تازہ ترین

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    Tom Chadbon, Game of Thrones and Doctor Who actor, dies at 80

    British actor Tom Chadbon has died at the age of 80, leaving behind a career that touched some of the UK’s most beloved television franchises, including Game of Thrones, Peep Show, and Casino Royale. News of his death was shared by Fantom Events, an organization known for running Doctor Who fan conventions where Chadbon frequently appeared as a guest. In their statement, the company remembered him warmly, describing him as easy to work with and offering their sympathies to his loved ones. Chadbon’s path into acting began far from the screen. Raised in Luton, Bedfordshire, he pursued formal training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, one of the UK’s most respected drama schools. He stepped onto a professional stage for the first time in 1967, marking the start of a career that would stretch across nearly six decades. Rather than sticking to one medium, Chadbon built a reputation as a versatile performer. He took on roles at major theatrical institutions, including the Bristol Old Vic and the National Theatre, while also appearing in numerous West End productions. This theatrical grounding fed into a long and steady run on British television, where he became a familiar face across a wide range of popular series. Over the years, viewers would recognize him from shows like Casualty, Holby City, Heartbeat, Silent Witness, Midsomer Murders, Father Brown, The Bill, Blake’s 7, and Taggart. That breadth of work helped establish him as one of Britain’s most dependable and respected character actors, the kind of performer whose face was instantly familiar even if his name wasn’t always known. Two roles, though, stand out as particular fan favorites. Back in 1979, Chadbon played detective Duggan alongside Tom Baker’s incarnation of the Doctor in the classic Doctor Who serial “City of Death,” a story still fondly remembered by longtime fans of the show. Decades later, he stepped into the world of Westeros, taking on the role of High Septon Maynard in the seventh and final season of Game of Thrones in which he appeared. In the wake of his passing, tributes have poured in from fans and fellow actors alike, many taking to social media to reflect on his decades of contributions to British theatre and television, and to celebrate the warmth he brought both on-screen and off.

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    Sahibzada Farhan overtakes Abhishek Sharma to claim no. 2 in ICC T20I rankings

    Pakistan’s opening batter Sahibzada Farhan has moved up to second place in the newest ICC Men’s T20I batting rankings, released on Wednesday. He has pushed past India’s Abhishek Sharma in the process. Farhan, who is 30 years old, now holds 848 rating points. That puts him just ahead of Abhishek, who slipped down to third place with 819 points. Abhishek’s drop followed a difficult stretch of form. He struggled during recent tours to Ireland, England, and Zimbabwe, and those low scores clearly took a toll on his ranking. At the very top, India’s Ishan Kishan remains untouched. He continues to hold the No. 1 spot with 910 rating points. Outside of the shakeup between Farhan and Abhishek, the rest of the top five batters stayed largely the same, with no major shifts to report. A little further down the list, India’s Tilak Varma made progress too, climbing two places to sit sixth overall. Meanwhile, England saw a small dip, as both Harry Brook and Jos Buttler each fell one spot. South Africa’s Dewald Brevis had reason to celebrate, breaking into the top 10 for the first time after advancing one position to land at 10th. Perhaps the most eye-catching move, though, belongs to a teenager. Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi jumped an astonishing 230 places, landing at 48th with 536 points. That leap comes right after he was named player of the series during Zimbabwe’s tour, a clear sign of his rapid rise in the format. Turning to the bowlers, Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan remains comfortably at the top of the T20I bowling charts. Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed continues to hold second place, sitting on 736 points, while England’s Adil Rashid rounds out the top three. Further down the bowling table, Mohammad Nawaz stayed steady at 10th with 658 points. Fast bowler Salman Mirza also made a small gain, moving up one place to 15th. Not everyone rose, though. India’s Varun Chakaravarthy dropped three spots and fell out of the top 10 entirely. On the flip side, Australia’s Nathan Ellis had a good update, climbing into the top five bowlers with 675 rating points to his name.

