تازہ ترین

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    PTI rejects AJK polls, demands probe into killings

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday rejected the recently concluded Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, alleging that the electoral process lacked transparency and calling for an independent investigation into the killings and violence reported during the polls. Addressing a joint press conference in Islamabad, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and former AJK prime minister Sardar Qayyum Niazi accused the authorities of suppressing public opinion and said the events surrounding the elections had damaged both democracy and the Kashmir cause. Niazi said the people of Kashmir had a long history of supporting Pakistan and deserved to have their voices heard through a free and fair electoral process. He alleged that peaceful protesters had faced excessive force despite demonstrating without violence. “They remained peaceful even while facing bullets and batons,” he said, adding that the government should have engaged in dialogue rather than confrontation. Questioning the decision to conduct polling in three phases, Niazi argued that AJK’s relatively small population did not justify such an arrangement. He contrasted the process with Pakistan’s nationwide elections, saying the phased schedule had raised serious questions among voters. PTI Chairman Gohar described the July 27 elections as “a fraud” and maintained that democracy could not function if citizens were prevented from expressing their views through peaceful protest. He said public grievances should be addressed through dialogue instead of force. The PTI chief also criticised major political parties, accusing them of politicising the post-election situation instead of focusing on the concerns of the people. According to Gohar, the low voter turnout reflected growing public dissatisfaction with the existing political system. He further claimed that the election results had failed to inspire public confidence and urged all stakeholders to prioritise transparency, accountability and democratic values. Calling for an impartial inquiry, PTI demanded that those responsible for the reported killings and use of force be identified and held accountable. Party leaders said an independent investigation was necessary to establish the facts, ensure justice for affected families and restore public trust in democratic institutions. The party concluded by urging authorities to avoid further escalation and resolve political disputes through dialogue, warning that prolonged instability in AJK could undermine both democratic credibility and Pakistan’s longstanding position on the Kashmir issue.

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    SBP to study daily fuel price impact on inflation

    ISLAMABAD: The federal government has directed the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to conduct a comprehensive study on how the daily revision of petroleum prices affects inflation, as authorities seek new measures to protect consumers from rising living costs and volatile global energy markets. The decision was taken during a meeting of the National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC), which reviewed the country’s inflation outlook and discussed ways to minimise the impact of fluctuating fuel prices on households and businesses. According to officials, the SBP has been asked to prepare a detailed action plan within 15 days to evaluate the inflationary effects of daily adjustments in petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) prices, following international best practices. The central bank is expected to recommend policy options that could help maintain price stability while supporting economic growth. The committee was informed that the SBP’s primary responsibility is to ensure price stability through effective monetary policy, including the use of interest rates to manage inflation expectations and regulate money supply. Alongside the SBP study, the NPMC instructed provincial governments, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and the Islamabad Capital Territory to strengthen market monitoring and prevent unjustified increases in the prices of essential commodities whenever fuel prices are revised. The committee also expressed concern over excessive pricing of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), noting that consumers in many areas were paying significantly more than the official rates notified by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA). Authorities have been directed to intensify monitoring and narrow the gap between notified and market prices. Officials said the recent regional conflict involving Iran had disrupted energy markets, contributing to higher LPG prices despite regulatory efforts. The meeting also focused on the prices of key food items, including tomatoes, chicken, wheat flour and edible oil. Representatives from the Ministry of National Food Security attributed the surge in tomato prices to seasonal shortages, explaining that Pakistan was importing tomatoes from Iran and Afghanistan to meet domestic demand. However, following the closure of the Afghanistan border, officials said additional tomato imports would now be sourced from Romania to prevent supply shortages and stabilise prices. To improve food quality and consumer protection, the Ministry of Science and Technology will work with the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) and provincial authorities to develop testing standards for loose milk, dairy products, edible oil and ghee. Accredited laboratories will conduct regular testing, with quarterly reports submitted to the NPMC. The committee also urged authorities to reduce wholesale and retail price disparities across different cities, improve the supply chain for essential goods and work more closely with the private sector to arrange timely imports before seasonal shortages trigger sharp price increases. Officials expressed hope that stronger coordination, tighter market oversight and evidence-based policymaking would help ease inflationary pressures and provide greater stability for consumers in the coming months.

