تازہ ترین

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    Questions mount over funding as violence mars London Kashmir protest

    ByJustpaste.in

    A protest held in central London in the name of solidarity with Kashmir has come under scrutiny following allegations over its funding and organisation, while reports of violence against a senior journalist have further fuelled controversy surrounding the demonstration. According to claims circulating among sections of the British Pakistani and Kashmiri community, around 50 coaches were arranged to transport participants from Bradford, Manchester and Birmingham to London. Some community members have alleged that the overall cost of the mobilisation exceeded £500,000 and have publicly questioned who financed the event, calling for greater transparency over its funding and logistics. Community sources further alleged that some families were offered a free day trip to London, including complimentary coach travel, to encourage participation in the demonstration. According to the sources, the offer attracted families who joined the trip. Allegations circulating on social media have also suggested that foreign elements including Indian agencies may have supported the protests through there frontmen’s Some members of the community further claimed that the number of British Pakistanis and Azad Kashmiris attending the protest was lower than expected, while participants from other communities appeared more visible. The demonstration was overshadowed by the alleged assault on senior Pakistani journalist Murtaza Ali Shah while he was covering the protest. Reports of the incident have drawn concern from journalists and media organisations, with calls for those responsible to be identified and held accountable. Witnesses also alleged that some protesters behaved aggressively towards members of the media, raising concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists covering public demonstrations. Media observers said any intimidation or violence against journalists undermines democratic values and damages the credibility of a protest. The protest took place amid continuing demonstrations by sections of the Kashmiri diaspora over developments in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. While organisers described the event as a show of solidarity with Kashmir, the allegations over funding, crowd mobilisation and the reported violence have shifted attention to the conduct and organisation of the demonstration. The organisers have not publicly responded to the allegations regarding the event’s funding, logistics or the reported assault on the journalist. Community representatives have called for full transparency over the financing of the protest and urged all parties to ensure that future demonstrations remain peaceful and respectful of media freedom.Organisers have rejected claims of Indian funding by saying there members contributed for the arrangements.

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    Arshad Nadeem loses Commonwealth javelin title

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan’s Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem was unable to defend his Commonwealth Games men’s javelin title after finishing ninth in the final at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow on Friday. The 29-year-old struggled throughout the competition and failed to qualify for the final three attempts. His title defence began with a foul on his opening throw, followed by a best effort of 77.41 metres in the second round. The distance briefly placed him on the leaderboard, but stronger performances from his rivals pushed him down to ninth among the 12 finalists. Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage produced a sensational throw of 89.75 metres in the second round to secure the gold medal. Although all five of his remaining attempts ended in fouls, his winning mark remained unmatched for the rest of the competition. With the victory, Pathirage became only the third South Asian athlete to win the Commonwealth Games men’s javelin title. His triumph also ended Sri Lanka’s 20-year wait for a Commonwealth Games gold medal, with the nation’s previous gold coming at the 2006 Melbourne Games. India’s Neeraj Chopra claimed the silver medal with a season-best throw of 85.83 metres, also achieved in the second round. Fellow Indian athlete Yash Vir Singh secured bronze with a personal-best effort of 85.41 metres on his final attempt. The event also marked a historic achievement for India, as it was the first time the country won two medals in the men’s javelin competition at the Commonwealth Games. Men’s Javelin Final Results: Gold: Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage (Sri Lanka) – 89.75m Silver: Neeraj Chopra (India) – 85.83m Bronze: Yash Vir Singh (India) – 85.41m

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    Petrol down to Rs336.03, diesel to Rs392.38

    ByJustpaste.in

    The federal government has announced a slight reduction in the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel for the next fortnight. According to a notification issued by the Petroleum Division, the price of high-speed diesel has been reduced by Rs0.66 per litre. Following the latest revision, the new price of diesel has been fixed at Rs392.38 per litre. The government has also lowered the price of petrol by Rs0.12 per litre. After the reduction, the new retail price of petrol now stands at Rs336.03 per litre. The revised fuel prices came into effect after the issuance of the official notification by the Petroleum Division. Petrol is widely used by private vehicles, motorcycles and small transport operators across the country, while high-speed diesel is mainly consumed by heavy transport, agricultural machinery and industrial sectors. Any change in fuel prices directly affects transportation costs, production expenses and the overall cost of living. Although the latest reduction is modest, it provides some relief to consumers and businesses that rely on petroleum products for their daily operations. The government reviews petroleum prices periodically, taking into account fluctuations in international oil markets, exchange rate movements and applicable taxes and levies before announcing revised rates. The latest adjustment reflects the government’s routine fuel price review mechanism.

