تازہ ترین

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    Where did Karachi get the heaviest rainfall?

    Light rain and drizzle continued in different parts of Karachi during the past 24 hours, bringing pleasant weather to the city. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has released fresh rainfall figures, showing that Gulshan-e-Hadeed received the highest rainfall during the latest spell. According to the PMD, Gulshan-e-Hadeed recorded 4.5 millimetres of rainfall, making it the wettest area in the city. Surjani Town received 4 millimetres of rain, while Gulshan-e-Maymar recorded 3.4 millimetres. The M-9 Motorway also experienced rainfall, with 2.3 millimetres recorded during the period. Keamari received 1 millimetre of rain, while light drizzle was reported in several other areas of Karachi. Officials said drizzle was observed in Jinnah Terminal, the Old Airport area, Korangi, North Karachi and several surrounding localities. The rainfall helped reduce daytime temperatures but also increased humidity across the city. The Meteorological Department has forecast more rain and thunderstorms in Karachi during the next 24 hours. Weather officials said light to moderate rainfall is expected in different parts of the city as the current monsoon system continues to influence southern Sindh. Residents have been advised to remain cautious during periods of heavy rainfall, particularly in low-lying areas where water may accumulate. Motorists have also been urged to drive carefully on wet roads and avoid unnecessary travel during thunderstorms. According to the weather forecast, Karachi’s maximum temperature is expected to remain between 33 and 35 degrees Celsius today. During the previous 24 hours, the minimum temperature was recorded at 28.8 degrees Celsius. The PMD said southwesterly sea winds are currently blowing at a speed of 11 kilometres per hour. Humidity in the city has reached 78 percent, creating warm and humid conditions despite intermittent rainfall.

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    King Charles pays tribute to former British soldier killed on Broad Peak

    King Charles III has expressed grief over the death of former British soldier and renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja, who was killed in an avalanche on Broad Peak in northern Pakistan. According to international media reports, the British monarch paid tribute to Purja’s life and achievements. He said the former soldier had rendered distinguished service in the British Army before becoming one of the world’s most respected high-altitude climbers. King Charles praised Purja for his dedication, courage and outstanding achievements in mountaineering. He acknowledged that Purja earned global recognition after completing several challenging climbing expeditions and inspiring climbers around the world. The monarch said Purja’s contribution extended beyond mountaineering, noting that he had first built an impressive military career before gaining international fame through his record-breaking achievements in the world’s highest mountain ranges. Meanwhile, rescue teams in Pakistan continue recovery operations following the deadly avalanche on Broad Peak. Authorities have confirmed that the bodies of eight climbers who lost their lives in the incident have been recovered. Search and rescue teams are still looking for two missing mountaineers. The operation remains difficult because of harsh weather conditions, deep snow and the challenging terrain of one of the world’s highest peaks. Emergency personnel have continued the mission despite the risks, using all available resources to locate the remaining missing climbers. Officials said the operation will continue until all those affected by the tragedy are accounted for. The avalanche has shocked the international mountaineering community and prompted tributes from climbers, officials and supporters around the world. Many have remembered Nirmal Purja for his remarkable achievements, leadership and commitment to pushing the limits of high-altitude climbing. Broad Peak, located in Pakistan’s Karakoram mountain range, is among the world’s highest mountains and is considered one of the most demanding peaks for climbers because of its extreme weather and difficult climbing conditions.

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    Washington wildfires scorch 250,000 acres