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    Grammy CEO responds after BTS boycott shakes up 20…

    BTS has stunned fans and the music industry by announcing that they will not submit their music for consideration at the 69th Grammy Awards in 2027. The decision has quickly become one of the biggest entertainment stories of the year, with the Recording Academy’s CEO, Harvey Mason Jr., publicly responding to the K-pop group’s unexpected boycott.  The seven-member group shared a joint message explaining that they hope their music will be “heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.” Although BTS did not directly criticize the Recording Academy, their statement has widely been interpreted as a protest against the newly introduced Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, which will debut at the 69th Grammy Awards.  Responding to the announcement, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said he was “saddened” by BTS’ decision but respected the group’s choice. He emphasized that the new Asian Pop category was created to celebrate the growth and diversity of Asian music rather than separate it from mainstream recognition.  Mason also addressed concerns that artists placed in the new category would be excluded from the Grammys’ top honors. He clarified that submitting work for a genre-specific category does not affect eligibility for major awards such as Album of the Year, Song of the Year, or Record of the Year. According to Mason, artists can compete in both genre and general field categories at the same time.  The controversy has sparked intense debate among fans and industry observers. Supporters of BTS argue that music should be evaluated based on artistic merit rather than geographical origin or language. Others believe the new category could provide greater recognition for Asian artists who have historically been underrepresented at the Grammys.  The boycott is particularly notable because BTS returned this year with their comeback album ARIRANG after completing military service. The album topped charts worldwide, making many fans expect the group to compete strongly during the upcoming awards season. Instead, the band has chosen to make a statement about representation in global music.  Whether BTS’ decision influences other K-pop artists remains to be seen, but it has already ignited an important conversation about how international musicians are recognized on one of music’s biggest stages. As the 2027 Grammys approach, the Recording Academy will likely continue facing questions over balancing inclusivity with equal competition for artists from around the world. 

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    Katie Holmes reportedly supports Suri’s decision…

    Katie Holmes is reportedly standing firmly behind her daughter Suri after the 20-year-old legally dropped the surname of her father, Hollywood star Tom Cruise. The reported decision has sparked widespread discussion, with sources claiming Holmes was neither shocked nor upset by the move, believing it reflects the independent person Suri has become.  According to a report by Page Six, Holmes fully supports Suri’s decision to legally change her name from Suri Cruise to Suri Noelle, adopting her mother’s middle name as her new surname. An insider told the outlet that the actress “wasn’t surprised” by the decision because it was entirely in keeping with her daughter’s personality. “Katie wasn’t surprised by Suri’s decision to legally drop Cruise from her last name because that’s just who Suri is,” the source said, adding that Holmes has always encouraged her daughter to make thoughtful decisions for herself.  The name change reportedly became official through voter registration records in Pennsylvania, where Suri attends Carnegie Mellon University. However, it wasn’t a sudden decision. Suri had already begun using the surname “Noelle” publicly, including during her high school graduation in 2024, suggesting the change had been in progress for some time.  Holmes and Cruise welcomed Suri in 2006 and were married later that year. The former couple divorced in 2012, after which Holmes raised Suri primarily in New York. Over the years, reports have frequently suggested that Tom Cruise and his daughter have remained estranged, while Holmes has maintained a close and supportive relationship with Suri.  Sources close to the family insist that Holmes did not pressure Suri into making the legal change. Instead, they describe the decision as one that Suri reached on her own as she entered adulthood and sought to establish her own identity beyond her famous parents. Holmes is reportedly proud of her daughter’s confidence, maturity and willingness to make choices she believes are right for herself.  The development has attracted significant public attention, partly because Suri has spent much of her life away from the Hollywood spotlight. Despite growing up as the daughter of two globally recognized actors, she has largely maintained a private lifestyle while focusing on her education. Neither Katie Holmes nor Tom Cruise has publicly commented on the legal name change. Still, the reports have fueled conversations about family dynamics, personal identity and the challenges faced by children of high-profile celebrities. For now, insiders say Holmes’ priority remains unchanged: supporting Suri as she builds her own future on her own terms. 