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    Sadie Sink revealed as Jean Grey in Spider-Man: Brand New Day

    ByJustpaste.in

    After months of speculation, Sadie Sink’s long-kept secret role in Spider-Man: Brand New Day has finally been revealed. The actress, best known for her standout performance in Stranger Things, has officially joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Jean Grey, one of the most iconic characters from the X-Men franchise. Marvel had announced Sink as part of the film’s cast well before its release but deliberately kept her character under wraps, sparking widespread theories among fans. Many believed she would portray Gwen Stacy, Mayday Parker, or another familiar Spider-Man character, while others predicted she could be connected to the X-Men. With the film now arriving in cinemas, the mystery has finally been solved. Sink makes her MCU debut in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, starring alongside Tom Holland in his fourth standalone Spider-Man adventure. Her appearance as Jean Grey marks a major crossover, introducing one of Marvel’s most powerful mutants into the MCU through the Spider-Man storyline. The reveal has quickly become one of the film’s biggest talking points, surprising audiences who had no confirmation of her role before the movie’s release. Jean Grey is among Marvel’s most recognizable superheroes, known for her extraordinary telepathic and telekinetic abilities. Over the years, the character has played a central role in numerous X-Men storylines, including the legendary Dark Phoenix saga. Previously, Jean Grey was portrayed by Famke Janssen in Fox’s original X-Men film series. The younger version of the character was later played by Sophie Turner in X-Men: Apocalypse and Dark Phoenix. Sink now becomes the latest actress to take on the beloved role, bringing a fresh interpretation of the powerful mutant as Marvel continues expanding the X-Men’s presence in the MCU. In Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Jean Grey is introduced in a dramatic fashion. Her powers allow her to possess multiple individuals while attempting to infiltrate facilities operated by the Department of Damage Control. The sequence highlights her immense psychic abilities and hints at a larger role for mutants in future Marvel projects. The introduction of Jean Grey is expected to have significant implications for the MCU. Fans have been eagerly waiting for Marvel Studios to gradually integrate the X-Men following Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox. Sink’s debut represents another major step toward that long-anticipated crossover. The casting decision has also generated praise among fans, many of whom had previously suggested Sink would be a strong choice for Jean Grey because of her acting range and screen presence. Her performance is already being discussed as one of the film’s standout surprises. Sink previously revealed that she landed the Marvel role without having to audition. She had already built a working relationship with director Destin Daniel Cretton after appearing in the 2017 drama The Glass Castle. That collaboration ultimately helped pave the way for her casting in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, where she now begins a new chapter as one of Marvel’s most iconic superheroes.

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    Rashmika Mandanna suffers serious hip injury during dance shoot

    ByJustpaste.in

    Actress Rashmika Mandanna has reportedly sustained a serious hip injury while filming an intense dance sequence for one of her upcoming projects, forcing her to temporarily step away from work and prioritize her recovery. The actress, who is currently busy with multiple film commitments, was reportedly injured during a demanding shoot that involved physically challenging dance and action sequences. The incident is said to have occurred amid a hectic filming schedule, adding to the physical strain of her back-to-back projects. According to reports, the injury resulted in a complete tendon detachment in her hip, a condition that requires careful medical attention and an extended recovery period. Medical experts who assessed her condition reportedly noted that this type of tendon damage is more commonly seen in athletes and individuals who regularly undergo intense physical training due to the significant stress placed on the muscles and joints. Following the diagnosis, doctors have advised Rashmika to take complete rest for the next six weeks to allow the injured tendon to heal properly. During this period, she has reportedly been instructed to avoid strenuous physical activity and give her body enough time to recover before resuming work. Once the initial healing phase is complete, the actress is expected to begin a carefully planned rehabilitation program. The recovery process will reportedly focus on gradually restoring her hip strength, flexibility, and mobility through supervised physiotherapy and targeted exercises. Medical professionals are expected to closely monitor her progress before giving her clearance to return to film sets. Rashmika has maintained one of the busiest schedules in the Indian film industry in recent months. She has been simultaneously working on several high-profile projects, including Ranabaali and Mysaa, while also balancing a packed calendar of promotional appearances and brand endorsements. Apart from her film commitments, the actress is associated with nearly 30 national and international brands, making her one of the most sought-after celebrities in the advertising industry. Her demanding schedule has required constant travel, long working hours, and physically exhausting performances, particularly for dance-based sequences. The injury is expected to affect some of her ongoing professional commitments. Production schedules for a number of her films could be adjusted to accommodate her recovery, while certain advertising campaigns and promotional events may also be rescheduled depending on her medical progress. Although the setback comes at a busy stage in her career, industry observers believe the decision to prioritize her health will help ensure a safer return to work. Recovering fully from a tendon injury is considered essential to prevent long-term complications or the risk of re-injury. For now, Rashmika’s immediate focus remains on rest and rehabilitation. Fans and colleagues across the entertainment industry have expressed hope that she will make a complete recovery and return to the screen once she receives medical clearance. Until then, her ongoing projects are expected to proceed with revised schedules while the actress concentrates on regaining her strength and fitness.

