تازہ ترین

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    Singapore bans British band Massive Attack following pro-Palestinian display at concert

    The Singapore Police Force and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) have issued a formal entry ban against British trip-hop band Massive Attack after band members unfurled a Palestinian flag and shouted “Free Palestine” on stage during their performance at The Star Performing Arts Centre. Following an investigation into the incident, authorities administered stern warnings to founding members Robert Del Naja and Grant Marshall for violating Section 3 of the Foreign National Emblems (Control of Display) Act 1949 and Section 16 of the Public Order Act. The regulatory body confirmed that the band will be denied future entry and performance permits in the country. IMDA is also evaluating potential licensing breaches against the local concert organiser for failing to enforce rules that strictly prohibit the display of political or foreign symbols. Singapore maintains stringent regulations regarding public demonstrations, political expression, and the display of foreign emblems to preserve racial and religious harmony within its multicultural population. Authorities reiterated that external geopolitical conflicts must not be imported into the country’s public sphere. Massive Attack, known for integrating political activism into their performances, continued their world tour with their next scheduled stop in Seoul.

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    Chinese Ambassador vows expanded collaboration wit…

    FAISALABAD : Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Jiang Zaidong, has reaffirmed China’s steadfast commitment to broadening cooperation with Pakistan, particularly in the critical sectors of poverty alleviation, agriculture, education, and vocational training. The Ambassador made these remarks during an interactive session at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), where he met with Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, senior university officials, Chinese alumni, and representatives from academia and government. Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Jiang emphasized that as an agrarian economy, Pakistan holds immense potential to combat poverty through the revitalization and modernization of its agricultural sector. He announced that China intends to deepen collaboration in agricultural education, training, and technology transfer. Drawing on his country’s developmental journey, he underlined that strong leadership, consistent long-term policies, and a people-centered approach are fundamental to national progress. Praising UAF’s role in fostering bilateral ties, the envoy lauded the university and its Confucius Institute for significantly strengthening educational and cultural linkages between the two nations. He stressed that academic collaboration and scientific innovation remain vital pillars of the enduring strategic partnership between Pakistan and China. He remarked that Pakistan and China enjoy an exemplary friendship, built on a foundation of mutual trust, respect, and shared prosperity. In his response, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali expressed pride in the university’s role as a bridge between the two countries, facilitating academic partnerships, joint research, innovation, and people-to-people exchanges. He noted that 100 UAF faculty members are graduates of Chinese universities, and that several joint laboratories have already yielded patented technologies. The Confucius Institute at UAF, recognized as a top-model institute globally, has trained over 35,000 students in Chinese language and culture and operates branches across 13 Pakistani universities. As a founding member of the Confucius Institute Global Agriculture Alliance, UAF continues to serve as a primary gateway for Sino-Pak collaboration, offering its diverse climates and fields for testing Chinese technology. Following the meeting, the Ambassador toured the UAF Exhibition Centre for a briefing on the university’s key research milestones and technological innovations. He then visited the Confucius Institute, where he explored the Pakistan-China 75th Anniversary Art and Cultural Exhibition, inspected smart classrooms and cultural activity facilities, and enjoyed vibrant performances presented by the institute’s students. The visit concluded with a tree plantation ceremony, during which Ambassador Jiang and Vice Chancellor Prof. Ali jointly planted a sapling—a tribute to their mutual commitment to sustainable cooperation and a greener future. Earlier, the envoy received a warm welcome at the Administration Block from the Vice Chancellor and Dr. Saddam Hussain, Dean of the Confucius Institute. The high-profile engagement further cemented the longstanding partnership between UAF and Chinese institutions, reflecting both countries’ shared resolve to promote excellence in education, research, innovation, agriculture, and cross-cultural understanding.

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    Belgian authorities arrest Canadian intern on suspicion of spying at NATO military headquarters

    Belgian prosecutors have launched an investigation into a Canadian woman of Chinese origin arrested on suspicion of spying while working as an intern at NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium. The suspect’s workplace and residence inside the NATO military base were searched following a tip-off from NATO security services regarding suspicious behaviour, including asking unauthorised questions and loitering near alliance buildings. She has been remanded in pre-trial custody for one month on charges of espionage for a third country and membership of a criminal organisation. The incident has raised significant concerns over international security clearance procedures, which fall under the responsibility of an intern’s home nation, in this instance, Canada. Canadian Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree confirmed that national authorities will review their security screening protocols to determine how the breach occurred. Meanwhile, NATO officials stated that the alliance remains fully committed to safeguarding classified information and protecting personnel.