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    George and Amal Clooney evacuate beloved French ho…

    George and Amal Clooney have been forced to leave their picturesque home in southeastern France after fast-moving wildfires swept through the region, placing thousands of residents at risk. The Hollywood couple, who live in Brignoles with their nine-year-old twins, Ella and Alexander, confirmed their evacuation as emergency crews battled the devastating blazes.  The Clooneys revealed the news in a heartfelt letter addressed to Brignoles Mayor Didier Brémond. In the message, the couple admitted they had no way of knowing whether their cherished home would survive the disaster. Despite the uncertainty, they expressed hope for the safety of their neighbors and pledged to stand by the local community during the recovery effort.  “At this point we have no idea whether our beautiful home makes it through this terrible moment,” the couple wrote. They also stressed that, regardless of what happens to their property, they remain committed to helping Brignoles rebuild. “We love Brignoles and our friends who live there,” the letter added.  The wildfires have spread rapidly across several parts of southern Europe, including France, Spain, Italy and Greece, fueled by extreme heat and dry weather. French authorities have carried out thousands of evacuations as firefighters continue working around the clock to contain the flames. Reports indicate that some of the fires have grown to cover an area several times larger than Paris, highlighting the scale of the crisis.  George and Amal made France their primary family home in recent years, choosing the quieter lifestyle of Brignoles over the constant attention of Hollywood. The couple has previously spoken about wanting their children to enjoy a more private upbringing, away from the spotlight. George has often described life in the French countryside as peaceful and ideal for family life.  Although the family has temporarily left the area, their message made it clear that they remain emotionally connected to the town they now call home. Their promise to help with recovery efforts has been widely praised by local residents and supporters, who have applauded the couple’s commitment during a difficult time.  As firefighters continue battling the blazes, the fate of the Clooneys’ home remains uncertain. However, the couple’s focus appears to be on the safety of their community rather than their own property. Their response serves as a reminder that natural disasters affect everyone, regardless of fame, while also highlighting the importance of standing together in times of crisis. 

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    How Kanye West celebrated after settling ex-assist…

    Kanye West appears to have put a lengthy legal battle behind him after reaching a settlement with his former assistant, Lauren Pisciotta. Just days after the civil lawsuit was resolved, the rapper was reportedly seen enjoying a night out in Ibiza, signaling a return to public life following months of courtroom headlines.  According to court filings, West and Pisciotta reached an unconditional settlement in the lawsuit that began in 2024. The terms of the agreement remain confidential, and Pisciotta is expected to formally dismiss the case within 45 days. West has consistently denied the allegations made against him throughout the legal proceedings, and the settlement does not include any admission of wrongdoing by either party.  Soon after news of the settlement became public, TMZ reported that West was spotted celebrating in Ibiza, Spain. The rapper was seen visiting one of the island’s popular nightlife venues, appearing relaxed as he spent time with friends. The outing marked one of his first public appearances since the legal dispute came to an end.  Lauren Pisciotta, who worked as West’s personal assistant and later as his chief of staff, first filed her lawsuit in June 2024. She accused the rapper of sexual harassment, wrongful termination and breach of contract. The complaint was later amended to include additional allegations, including sexual assault and sexual battery. West denied the accusations, with his representatives previously describing the claims as false and unfounded. No criminal charges were filed in connection with the civil case.  Although the settlement closes one chapter, West continues to attract attention both for his music career and his public appearances. The artist, who legally changed his name to Ye in 2021, has remained a frequent subject of headlines over the past several years due to legal disputes and personal controversies.  Neither West nor Pisciotta has publicly commented on the specific terms of the settlement. Legal experts note that confidential settlements are common in civil litigation and often allow both parties to avoid a lengthy trial. Because the agreement remains private, it is unclear whether any financial compensation was involved.  For now, West appears focused on moving forward. His appearance in Ibiza quickly drew media attention, with many viewing the outing as a sign that he is leaving the legal battle behind. While the settlement brings an end to one of his most closely watched civil cases, the rapper remains one of the entertainment industry’s most talked-about and closely followed figures. 