    The US state of Washington is facing one of its most severe wildfire emergencies of the year as rapidly spreading fires continue to burn across vast areas, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate and leaving tens of thousands without electricity. State authorities have declared a state of emergency after wildfires scorched more than 250,000 acres of land. Officials said the total area burned since the beginning of the current wildfire season has now exceeded 450,000 acres, highlighting the scale of the crisis. Governor Bob Ferguson announced emergency measures and imposed a statewide burn ban. He said extremely high temperatures, dry conditions and strong winds have created dangerous conditions that are allowing the fires to spread quickly. Firefighters are battling more than a dozen active wildfires across the state. More than 4,000 emergency personnel have been deployed to contain the blazes and protect communities under threat. The Old Trails Fire has become one of the most destructive wildfires in eastern Washington. The fire is threatening thousands of homes and buildings, particularly around the city of Spokane. Authorities have ordered mandatory evacuations in several areas as flames continue to move toward residential communities. Emergency officials have also evacuated important public facilities as a precaution. These include a Department of Veterans Affairs hospital, a waste-to-energy plant and water treatment facilities. Authorities said the measures were taken to protect patients, staff and essential infrastructure. The wildfire emergency has also disrupted electricity services across eastern Washington. Utility provider Avista reported that around 60,000 customers remain without power because of fire damage and precautionary shutdowns designed to reduce additional risks. One of the largest active blazes is the Kaiser Canyon Fire in northeastern Washington. The wildfire has expanded to nearly 134,000 acres and continues to challenge firefighters because of difficult terrain and rapidly changing weather conditions. Fire crews from more than a dozen US states have joined local emergency responders to strengthen firefighting operations. National Guard personnel have also been mobilised to assist with evacuation efforts, logistics and emergency response. Authorities are using helicopters, aircraft, bulldozers and other heavy equipment to slow the spread of the fires and establish containment lines. Emergency teams are working around the clock to protect homes, businesses and critical infrastructure. Residents in affected communities have been urged to follow evacuation orders without delay and remain informed through official emergency updates. Officials warned that weather conditions could continue to fuel the fires in the coming days. Despite the widespread destruction and the large-scale emergency response, authorities have confirmed that no deaths or injuries have been reported so far. Firefighters continue working to bring the blazes under control while monitoring the risk of new fires across the state.

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    DG ISPR holds special session with students during…

    RAWALPINDI: The Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) held a special interactive session with participants of the ISPR Summer Internship 2026, discussing national security, terrorism, misinformation and the responsible use of social media. According to ISPR, the internship programme has attracted more than 6,000 students from across Pakistan, who are participating at 21 different stations nationwide. The initiative aims to provide young people with greater awareness of national institutions, security issues and the challenges facing the country. During the session, the DG ISPR responded to a wide range of questions from students, offering detailed explanations on issues related to Pakistan’s security environment, information warfare and the importance of verifying information before sharing it on digital platforms. A key focus of the discussion was the growing challenge of misinformation, disinformation and propaganda. Students were encouraged to critically evaluate online content and avoid circulating unverified news that could mislead the public or harm national interests. Participants said the session provided valuable guidance on identifying false narratives and understanding the impact of digital misinformation. They described the interaction as informative and said it helped clear up several misconceptions surrounding national security and current affairs. The briefing also covered the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where participants were given an overview of Pakistan’s official position and regional developments. Students said the discussion helped them better understand the ground realities and the broader context of issues affecting the region. According to participants, the DG ISPR also addressed questions regarding what the military described as hostile propaganda campaigns and security threats. Students noted that the detailed responses helped clarify several issues that had previously caused confusion or uncertainty. At the conclusion of the session, participants expressed their commitment to promoting accurate information and exercising greater responsibility while using social media platforms. They also pledged to play a constructive role in countering false information by relying on verified sources and encouraging informed public discourse. The ISPR Summer Internship has become one of the military’s flagship youth engagement initiatives, bringing together students from universities across the country for interaction with officials, educational activities and discussions on national issues. Officials said the programme is intended to strengthen awareness among young Pakistanis, encourage critical thinking and promote responsible digital citizenship at a time when misinformation and online propaganda continue to pose growing challenges worldwide.

