تازہ ترین

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    Oil slips as higher supplies ease market fears

    ByJustpaste.in

    Global oil prices declined on Friday as increased crude shipments through key maritime routes helped calm supply concerns, despite continued geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and limited progress in diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran. Brent crude futures dropped by $1.03, or 1.2%, to trade at $88 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell $1.50, or 1.8%, to $82.09 per barrel. Even with the daily decline, both international benchmarks remained on track to post monthly gains of around 20%. Market analysts said the fall in prices was mainly driven by improving oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes. The increase in exports helped offset fears that the ongoing regional conflict could lead to major supply disruptions. The Strait of Hormuz normally carries nearly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. The route has remained under close watch since tensions escalated following the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. At the same time, Saudi Arabia is working with regional partners to strengthen maritime security in strategic waterways, including the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. These routes play a vital role in global energy transportation. According to Saudi officials, 14 countries have expressed support for the proposed multinational maritime defence initiative, aimed at improving the safety of commercial shipping in the region. Meanwhile, the security situation remains uncertain after Yemen’s Houthi movement announced a naval blockade targeting Saudi Arabia, raising fresh concerns over the safety of Red Sea shipping lanes, which serve as an alternative route for oil exports. Although oil tankers continue to pass through both the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, traders say higher security risks have pushed up shipping costs and insurance premiums. These additional expenses continue to keep a geopolitical risk premium built into global oil prices.

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    Gold prices jump Rs3,000 per tola in Pakistan

    ByJustpaste.in

    Gold prices continued their upward trend in Pakistan on Friday, with the price of the precious metal increasing by Rs3,000 per tola in line with gains in the international market. According to the All Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Association (APGJA), the latest increase pushed the price of one tola of gold to Rs430,436, marking another sharp rise in the local bullion market. The increase comes amid continued strength in global gold prices and growing demand for safe-haven assets. The association also reported an increase in the price of 10 grams of gold. Following a rise of Rs2,572, the price of 10 grams reached Rs369,029. Bullion dealers said local gold prices generally move in line with international market trends and are also influenced by fluctuations in the value of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar. Any increase in global prices is usually reflected in domestic rates. In the international market, gold prices also recorded a significant gain. The price of the precious metal rose by $30 per ounce, taking it to $4,080 per ounce. The global increase provided further support to rising prices in Pakistan. Gold is widely regarded as a safe investment during periods of economic uncertainty and market volatility. As international prices continue to strengthen, local buyers and jewellers are closely monitoring market movements for further changes in bullion rates. Market analysts believe domestic gold prices will continue to follow international trends, with future movements depending on global economic conditions, investor demand and currency fluctuations. Buyers are expected to remain cautious as higher prices increase the cost of jewellery and investment purchases

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    PSL wraps up season 11 review, sets sights on edition 12

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Pakistan Super League management met with all eight franchise owners this week and the purpose behind it was simple. They wanted to review how season 11 went, and to look ahead at what comes next. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi led the session. Several key officials joined him. These included PSL CEO Salman Naseer and PCB CFO Javed Murtaza. PSL Director Usman Wahla was also present. So were Senior Manager Hijab Zahid and Manager Operations Usman Tasleem, along with a few others. The meeting was not just about looking back. It also became a space for brainstorming. Officials discussed several off-season and pre-season activities. The goal is to keep fans engaged during the break. A big part of the discussion focused on what made season 11 special. Officials pointed to new additions in broadcast and fan engagement. They also praised the overall quality of cricket across all 44 matches. Viewership numbers came up too. The season saw strong engagement across social media, streaming platforms and television. More specific numbers are expected to be released soon. Planning for the future took up a large chunk of the meeting as well. Stakeholders discussed the playing window for PSL 12. They also touched on early scheduling ideas. However, full details will likely only be revealed after the PSL Governing Council meets in late August. The group also reflected on how far the league has come. Two new franchises joined this season. At the same time, three existing teams changed ownership. The tournament was held at just two venues this year, a decision made under unusual circumstances. It also ran in a new scheduling window for the second year running. Looking ahead, PSL confirmed a new initiative. It plans to launch a merchandise platform alongside the franchises. This will let fans, both at home and abroad, buy official gear. That includes merchandise from all eight participating teams. To keep the momentum going, more workshop sessions have now been planned. These will focus on finalising the schedule. Player retentions and direct signings will also be discussed. So will a fresh review of playing conditions for the next season. With season 11 now wrapped up, all eyes are already on what comes next. Officials say the goal is to build on this year’s success. The aim is to make PSL 12 an even bigger draw for fans everywhere.