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    Zendaya reveals why working with husband Tom Holla…

    Zendaya has shared the secret behind her effortless on-screen chemistry with husband Tom Holland, revealing that their strong friendship and deep understanding of one another make working together a truly enjoyable experience. The actress spoke about their relationship while attending the London premiere of Spider-Man: Brand New Day on Wednesday, where the couple made a glamorous appearance on the red carpet. Speaking during the premiere, Zendaya explained that working with Holland has always felt comfortable because their bond extends far beyond the movie set. According to the actress, years of friendship, trust and shared experiences have helped them develop a natural rhythm whenever they collaborate on a project. “It’s easy because we’re best friends,” Zendaya said, adding that their familiarity allows them to support each other throughout filming. Rather than creating distractions, their personal relationship has strengthened their ability to work as professional co-stars. The pair first met while filming Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2016, where they portrayed Peter Parker and MJ. Their friendship gradually evolved into a romance, and after years of keeping much of their relationship private, the couple eventually confirmed they were together. Since then, they have become one of Hollywood’s most admired couples, often praising one another in interviews while maintaining a relatively low profile away from the spotlight. Their latest appearance marked another milestone as they celebrated the upcoming release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Fans gathered outside the London venue hoping to catch a glimpse of the stars, who happily greeted supporters before posing together for photographers. Their coordinated looks and affectionate interactions quickly became one of the evening’s biggest talking points across social media. Zendaya also highlighted the importance of mutual respect when balancing marriage and work. She noted that both she and Holland understand the pressures that come with leading major film franchises, making it easier to support each other through demanding schedules, long filming days and worldwide promotional tours. Their shared experiences, she suggested, have created a partnership built on trust and understanding. Holland has previously echoed similar sentiments, describing Zendaya as someone he deeply admires both personally and professionally. Over the years, the actors have consistently celebrated each other’s achievements, whether attending premieres, award ceremonies or supporting new projects from the sidelines. Fans have often praised their relationship for its authenticity and mutual encouragement. As excitement builds for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Zendaya’s comments offer a glimpse into the partnership that has captivated audiences around the world. While their romance continues to attract public attention, the actress made it clear that their enduring friendship remains the true foundation of both their marriage and their successful collaboration on screen.

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    Lionel Messi returns to Inter Miami training after World Cup

    MIAMI: Football icon Lionel Messi has returned to training with Inter Miami CF after taking a short break following Argentina’s heartbreaking defeat in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. The Argentine captain was back on the training pitch on Wednesday, just 10 days after Spain edged Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final in New Jersey, ending the South American nation’s hopes of defending the title they won in Qatar four years earlier. Inter Miami shared a video on its official social media platforms showing Messi arriving for training alongside longtime teammate and close friend Luis Suárez. The footage quickly attracted millions of views as fans celebrated the return of one of football’s greatest-ever players. Following the World Cup final, Messi returned to his hometown of Rosario in Argentina, where he spent time with his family while recovering physically and emotionally from the tournament. A day after the final, the 39-year-old expressed his disappointment in an emotional social media message, admitting that the defeat had left a deep emotional scar. “The pain is immense, and it’s going to take a long time for this wound to heal,” Messi wrote after Argentina narrowly missed out on consecutive World Cup titles. The football legend has not yet confirmed whether he will continue representing Argentina at international level, leaving supporters eagerly waiting for a decision about his future with the national team. During Messi’s absence, Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos explained that neither Messi nor Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul had a fixed return date, stressing the physical and mental demands of a World Cup campaign. “They need the time,” Hoyos had said, adding that players deserved adequate rest after competing on football’s biggest stage. Major League Soccer also granted Messi and De Paul permission to miss this year’s MLS All-Star Game in Charlotte due to their recent World Cup commitments. The decision marked a departure from last season, when Messi received a one-match suspension after missing the showcase event without an approved exemption. Although Messi has resumed full training, Inter Miami has not officially confirmed when he will return to competitive action. The club is scheduled to host the Columbus Crew on Saturday before beginning its Leagues Cup campaign next week against Mexico’s Atlético de San Luis. With Messi back on the training ground, excitement has surged among Inter Miami supporters, who hope the Argentine superstar will quickly return to action and lead the club’s push for silverware during the remainder of the 2026 season.