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    Police kill suspected mastermind of Hangu attack

    HANGU: Police in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa said on Sunday they had killed the alleged mastermind behind last week’s deadly attack on the Khazina Banda police check post during a security operation near Chapri Naryab in Hangu district. According to police officials, security personnel launched the operation after receiving intelligence about the movement of 15 to 18 suspected militants in the area. During the exchange of fire, authorities said a high-value militant wanted in connection with the Khazina Banda attack was killed. Officials identified the deceased as the alleged planner of the assault on the police check post, which took place on July 29 and resulted in one of the deadliest recent attacks on law enforcement personnel in the district. Police said the earlier attack claimed the lives of 10 police personnel, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), while 28 others were injured. The assault prompted an extensive search operation across Hangu and surrounding areas to trace those involved. Authorities said intelligence-based operations have since been intensified to dismantle militant networks operating in the region. Security forces are continuing search and clearance operations to locate any remaining suspects believed to have escaped during Sunday’s action. The killing of the alleged mastermind is being viewed by officials as a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the Khazina Banda attack. However, police have not yet released the identity of the deceased or provided further operational details. The July 29 attack had shocked the province and renewed concerns over militant violence targeting security personnel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It also triggered a strong response from law enforcement agencies, which vowed to bring those responsible to justice. Officials reiterated that operations against militant groups would continue until all those involved in attacks on security forces are apprehended or neutralized. They emphasized that intelligence-led operations remain a key part of efforts to maintain law and order and prevent further attacks in the region. Investigations into the Khazina Banda incident are ongoing, while authorities continue to assess evidence collected from both the attack site and the latest operation.

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    Pakistan defeat South Korea 3-1 in second hockey Test

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan continued their impressive run in the four-match hockey Test series by defeating South Korea 3-1 in the second encounter, securing a commanding 2-0 lead in the series. The home side delivered another disciplined performance, building on the momentum from their opening victory to outclass the visitors with clinical finishing and solid defensive play. Pakistan’s star performer was Abubakar, who struck twice to put his team in control, while Abdul Rehman added the third goal to seal another convincing victory. South Korea managed to score once, but failed to recover as Pakistan maintained control throughout the contest. The victory follows Pakistan’s 3-1 triumph in the opening Test, giving the Green Shirts consecutive wins and putting them in a strong position ahead of the remaining two matches of the series. The ongoing series also marks a significant moment for Pakistan hockey, with international hockey returning to the country after nearly two decades. South Korea’s visit has been welcomed by fans and officials alike, who see it as a positive step toward reviving international hockey in Pakistan. Pakistan displayed greater composure in midfield, created more scoring opportunities and converted their chances effectively. The team’s attacking intent, coupled with an organized defensive structure, limited South Korea’s ability to mount a comeback despite their lone goal. The performances of Abubakar and Abdul Rehman have been particularly encouraging, highlighting the emergence of young talent capable of strengthening Pakistan’s hockey squad in future international competitions. With a 2-0 advantage, Pakistan will now look to complete the series in dominant fashion when the two teams meet in the remaining fixtures. Team management is expected to maintain the winning combination while continuing to build confidence and consistency ahead of upcoming international tournaments. The back-to-back victories have generated renewed optimism among hockey supporters, who hope the successful hosting of the Test series and Pakistan’s strong performances will contribute to the revival of the country’s proud hockey tradition and encourage more international teams to tour Pakistan in the future.

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    Younis Khan says give me freedom to deliver, not power

    KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has said he is ready to serve Pakistan cricket in any capacity, provided he is given the freedom to perform his responsibilities without unnecessary interference. Speaking to reporters in Karachi, the legendary batter said he has consistently conveyed the same message to successive Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairmen: if entrusted with a role, he should be allowed to carry it out independently. “I have always told PCB chairmen that if you give me a role, give me the complete opportunity to do the job. Don’t tie my hands,” Younis said. Addressing speculation that he seeks greater authority within the cricket setup, the former skipper dismissed the perception, insisting that his focus has always been on delivering results rather than acquiring power. “I often hear people saying Younis Khan wants power. What would I do with power?” he remarked, adding that he has never pursued positions for influence but has instead emphasized the importance of professional autonomy. Younis said that whenever he discussed working with the PCB, his only condition was to be allowed to build and develop the team according to the responsibilities assigned to him. He also downplayed the importance of financial incentives, saying that freedom to work effectively mattered more than salary or contractual packages. “For me, independence in my work and the ability to deliver are far more important than any package,” he said. “If I were ever to negotiate over financial matters, it would be for the player in the weakest position, not for myself.” Reflecting on Pakistan cricket’s future, Younis expressed confidence that the national team could regain its former strength if players accepted greater responsibility and adopted a long-term mindset. He recalled the period after the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup, when the departure of senior players created challenges but also opened opportunities for younger cricketers to step up. “We accepted responsibility after the 2003 World Cup. If today’s players think bigger and take ownership, the results will also be bigger and more positive,” he said. Younis’ comments come amid ongoing discussions about Pakistan cricket’s direction and the role experienced former players can play in rebuilding the national team’s competitiveness.

