تازہ ترین

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    Pakistan celebrates Eid Milad-un-Nabi with religio…

    ISLAMABAD: Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH), marking the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is being observed across Pakistan with deep religious devotion, respect and enthusiasm. The day began with a gun salute, while mosques, streets, public buildings and residential areas have been illuminated and decorated to mark the occasion. Special Milad gatherings, Naat recitations and religious programmes are being held in cities and towns across the country. In Karachi, streets and neighbourhoods have been adorned with colourful lights, while models of the Holy Kaaba and Masjid al-Nabawi (PBUH) have been displayed at several locations. Religious gatherings and processions are also being organised in different parts of the city. Lahore has also been decorated for the occasion, with mosques, homes, roads and government buildings illuminated. Special prayers are being offered for Pakistan’s peace, progress and prosperity. The city’s main procession is scheduled to begin from Railway Station Chowk. In Peshawar, devotees are arranging Naat Khawani and Milad gatherings to pay tribute to the Holy Prophet (PBUH), while Quetta has also been illuminated for the celebrations. The main gathering in Quetta is scheduled to take place at Bacha Khan Chowk. Islamabad is witnessing similar celebrations, with the capital decorated with lights and religious gatherings being organised at mosques. Devotees are expressing their love and reverence for the Holy Prophet (PBUH) through prayers, Naat recitations and processions. The main Eid Milad-un-Nabi procession in Karachi is scheduled to leave Shaheed Masjid in Kharadar at 2:30pm. It will pass through New Memon Mosque before concluding at Gulzar-e-Habib Mosque around Asr prayer time. Processions and religious programmes are also being held in other cities. To facilitate the celebrations, K-Electric has announced that no load-shedding will be carried out across Karachi on the occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi.

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    14 newborns die after fire erupts in PIMS gynaecol…

    ISLAMABAD: At least 14 newborns have died after a fire erupted in the nursery of the gynaecology ward at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad on Wednesday, according to rescue officials. Initial information suggests that the blaze broke out after an air-conditioning compressor reportedly exploded inside the nursery, rapidly spreading fire and smoke through the facility. Emergency response teams rushed to the hospital and launched an operation to bring the fire under control. Rescue personnel also worked to evacuate patients and secure the affected area. The incident has caused deep concern at the major public-sector hospital, while authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire and determine whether safety measures and emergency protocols were adequately followed. Further details regarding the victims, the extent of the damage and the official findings are awaited.

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    Pakistan seeks strategic economic ties with Saudi …

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed Pakistan’s desire to transform its longstanding relationship with Saudi Arabia into a mutually beneficial strategic economic partnership, in line with the vision of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. The Prime Minister made the remarks during a meeting with a high-level Saudi business delegation headed by Prince Mansour bin Mohammad Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi-Pak Joint Business Council, at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad. During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz conveyed his regards to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He highlighted the deep-rooted brotherly relations between the two countries and stressed the need to expand bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation. The prime minister expressed hope that Prince Mansour’s latest visit would build upon earlier discussions and lead to the signing of memoranda of understanding and agreements in several sectors. He described the current period as an ideal opportunity to strengthen cooperation through both government-to-government and business-to-business partnerships. The Saudi delegation showed interest in investment opportunities across a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, ports, highways, airport outsourcing, real estate, energy, power distribution and information technology. Prime Minister Shehbaz welcomed the proposals and assured the delegation of Pakistan’s support for mutually beneficial investment ventures. Prince Mansour thanked the prime minister for the warm reception and reaffirmed the Saudi government’s and business community’s commitment to expanding business-to-business ties with Pakistan. During its visit, the delegation is also scheduled to hold meetings with senior government officials and representatives of the private sector. PM Condemns Pishin Terrorist Attack Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the terrorist attack on labourers working on a road construction project in the Suranan area of Pishin district. The prime minister expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of the victims. He denounced the targeting of hardworking citizens as a cowardly act and reaffirmed the government’s determination to combat terrorism. He stressed that the nation remained united against terrorism and that terrorists and their facilitators would not be permitted to undermine peace and stability in the country. The prime minister also prayed for the departed souls and for strength and patience for the bereaved families.

