تازہ ترین

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    Rain triggers flooding, power outages in twin citi…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Heavy rain, strong winds and thunderstorms lashed Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Saturday. The downpour disrupted routine life in several parts of the two cities. Several areas of Islamabad faced waterlogging after the heavy rainfall. Underpasses in the G-6 sector were filled with rainwater. The accumulation of water caused difficulties for motorists and pedestrians. The situation was also reported to be severe in Chatta Bakhtawar. Roads and streets were submerged under rainwater. Several streets gave the appearance of ponds. Rainwater also entered residential houses in the area, creating problems for residents. The heavy rain also affected electricity supply in different parts of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Several areas experienced power disruptions as the weather conditions deteriorated. Rawalpindi authorities declared a rain emergency following the heavy downpour. The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) activated its teams to deal with the situation. Staff members were deployed to affected areas. Heavy machinery was also moved to different locations. The equipment was being used to remove accumulated rainwater and keep major roads and routes clear. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast more rain in several parts of the country. Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northeastern Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir are expected to receive rain. The Met Office has warned that some areas may receive heavy rainfall. The intense rain could increase the risk of flooding in streams and rain-fed waterways. Authorities have also been advised to remain alert in vulnerable areas. Urban flooding may cause further disruption if heavy rain continues. Meanwhile, the water situation in the Indus River has also become a concern. Medium-level flooding has been reported at Kalabagh. Water inflow at Kalabagh was recorded at around 397,000 cusecs. The rising water level has increased pressure on river management authorities. Low-level flooding has also been reported at several major water reservoirs and barrages. These include Tarbela Dam, Chashma Barrage, Taunsa, Guddu and Sukkur Barrage. Despite the flooding at these locations, the overall situation in the country’s other rivers remains normal. The Flood Forecasting Division in Lahore said there was no major flood situation in the remaining rivers.

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    UK brain drain? 246,000 Britons leave in a year

    ByJustpaste.in

    The number of young and skilled people leaving the United Kingdom has increased significantly in recent years, raising concerns about the country’s ability to retain its talent. However, experts have cautioned against describing the trend as a complete “brain drain,” saying many people may eventually return to the UK. Official figures show that around 246,000 British citizens left the country last year, while the number of Britons returning was considerably lower. The gap between departures and returns has continued to widen since 2022. People under the age of 35 make up a significant proportion of those leaving the UK. Rising living costs, high taxes, expensive housing and increasing education costs are among the factors encouraging young people to consider opportunities abroad. The UK’s labour market has also become a concern for young graduates. Unemployment has reached 5.2 per cent, while the number of graduate-level job opportunities has reportedly fallen by around 45 per cent. London, in particular, has become increasingly expensive for young professionals. High rents and the overall cost of living are making it difficult for many people to establish themselves financially. Research suggests that the desire among young Britons to live and work abroad is growing. According to a British Council study, 72 per cent of Britons aged 18 to 30 are considering living and working overseas either temporarily or for a longer period. Canada and Australia are emerging as popular destinations for Britons seeking better career opportunities and a lower cost of living. The trend has sparked debate over whether Britain is becoming less attractive to skilled workers. Experts, however, say migration should not automatically be viewed as a permanent loss of talent. Many young professionals move abroad to gain international experience, improve their career prospects or seek better living conditions. Some may eventually return to Britain after gaining experience overseas. The growing number of departures nevertheless presents a challenge for the UK economy. Retaining young graduates and skilled professionals is increasingly important as the country faces pressure from rising living costs and a competitive global labour market.

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    29 bottled water brands found unsafe in Pakistan