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    PM Shehbaz, Kuwaiti FM discuss regional peace, bil…

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in Islamabad on Wednesday. The meeting focused on Pakistan-Kuwait relations, regional developments and ways to expand cooperation between the two countries. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also attended the meeting. Federal ministers for defence, commerce, national food security, communications, maritime affairs and petroleum were present. Advisers to the prime minister also joined the discussions. Prime Minister Shehbaz conveyed his best wishes to Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled. He said Pakistan and Kuwait shared close and brotherly relations. The prime minister said the relationship was built on shared values, mutual trust and longstanding ties. He added that both countries had supported each other during difficult times. The regional situation was a major part of the discussion. Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Kuwait’s leadership and people. He strongly condemned attacks on Kuwait and other friendly Gulf countries during the ongoing regional conflict. He said Pakistan stood with its brotherly Gulf partners during the challenging situation. Shehbaz said Pakistan remained committed to promoting peace and stability in the region. He said Islamabad was playing the role of an honest and sincere mediator and facilitator in efforts to ease tensions. The prime minister stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. He said peaceful engagement was essential for resolving regional disputes and preventing further escalation. The two sides also reviewed the progress in Pakistan-Kuwait relations. Shehbaz expressed satisfaction with the growing cooperation between the two countries. He called for further expansion of bilateral ties in key economic and strategic areas. These include trade, investment, energy, agriculture and information technology. Cooperation in maritime affairs and human resource development was also discussed. The prime minister said stronger economic links could create new opportunities for both countries. Shehbaz thanked the Kuwaiti government for its hospitality towards the Pakistani community. He also praised the contribution of Pakistani citizens to Kuwait’s social and economic development. The Kuwaiti foreign minister conveyed the best wishes of Kuwait’s leadership to Prime Minister Shehbaz. He expressed his country’s desire to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan in areas of mutual interest. The minister appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to promote dialogue and diplomacy in response to the regional crisis. He also thanked Pakistan’s leadership and people for their continued support for Kuwait during difficult circumstances. Both sides stressed the importance of regular consultations. They agreed that closer communication would help further strengthen bilateral relations. Pakistan and Kuwait also agreed to facilitate high-level exchanges in the near future. Such visits are expected to improve coordination and expand cooperation between the two countries.

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    Pakistan’s Saqib and Jawad punch their way into GAMMA MMA finals

    Pakistan has two fighters through to the finals of the GAMMA Asian MMA Championship 2026. Muhammad Saqib and Muhammad Jawad both delivered strong performances on Wednesday to book their places in the title matches of their respective weight categories. The event, formally known as the 2nd GAMMA Asian MMA Championships, is currently underway in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It runs from July 28 through August 2, 2026. The tournament is organized by the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts and brings together elite fighters from across the continent, spanning both youth and senior divisions, all competing for gold. Getting to the finals was not easy. Both Pakistani athletes had to get past tough opponents from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in earlier rounds. They did so by showing sharp technical skill, real determination, and a fighting spirit that stood out throughout the competition. Saqib will step into the Under-18 category final, where he will face a fighter from Kazakhstan. Jawad, meanwhile, has his own final lined up in the Under-16 category, also against a Kazakh opponent. This is not a new territory for Saqib, either. He already has an impressive résumé, having won gold at the GAMMA World MMA Championship back in 2024, along with several other international successes representing Pakistan. Their progress has not gone unnoticed back home. Zulfiqar Ali, who heads the Pakistan Mixed Martial Arts Federation, spoke highly of both fighters following their wins. He said the federation feels genuine pride in watching these young athletes compete, and he extended that praise to their coaches and the broader national team as well. According to Ali, both Saqib and Jawad have represented Pakistan with serious dedication. He pointed to their training and mental toughness as key reasons for their success so far in the tournament. He didn’t stop there, either. Ali went on to wish both fighters well ahead of their upcoming final bouts, saying the whole country would be cheering them on. He added that he expects both athletes to carry the same energy and focus into their finals that got them this far. Ali said he is confident they will continue performing at a high level, and that a strong showing could mean even more glory for Pakistan on the international stage.

