تازہ ترین

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    China lodges complaint after New Zealand’s W…

    ByJustpaste.in

    China’s embassy in New Zealand has filed a formal complaint after Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters told a Green Party lawmaker of Chinese descent to return to his own country during a heated parliamentary exchange. The clash unfolded Wednesday when Green Party member Lawrence Xu-Nan, who was born in the Chinese city of Tianjin but raised in New Zealand, asked Peters during a debate over the country’s Covid pandemic response whether he was vaccinated. Peters, who leads the populist NZ First party, responded by telling Xu-Nan he had arrived in the country only recently and should return home, adding a remark suggesting dishonesty in China that does not apply in New Zealand. He went on to describe New Zealand as a democracy, in contrast to what he implied Xu-Nan was used to, and told him to go back to where he came from. The remarks prompted an unusual public response from Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand Wang Xiaolong, who said on social media that he generally avoids commenting on domestic politics but suggested the statement revealed more about the speaker than anyone else. China’s embassy in Wellington confirmed it had lodged a complaint with New Zealand’s foreign ministry over what it called negative China related remarks from a New Zealand politician. Peters has stood by his comments, saying New Zealand’s democratic system protects free speech and rights that other countries restrict, at times through force. He said on social media that those offended by his remarks were welcome to the reality of living in New Zealand. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, whose National Party governs in coalition with Peters’ NZ First, criticized the remarks as inappropriate attention seeking behavior. This is not the first time Peters and his party, who hold significant influence as coalition partners in New Zealand’s fragmented political landscape, have faced accusations of racially charged rhetoric. Earlier this year, Peters’ deputy Shane Jones drew criticism for describing a free trade agreement with India as risking what he called a butter chicken flood. Last year, Peters and Jones faced backlash after Jones shouted at another lawmaker to send Mexicans home during a parliamentary debate, a comment aimed at a legislator who was actually born in the Philippines. Peters later told that lawmaker and Xu-Nan that they should show gratitude for being allowed to live in New Zealand. The episode adds to a pattern of controversies surrounding minor coalition partners in small parliamentary democracies, where kingmaker parties often wield outsized influence despite representing a smaller share of the electorate, occasionally straining diplomatic relationships in the process.

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    Egypt confirms drone strike behind blaze at two ga…