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    Search teams recover body of American climber following fatal avalanche on Broad Peak

    Search and rescue teams in northern Pakistan have recovered the body of 39-year-old American mountaineer Mallory Geis following a massive avalanche on Broad Peak, the world’s 12th-highest mountain. The disaster struck a 10-member international expedition led by renowned British-Nepali climber Nirmal “Nims Dai” Purja at an altitude of approximately 7,000 metres in the Karakoram range. Pakistani military helicopters and ground units deployed to the site have secured the remains of three victims so far, including Geis, Omani climber Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy, and Nepali guide Pur Bahadur Gurung. The Alpine Club of Pakistan confirmed that bad weather and hazardous high-altitude conditions have severely complicated ongoing search efforts for the remaining missing team members. Aerial drone footage spotted several other expedition members swept nearly 1,000 metres downhill by the slide, though ground teams have yet to reach them due to the extreme terrain. Local authorities in Gilgit-Baltistan stated that recovered victims were transported to regional medical facilities for official identification procedures, while military helicopters remain on standby for further retrieval operations as weather permits.

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    US President Donald Trump backtracks on promise allowing Ukraine to produce Patriot missiles

    US President Donald Trump has walked back his previous offer to grant Ukraine a license to domestically produce Patriot interceptor missiles, stating during a Cabinet meeting at Camp David that the United States has “not agreed” to share the technology. Trump expressed caution over transferring sensitive defense hardware, warning that “they can someday turn on you” and emphasising the need to safeguard advanced military systems. The reversal comes just three weeks after Trump publicly promised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a NATO summit in Ankara that Washington would grant Kyiv the manufacturing rights to build the air defense interceptors. Although Zelensky recently stated after a White House visit that the production licensing had been approved, Trump clarified that no final commitment has been made. The decision arrives as Kyiv faces intensified Russian drone and ballistic missile strikes, with Ukrainian military officials warning that critical shortages of Patriot interceptors are severely compromising their air defense capabilities.

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    Arizona police release ransom notes in ongoing search for abducted mother of US TV presenter Savannah Guthrie

    Police in Arizona have released the text of two ransom notes six months after the abduction of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of prominent US television presenter Savannah Guthrie. The Pima County Sheriff’s Office made the decision to publish the communications in the hope that members of the public might recognise distinct linguistic patterns or writing habits attributable to the perpetrator. Nancy Guthrie was taken from her home near Tucson, Arizona, on 31 January. The first note, received by a local news station on 2 February, demanded $4 million in Bitcoin within five days, threatening that she would be killed if a total of $6 million was not paid by 9 February. The note included specific details regarding the crime scene, referencing a damaged backyard floodlight and a white smartwatch left on her bedroom floor. A second note arrived four days later, claiming that Nancy Guthrie had died from a heart-related condition shortly after her abduction and had been “buried in nature”. However, law enforcement officials stated they cannot confirm her death and continue to treat the investigation as an active missing persons and kidnapping case. Savannah Guthrie, who hosts NBC’s Today show, has released multiple public appeals urging the abductors to reveal the location of her mother’s remains so the family can bring her home.

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    Punjab CM engages PML-N legislators to improve pro…

    LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has intensified her engagement with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) legislators by holding regular meetings aimed at addressing their concerns and improving coordination between elected representatives and the provincial administration. As part of the initiative, the chief minister met PML-N members of the Punjab Assembly from Bahawalnagar on Friday to discuss the political situation, ongoing development projects, and issues affecting local communities. The meeting followed a similar interaction with lawmakers from Mandi Bahauddin held last week, reflecting a broader effort to strengthen communication within the party. The renewed outreach comes amid concerns voiced by several lawmakers, particularly those representing rural constituencies, who believe government officials and police are not responding adequately when they raise public issues on behalf of their constituents. Since assuming office in February 2024, Maryam Nawaz has maintained a policy of keeping political influence out of administrative and police appointments, insisting that postings and transfers should be based solely on merit. While the move has been praised as an effort to promote transparency and professionalism, some legislators have argued that it has reduced their ability to effectively advocate for their voters. Party sources said most lawmakers are not seeking authority over appointments but expect district officials and law enforcement agencies to respond respectfully and seriously when they present genuine public grievances. They believe stronger coordination between elected representatives and the administration is essential for resolving local issues and maintaining public confidence. According to senior party figures, the chief minister has been encouraged to hold regular consultations with lawmakers to ensure their concerns are heard directly while preserving her commitment to merit-based governance. The Punjab government has reiterated that its policy of transparent appointments remains unchanged. Officials maintain that the administration is committed to eliminating political interference in the bureaucracy while ensuring that public service delivery continues to improve across the province. The latest meetings are being viewed as an effort to strengthen internal party coordination, enhance communication with legislators, and ensure that public concerns are addressed more effectively without compromising administrative reforms.

