تازہ ترین

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    JI Chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman urges government to…

      Islamabad: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has called on the government to focus on resolving the problems faced by the people instead of relying solely on the use of force to establish the writ of the state. He made these remarks in a statement criticizing the government’s economic policies and its handling of public affairs. According to Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, a state’s authority cannot be maintained through coercive measures alone. He argued that the government should prioritize addressing the everyday concerns of citizens, including rising inflation, unemployment, and the increasing cost of essential services. He said that public trust is strengthened when governments respond to people’s needs rather than depending on administrative pressure or strict enforcement. The Jamaat-e-Islami leader strongly criticized the government’s electricity policies, alleging that the ruling authorities are placing an unbearable financial burden on the public through high electricity charges. He stated that ordinary citizens are struggling to pay their utility bills at a time when the cost of living continues to rise. According to him, households and businesses alike are being severely affected by expensive electricity tariffs, making it increasingly difficult for many families to manage their monthly expenses. Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman also criticized the government’s fuel taxation policy. Referring to the petroleum levy, he alleged that the government is effectively collecting money from the public in the form of what he described as “extortion.” He argued that increasing fuel-related taxes has a direct impact on transportation costs, which in turn raises the prices of food, consumer goods, and other essential commodities. As a result, he claimed, inflation continues to place additional pressure on the country’s middle- and lower-income groups. In his statement, the Jamaat-e-Islami chief further alleged that both the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) came to power through what he referred to as “Form 47” This phrase has been used by some political parties in Pakistan to allege irregularities in the electoral process. His remarks reflect his party’s political stance regarding the legitimacy of the current governing coalition. Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman maintained that the country’s leadership should focus on providing relief to the public by reducing electricity prices, reviewing taxation policies, and introducing measures that improve the economic conditions of ordinary citizens. He emphasized that sustainable governance depends on public confidence, transparency, and policies that directly benefit the people. The government has previously defended its economic decisions by stating that measures such as electricity pricing and petroleum levies are necessary to meet fiscal requirements and maintain economic stability. However, opposition parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, continue to argue that these policies have placed excessive financial pressure on the public. The latest remarks by Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman come amid ongoing political debate over Pakistan’s economic challenges, rising inflation, and governance. His statement highlights Jamaat-e-Islami’s continued criticism of the government’s economic policies and its call for greater public relief, while also reiterating the party’s political objections regarding the current administration’s mandate.

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    Samsung software update triggers battery and heating complaints 

    Samsung’s latest software update has sparked concern among some Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy S24 Ultra users, with numerous reports suggesting that the update has negatively affected battery performance, charging speed, and overall device temperature. Many users have taken to online technology forums and social media platforms to share their experiences, claiming that their smartphones are no longer performing as efficiently as they did before installing the update. According to user reports, one of the most common issues is rapid battery drain. Several Galaxy owners have said their devices now lose power at a much faster rate, even during light or moderate usage. Some users claim that a phone charged to 100% can drop to a significantly lower battery level within only a few hours, despite being used for basic tasks such as messaging, browsing the internet, or checking emails. This unexpected battery consumption has become a major source of frustration for many customers who previously enjoyed reliable battery life. Another frequently reported problem is overheating. Users say their smartphones become unusually warm shortly after the software update, even when the devices are idle. Some owners have mentioned that their phones heat up while simply resting on a table or couch without any demanding applications running. Others have observed increased temperatures during everyday activities such as streaming videos, browsing social media, or using navigation apps. The excessive heat has raised concerns about the long-term impact on battery health and overall device performance. In addition to battery and heating issues, several users have reported slower charging speeds after updating their devices. According to these reports, phones now require more time to reach a full charge than they did before the software installation. Although charging still functions normally, the extended charging time has become another inconvenience for users who depend on fast charging during their daily routines. Technology enthusiasts and community members believe the issue may be linked to background system processes that fail to complete properly after the update. These processes may become trapped in continuous operating loops, forcing the phone’s processor to remain active even when the device is not being used. As a result, the processor consumes more power than usual, leading to faster battery depletion and higher internal temperatures. While Samsung has not yet released an official statement acknowledging the reported issues, users can try several temporary measures to reduce their impact. Reviewing the Battery Usage section in the Settings menu can help identify applications consuming an unusually high amount of power. Closing these apps, clearing their cache, or limiting background activity may improve battery performance. Users may also benefit from temporarily disabling automatic cloud backups if they suspect syncing services are contributing to the problem. Restarting the smartphone can also terminate unnecessary background processes that may have become stuck after the update, potentially improving battery life and reducing overheating. This is not the first time Samsung users have experienced battery-related issues following a major software release. Similar problems have been reported after previous updates, and in many cases, the company later resolved them by releasing follow-up software patches. Until Samsung provides an official fix, Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy S24 Ultra owners experiencing these problems may need to rely on these temporary troubleshooting methods. Users are also encouraged to keep their devices updated, as future software releases are expected to address the reported battery drain, overheating, and charging performance concerns.