    ByJustpaste.in

    A drone strike caused the fire that engulfed two gas vessels at Egypt’s Mediterranean port of Damietta, the Egyptian cabinet confirmed Thursday, ending speculation over whether the blaze that broke out a day earlier was an accident or an attack. No group has claimed responsibility for the strike, which occurred close to the Suez Canal, now serving as the last safe route for Saudi oil shipments reaching global markets. Egyptian authorities said they are continuing their investigation and taking steps to safeguard national security. British maritime security firm Ambrey said Wednesday that a drone had struck a US owned gas storage tanker at the port, an early assessment that raised fears the wider regional conflict could spread further. Three trading sources familiar with the incident said the drone hit the floating storage vessel Energos Winter, sparking a fire that then spread to a second ship, Gaslog Salem. According to maritime risk group Vanguard, the Energos Winter was struck on its starboard side, and the resulting fire was later extinguished. Egypt’s petroleum ministry said firefighting and security teams responded immediately and that the incident caused no injuries or fatalities. Petroleum Minister Karim Badawi traveled to the port to personally oversee the emergency response, according to the ministry. The strike came shortly after Iran launched a missile attack targeting US forces in Jordan, prompting Washington and Saudi Arabia to carry out strikes against Iran backed paramilitary groups in Iraq. President Donald Trump warned of retaliation against Iran, while Yemen’s Houthi movement declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, marking what appears to be the widest expansion of the conflict since the United States and Israel began bombing Iran in February. The Energos Winter is a floating storage and regasification unit owned by the US based firm Energos Infrastructure. Its technical, safety and commercial operations are managed by Wilhelmsen Ship Management, a Singapore based subsidiary of the Norwegian company Wilhelmsen Group. In a first for the five month war, Saudi Arabia publicly joined US forces in striking Iran aligned groups in eastern Iraq on Wednesday, responding to drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities that were launched from Iraqi territory. Following the joint operation, Saudi Arabia’s defense minister met with US Vice President JD Vance in Washington to urge the Trump administration against further escalation, according to two people familiar with the meeting. The conflict began in February when the United States and Israel launched a bombing campaign against Iran that Trump initially said would last only a few weeks. A temporary ceasefire reached in June collapsed amid renewed fighting centered on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway that Iran now claims to control. The latest strikes in Iraq and Egypt threaten to pull additional countries into the conflict, coming after Yemen’s Houthi forces declared a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia last week, putting the alternative Red Sea shipping route for Saudi oil bound for Asia at risk. Attacks on vessels by Houthi fighters have already prompted London’s marine insurance market to expand its high risk zone in the Red Sea to cover a larger stretch of coastline near Saudi ports. Trump said the United States would respond forcefully to Iran’s missile attack on American forces, while maintaining that Washington remains open to a negotiated peace deal to end a war that has unsettled global energy and financial markets. Oil prices jumped more than eight percent on Wednesday before easing slightly on Thursday amid volatile trading, with benchmark Brent crude hovering just under 90 dollars a barrel. Iran said Wednesday that it had struck three tankers attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz along what it called an unauthorized route. Even so, a QatarEnergy controlled liquefied natural gas tanker exited the strait overnight, the first such vessel tracked leaving the waterway since July 11. Iran’s semi official Fars news agency reported that Tehran had specifically authorized the tanker’s passage. Oman has presented Iran with a Gulf backed proposal to manage traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, including a system of voluntary usage fees, according to sources familiar with the talks. Iran rejected that proposal on Wednesday, though foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said discussions with Oman over the strait’s management are continuing, according to the semi official ILNA news agency. Separately, sources familiar with the matter said Iran is expected to receive its first shipment within weeks of up to 400 Chinese made shoulder fired air defense missile launchers, part of an effort to shore up gaps in its ability to protect military sites and strategic infrastructure exposed during the war. Iran’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment, while China’s foreign ministry denied the report. The expanding pattern of strikes across Iraq, Egypt and the Red Sea underscores how a conflict initially centered on Iran has increasingly drawn in neighboring states and global shipping lanes, complicating efforts by mediators to contain the fighting before it further disrupts international energy markets.

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    Chelsea complete £52 million signing of France defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace

    ByJustpaste.in

    Chelsea have signed France international defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace in a deal reported to be worth 52 million pounds, or roughly 69 million dollars. Lacroix has put pen to paper on a six year contract with the Blues and will now join his new teammates for pre season training. The 26 year old has earned seven caps for France and featured for his country at the recent World Cup. Speaking after the move was confirmed, Lacroix said he felt proud to become part of a club with Chelsea’s history and winning tradition. He said his conversation with the club’s manager convinced him they share the same vision and ambition, adding that the quality of the squad and the resources around the club make winning trophies a realistic goal he is eager to help achieve. Lacroix joined Crystal Palace from Wolfsburg in 2024 and went on to make 98 appearances for the club. During his time at Selhurst Park, he helped Palace win the FA Cup, the UEFA Conference League and the Community Shield. The defender becomes the latest addition to new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso’s rebuilding effort this close season. Alonso has already overseen a British record 117 million pound deal for Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers and a 47 million pound move for Atalanta right back Marco Palestra. Winger Geovany Quenda and forward Emmanuel Emegha have also joined the club, completing transfers that were initially agreed last year. Chelsea have further been linked with moves for Brighton striker Danny Welbeck and Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson. Alonso took charge of the club on July 1 and is tasked with reviving a Chelsea side that finished a disappointing 10th in the Premier League last season, a result that left the club without European football for the upcoming campaign.

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    Hesson says National Champions Cup will sharpen Pakistan’s World Cup 2027 preparations