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    Katy Perry’s stage stunt goes wildly wrong

    ByJustpaste.in

    American pop star Katy Perry experienced an unexpected scare during a live concert in Malta after a planned stage stunt went off course, leaving her stranded inside a giant inflatable water bottle. Videos of the incident quickly spread across social media, attracting millions of views and sparking widespread discussion among fans. The 41-year-old singer used the oversized inflatable prop as part of her performance. The stunt was designed to allow the audience to carry the giant inflatable over the crowd and guide it back toward the stage, where a large decorative straw had been placed as part of the performance. However, the plan did not go as expected. Instead of moving back toward the stage, the inflatable drifted deeper into the audience. As the crowd carried the prop farther away, Perry found herself unable to return to the stage as intended. Videos shared online showed the singer trying to keep her balance while sitting inside the inflatable bottle. As she realized she was being carried farther from the stage, she called out to fans and urged them to take her back toward the performance area. After several minutes of confusion, concertgoers managed to change the direction of the inflatable and safely guided Perry back to the stage. She resumed her performance without any injuries and completed the concert. Speaking about the incident later on social media, Perry laughed about the unexpected moment. She explained that she often uses the giant inflatable during her concerts to interact with fans. However, she admitted that on this occasion she had travelled much farther into the crowd than planned and briefly worried she might not be able to return to the stage. The unusual incident quickly became one of the most talked-about moments online. Fans shared countless videos, memes and humorous posts inspired by the singer’s famous songs. Many praised Perry for remaining calm and handling the situation with a sense of humour. At the same time, some social media users questioned the safety measures surrounding the stunt. They raised concerns about crowd control and wondered whether such a large inflatable prop should have been allowed to move through a packed audience without clearer supervision or guidance.

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    Thousands storm Spain’s Ceuta border

    ByJustpaste.in

    Thousands of migrants gathered overnight in the Moroccan town of Fnideq near the border with the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, creating fresh pressure on one of Europe’s busiest migration routes. The large movement of people came despite a major security operation launched by Moroccan and Spanish authorities to stop illegal border crossings. Security forces strengthened patrols and reinforced checkpoints around the border. However, many migrants continued searching for ways to reach Ceuta. Some walked along the coastline looking for gaps in the border fence, while others prepared to swim across the sea in hopes of entering Spanish territory. According to Spanish media reports, between 2,000 and 3,000 migrants managed to cross into Ceuta on Thursday. Most of the successful crossings reportedly took place before security measures were tightened later in the day. Ceuta, along with the nearby Spanish enclave of Melilla, is the European Union’s only land border with Africa. The two territories have long served as major entry points for migrants hoping to begin a new life in Europe. Spain responded to the latest migration surge by sending additional military personnel and police officers to Ceuta. Authorities in the enclave also confirmed that nine bodies had been recovered following the crossing attempts, although officials have not released further details about the victims. Moroccan authorities deployed water cannon vehicles and additional security personnel at the border. Officers repeatedly pushed back groups attempting to force their way through the crossing points. Despite the heavy presence, migrants continued gathering throughout the night. Violence broke out near the border as tensions escalated. Several vehicles, including a bus and seven other vehicles, were set on fire during clashes. Burnt-out vehicles remained on the roadside after the unrest, highlighting the intensity of the confrontation. Many migrants described scenes of panic and confusion. One migrant said he became trapped in a stampede as people rushed toward a narrow coastal route. He said he feared for his life as people pushed and stepped on one another while trying to reach the border. Traffic into Fnideq remained heavily congested as more migrants continued arriving from different parts of Morocco. Some travelled along highways on foot, while others used mountain paths to avoid police checkpoints. Many spent the night waiting for another opportunity to cross. The crowds included men, women and children from Morocco as well as several countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Many families remained stranded near the border after repeated attempts to enter Ceuta were blocked. Among them was 23-year-old Fatima Mahli from the Moroccan city of Tetouan. She said she had travelled with her two daughters hoping to cross into Ceuta with her husband. According to her, her husband left before dawn to try to swim across after they realised the border crossing was effectively closed.