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    Sherry Rehman flags polling delays, security lapse…

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Sherry Rehman has voiced concern over delays in polling at several constituencies in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), saying the disruption has caused significant hardship for voters and raised serious questions about election management. In a statement issued on Sunday, Rehman said delayed arrival of election staff had affected the voting process at a number of polling stations, preventing many voters from casting their ballots on time. She identified constituencies LA-28, LA-31, LA-25 and LA-34 among the areas where polling was reportedly delayed, calling on the Election Commission to immediately investigate the matter and ensure that the electoral process proceeds without further disruption. The PPP leader also expressed concern over security arrangements at a women’s polling station in Shark Kamal Bandi in LA-31, claiming that only one police officer had been deployed despite the polling station having previously been declared sensitive. According to Rehman, inadequate security at such locations could undermine voter confidence and create unnecessary challenges for women participating in the electoral process. She further highlighted transportation problems affecting voters in the region. Rehman said the road connecting Rangla to Katkair had remained blocked since Saturday night, leaving more than 50 vehicles carrying voters stranded and preventing many people from reaching their designated polling stations. The senator said these issues had been formally reported to the Election Commission, urging the electoral body to conduct an immediate inquiry into the reported irregularities and take prompt corrective measures wherever necessary. “Every voter must be given the opportunity to exercise their democratic right without obstacles,” she said, emphasizing that transparent, impartial and well-managed elections are essential for strengthening democratic institutions. Rehman maintained that any compromise on the sanctity of the vote would be unacceptable and stressed the need for election authorities to ensure equal access to polling facilities for all eligible voters. Her remarks come amid ongoing polling across Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where election authorities have been working to address logistical and weather-related challenges in some areas. The Election Commission has yet to issue a detailed response to the specific concerns raised by the PPP senator, while voting continues in constituencies where polling arrangements remain unaffected.

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    Vincent Pastore dies at 80, The Sopranos stars mourn

    Veteran actor Vincent Pastore, best known for portraying Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero in the acclaimed crime drama The Sopranos, has died at the age of 80. Pastore was found dead at his home in the Bronx on Saturday, August 1, after a neighbor checked on him. According to reports, those close to the actor had been unable to reach him for several days before he was discovered. It was also reported that he had spoken with his driver by phone the previous evening. The actor’s official cause of death has not yet been confirmed, and authorities have not released further details as investigations continue. Born on July 14, 1946, Vincent Pastore built a long and successful career in film and television. While he appeared in dozens of productions over the years, he became a household name through his unforgettable performance as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero in HBO’s groundbreaking series The Sopranos. His portrayal of the complex mobster earned widespread praise and helped establish him as one of the show’s most memorable cast members. Beyond The Sopranos, Pastore enjoyed a diverse acting career spanning several decades. His film credits included Mickey Blue Eyes, Two Family House, Riding in Cars with Boys, Witness to the Mob, Deuces Wild, Mafia!, Serving Sara, This Thing of Ours, Shark Tale, Bachelor Party Vegas, Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn, and Guy Ritchie’s Revolver. His television résumé was equally extensive, featuring appearances in popular series such as Law & Order, The Adventures of Pete & Pete, Gotti, Witness to the Mob, Hollywood Squares, Son of the Beach, For Your Love, Cyberchase, General Hospital, and The Curse. Throughout his career, Pastore became known for bringing authenticity, charisma, and humor to a wide range of characters. Following news of his death, many of Pastore’s former The Sopranos castmates shared emotional tributes, remembering both his talent and his warm personality. Edie Falco, who played Carmela Soprano, described his passing as a heartbreaking loss. She said it was completely unexpected and remembered Pastore as someone who was always full of life and energy. Michael Imperioli, known for portraying Christopher Moltisanti, reflected on their long friendship in a heartfelt message. He said it felt as though he had known Pastore forever and described him as a kind-hearted man who deeply loved his family and friends. Imperioli added that he would always miss him. Lorraine Bracco also honored her late co-star with a touching tribute, remembering him as a funny, charming, and beautiful soul. She expressed her sadness over the loss, calling the news absolutely heartbreaking. Dominic Chianese, who portrayed Corrado “Junior” Soprano, shared a simple but emotional message, saying they had lost a dear friend. He paid tribute to Pastore’s memory and described him as a true gem. Vincent Pastore leaves behind a lasting legacy through his memorable performances and the impact he made on audiences and colleagues alike. His work, particularly in The Sopranos, continues to be celebrated as part of television history. As fans and fellow actors mourn his passing, many are remembering not only his remarkable talent but also the kindness and generosity that defined him off-screen. The cause of Vincent Pastore’s death has not yet been officially determined.