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    Schools reopen across Sindh as summer vacation end…

    ByJustpaste.in

    KARACHI: Schools and colleges across Sindh, including Karachi, reopened on Friday after a two-month summer vacation, bringing students and teachers back to classrooms and restoring the familiar bustle of the academic year. The reopening marks the end of the summer holidays that ran from June 1 to July 31 under the Sindh Education Department’s academic calendar. Along with the resumption of classes, educational institutions have also returned to a six-day working week, as the weekly Saturday holiday has officially been withdrawn from August 1. Although academic activities resumed across the province, attendance on the first day remained lower than usual in many government and private schools. Several private institutions announced that they would begin regular classes from August 3, allowing additional time to complete administrative preparations before welcoming students. Schools were filled with excitement as children arrived with their parents or in school vans after the long vacation. Teachers greeted students warmly and organized engaging classroom sessions, interactive learning exercises and science-based activities to help them settle back into the academic routine. Many schools also used WhatsApp groups and email to inform parents about updated school timings, class schedules and other important guidelines for the new session. Education officials encouraged parents to ensure regular attendance as the academic calendar gets back on track. The reopening of schools also had an immediate impact on city life. Morning traffic increased significantly across Karachi, with major roads witnessing the return of school transport, private vehicles and commuters during peak hours after weeks of relatively lighter traffic. Education experts believe that the return to regular classroom learning will help students regain academic momentum following the extended summer break. Schools are expected to focus on completing course outlines on schedule while maintaining extracurricular and practical learning activities throughout the new term. The Sindh Education Department had announced summer vacations from June 1 to July 31, with educational institutions officially resuming normal operations from August 1 under the revised weekly schedule.

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    PM Shehbaz Sharif orders digital system to end oil…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the implementation of a modern digital monitoring system in Pakistan’s oil and gas sector, aiming to eliminate profiteering, hoarding and improve transparency across the energy supply chain. The directive came during a meeting in Islamabad where the prime minister met a delegation led by the World Bank’s country director. The delegation presented a set of policy recommendations focused on strengthening governance, improving regulatory oversight and enhancing efficiency in the country’s energy sector. During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz instructed the relevant authorities to establish a committee to review the World Bank’s recommendations and submit practical proposals for implementation. The committee is expected to evaluate the report and identify reforms that could modernize the sector while protecting consumers. The prime minister also issued specific instructions to the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to introduce an advanced digital system capable of monitoring the movement, storage and distribution of petroleum products. The initiative is intended to increase transparency, curb illegal practices and prevent artificial shortages caused by hoarding. Officials said the digital platform is expected to strengthen regulatory oversight by enabling authorities to monitor supply chains in real time, making it more difficult for unscrupulous elements to manipulate fuel availability or earn unlawful profits through price distortions. The government believes greater digital integration will improve accountability, ensure a more reliable supply of petroleum products and build public confidence in the country’s energy market. Officials also hope the move will support broader economic reforms by promoting fair competition and reducing opportunities for market abuse. The meeting reflects the government’s continued focus on improving governance in key economic sectors through technology-driven reforms. Energy experts say stronger digital oversight could help streamline operations, enhance regulatory compliance and provide consumers with greater protection against unfair pricing and supply disruptions. The government is expected to announce further details regarding the implementation timeline after the review committee completes its assessment of the World Bank’s recommendations.