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan white ball head coach Mike Hesson said the upcoming National Champions Cup will play an important role in preparing the squad for the ICC World Cup 2027, expressing confidence in the tournament ahead of its start next month. The competition begins on August 18 at Multan Cricket Stadium, with all seven matches scheduled as day night fixtures. The 50 over List A tournament will feature four sides, Pakistan Greens, Pakistan Whites, Pakistan Blues and Pakistan Gold, and will officially open the 2026-27 domestic cricket season. Teams will compete in a single league round robin format, with the top two sides advancing to the final. Speaking to reporters, Hesson explained why the domestic season is starting with a 50 over List A event rather than another format. He said the four team tournament was specifically organized as part of Pakistan’s build up toward the World Cup. Hesson said he expects every player involved to get a genuine chance to show what they can do in what he called a highly competitive event. He said fans can expect quality cricket throughout, with each player given an opportunity to perform on a meaningful stage. The coach added that the team management is focused on maximizing the number of List A matches available to players ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming assignments, saying the coaching staff is planning the schedule specifically to create as many playing opportunities as possible. Looking further ahead to the World Cup itself, Hesson pointed to Pakistan’s historical strength in major ICC events, saying he hopes the team can deliver another strong campaign when the tournament arrives in 2027. He said selectors have put together well balanced squads across all four domestic sides and voiced confidence that the tournament would help several standout performers emerge ahead of the World Cup selection process.

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    Another promise fulfilled’: PM Shehbaz unveils m…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday announced a comprehensive package of reforms aimed at modernising consular services for overseas Pakistanis, with government officials describing the measures as the fulfilment of another commitment made to the Pakistani diaspora. The new initiatives are designed to make consular services faster, more transparent and more accessible through digitalisation and streamlined procedures. The reforms include QR code-based complaint registration at Pakistani embassies, a simplified attestation process for Power of Attorney and property-related documents, a one-step Apostille attestation system, an evening shift at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad, and a courier-based document attestation service. The government is also integrating the databases of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC), NADRA and the National Police Bureau to speed up document verification. In addition, a mobile application is being developed to enable digital verification of birth, death, marriage and family registration certificates, along with other official documents. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said overseas Pakistanis are a valuable national asset and reiterated his government’s commitment to providing efficient, transparent and citizen-friendly services for Pakistanis living abroad. The reforms were welcomed by overseas Pakistanis, many of whom said the initiatives would help reduce delays and simplify access to essential consular services.

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    Pakistan-Belarus deepen defence ties, top military…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Belarus have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding defence cooperation following high-level talks between senior military officials at Air Headquarters in Islamabad. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), a Belarusian defence delegation led by Major General Muraveiko Pavel Nikolayevich, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces and First Deputy Defence Minister, met with Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, on Thursday. The discussions focused on regional security, matters of mutual interest and opportunities to broaden military collaboration between the two countries. During the meeting, the Pakistan Air Force chief reiterated the PAF’s resolve to strengthen bilateral defence ties through greater cooperation in joint training, military exercises, technological innovation and defence industry partnerships. The Belarusian military chief praised the Pakistan Air Force for its high level of operational readiness, technological progress and growing self-reliance in defence capabilities. He also reaffirmed Belarus’ interest in expanding military cooperation with Pakistan across key areas. The meeting highlighted the shared determination of both countries to reinforce defence relations and explore new avenues of collaboration aimed at promoting mutual strategic interests

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    Bushra Bibi seeks sentence suspension on medical g…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Bushra Bibi, the wife of former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, has filed an appeal in the Constitutional Court seeking the suspension of her sentence and release on bail. In her petition, she requested the court to suspend the sentence handed down by the trial court until the final decision on her appeal. She argued that she should be granted bail on medical grounds. The petition stated that Bushra Bibi is entitled to relief because she is a woman and is suffering from health problems. It maintained that her medical condition requires proper treatment and care, making her eligible for bail during the legal proceedings. According to the appeal, she has been kept in solitary confinement and has been deprived of adequate medical treatment and necessary care while in custody. The petition argued that her continued detention under such conditions has negatively affected her health. Bushra Bibi urged the Constitutional Court to consider her health condition and the circumstances of her imprisonment while deciding her request. She asked the court to suspend her sentence and order her release on bail until the disposal of the appeal. The Constitutional Court is expected to take up the appeal in accordance with legal procedure. A decision on her request will be made after hearing the arguments presented by both sides.