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    NCCIA crack down on OTP fraud Gang, arrests 27 acr…

    ByJustpaste.in

    LAHORE: In one of the largest cybercrime crackdowns in recent months, Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has dismantled an organised online fraud network, arresting 27 suspects during coordinated operations in Lahore, Multan and Faisalabad. According to officials, the suspects were part of an organised “OTP Gang” accused of targeting bank customers through sophisticated phone scams. Investigators said the group impersonated bank officials, customs officers and police personnel to deceive citizens into revealing sensitive financial information before stealing money from their accounts. The largest operation was carried out in Lahore, where NCCIA teams conducted raids at multiple locations and arrested 13 suspects in two separate operations. Authorities also recovered mobile phones, computers and other digital evidence believed to have been used in cyber fraud activities. In Multan, four intelligence-based operations resulted in the arrest of 13 key members of the network. Officials believe the suspects played central roles in planning and executing online scams that affected victims in different parts of the country. Meanwhile, in Faisalabad, investigators arrested another suspect allegedly involved in hacking bank and social media accounts. During the raid, officials recovered several fake SIM cards and digital devices that are being examined as part of the investigation. Preliminary findings suggest the network relied on social engineering techniques, convincing victims that their bank accounts or identity documents required urgent verification. Once victims shared one-time passwords (OTPs), banking details or verification codes, the suspects allegedly gained access to their accounts and carried out unauthorised financial transactions. Cybercrime investigators are analysing the seized electronic devices to identify additional members of the network, trace stolen funds and determine whether the group has links to other organised fraud rings operating across Pakistan. Following the successful operation, the NCCIA urged citizens to remain vigilant against phone and online scams. The agency warned people never to share their OTPs, ATM PINs, passwords or banking information with anyone claiming to represent a bank, government department or law enforcement agency. Officials also advised the public to verify suspicious calls through official customer service numbers and immediately report suspected cyber fraud to the relevant authorities. The latest crackdown highlights the growing threat of cyber-enabled financial crime in Pakistan and underscores the government’s increasing efforts to dismantle organised digital fraud networks while encouraging stronger public awareness of online security.

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    IMF hurdle blocks fuel levy cut, Senate told

    ByJustpaste.in

    Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik has said the government is unlikely to reduce the petroleum levy unless it can identify another source of revenue to compensate for the financial shortfall, warning that such a move would be difficult to secure without the approval of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Speaking during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum, the minister explained that any reduction in the levy would affect government revenues and would require a credible alternative before it could be considered. He said the IMF was unlikely to support the proposal unless Pakistan presented a replacement revenue stream. The committee also discussed the country’s fuel pricing mechanism, with several lawmakers expressing concerns over the introduction of daily price adjustments. Members argued that frequent revisions create uncertainty for consumers and make it difficult for the public to understand fuel costs. Responding to the criticism, Malik defended the system, saying the government had removed political influence from fuel pricing by giving the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) the authority to determine prices through an independent and transparent process. He said the mechanism was designed to reflect international market trends more accurately. The OGRA chairman informed the committee that local petrol and diesel prices are linked to fuel product prices in the Singapore market rather than international crude oil prices. He said the daily pricing system allows authorities to respond quickly to changes in global markets and helps reduce the impact of sudden price fluctuations. However, some lawmakers remained unconvinced. They argued that the pricing formula is too complicated for ordinary consumers and warned that frequent changes place additional financial pressure on households already struggling with rising living costs. The committee also raised concerns over the lack of performance audits of oil drilling rigs operating in the country. Members directed the relevant authorities to complete and submit an audit report within seven days to assess operational standards and efficiency. During the meeting, lawmakers questioned the continued delay in appointing a permanent chairman of OGRA. The petroleum minister replied that the recruitment process had been restarted after the earlier selection exercise failed to identify a suitable candidate.

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    Naseem Shah breaks his silence on fitness concerns

    ByJustpaste.in

    Naseem Shah has responded to concerns about his fitness. He is preparing for his return to competitive cricket. The pacer says injuries are simply a part of the game. According to him, they should not be seen as a sign of poor conditioning. The 23-year-old has been out since April. He suffered a side strain while playing for Rawalpindiz in PSL 11. The injury ruled him out for the rest of that tournament. He has not played a competitive match since. He is now set to make his comeback. The stage will be the National Champions Cup. It is a 50-over tournament featuring four teams. These are Pakistan Greens, Pakistan Whites, Pakistan Blues and Pakistan Gold. The event runs from August 11 to 18. It will be held at the Multan Cricket Stadium. Naseem has been picked for the Pakistan Greens squad. All-rounder Shadab Khan will lead the side. The tournament also plays a bigger role. It forms part of Pakistan’s build-up to the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Selectors are currently tracking a wider pool of 44 players. Speaking to the media, Naseem explained an important distinction. He said physical fitness and match fitness are not the same thing. An injury during a match or training session does not mean a player is unfit. He added that any player can get hurt while playing. He also spoke about workload management. He said today’s game demands careful planning from players. Cricket keeps evolving, and fast bowlers must adapt with it. This, he said, is now part of the job. Naseem also touched on Pakistan’s fast-bowling legacy. He said success was never just about raw pace. Line and length, he explained, matter just as much as speed. He credited this balance for the team’s past bowling success. On his own pace, Naseem stayed confident. He said he still bowls at competitive speeds. In T20 cricket, he touches close to 140 kilometres per hour. He noted that one-day cricket brings a different challenge altogether. He ended by addressing his availability. Naseem said he is ready for any format. He added that it is not his job to choose. His only responsibility, he said, is to play whenever Pakistan calls upon him.