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: A quarterly quality assessment of bottled drinking water has found 29 out of 230 brands to be substandard and unsafe for consumption, raising concerns about the quality of commercially available drinking water in Pakistan. The Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) conducts quarterly monitoring of bottled and mineral water brands available in the market on the directions of the government. For the latest assessment, samples of 230 bottled and mineral water brands were collected from 20 cities during the April-June 2026 quarter. The samples were analysed in laboratories according to the standards recommended by the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA). Laboratory testing found that several water brands were contaminated with harmful bacteria, making them unsafe for human consumption. A total of 29 brands failed to meet the required quality standards. The report found that nine brands had excessive levels of sodium. These included HR Water Healthy Life, A2Z Pure Bottled Drinking Water, Pure Drinking Water, Deep Blue Pure Drinking Water, Sup Nest Pure Drinking Water, Aab-e-Haram, Aqua Life Bottled Drinking Water, Drinklay and Alpha H2O Bottled Drinking Water. The assessment also found excessive total dissolved solids (TDS) in four brands: A2Z Pure Bottled Drinking Water, Imperial Pure Drinking Water, Aab-e-Haram and Alpha H2O Bottled Drinking Water. The recommended safe limit for TDS is 500 parts per million (ppm). According to the council, 22 brands were found to be contaminated with bacteria. These included My Sial Bottled Drinking Water, JERS Safe Life Bottled Drinking Water, Natural Pure Life, Natural Sup, Al Meer Bottled Drinking Water, Al-Saha Drinking Water, Al-Shifa Pure Life, Royal Fina Bottled Drinking Water, Aqua Nice Pure Life, Noor Aqua, Aqua Pure, Drink Well Pure Drinking Water, Imperial Pure Drinking Water, Zalmi, Deep Blue Pure Drinking Water, Aab-e-Haram, Vital Sup Bottled Drinking Water, Hunza Alter Water, Rehydrate8 Drink Pure Water, Moya Mineral Water, Tynant Aqua Bottled Drinking Water and Aqua Pura Smart. The presence of harmful microorganisms means that the affected brands may pose health risks if consumed without proper treatment. The findings have raised concerns about the monitoring and regulation of bottled water sold across the country. Regular testing is considered important to ensure that drinking water available to consumers meets safety and quality standards. Representatives of some of the companies named in the report, however, rejected the findings. They claimed that their water brands meet the required quality standards.

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    Pakistan Post issues high alert for mail bound for…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan Post has issued a high alert for international mail destined for the United States and ordered tighter security measures for all such consignments. The postal service has directed officials and staff to strictly comply with the security and electronic information requirements set by the United States Postal Service. According to a circular issued by Pakistan Post headquarters, all relevant officers and employees have been instructed to exercise extra caution while handling mail destined for the US. The instructions cover all stages of the process, including the acceptance, preparation, processing and dispatch of international mail. Officials have been directed to ensure that the required security procedures and electronic information are completed accurately before consignments are dispatched. Pakistan Post has also stressed the need for vigilance during the handling of US-bound mail to prevent any security or compliance-related issues. The latest instructions are aimed at strengthening the screening and handling process for international postal items and ensuring that mail sent to the United States meets the required security standards.

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    Starc’s 10-wicket blitz powers Australia to 51-run win over Bangladesh

    ByJustpaste.in

    MACKAY: Mitchell Starc produced a devastating fast-bowling masterclass as Australia stormed back from their first-Test shock to beat Bangladesh by 51 runs in the second Test in Mackay on Sunday, levelling the two-match series. The Australian quick was virtually unstoppable, claiming 10 wickets for 51 runs in the match as Bangladesh’s batting collapsed twice inside two days. His performance transformed the contest after Bangladesh had stunned Australia with a nine-wicket victory in Darwin in the opening Test. Starc finished the second innings with four wickets for 39 runs after destroying Bangladesh’s top order with six for just 12 in their first innings. His match figures of 10-51 marked the fourth time he has taken 10 wickets in a Test, putting him at the heart of Australia’s emphatic response. Bangladesh began their second innings needing 147 runs to make Australia bat again. Instead, they quickly found themselves under intense pressure. Shadman Islam lasted only three deliveries before edging a moving Starc delivery to Marnus Labuschagne. Mominul Haque followed with a second-ball dismissal, losing his off stump without offering a shot and handing Starc a hat-trick chance. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto survived the hat-trick ball and briefly attempted to steady the innings. He faced 46 deliveries before Nathan Lyon ended his resistance, with Shanto holing out to Starc at long-off for 31. Starc returned to strike again, tempting Litton Das into a loose shot that was caught at third slip without scoring. Pat Cummins then added to Bangladesh’s misery, dismissing Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Hasan Mahmud. Starc completed his 10-wicket haul when Taijul Islam was bowled for seven, while Lyon quickly cleaned up the tail. Earlier, Australia had been bowled out for 210, giving them a 146-run first-innings lead. Cameron Green top-scored with 67, while Nathan Lyon remained unbeaten on 32 after helping Australia cross the 200 mark. Bangladesh’s Shoriful Islam was the standout bowler for the visitors, taking seven wickets for 48 runs — the best figures by a Bangladeshi bowler in an away Test. Australia’s victory completed a dramatic turnaround in the series. Bangladesh had arrived in Mackay full of confidence after their historic win in Darwin, but Starc and Australia’s bowling attack ensured there would be no repeat. The result sets up a fascinating conclusion to the series, with Australia regaining momentum and Bangladesh left to regroup after a dramatic two-day collapse.