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    Mohammad Amir questions Babar Azam’s Test captaincy return

    LAHORE: Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has questioned the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to reappoint Babar Azam as the national Test captain, saying the star batter should have been allowed to focus entirely on his batting rather than taking on the added responsibility of leadership. Babar recently returned as Pakistan’s Test skipper after replacing Shan Masood, whose tenure ended after 16 matches, during which Pakistan recorded four wins and suffered 12 defeats. The appointment marks Babar’s second stint as Test captain, having previously led the national side from 2020 to 2023. The PCB’s decision has generated considerable discussion among former players and cricket analysts, with opinions divided over whether the move will strengthen the team’s performance. Speaking during an interview with Wisden, Amir said he was not convinced that handing the captaincy back to Babar was the right decision, especially at a time when the batter had only recently regained his form after a prolonged lean patch. According to Amir, Babar’s improved performances with the bat should have been the team’s primary priority, rather than placing additional expectations on him through captaincy. “He has only just started performing well again after a long period. He’s finally looking in good rhythm,” Amir said, suggesting that leadership duties could once again distract him from maintaining consistency with the bat. The former left-arm pacer also highlighted the intense scrutiny faced by Pakistan’s captains, noting that media attention and public expectations make the role particularly demanding. He argued that every decision taken by the captain is closely examined, creating constant pressure both on and off the field. In his view, such an environment could affect a player’s confidence and performance if they are already carrying the responsibility of being the team’s leading batter. Amir, who represented Pakistan in 36 Tests, 61 One-Day Internationals and 62 T20 Internationals, described Babar as the country’s finest batter and said his greatest contribution comes through scoring runs. “I believe Babar should have played as a player with a free mind and less pressure because he is the best player Pakistan has right now,” he said. While stressing that his remarks reflected his personal opinion, Amir concluded that reappointing Babar as Test captain was not the ideal solution for Pakistan cricket. He added that protecting the team’s premier batter from additional pressure would have been a better long-term strategy as Pakistan looks to rebuild its Test fortunes.

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    Tom Holland reveals the surprising secret behind h…

    Tom Holland has offered fans a refreshingly honest look at his skincare routine, admitting that he relies almost entirely on wife Zendaya when it comes to looking after his skin. During a recent interview, the Spider-Man star revealed that he has very little knowledge about the products he uses and simply trusts Zendaya to handle that part of their daily routine. The 30-year-old actor confessed that he does not even know the name of the moisturizer he applies every day because Zendaya is the one who buys all of their skincare products. Holland joked that he simply follows her lead, explaining that she has a much better understanding of skincare than he does. “I don’t even know what it’s called,” Holland said with a laugh, adding that Zendaya takes care of purchasing everything they need. His candid remarks quickly amused fans, many of whom praised the couple’s relatable dynamic. Although Holland admitted he is far from being a skincare expert, he emphasized that maintaining healthy skin has become increasingly important because of his career. Long filming schedules, heavy makeup and frequent travel can all take a toll on an actor’s complexion, making a consistent routine essential. Instead of researching products himself, however, Holland happily leaves those decisions to his wife. The actor also opened up about wearing makeup for film and television projects, explaining that it has become a normal part of his job. Whether preparing for action-packed scenes or walking the red carpet, professional makeup helps ensure he looks camera-ready under bright studio lights and high-definition cameras. Holland and Zendaya have become one of Hollywood’s most beloved couples since first meeting while filming Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2016. Over the years, both stars have spoken warmly about supporting each other’s careers, and Holland’s latest comments offered another glimpse into their everyday life together. Fans appreciated the actor’s honesty and sense of humor, with many saying his admission made the couple seem even more down-to-earth. The interview comes during a busy period for Holland as he promotes Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The actor has recently attended several promotional events alongside Zendaya, where the pair have continued to charm fans with their playful interactions and genuine affection for one another. Their close partnership has become one of the entertainment industry’s most admired relationships. While Holland may not know the names of his favorite skincare products, he made it clear that he trusts Zendaya’s judgment completely. His lighthearted confession highlighted the couple’s easygoing relationship and showed that, sometimes, the simplest beauty routine is letting someone you trust take the lead. As fans continue to celebrate their romance, Holland’s candid comments have once again proven why the pair remain among Hollywood’s most relatable stars.