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    Bugti pledges merit based recruitment in Balochist…

    QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring merit and transparency in public-sector recruitment, as 19 officers were appointed to the Balochistan Revenue Authority (BRA) through a selection process conducted by the Higher Education Commission. Speaking at an appointment ceremony on Tuesday, Chief Minister Bugti handed over appointment letters to the newly selected officers and congratulated them on their success. He urged them to perform their responsibilities with dedication, integrity and a strong sense of duty toward the state. The chief minister said the BRA could become an important pillar of Balochistan’s economic development by improving revenue collection and helping reduce the province’s dependence on non-developmental spending. He noted that a substantial share of provincial resources was currently being consumed by such expenditures, limiting the government’s ability to invest in public welfare. Bugti expressed hope that stronger revenue generation would provide additional resources for key sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure and other development projects. Reiterating a commitment he made after assuming office, the chief minister said government employment would not be treated as a commodity and that appointments would be based solely on merit. He cited the recruitment of more than 14,500 teachers in the Education Department as an example of the policy. He also pointed out that candidates from his own home district, Dera Bugti, were unsuccessful in the latest BRA recruitment, describing this as evidence that the selection process had remained impartial. Bugti appreciated Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani, BRA Chairperson Abdullah Khan Noorzai and their teams for supporting a transparent recruitment process. He said merit-based appointments were essential for rebuilding young people’s trust in public institutions and encouraged the newly appointed officers to serve with sincerity and professionalism.

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    Iran warns Oman deal does not mean Hormuz is fully…

    TEHRAN: Iran has cautioned that its emerging understanding with Oman over the management of the Strait of Hormuz should not be interpreted as a guarantee that the strategic waterway will immediately reopen to normal international shipping. The clarification came after Iran and Oman agreed on a temporary maritime corridor intended to facilitate navigation through the strait. Iranian officials stressed that the arrangement remains limited and does not amount to a full restoration of commercial traffic. Mukhtar Haddad, editor-in-chief of Iran’s Al-Wefaq newspaper, told Arab media that Tehran and Muscat had been discussing the management of the waterway for some time. He said the talks could lead first to a temporary agreement and eventually to a permanent arrangement, but neither step should automatically be seen as a decision to fully restore shipping. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi also sought to temper expectations, saying Tehran and Muscat had agreed on a new temporary route but that the understanding did not mean the strait would be completely and immediately reopened. Gharibabadi said Iran remained in a state of war and had made clear to mediators that conditions during an armed conflict could not be treated in the same way as normal circumstances. He added that the United States would need to fulfil its obligations under an earlier memorandum of understanding before Iran considers fully reopening the waterway. Under the joint Iranian-Omani framework, the proposed maritime corridor would be temporary. Russian media reported that vessels entering the Persian Gulf would pass through Iranian waters, while ships returning from the Gulf would use Omani waters. The reported corridor would operate like a two-way maritime route and have a width of about 11.25 kilometres. Iran and Oman are expected to hold further negotiations over the next 30 to 60 days to discuss the possibility of establishing a permanent navigation arrangement. The developments come as the Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of a wider regional security crisis. The waterway is one of the world’s most important energy routes, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, claimed that the US Navy had removed or neutralised all mines in international waters of the Strait of Hormuz. He warned that any vessel that attempted to lay new mines would be destroyed. Despite the temporary corridor agreement, Iran’s latest statements underline that a complete reopening of Hormuz remains a separate and politically sensitive issue. For shipping companies and global energy markets, the distinction could prove crucial: a limited navigation arrangement may ease some pressure, but it does not yet signal a return to normal maritime traffic.

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    Taylor Swift mourns Dolly Parton, celebrates her lasting legacy