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    Dubai Immigration offers help to people facing vis…

    Dubai authorities have announced support for people struggling with visa-related problems in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai Immigration chief Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri urged affected individuals to approach authorities and explain their cases. He asked those facing difficulties to visit the Al Awir Centre for assistance. Al Marri made the announcement during a press briefing on Wednesday. Several senior officials were also present at the briefing. He said authorities would provide accommodation to people who have nowhere to stay. Free food and other essential support would also be arranged for those in need. People facing health-related concerns would also receive assistance. Al Marri said medical check-ups would be provided free of charge. Dental treatment would also be available. The immigration chief said officials would help people who were facing difficulties in returning to their home countries. Authorities would work to address the issues preventing them from travelling back. Dubai Immigration has also launched a new centre to assist stranded tourists and people looking for employment in the emirate. Al Marri said tourists and job seekers should be treated as guests. He stressed that authorities were committed to listening to their concerns and helping them resolve their problems.

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    Alleged thieves fail to steal tube well

      A unique and unusual theft case has been registered in Pakistan’s Punjab province after a resident alleged that suspected thieves, who failed to steal a tube well from his agricultural land, fled the scene with his pet dog instead. According to the police, the incident took place in Kot Addu district, where the complainant reported that unknown suspects entered his farmland during the night with the apparent intention of stealing a tube well. Tube wells are commonly used in Pakistan’s agricultural sector to pump underground water for irrigation and are considered valuable equipment by farmers. The complainant stated that he became aware of the presence of the suspected thieves while they were attempting to carry out the theft. Upon realizing that intruders had entered his property, he reacted immediately by releasing his pet dog in an effort to chase and stop them. However, according to the complaint filed with the police, the dog never returned after being sent after the suspects. The owner believes that the alleged thieves took the animal with them when they fled the scene after failing to steal the tube well. The complainant expressed suspicion that the suspects, unable to accomplish their original objective, decided to take the pet dog instead. He requested the police to investigate the incident and recover the missing animal. Police officials confirmed that a formal First Information Report (FIR) has been registered based on the complainant’s statement. Investigators have launched an inquiry into the unusual case and are working to identify the individuals allegedly involved in the incident. Authorities said they are examining all available evidence and gathering information from the surrounding area to determine what exactly happened on the night of the alleged theft. At this stage, police have not confirmed whether the dog was actually stolen or wandered away during the chase. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials say further details will emerge once the inquiry is completed. The incident has attracted attention because of its unusual nature. While cases involving the theft of agricultural machinery, livestock, and farm equipment are relatively common in rural parts of Pakistan, allegations involving the theft of a pet dog after an unsuccessful attempt to steal a tube well are highly uncommon. Residents in agricultural communities often rely on watchdogs to protect their farms and livestock from theft. Such dogs are considered valuable companions and play an important role in safeguarding rural properties, especially during nighttime. Police have appealed for any information that could help locate the missing dog and identify the suspects. Officials emphasized that the investigation will continue until all aspects of the case are examined. The unusual complaint has sparked curiosity among local residents, but authorities have urged the public not to speculate about the incident while the investigation is in progress. Police say they will proceed in accordance with the law and take appropriate action if the allegations are supported by evidence.

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    Air ambulance vs bicycle ambulance: Bukhari’s di…

    Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari has rejected allegations of electoral rigging raised by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) following the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections. Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Bukhari said the people of Kashmir had made their decision through their votes. She claimed that voters had preferred the performance of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Bukhari said the election results reflected the choice of the people. She dismissed the PPP’s allegations and defended the performance of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). The provincial minister also criticised PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. She said political pressure appeared to be increasing within a particular party. She further claimed that Bilawal had attempted to imitate another political leader during his election speech. Bukhari also criticised the PPP’s performance in Sindh. She said the party often used the name of Raiwind to target the PML-N and its leadership. She challenged the PPP to present its performance record from the past 18 years. She also questioned the condition of Karachi, Sindh’s largest city. Bukhari said voters should compare the performance of Punjab under Maryam Nawaz with the situation in Sindh under the PPP. “Look at Maryam’s Punjab and Bilawal’s Sindh,” she said while comparing the two provinces. The minister argued that a government unable to improve roads in its own areas could not claim that it would transform roads in Kashmir. She also highlighted differences in public services between Punjab and Sindh. Bukhari said Punjab had introduced air ambulance services to provide emergency medical assistance. She claimed that Sindh, by comparison, had introduced a bicycle ambulance service. She used the comparison to criticise the PPP’s governance record and defend the PML-N’s performance in Punjab. Bukhari also discussed the education initiatives introduced by the Punjab government. She said Maryam Nawaz believed that every child should have access to educational opportunities. According to Bukhari, students should be able to receive laptops and scholarships regardless of their background. She said such programmes were aimed at supporting young people and helping them continue their education. The minister contrasted these initiatives with the situation in Sindh. She claimed that students in the province were protesting to demand better educational facilities and opportunities. Bukhari’s remarks came after the PPP questioned the credibility of the first phase of the AJK elections and alleged irregularities. The first phase covered 13 constituencies in the Mirpur division. The PML-N emerged as the leading party, winning nine seats. The PPP secured four seats. The election results have triggered a political dispute between the two parties. The PML-N has defended its victory and rejected claims that the results were manipulated. Bukhari’s latest comments further intensified the political exchange. She presented the results as an endorsement of the PML-N’s performance and Maryam Nawaz’s governance model. The remaining phases of the AJK elections are expected to keep the political competition intense. Both parties are likely to continue highlighting their respective performance records as campaigning moves forward.

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    NCCIA summons Asad Toor over ‘false information?…

    The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has summoned journalist Asad Ali Toor for questioning over allegations of spreading false or misleading information online. According to the notice issued by the agency, the state has been named as the complainant in the case. The inquiry relates to allegations of the dissemination, transmission or public display of information described as false or fake. The proceedings have been initiated under Section 26A of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2016, which deals with the dissemination of false and fake information. The NCCIA has directed Toor to appear before its Cybercrime Reporting Centre in Islamabad at 11am on July 31. The notice warned that failure to appear without a lawful reason could result in the inquiry continuing in his absence. The agency said non-compliance could also lead to action under Section 174 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which concerns failure to attend when ordered by a public servant. Toor confirmed receiving the summons through a post on X. He shared an image of the notice and accompanied it with verses by revolutionary poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz. The development has also raised concerns among journalist organisations over press freedom and the treatment of journalists facing legal proceedings. The National Press Club (NPC) in Islamabad criticised the notice and expressed concern over what it described as growing pressure on the media. The press club said freedom of expression is protected under the Constitution. It argued that journalists should not face legal pressure or retaliation simply for carrying out their professional responsibilities or expressing critical views. The NPC called on relevant institutions to perform their duties within the framework of the law, the Constitution and fundamental rights. It also stressed that free, responsible and safe journalism is essential for a healthy democratic system. The press body urged authorities to withdraw the notice and ensure that journalists’ constitutional and legal rights are protected. It also warned that measures restricting press freedom could create further insecurity among members of the journalist community. This is not the first time Toor has faced legal action under cybercrime laws. He was arrested in 2024 in a case registered under Peca over allegations of running a campaign against state institutions. His arrest at the time prompted criticism from sections of the journalist community. He was subsequently released.

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    26 personnel killed: AJK police blame JAAC

    Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Police have accused the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of deliberately targeting law enforcement agencies during recent unrest in the region. AJK Police spokesperson and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Riaz Mughal made the allegations during a press conference on Wednesday. He said 26 police and other law enforcement personnel had been killed in incidents of unrest across AJK during 2026. He claimed that another 157 personnel had suffered serious injuries, while 629 others sustained minor injuries. Mughal did not provide details of each incident linked to the reported casualties. He questioned how the JAAC protests could be described as peaceful if law enforcement personnel were being killed and injured. The police spokesperson said state institutions did not target people without reason. He claimed that security personnel took action against individuals who attacked law enforcement agencies. His comments came after clashes between protesters and security personnel in Rawalakot and Mirpur earlier this week. The incidents reportedly resulted in several casualties. The JAAC has been protesting for several weeks over various public demands. One of its key demands is the abolition of 12 seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly reserved for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir. Mughal alleged that protesters had attacked police and Rangers personnel during the unrest. He also claimed that some people had been held captive and that their identity documents had been taken. The SSP urged people to visit AJK and observe the situation independently. He said the nature of the protests and the activities of those participating should be assessed impartially. Mughal further alleged that some protesters were equipped with firearms and claimed that police and other law enforcement personnel had been targeted by snipers. During the briefing, police officials displayed weapons they said had been recovered during operations against protesters. Mughal claimed the weapons had been used against law enforcement personnel. He also referred to previous clashes involving the JAAC. According to Mughal, a confrontation on May 11, 2024, occurred when police attempted to stop protesters travelling towards Muzaffarabad. He said one police officer was killed and around 60 personnel suffered serious injuries. He added that 174 other policemen sustained minor injuries. The SSP also cited unrest in October 2025. He claimed that three police officers were killed, 52 personnel suffered serious injuries and another 357 were injured in the incidents. Mughal described the protesters involved in violent incidents as anti-state elements. He alleged that some were involved in activities that amounted to terrorism. He further claimed that around 70 per cent of the protesters were criminals, including alleged drug dealers who had joined the protests under the JAAC banner. The allegations were made by the police official and were not independently verified. The police spokesperson’s remarks came amid heightened tensions in AJK following several days of protests and clashes. The government has also alleged that militant elements linked to a foreign agenda and allegedly backed by Indian funding were attempting to fuel unrest in the region.

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    Pakistan Hockey federation replaces Imad Butt with…

      The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has made a major leadership change ahead of the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup by removing Imad Shakil Butt as captain of the national hockey team and appointing Abu Bakr as the new skipper. The decision was announced by PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani following the recommendation of the federation’s Professional Development Committee. According to the PHF, the change in captaincy is part of its strategy to strengthen the team before the prestigious international tournament and prepare it for future challenges. Abu Bakr will officially begin his captaincy during Pakistan’s home series against South Korea, which starts on July 30. The federation believes the series will provide the newly appointed captain with an ideal opportunity to lead the team before the World Cup begins. While Imad Shakil Butt has been relieved of his captaincy duties, the PHF confirmed that he will remain an important member of the national squad. As one of the team’s most experienced players, Imad is expected to continue contributing through his leadership on the field and by mentoring younger teammates. In its official statement, the Pakistan Hockey Federation expressed confidence that the combination of Abu Bakr’s leadership, the experience of senior players, and the energy of emerging talent would help build a united and competitive team. The federation emphasized that the decision was made in the best interest of Pakistan hockey and is aimed at improving the team’s overall performance in major international competitions. The captaincy change comes at a crucial time, with the FIH Hockey World Cup scheduled to begin on August 15. The tournament will be jointly hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium and will feature 16 of the world’s top hockey nations competing for the coveted title. The participating teams have been divided into four groups of four. Pakistan has been placed in Group D alongside England, Wales, and its traditional rival, India. The group is expected to be highly competitive, with every match carrying significant importance for qualification to the knockout stage. One of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament will be the Pakistan-India clash, which is scheduled to take place on August 19. Matches between the two neighboring nations always attract worldwide attention due to their historic rivalry and passionate fan base. Supporters from both countries will be eagerly waiting for another exciting chapter in one of hockey’s greatest rivalries. Pakistan will enter the World Cup with renewed hopes under Abu Bakr’s leadership. The federation expects the new captain to inspire confidence within the squad and help create a positive environment as the team aims to make a strong impression on the global stage. The upcoming home series against South Korea will also serve as an important test, allowing the coaching staff to assess the team’s preparations before the World Cup. With a blend of experienced campaigners and promising young players, Pakistan will be looking to deliver improved performances and restore its status among the world’s leading hockey nations during the upcoming tournament.