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    Time-restricted eating may boost brain health

      A recent study suggests that limiting daily meals to an eight- to nine-hour eating window may help support brain health, particularly in older women. The findings were presented at NUTRITION 2026, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, and are currently considered preliminary because the research has not yet been peer-reviewed. Scientists from Rutgers University found that women aged 50 to 79 who followed time-restricted eating while maintaining a calorie deficit performed better on certain cognitive tests than those who spread their meals over a typical 12-hour period. The six-month study included 47 overweight or obese women, all of whom reduced their daily calorie intake by about 500 calories. Of the participants, 26 consumed all of their meals within an average 8.2-hour window, while the remaining women ate over an average 12.3-hour period. Both groups lost nearly 15 pounds on average by the end of the study. However, the women who followed the shorter eating window performed better in spatial planning and problem-solving tasks. They also made fewer errors on learning and memory tests, although those improvements were not statistically significant. Researchers found no noticeable differences in reaction time or multitasking abilities. Lead researcher Dr. Sue Shapses, a professor at Rutgers University and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, said the findings suggest that meal timing may provide additional cognitive benefits beyond weight loss alone. She explained that finishing meals about four hours before bedtime and limiting eating to an eight- or nine-hour daily window may help reduce age-related cognitive decline. Researchers believe these benefits could be linked to the body’s circadian rhythm, metabolism, inflammation, and nutrient-sensing pathways, although more research is needed to confirm these effects. Experts cautioned that the findings should be interpreted carefully because the study involved a relatively small number of participants and has not yet undergone peer review. The researchers emphasized that larger and longer-term studies are needed to determine whether time-restricted eating can significantly improve long-term brain health and cognitive function. Until further evidence becomes available, the results provide encouraging but preliminary insights into how meal timing may influence healthy brain aging.

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    WhatsApp web gets voice and video calling

      WhatsApp has introduced a major update that brings voice and video calling to WhatsApp Web, allowing users to make and receive calls directly through their web browsers. Previously, these features were available only on the mobile app and the native desktop application. With this latest expansion, WhatsApp Web now offers a more complete communication experience, making it easier for users to stay connected without switching devices. The update significantly enhances the web version by introducing a dedicated Calls tab, where users can view their recent call history, access favorite contacts, and start voice or video calls with ease. WhatsApp Web also now supports features such as screen sharing and emoji reactions during calls, bringing it closer to the experience already available on the desktop application. According to Meta, these improvements are designed to make conversations more convenient for both personal and professional use. Whether users are catching up with friends and family or participating in work meetings, the new calling features aim to provide a smoother and more interactive experience. One of the most notable additions is the ability to transfer an ongoing call between devices without disconnecting. For example, a user who answers a call on a computer can seamlessly continue the conversation on a smartphone without interruption. This feature offers greater flexibility for people who frequently switch between devices during the day. WhatsApp has also introduced waiting rooms for group calls. When creating a call link, hosts can enable the “Require approval to join” option, allowing them to decide who can enter the call. This added layer of control is expected to be especially useful for business meetings, online classes, and large group discussions. The latest update also improves call quality by introducing background noise suppression, helping reduce unwanted sounds during voice and video calls made in noisy environments. In addition, Meta has enhanced video performance by enabling high-definition (HD) video streaming within the first few seconds of a call, providing users with a clearer and sharper video experience much sooner than before. The announcement comes as Meta continues to expand WhatsApp beyond traditional messaging. The company is also developing WhatsApp usernames, which will allow users to connect and make calls without relying solely on phone numbers, offering greater privacy and convenience. The new calling features are being rolled out gradually to WhatsApp users around the world. As the update reaches more devices, users will gain access to a more powerful communication platform that combines messaging, voice calls, video conferencing, and collaboration tools in a single service.

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    Saudi Arabia rolls over $3bn loan to Pakistan

    ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia has extended the tenure of its $3 billion financial facility to Pakistan, providing significant relief to the country’s external financing position and reducing immediate repayment pressure. Federal Finance Minister confirmed the development, describing it as a timely boost for Pakistan’s economy. The financial support, which was initially arranged to help Pakistan meet its payment obligations to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), was originally granted for a three-month period. With the extension now in place, Pakistan has gained additional fiscal breathing space as it continues to manage its external liabilities and strengthen foreign exchange reserves. Officials at the State Bank of Pakistan said the rollover of external financial support, amounting to $5 billion in total, has further reinforced the country’s foreign exchange position while easing short-term external payment obligations. According to government officials, Saudi Arabia currently holds $8 billion in deposits with Pakistan. They added that Pakistan had secured the $3 billion facility from the Kingdom in April this year. For the fiscal year 2026–27, Pakistan’s external financing requirement has declined to $21.5 billion, reflecting an improvement in the country’s financial outlook. Officials also noted that interest payments on foreign debt have fallen by nearly half a billion dollars, helping reduce the overall debt-servicing burden. The State Bank further revealed that Pakistan repaid $2.2 billion in external loans during July. Despite these repayments, Saudi Arabia’s decision to extend the loan has provided a crucial financial cushion, supporting economic stability and strengthening investor confidence.