    Taylor Swift has paid an emotional tribute to Dolly Parton following the death of the legendary singer, songwriter and entertainer at the age of 80. Swift remembered Parton as an extraordinary artist whose generosity, strength and timeless music touched millions of people around the world. Parton died in Nashville on August 25, 2026, following a brief battle with cancer. News of her death was announced by her nephew Bryan Seaver, who had worked as her head of security for more than two decades. The announcement prompted an outpouring of grief from fans, fellow musicians and celebrities across the entertainment industry. Swift shared her heartfelt tribute with The Hollywood Reporter just hours after Parton’s passing. Reflecting on the loss, the pop superstar said that imagining a world without Parton did not feel possible. She praised the late icon for the generous way she lived her life and for the countless people she inspired through her music, philanthropy and personal values. Swift described Parton as someone who encouraged people to remain true to themselves while offering valuable lessons about life with warmth, honesty and humour. She also admired the way Parton balanced her public image with genuine openness, describing her as a person who could combine grace, determination and strength. The 14-time Grammy winner particularly highlighted Parton’s compassion for others and her ability to defend her own worth as an artist. According to Swift, Parton possessed a remarkably kind heart when dealing with other people’s struggles while also having the courage and determination to stand up for herself. Swift also expressed gratitude for Parton’s enduring musical legacy. She praised the songs and lyrics that have continued to connect with audiences across generations, noting that Parton’s work had the power to reach people emotionally and remain meaningful long after it was written. Beyond music, Swift highlighted Parton’s philanthropic work, especially her Imagination Library. The nonprofit organisation provides free, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five, helping encourage a love of reading among young children. Swift and Parton had maintained a warm relationship over the years, supporting each other’s professional and charitable efforts. Their connection became particularly notable when Swift and her husband, NFL star Travis Kelce, made a $26 million donation to Parton’s Imagination Library shortly before their July 3, 2026 wedding at Madison Square Garden. Parton later expressed her appreciation for the enormous contribution, saying she was deeply moved and delighted by the gesture. In a playful social media message, she even joked with Swift about eventually sending her firstborn to the programme. Parton leaves behind a remarkable legacy spanning music, film, television, business and philanthropy. She is survived by six of her siblings as well as more than a dozen nieces and nephews. She and her husband, Carl Dean, who died before her, did not have children of their own. For Swift and countless other admirers, Parton’s influence will continue through her music, charitable work and the generations of artists and fans she inspired. Her life remains a testament to the lasting impact one artist can have through talent, kindness and generosity.

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    Nicole Kidman shares family photo honoring Dolly Parton

    Nicole Kidman has shared a touching family photograph featuring herself, her former husband Keith Urban, their two daughters and country music icon Dolly Parton following the devastating news of Parton’s death at the age of 80. As tributes continue to pour in from celebrities, musicians and fans around the world, Kidman remembered the legendary singer by posting a special photograph on her Instagram Story. The image captured a memorable family moment with Parton at a Nashville event. In the photograph, Dolly Parton appeared in her signature glamorous style, wearing a shimmering metallic silver crochet-style top paired with matching fitted trousers. She completed her look with elegant heels, statement jewellery and her iconic platinum blonde hair. Kidman’s decision to share a photograph that also featured Keith Urban attracted particular attention, especially following the former couple’s reported separation. The pair had been married for 19 years before their relationship came to an end. Kidman and Urban separated in 2025, and Kidman reportedly filed for divorce in September that year, citing irreconcilable differences. Their divorce was formally finalised by a Tennessee judge in January after the couple reached agreements regarding their finances and parenting arrangements for their two daughters, Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret. Alongside the family photograph, Kidman added an emotional message dedicated to the late country music star. The text read, “We will always love you, Dolly,” reflecting the affection and admiration she and her family had for Parton. Urban also paid tribute to Parton following the news of her death. The Australian-born musician, who grew up listening to Parton’s music, shared his grief with his followers through his Instagram Stories. He posted a black screen accompanied by a heartfelt message expressing how deeply affected he was by the loss. “Heartbroken today. Dolly Parton. Honestly….. I have no words right now,” Urban wrote. Parton held a particularly meaningful place in Urban’s professional journey. When Urban was chosen for induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2023, he made it clear that there was one person he wanted to present the honour. Urban personally wrote to Parton and asked her to induct him into the prestigious institution. He later explained that she was the only person on his list, highlighting the enormous respect he had for the legendary performer and songwriter. Parton’s influence extended far beyond her own music career. Throughout her decades in the entertainment industry, she became known not only for her distinctive voice and songwriting but also for her generosity, warmth and ability to inspire fellow artists. News of Parton’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the entertainment world. Her representatives confirmed that she had died following a brief battle with cancer, although specific details about the type of cancer were not disclosed. Her passing has left a lasting impact on country music and popular culture. For artists such as Urban, Parton was more than an iconic performer; she was also a source of inspiration and a respected figure whose influence shaped generations of musicians. Kidman’s emotional family photograph offered another glimpse into the personal connections Parton formed throughout her remarkable life, while Urban’s tribute reflected the profound admiration he had for the singer and songwriter. Together, their messages highlighted the enduring legacy of a music legend whose influence will continue to be remembered around the world.