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    Police intensify Mir Ali Raza murder probe

    ByJustpaste.in

    Police have stepped up investigations into the abduction and murder of 25-year-old businessman Mir Ali Raza, whose body was found in Karachi’s Gulistan-e-Jauhar after he disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Investigators are pursuing multiple leads and examining digital evidence as they work to identify those responsible for the killing. According to the investigation, Raza returned home from his business on the night of July 28. A short while later, he left again after telling his family that he would return within 10 minutes. When he failed to come back, his family became concerned and later reported the matter to the police. CCTV footage collected by investigators shows a white vehicle arriving outside Raza’s residence at around 4am. The footage allegedly shows the businessman getting into the rear seat of the vehicle before it drove away. Police are trying to trace the vehicle and identify everyone who was inside at the time. The businessman’s body was later recovered from bushes in Block 1 of Gulistan-e-Jauhar. A preliminary investigation found that he had been subjected to torture before being shot once in the chest. Officials also clarified that rumours claiming acid had been used were incorrect. They said the condition of the body resulted from decomposition after it had remained at the location for more than 30 hours. Investigators discovered that before his disappearance, Raza had booked an online taxi and travelled to the kitchen facility used for his dessert business in Gulistan-e-Jauhar. The taxi driver confirmed dropping him off at the location. Police believe the kidnapping and murder occurred after he left the premises. One of the biggest challenges in the investigation is the disappearance of the victim’s mobile phone. Police have requested technical assistance from telecom authorities to obtain his call records, location history and other digital data. Investigators are also examining the people he had recently contacted to determine whether any connection exists between those communications and the crime. Authorities are also investigating the sudden deactivation of Raza’s social media accounts shortly before his body was discovered. Investigators are trying to establish whether the accounts were deactivated by the businessman himself or by someone who gained access to his phone after the incident. Police have questioned employees working at the kitchen on the night of the incident, along with staff members employed at his restaurants. Several people have been interviewed as part of the investigation, but officials have not disclosed further details, saying the inquiry is still ongoing. Investigators continue to analyse CCTV footage collected from nearby houses, shops and streets in an effort to reconstruct the victim’s final movements. However, officials say the absence of a citywide surveillance system and the poor quality of many privately installed cameras have made the investigation more difficult.

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    Delani century gives Sri Lanka 1-0 lead against Pakistan

    ByJustpaste.in

    DAMBULLA: A sensational unbeaten century from opener Ameesha Delani powered Sri Lanka Women to a commanding six-wicket victory over Pakistan Women in the opening T20 International of the three-match series on Friday, overshadowing impressive batting performances from Pakistan captain Muneeba Ali and Shawaal Zulfiqar. After winning the toss, Sri Lanka elected to bowl first, allowing Pakistan to make a confident start. Captain Muneeba Ali led from the front with a blistering 42 off just 24 balls, striking nine boundaries during a 66-run opening partnership that gave the visitors early momentum. Following Muneeba’s dismissal, Shawaal Zulfiqar anchored the innings with a composed 63 runs, while Iman Nasir contributed 21 during a valuable 61-run stand for the second wicket. However, Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals in the closing overs and finished on 176 for 7 from their allotted 20 overs. For Sri Lanka, Kavisha Dilhari claimed two wickets, while Kavya Kavindi, Sugandika Kumari and Chamudi Praboda picked up one wicket each to restrict Pakistan from crossing the 180-run mark. In reply, Sri Lanka produced an even stronger batting display. Opener Ameesha Delani stole the spotlight with a magnificent unbeaten 101, combining aggressive stroke play with calm composure to guide her team to victory with an over to spare. Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu provided excellent support with 39 runs as the hosts comfortably chased down the 177-run target, finishing on 177 for 4 in 19 overs. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the Sri Lankan batters despite efforts from Nashra Sandhu, who claimed two wickets. Humna Bilal and Umm-e-Hani took one wicket each but were unable to prevent the hosts from taking a 1-0 lead in the series. The defeat leaves Pakistan needing a strong response in the second T20I, scheduled for August 2, to keep the series alive before the final match on August 4. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will head into the next game full of confidence after a dominant all-round performance led by Delani’s match-winning century.