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    PML-N MNA Malik Iqbal Channar dies after prolonged…

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Member of the National Assembly Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channar passed away after battling a prolonged illness, his family confirmed on Saturday. His death has been met with grief across political circles, with leaders and supporters paying tribute to his decades of public and political service. According to his family, Malik Iqbal Channar had been ill for several weeks. During his illness, he suffered a brain haemorrhage and was admitted to hospital, where doctors performed surgery in an effort to save his life. Despite medical treatment, he could not recover and passed away. Malik Iqbal Channar was serving as a member of the National Assembly from the NA-168 Bahawalpur constituency. He was considered a senior politician in the region and remained closely associated with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz for many years. Throughout his political career, Channar actively participated in public welfare initiatives and maintained close contact with his constituents. He was known within the party as a loyal worker and a committed representative who remained dedicated to serving the people. Following the news of his death, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound sorrow and extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. In his condolence message, the prime minister praised the late lawmaker’s political, social and public contributions. He said Malik Iqbal Channar devoted his life to serving the people and strengthening the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz through his commitment and hard work. Shehbaz Sharif said the country had lost a sincere public representative whose services would be remembered with respect. He described Channar as a loyal and ideological worker of the PML-N and a trusted companion of party president Nawaz Sharif. The prime minister also recalled his personal association with the late parliamentarian. He said he had the opportunity to know Malik Iqbal Channar personally and work alongside him on several occasions during his tenure in the Punjab government. He added that Channar’s loyalty, dedication and commitment to both the party and the people would always be remembered. The prime minister prayed for the departed soul and asked Allah Almighty to grant patience and strength to his family during this difficult time. The passing of Malik Iqbal Channar marks the end of a long political career spent in public service. His death has created a sense of loss among party workers, political colleagues and residents of Bahawalpur, many of whom remembered him as a dedicated leader who remained connected to his constituency throughout his time in office.

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    Islamabad district courts begin summer break

    The summer vacation in Islamabad’s district and sessions courts began on Saturday and will continue until August 31, according to the official schedule issued by the judicial authorities. The district judiciary announced that regular court proceedings will remain suspended during the vacation period. However, essential judicial work will continue through designated duty judges to ensure that urgent legal matters are addressed without delay. The Sessions Judges of both the East and West divisions issued separate duty rosters for the summer break. Under the schedule, one additional sessions judge and one judicial magistrate will remain on duty in each division throughout the vacation period. The duty judges will hear urgent cases requiring immediate judicial intervention. These include matters related to physical remand, judicial remand, bail applications and other emergency cases that cannot be postponed until the courts reopen after the holidays. The arrangement has been made to ensure that litigants continue to have access to the courts for urgent legal relief despite the suspension of regular proceedings. Judicial officials said the vacation roster has been prepared to maintain the smooth functioning of the district judiciary while allowing judges and court staff to observe the annual summer recess. The district and sessions courts are expected to resume their normal schedule after the summer vacation concludes on August 31. Until then, only cases of an urgent nature will be taken up by the designated duty judges in both the East and West judicial divisions of Islamabad.

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    Dr Mushtaq Khan re-elected Jamaat-e-Islami AJK chi…

    MUZAFFARABAD: Dr Muhammad Mushtaq Khan has been re-elected as the Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), securing a second consecutive term as the head of the party, according to an official announcement made by the party’s spokesperson. The spokesperson said Dr Mushtaq Khan will lead Jamaat-e-Islami AJK for the 2026–2029 term. His re-election reflects the party’s continued confidence in his leadership and organisational abilities. The party also confirmed that the Secretary of the Election Committee formally declared Dr Mushtaq Khan the successful candidate after the completion of the internal election process. With his re-election, Dr Mushtaq Khan will remain responsible for overseeing the party’s political strategy, organisational affairs and public outreach activities across Azad Jammu and Kashmir during the next three years. Party officials said the election process was conducted in accordance with the organisation’s constitutional procedures. They added that the formal announcement marked the completion of the party’s internal electoral process for the position of Ameer. Dr Mushtaq Khan has been associated with Jamaat-e-Islami for many years and has remained actively involved in political, religious and social activities in Azad Kashmir. During his previous term, he represented the party on various political and public issues while overseeing its organisational structure throughout the region. His second consecutive term is expected to ensure continuity in the party’s policies and organisational framework. Party leaders expressed confidence that his experience and leadership would help strengthen Jamaat-e-Islami’s role in Azad Kashmir’s political landscape.