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    PPP alleges polling irregularities during second p…

    ISLAMABAD: The second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections faced fresh controversy on Sunday after the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) alleged delays, administrative shortcomings and electoral irregularities in several constituencies. Meanwhile, the AJK Election Commission postponed polling in one constituency due to severe weather conditions. Polling continued in 21 constituencies, including nine seats in Muzaffarabad Division and 12 refugee constituencies across Pakistan. More than 1.2 million registered voters were eligible to cast their ballots under strict security arrangements. PPP AJK Election Cell In-charge Sardar Abdul Shakoor claimed that polling was delayed in several constituencies because polling staff failed to reach polling stations before voting began. He said dozens of polling stations remained without election officials at the scheduled opening time, causing inconvenience to voters and delaying the electoral process. According to the PPP, similar problems were reported in multiple constituencies where polling staff arrived late, preventing voters from exercising their right to vote on time. The party urged the Election Commission and local administration to ensure immediate deployment of staff and restore normal polling. Separately, the AJK Election Commission announced that polling in LA-27 Muzaffarabad-I had been postponed after heavy rainfall and landslides blocked key roads, making it impossible for polling teams and election material to reach several polling stations. Election authorities said efforts were made to reopen the affected routes, but worsening weather conditions prevented polling from taking place. The Commission said a new polling date would be announced later and apologised to voters for the inconvenience. The PPP questioned the decision to postpone polling across the entire constituency. Party leaders argued that if only certain polling stations were affected by landslides, polling should have continued in the remaining accessible areas. They called on the Election Commission to release a detailed report explaining the reasons behind the postponement. The party also alleged delays in additional constituencies, claiming that polling staff had not reached several stations even hours after voting officially began. It maintained that the delays affected voter participation and raised concerns over the smooth conduct of the election. PPP leaders further alleged that blocked roads prevented hundreds of voters from reaching polling stations. The party demanded the immediate reopening of affected routes and called for measures to ensure that voters could cast their ballots without obstruction. In another complaint, the PPP claimed that some of its polling agents were prevented from performing their duties at polling stations despite fulfilling legal requirements. The party urged election authorities to intervene and ensure equal treatment of all contesting candidates and their representatives. The PPP also accused rival political workers of violating election rules in certain constituencies and alleged that government employees were participating in election activities in violation of the code of conduct. The party demanded an immediate investigation and legal action wherever irregularities were confirmed. Separately, PPP leader Nadeem Afzal Chan criticised the conduct of the elections, describing reported delays in ballot paper distribution and administrative issues as unacceptable. He said the party wanted the electoral process to remain transparent and credible and warned that unresolved issues could undermine public confidence.