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    ‘I never said Rawalakot people aren’t …

    ByJustpaste.in

    SIALKOT: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has rejected claims that he questioned the Kashmiri identity of the people of Rawalakot, saying his remarks had been misunderstood and reaffirming Pakistan’s support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a public gathering in Sialkot on Friday, the senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader said he had “never said that the people of Rawalakot are not Kashmiris.” He stressed that Pakistan’s bond with Kashmir remains unwavering and added that pro-Pakistan slogans continue to be raised in Indian-administered Kashmir. Khawaja Asif also pledged that the government would not allow the abolition of refugee-reserved seats, describing Kashmiri refugees as the rightful stakeholders whose political representation must be protected. “The refugee seats will not be abolished. Kashmiri refugees are the true heirs of these constituencies,” he told supporters, adding that the government remained committed to safeguarding their constitutional and political rights. The defence minister also criticized the Action Committee operating in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, accusing it of encouraging unrest despite the government having previously accepted many of its demands. He claimed that financial assistance amounting to Rs24-25 billion had already been provided to address public concerns. Without presenting evidence, Asif further alleged that some members of the committee were “suspicious” and receiving foreign funding, asserting that their activities were creating unnecessary instability instead of contributing to constructive dialogue. Turning to politics, the PML-N leader expressed confidence that his party would form the next government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, saying the party remained committed to development, stability and public welfare in the region. His remarks come amid heightened political debate over Kashmir-related issues and governance in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where political parties continue to campaign on questions of representation, development and regional stability ahead of future electoral contests.

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    Fazlur Rehman urges peace as Kashmir protests cont…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has called for restraint and dialogue amid the ongoing protest movement in Kashmir, urging state institutions to prioritize reconciliation over confrontation. In a video message released on Friday, the veteran religious and political leader said demonstrations in Kashmir have continued for nearly two months, describing the movement as a reflection of public frustration. He paid tribute to the patience and resilience of the Kashmiri people, saying they had shown remarkable endurance despite prolonged unrest. According to Fazlur Rehman, tensions escalated on June 5, prompting efforts by a mediation committee to help resolve the crisis through negotiations. He said the committee had approached him with confidence to support a peaceful settlement, but claimed its efforts did not receive the attention they deserved from the authorities. The JUI-F chief alleged that the government had remained focused on suppressing the movement through the use of force rather than engaging in meaningful dialogue. He appealed to the protest committee to allow more time for mediation and avoid taking any major step that could further escalate the situation. “I salute the patience and perseverance of the Kashmiri people,” Fazlur Rehman said, adding that the movement was spreading across Kashmir and drawing attention from audiences around the world. He also urged state institutions to adopt a path of peace instead of violence, emphasizing that reconciliation and mutual understanding were essential for resolving political disputes and restoring stability. The remarks come at a time of heightened political activity and continued demonstrations in parts of Kashmir, where various groups have been calling for action on governance and public concerns. While political leaders continue to offer differing assessments of the situation, Fazlur Rehman stressed that dialogue remains the most effective way to reduce tensions and move toward a lasting solution.

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    Government college students excel in Karachi inter…

    ByJustpaste.in

    KARACHI: The Board of Intermediate Education Karachi (BIEK) on Friday announced the results of the Intermediate Part-II annual examinations 2026. Students from government colleges secured top positions in several groups, highlighting the strong performance of public-sector educational institutions. BIEK Chairman Professor Ghaffar Muhammad Lakho said the results were encouraging for government colleges. He noted that the top two positions in the pre-medical group were won by students of a government college. According to him, this reflects the growing trust of students and parents in public-sector education. In the pre-medical group, Hafsa Khan of BAMM PECHS Government College for Women secured first position. She scored 1,011 marks out of a total of 1,100. Her classmate Huda Sarwar claimed the second position with 1,007 marks. Amina Aziz of Bahria College, Karsaz, secured third place after obtaining 1,004 marks. Controller of Examinations Zarina Rashid said that 23,613 students registered for the pre-medical examinations. A total of 23,007 candidates appeared in the exams. Out of them, 14,134 students passed. The overall pass percentage in the pre-medical group remained 61.43%. Female students dominated the Arts Private Group by securing all top three positions. Rafia Shoaib Jaliwala topped the group with 925 marks. Almas Fatima and Khansa Raza jointly secured the second position with 902 marks each. Amra Shoaib Jaliwala stood third after scoring 901 marks. Students also performed well in the Home Economics Group. Azka Imran of Rana Liaquat Ali Khan Government College of Home Economics secured first position with 973 marks out of 1,200. Aila Anwar obtained second position with 968 marks. Yamna Shariq secured third place by scoring 953 marks. Special candidates also recorded an impressive performance. In the Arts Regular category, Syed Hammad Ali secured first position with 1,004 marks. Taha Ahmed came second with 990 marks, while Maryam Bibi claimed third position after scoring 985 marks. The board said the pass percentage in the Arts Private Group stood at 50.04%. The Home Economics Group recorded a pass rate of 52.47%. The highest success ratio was observed among special candidates, where the pass percentage reached 95.87%.