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    China’s hypersonic arsenal expands with long-ran…

    BEIJING: China has developed a new generation of hypersonic weapons that could potentially threaten high-value military aircraft thousands of kilometres away, according to a Bloomberg report, highlighting the rapidly changing nature of long-range warfare and the growing strategic competition between Beijing and Washington. The reported development involves hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs) capable of carrying air-to-air weapons. Such systems could potentially target aircraft that normally operate far behind the frontline, including aerial tankers, airborne command-and-control platforms and other support aircraft that provide fuel, communications and battlefield information to fighter jets. The report, citing a person with direct knowledge of the matter, said China has also added air-to-air capabilities to some hypersonic cruise missiles and anti-ship capabilities to several other missile systems. The reported changes reflect Beijing’s broader effort to make its large missile arsenal capable of carrying out a wider range of missions. A New Threat Beyond the Front Line The significance of the reported technology lies in the type of targets it could threaten. Modern air forces rely heavily on support aircraft. Tankers allow fighter jets to remain airborne for longer periods, while airborne early-warning and command aircraft help monitor enemy activity, coordinate operations and share information with aircraft and ground forces. If these platforms could be attacked from much greater distances, commanders could be forced to move them farther away from contested areas. That could reduce their effectiveness and complicate air operations. A hypersonic glide vehicle released from a DF-17 missile is reported to have a range of around 2,414 kilometres, a distance slightly shorter than the separation between mainland China and the US territory of Guam, a major American military hub in the western Pacific. China’s more advanced DF-27 is estimated to have a range of about 8,000 kilometres, potentially putting much of the western and central Pacific within reach. However, details about the system remain limited, and several of its reported capabilities are based on intelligence assessments rather than publicly released Chinese specifications. Why Hypersonic Weapons Are Difficult to Counter HGVs differ from conventional ballistic missile warheads because they can manoeuvre while travelling through the atmosphere. Their ability to alter their flight path can complicate efforts to predict where they will go and how they can be intercepted. China’s DF-17 has already been publicly displayed and is considered one of the world’s operational hypersonic glide weapon systems. Recent Chinese state media footage showed multiple DF-17 launch vehicles, suggesting the system has been deployed on a significant scale. But the reported ability to use such technology against distant aircraft also presents major operational challenges. A missile travelling thousands of kilometres would require highly accurate and continuously updated information about a moving target. Analysts note that the longer the flight, the greater the opportunity for an opponent to disrupt the intelligence and targeting chain. There is also a potential escalation risk. A ballistic missile launch could be difficult to identify immediately, creating uncertainty over whether the weapon is carrying a conventional or nuclear payload. Washington Responds With Longer-Range Weapons The development comes as the United States is also expanding its long-range air-to-air capabilities. The US Navy has begun testing the AIM-424 MALICE, a new long-range air-to-air missile reportedly designed to engage targets at distances exceeding 463 kilometres. Washington is also pursuing other extended-range weapons, including the AIM-260 and AIM-174B. The emerging competition reflects a broader shift in military planning. Future air battles may not be decided solely by which side has more fighter jets, but by which side can protect its own support aircraft while threatening those that keep an opponent’s air force operating. For China and the United States, that could make long-range missiles and hypersonic systems an increasingly important part of the military balance across the Indo-Pacific. Still, some details of China’s reported new capabilities remain classified or independently unverified. The claims therefore offer an indication of Beijing’s evolving military ambitions rather than a complete picture of its operational capabilities. Even so, the reported progress adds another layer to the increasingly sophisticated missile competition between the world’s two major military powers.

