary recommended wider promotion of the Ministry of Human Rights 1099 helpline and the 1121 child helpline through newspapers, pamphlets and other awareness campaigns. He said many people are unaware of available support services and greater publicity can help victims reach authorities quickly. Committee member Shahida Rahmani suggested presenting a real rape case as a case study before the committee. She said studying actual cases could help lawmakers prepare practical recommendations to improve the justice system. The Secretary of the Ministry of Human Rights informed the committee that some countries provide free trial systems for rape victims. He suggested that Pakistan should examine the possibility of introducing a similar system to make justice safer, easier and more accessible for victims.

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    SBP asked to fix banking gaps after complaints of …

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) came under pressure in the Senate after lawmakers raised concerns over complaints from customers, including Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), who faced difficulties with commercial banks and alleged delays in resolving their issues. The Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue questioned why banks and the SBP failed to establish clear and uniform procedures despite earlier directions to create dedicated officers and better complaint handling systems. During the meeting, Member National Assembly Muhammad Moin Amir Pirzada informed the committee that his bank account was closed in April 2026 and despite repeated communication with the concerned bank and the State Bank of Pakistan, he did not receive a satisfactory response. He told the committee that such situations show the need for a proper yearly data update system and clear banking procedures so customers do not face unnecessary difficulties. The committee learned that no common Standard Operating Procedures had been developed across the banking sector despite previous recommendations. Governor State Bank acknowledged the concerns and informed the committee that rules for dealing with Politically Exposed Persons already exist. He said the problem occurred at the branch level and assured lawmakers that steps would be taken to improve implementation. The Governor informed the committee that a backup officer had already been assigned and a dedicated focal person would also be appointed to handle such matters. The committee stressed that all banks must follow the same procedures so customers receive equal treatment and complaints are resolved quickly. Federal Minister for Finance also supported the need for standard procedures and said proper systems are necessary for better customer service and effective complaint resolution. The committee meeting, chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, also discussed wider banking issues including customer charges, investment policies and employee matters. Members raised concerns about banking service charges, especially SMS alerts and card transactions. The State Bank Governor informed the committee that SMS alerts are optional, allowing customers to choose whether to use the service. He said banks are also introducing alternative options such as mobile application and email alerts for customers. The Governor clarified that Visa card transactions conducted within Pakistan would not be charged in US dollars. He also informed the committee that banks are currently covering around Rs80 billion annually under the Pakistan Remittance Initiative. Committee members appreciated the reforms under the initiative, stating these steps have helped save significant costs. The committee also discussed complaints regarding dress code instructions in some banks. Senator Dr. Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur raised concerns that some female employees were allegedly pressured to wear abayas. Senator Sherry Rehman stated that no employee should be forced to adopt a specific type of clothing. The State Bank Governor informed the committee that previous recommendations had already been communicated to banks. He clarified that the committee had only recommended a modest dress code and had not ordered banks to impose any particular clothing. The committee directed all banks to submit their human resource dress code policies and instructed SBP to issue updated guidelines to ensure employees are not placed under unnecessary pressure. The committee also reviewed concerns related to investment protection policies. Senator Manzoor Ahmed suggested that incentives provided to the Reko Diq project should also be considered for other investment projects in Pakistan. Finance Ministry officials informed the committee that only one project currently meets the existing criteria and the government’s financial position does not allow similar benefits for all projects. The Finance Minister assured the committee that future proposals would be reviewed according to available resources.

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    Wildfires in south‑west France flare up as region braces for new 40°C heatwave

    ByJustpaste.in

    Firefighters in France’s Gironde region are battling renewed blazes as the country braces for its fourth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures forecast to reach 40°C by Wednesday. Regional prefect Sophie Brocas said 14 areas already scorched by earlier fires saw fresh flare‑ups on Tuesday. “We are not in the clear,” she warned. More than 2,000 firefighters have been deployed, with national federation spokesman Eric Brocardi describing the struggle as “David against Goliath.” Four firefighters have died in recent weeks across France. The wildfires have forced more than 70,000 people to evacuate their homes. While Bordeaux is not currently under direct threat, one blaze came within 15km of the city earlier this week. Commander Rémi Lassoureille, leading the Gironde response, voiced concern about the impact on Bordeaux’s metropolitan area, where air quality has deteriorated sharply. Residents and tourists reported smoky skies, ash falling on clothes, and restaurants closing due to pollution. Spain has also endured severe fires, though some evacuation orders have been lifted, allowing 44,000 people to return home. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the situation remained challenging but expressed hope that “light is beginning to appear at the end of the tunnel.” In Portugal, 400 firefighters are tackling a major blaze in the eastern Guarda area. French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist urged residents in affected zones to remain indoors, citing air pollution risks. “Many people have lost their homes or their businesses, not to mention the firefighters who have been hard at work for weeks now and who must be exhausted,” she said. Locals in Cap Ferret voiced fears for the peninsula’s forests, warning that while Bordeaux’s concrete structures may be safe, the destruction of woodland is catastrophic.

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    ‘Delulu’, ‘Clock it’: ‘Cockroach’ prot…

    ByJustpaste.in

    India’s parliament echoed with the language of memes and Instagram reels this week, as lawmakers debated a new anti‑exam leak bill in the wake of youth‑led protests that forced the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Phrases like “delulu”, “FOMO” and “clock it” — once confined to group chats and comment sections — were deployed by MPs across party lines. Shiv Sena’s Shrikant Shinde accused the opposition of being “MIA” and “delulu,” while Congress leader Deepender Singh Hooda mocked the government with the viral protest catchphrase “waste‑guna‑huiya.” BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for having “clocked it” by introducing the bill, while Tejasvi Surya accused critics of being “delulu.” The unusual moment underscored the influence of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a satirical online collective that morphed into a protest movement over exam irregularities. Organised on WhatsApp and Telegram, and amplified through Instagram reels, the CJP drew thousands of young people into the streets with humour, memes and sardonic edits. Digital anthropologist Payal Arora noted that borrowing Gen Z slang signals cultural awareness rather than political transformation. Political scientist Rahul Verma added that Indian politicians have long adopted popular culture references, from cricket metaphors to Bollywood catchphrases like “How’s the josh?” Yet the government’s response has been uneasy. Authorities have sought removal of protest content and pursued cases against activists, prompting warnings from CJP leaders that they will return to the streets if charges are not dropped. Critics argue the irreverent humour trivialises serious issues, while supporters insist irony is simply the language of a generation raised online. Whether parliament’s new lexicon endures remains uncertain. Internet slang evolves quickly, often disappearing as fast as it emerges. For many protesters, hearing politicians adopt their vocabulary was less impressive than seeing meaningful change. As one student put it: “Speaking our language isn’t going to impress us without accountability. That’s cringe.”