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    CM Punjab approves 800 mini dams for Potohar water…

    POTOHAR: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved an ambitious plan to construct 800 mini dams across the Potohar region over the next three years, marking one of the province’s largest initiatives aimed at improving rainwater storage and tackling water scarcity. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting on water conservation and groundwater management, where officials briefed the Chief Minister on ongoing efforts to protect Punjab’s water resources. Authorities informed the meeting that 110 mini dams have already been completed across the province, contributing to improved water preservation. The new project is expected to add storage capacity of approximately 32,000 acre-feet of rainwater, strengthening water security for agriculture and local communities. Maryam Nawaz also directed officials to prepare a comprehensive strategy for developing natural and artificial water bodies while calling for stronger legislation to regulate groundwater use. To improve oversight, dedicated personnel will be assigned to monitor water conservation initiatives. The chief minister instructed the agriculture, irrigation, housing and local government departments to work together to ensure the effective implementation of water-saving measures. Officials presented photographic evidence of recently completed mini dams in Attock, Talagang, Gujar Khan and Rawalpindi, highlighting progress already made in the region. During the briefing, authorities revealed that Punjab has developed a strategy to minimise water losses, which currently stand at around 30 per cent during distribution and 25 per cent during consumption. They also reported that the lining of 2,600 watercourses covering nearly 7,000 kilometres has already delivered significant water savings. Over the next three years, another 4,500 watercourses stretching 11,500 kilometres will be upgraded. The meeting was informed that high-efficiency irrigation systems have already conserved around 18,000 acre-feet of water while boosting crop productivity by nearly 50 per cent. The government now plans to extend modern drip and sprinkler irrigation systems to an additional 30,000 acres. Officials further stated that 100 groundwater recharge wells are already operational in the Gujranwala, Gujrat and Lahore divisions, with another 300 nearing completion to strengthen groundwater reserves. The chief minister also reviewed the availability of fertilisers across Punjab and approved the provision of 1,000 new laser land levellers to farmers at a 50 per cent subsidy during the current financial year to promote efficient farming practices. In a separate meeting on law and order, Maryam Nawaz directed authorities to adopt a zero-tolerance approach against rape, child abuse and corruption. She was also informed that the Safe City Project has now been implemented in all 43 districts of Punjab and is expected to be inaugurated soon, further enhancing public safety and surveillance across the province.

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    China donates $2m health supplies to Pakistan

    ISLAMABAD: China, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has provided Pakistan with reproductive health and family planning supplies and medical equipment valued at $2 million to improve maternal and newborn healthcare services across the country. The assistance was formally handed over to the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination during a ceremony held at the Rural Health Centre (RHC) Tarlai in Islamabad. The donation is aimed at expanding access to essential reproductive health services and family planning facilities in 10 underserved districts, where healthcare resources remain limited. The initiative is expected to enhance the availability of critical medical supplies, improve maternal and infant health outcomes, and strengthen Pakistan’s healthcare system by supporting vulnerable communities. Officials described the collaboration between China and UNFPA as an important step towards improving reproductive healthcare and ensuring greater access to quality medical services for women and families in underserved regions.

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    Wafflix owner found dead after alleged abduction

    The owner of popular dessert chain Wafflix was found dead in Gulistan-e-Jauhar days after he was allegedly kidnapped from his home in Karachi’s PECHS area. The victim was identified as 25-year-old Mir Raza Ali, son of Mir Hassan Ali. He lived in PECHS Block 2 and operated Wafflix near Bahadurabad Chowrangi. Police recovered Raza’s body from bushes near Shadi Qila wedding hall in Gulistan-e-Jauhar Block 1 on Wednesday. The body was shifted to Jinnah Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Investigators said the body appeared to be one to two days old. They also found apparent burn marks on parts of the body, which had made identification difficult. Raza’s father reportedly identified him through his clothes. Police also found a mark on the victim’s back. Authorities said the exact cause of death would be established through the post-mortem report. Ferozabad police said preliminary findings indicated that Raza may have been subjected to torture before being shot. Station House Officer Kamran Qureshi said investigators were collecting CCTV footage from cameras around the wedding hall to identify and trace the suspects. A kidnapping case had already been registered at Ferozabad Police Station on Tuesday following a complaint by Raza’s father. According to the initial police report, Raza returned home from his shop during the night between July 27 and 28. At around 4am, he told his mother that he was going outside for around 10 minutes. He never returned. His mother later tried calling his mobile phone, but it had been switched off. The family searched for him and contacted Madadgar 15 before approaching the police. The case was registered against unidentified suspects, while police launched an investigation into the alleged abduction and subsequent killing. The death of the young entrepreneur sparked grief among people who knew him. Condolences and messages of concern spread on social media, with many also raising questions about the worsening security situation in Karachi.