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    Kendall Jenner shares powerful lesson about facing rejection

    Rejection is often one of the most difficult experiences anyone can face while pursuing a dream. It can leave a person questioning their abilities, choices and even their place in an industry or environment they desperately want to be part of. For Kendall Jenner, rejection was not something that simply disappeared once she entered the world of fashion and entertainment. Instead, it became part of her journey and taught her an important lesson about persistence. Jenner has spoken openly about how difficult it can be to pursue a career when other people are not convinced that you have what it takes. She recalled facing closed doors and encountering adults who were hesitant to work with her. Some people, she said, even laughed at her behind her back. Such experiences can be particularly painful when someone is young, ambitious and trying to establish themselves in a highly competitive field. Her words offer an honest look at a side of success that is often hidden from the public. People usually see the glamorous moments, major opportunities, successful projects and achievements that come after someone has established a name for themselves. What is less visible are the disappointments that came before those achievements. Every successful person has faced moments when someone said no, overlooked their potential or decided they were not the right person for an opportunity. For anyone chasing a dream, rejection can feel deeply personal. When an opportunity is lost, it can be easy to believe that the rejection reflects a lack of talent or ability. However, Jenner’s experience suggests that one person’s opinion does not necessarily determine someone’s future. A closed door can simply mean that the timing, circumstances or people involved were not right. There are also moments when rejection is not expressed directly. Sometimes opportunities disappear without an explanation. Other times, people make it clear that they do not believe in you. Hearing that someone has doubted your abilities can be discouraging, especially when you are already struggling with self-doubt. Yet continuing despite those opinions can become an important part of building confidence. Jenner’s quote serves as a reminder that belief in yourself does not always come from other people first. There may be times when nobody around you understands your goals or sees the potential you believe you have. That does not necessarily mean the dream is unrealistic. It may simply mean that you have to keep moving forward before others recognize what you are capable of achieving. Her journey also highlights the importance of resilience. Success rarely happens because every opportunity works out perfectly. More often, it develops through a combination of patience, hard work, learning from setbacks and remaining committed when circumstances become difficult. The most powerful message in Jenner’s words is that rejection does not have to be the end of the story. Doors may close, people may doubt you and opportunities may not arrive when you expect them. But those moments do not have to define your future. Sometimes, the beginning of success is simply refusing to stop after someone else has told you no. Continuing to believe in yourself, improving your skills and pursuing your goals can eventually lead to opportunities that once seemed impossible. In that sense, rejection may hurt, but it can also become part of the journey toward proving to yourself what you are capable of achieving. You have no idea how many doors closed on me and how many adults were either initially reluctant to take a chance working with me.

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    Manjrekar slams ‘lenient’ punishment for Jaiswal, Vaibhav

    MUMBAI: Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has criticised the International Cricket Council (ICC) for what he described as lenient disciplinary action against Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi following separate incidents involving the young Indian players. Manjrekar expressed his frustration on social media after the ICC sanctioned Jaiswal and Sri Lankan fast bowler Asitha Fernando following an on-field confrontation during the Galle Test. Jaiswal and Fernando were involved in a heated exchange after the Indian batter was dismissed. The situation escalated when the two players moved towards each other and their heads made contact, prompting teammates and officials to intervene before the confrontation could develop further. The ICC found both players guilty of breaching its code of conduct and imposed a fine of 25 per cent of their match fees, along with one demerit point each. Manjrekar questioned whether the punishment was strong enough given the nature of the incident. He argued that the authorities should have taken a firmer position on conduct that could potentially undermine discipline and sportsmanship in international cricket. The former India international also referred to an earlier incident involving 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, expressing disappointment that the youngster had received only a 50 per cent match-fee fine. His comments have renewed discussion about whether disciplinary measures in cricket are consistent across players and incidents, particularly when young cricketers are involved. The Jaiswal-Fernando confrontation attracted considerable attention because it occurred during a Test match, where players are expected to maintain discipline despite the intense pressure of international competition. The involvement of teammates in separating the two players prevented the incident from becoming more serious. The ICC’s decision means both Jaiswal and Fernando will carry a demerit point on their disciplinary records, although neither player received a suspension. Manjrekar’s criticism adds to the wider debate over how cricket’s governing bodies should respond to confrontations on the field. While fines are intended to punish misconduct, some former players believe stronger sanctions are necessary when physical contact occurs. The controversy also highlights the challenge faced by cricket authorities in balancing firm discipline with proportionate punishment. For now, the ICC decision stands, but Manjrekar’s comments are likely to keep the debate alive over whether international cricket needs tougher penalties for on-field clashes.