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    Russia warns US sanctions will backfire

    ByJustpaste.in

    Russia has criticised a proposed new package of US sanctions, warning that additional restrictions would hurt American interests more than Moscow and further complicate global economic and energy stability. In a statement, the Russian Embassy in Washington reacted to a sanctions bill that received preliminary approval in the US Senate on July 28. The embassy argued that the legislation would restrict the White House’s diplomatic flexibility while increasing economic pressure on the United States itself. The statement criticised the bill’s supporters, particularly Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, accusing them of pursuing an aggressive anti-Russia agenda. It claimed the proposed legislation included sweeping measures, such as imposing tariffs of up to 500% on countries that continue purchasing Russian energy products. According to the embassy, the US administration had previously sought to slow congressional efforts to introduce additional sanctions, maintaining that the president already possessed sufficient authority to impose economic measures without further legislation. Russia also linked the sanctions debate to broader geopolitical developments, arguing that growing tensions in the Middle East and Washington’s involvement in regional conflicts have increased the risk of disruption in global energy markets. It warned that higher energy prices could fuel inflation in the United States and place additional pressure on American consumers ahead of the country’s upcoming midterm elections. The embassy further claimed that political divisions in Washington were undermining the administration’s foreign policy, arguing that some lawmakers were prioritising political objectives over economic realities. Reiterating its long-held position, Russia said years of sanctions had failed to change its policies or weaken its economy in the way Western governments had anticipated. It maintained that further punitive measures would produce limited results against Russia while creating greater economic challenges for the United States. The statement also referred to the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), enacted during President Donald Trump’s first term. Russia argued that the law significantly reduced the executive branch’s flexibility by requiring congressional approval before any sanctions could be lifted or eased. Concluding its remarks, the Russian Embassy expressed hope that the US administration would carefully assess the potential political and economic consequences before moving forward with any new sanctions package.

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    Bilawal warns of fallout over election rigging, ur…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has warned that any attempt to manipulate election results would trigger serious political consequences, saying the federal government’s “countdown” would begin if the public mandate was stolen. Addressing a public gathering in Muzaffarabad, Bilawal stressed that elections must be decided through the ballot box and not through alleged interference or manipulation. He called for transparency in the electoral process and said any theft of votes should not be concealed. He said the principle of democracy demands that the candidate who receives the people’s votes should emerge victorious. Bilawal added that he wanted to see peace, justice and genuine public representation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The PPP chairman pledged to safeguard the rights of the people of Kashmir, saying decisions regarding the region should be made by its elected assembly. He also announced plans to convene a constitutional convention after the elections, bringing together representatives of the government, opposition, refugees, lawyers and civil society to discuss constitutional and governance reforms. Highlighting the concerns of Kashmiri refugees, Bilawal said their genuine representation must be protected. He argued that if their votes were manipulated or controlled by others, their longstanding issues would remain unresolved. He described Kashmiri refugees as an integral part of the region’s history and political movement and said Kashmir should have representation in institutions where major national decisions are made. During the address, Bilawal also extended what he described as a political olive branch to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), urging the party to abandon the politics of boycott and actively participate in the democratic process. He said PTI should contest elections, engage in parliamentary politics and work through committees instead of distancing itself from democratic institutions. Bilawal added that if the party intended to boycott every political process, it would have been better to remain outside politics altogether. Calling for broader political cooperation, the PPP chairman invited what he termed “serious politicians” from PTI and other political workers to join hands in pursuing parliamentary reforms. He said all democratic forces should work together to strengthen institutions and improve the country’s political system.

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    Aleema vows peaceful fight for Imran’s relea…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Aleema Khan, the sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, has said the party will continue its peaceful campaign for the release of the former prime minister. Addressing party workers in the Jandol Munda area of Lower Dir, Aleema Khan urged supporters to remain committed to a lawful and peaceful struggle. She stressed that all political activities should be carried out within the framework of the law. She called on party workers to work closely with elected representatives and play an effective role in advancing the party’s objectives through democratic means. Aleema Khan said unity, discipline and peaceful protest remain the movement’s greatest strengths. She encouraged supporters to stay organised and continue their efforts with patience and determination while maintaining respect for the law. Her remarks came as PTI continues to campaign for the release of its founder and presses ahead with its political activities across the country. Earlier, Bushra Bibi, the wife of former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, has filed an appeal in the Constitutional Court seeking the suspension of her sentence and release on bail. In her petition, she requested the court to suspend the sentence handed down by the trial court until the final decision on her appeal. She argued that she should be granted bail on medical grounds. The petition stated that Bushra Bibi is entitled to relief because she is a woman and is suffering from health problems. It maintained that her medical condition requires proper treatment and care, making her eligible for bail during the legal proceedings.