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    US launches strikes on Iran after attack on Jordan base

    WASHINGTON/TEHRAN: Tensions between the United States and Iran have sharply escalated after Washington launched strikes against Iranian targets following a ballistic missile attack on a US military base in Jordan. US Central Command said its forces began the strikes at around 8pm Eastern Time on Wednesday. CENTCOM described the operation as a “powerful response” to attempted attacks against American forces in the Middle East. The strikes came after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for operations targeting US military assets in Jordan. The IRGC said it had targeted an airbase and a command centre. US President Donald Trump had earlier warned that Iran would face a strong military response. Trump said the United States would hit Iran “very hard” after the attack, despite reports that US forces had intercepted the missiles. The latest developments have raised fears of a wider regional conflict. Military activity has also been reported across southern Iran. Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported explosions in Bushehr province, home to the country’s only nuclear power plant. Several explosions were also reported on Qeshm Island. Iranian media said a missile may have struck a residential area, although details about casualties were not immediately available. Other explosions were reported at several locations in southern Iran following the launch of the US operation. The conflict has also intensified around Iraq. Baghdad condemned US and Saudi strikes that reportedly killed members of Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces. The group said at least 20 of its fighters were killed and 32 others were wounded. Iranian media separately reported that four Iranian advisers were killed in the strikes. The situation around the Strait of Hormuz has also become increasingly tense. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said its naval forces targeted three oil tankers that were allegedly approaching the strategic waterway using routes not approved by Tehran. Iran has rejected an Omani proposal concerning shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has also discussed imposing charges on vessels using the strategically important passage. Iranian officials have insisted that mine-clearing operations in the waterway should be carried out by Iranian forces. Tehran has warned that any European involvement could turn those forces into potential targets. The latest escalation comes only days after Trump said Washington was holding what he described as positive talks with Iran. He had also warned that military action could resume if Tehran failed to show seriousness in negotiations. Analysts have warned that continued retaliation could create a dangerous cycle of escalation. They say repeated strikes could eventually expand beyond military targets and increase the risk to civilians and critical infrastructure.

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    Vikas Gupta reignites feud with Shilpa Shinde on Lock Upp

    The long-running tension between television personalities Vikas Gupta and Shilpa Shinde resurfaced during the finale week of Lock Upp, reigniting memories of their widely discussed rivalry from Bigg Boss 11. While the two have shared a strained relationship for years, their latest on-screen confrontation once again became one of the most talked-about moments of the reality show. As part of a special task during the finale week, Vikas Gupta entered the show and directly addressed Shilpa Shinde over comments she had made earlier in the season. Instead of offering support, Vikas strongly criticized her behavior and accused her of repeatedly spreading negativity. During the heated exchange, Vikas questioned Shilpa’s conduct, saying she had made offensive remarks about fellow contestant Shivangi and had also made inappropriate comments involving actor Ram Kapoor. He argued that her statements crossed the line and were not harmless jokes, adding that such behavior reflected a pattern that had not changed over the years. The confrontation became more intense when Vikas accused Shilpa of discussing another person’s private life and virginity on national television. He expressed disappointment over the topic being brought into public conversation and said such discussions should never be used for entertainment. According to him, personal matters deserve respect, regardless of disagreements between contestants. Vikas also criticized content creator Shreya Kalra, who had supported Shilpa during the earlier conversation. He questioned why others chose to back remarks that he believed were inappropriate and disrespectful. Shilpa, however, defended herself during the exchange. She explained that the information she referred to had already been circulating on social media and claimed she was only repeating what she had come across online. According to Shilpa, she was merely stating what she believed to be true, leaving it up to viewers to interpret her comments as they wished. Despite her explanation, the incident sparked fresh debate among viewers, with many discussing the limits of personal commentary in reality television. Social media users remained divided, with some supporting Vikas’ stance that contestants should avoid discussing private matters, while others believed Shilpa was simply referring to publicly available rumors. The clash also reminded fans of the bitter rivalry that began during Bigg Boss 11, where the two contestants frequently locked horns throughout the season. Although Shilpa Shinde went on to win the show, her relationship with Vikas Gupta never appeared to recover, and the latest confrontation suggested that their differences remain unresolved. As Lock Upp approaches its finale, the emotional exchange has added another layer of drama to the competition. Whether the confrontation will influence audience opinion or remain just another chapter in the duo’s long-standing feud remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly become one of the standout moments of the season.