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    Pakistan eye changes for Lord’s Test after heavy defeat

    ByJustpaste.in

    LONDON: Pakistan are considering changes to their playing XI for the second Test against England at Lord’s after a heavy defeat in Leeds exposed several weaknesses in the visitors’ lineup. The second Test of the series is scheduled to begin on August 27, with Pakistan’s team management expected to finalise the playing XI after assessing conditions in London. Pakistan suffered a disappointing start to the series, losing the opening Test by an innings and 103 runs. The result has prompted the management to consider adjustments as the team looks to bounce back at the home of cricket. One of the major possibilities is a rest for wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan. His potential absence would open the door for another player to take responsibility behind the stumps while allowing the team management to refresh its batting combination. The biggest question, however, surrounds Babar Azam. The former Pakistan captain missed the first Test because of a finger injury, but team management remains hopeful that he will recover in time to return for the Lord’s match. If Babar is declared fit, Azan Awais is reportedly likely to make way. His return would provide Pakistan with considerable experience in the middle order at a crucial stage of the series. Bowling plans could also change according to the conditions at Lord’s. Sources indicate that Pakistan may consider playing two spinners if the pitch and weather point towards a slower, drier contest. The management is also reportedly considering young fast bowler Ubaid Shah because of his extra pace. His ability to generate speed could provide Pakistan with a different attacking option against England’s strong batting lineup. The conditions in London are expected to differ from those encountered in Leeds. Reports suggest a relatively dry and potentially flat surface could be prepared, increasing the possibility of a match in which batting becomes easier as the game progresses. For Pakistan, the Lord’s Test is more than another fixture in the series. After being comprehensively beaten in Leeds, they need a strong response to regain confidence and keep the series alive. England, meanwhile, will enter the match with momentum and will be confident of repeating their dominant performance. Pakistan’s final XI could therefore prove crucial as they attempt to turn the tide at one of cricket’s most historic venues.

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    Pakistan women spinners back team to shine in Asia Cup, Asian Games

    ByJustpaste.in

    LAHORE: Pakistan women’s cricket team spinners Nashra Sandhu and Tuba Hassan have expressed confidence in the side’s preparations for the upcoming Women’s Asia Cup and Asian Games, saying consistency will be the key to turning strong performances into results. Speaking during the team’s training camp in Lahore, Sandhu said the squad was preparing specifically for different opponents while working to improve every aspect of its game. Pakistan’s spinners could have a particularly important role to play in the UAE, where the conditions are expected to suit slow bowling. Sandhu said the team was focused on adapting its plans according to opponents and match situations rather than relying on a single approach. “We prepare according to every opponent,” Sandhu said, stressing the importance of maintaining consistency during crucial moments. The spinner acknowledged that Pakistan have sometimes produced encouraging performances without being able to finish matches strongly. The team, she said, was working to address those lapses and build greater consistency in areas where it has already shown promise. India matches, meanwhile, bring an added level of pressure. Sandhu said players prepare carefully for such contests because the team that handles pressure better on match day often gains the advantage. Tuba Hassan also highlighted the importance of preparing for conditions in Dubai. According to the leg-spinner, Pakistani players are familiar with the UAE environment, but training specifically for those conditions remains essential before the tournament begins. She said the team was concentrating on reducing mistakes, particularly because small errors can have a major impact in T20 cricket. Training sessions are being designed around different match situations, including pressure scenarios, to help players make better decisions when the stakes are high. Tuba also revealed that coach Wahab Riaz has been challenging players with different situations during practice, aiming to prepare them for the demands of international matches. The leg-spinner admitted that Pakistan still face a psychological hurdle when playing against top-ranked sides, despite having competed strongly against leading teams in the past. She argued that more bilateral series against the world’s top four teams would help Pakistan bridge the gap and develop greater confidence. The experience of players competing abroad could also prove valuable. Tuba said Fatima Sana had shared lessons from her stint in The Hundred with teammates, offering the squad insight into playing at a high level overseas. With the Asia Cup and Asian Games ahead, Pakistan’s women’s team will hope that improved preparation, greater consistency and exposure to elite opposition can translate into stronger results. For the spinners, the message is clear: Pakistan have the ability to challenge the best — but now they must learn to finish the job.

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    Afridi to lead PTI march on Islamabad, says ‘no …

    ByJustpaste.in

    HANGU: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi has announced that he will personally lead Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers during the party’s planned long march to Islamabad on September 27, insisting that the date is final and the movement will continue until its demands are met. Speaking during a visit to Hangu on Saturday, Afridi addressed PTI gatherings at Hangu Bazaar Chowk and Abu Bakr Siddique Chowk as part of preparations for the party’s street movement. PTI provincial president Junaid Akbar Khan, provincial ministers and other party leaders and workers were also present. Afridi called on party supporters to begin full preparations for the march, saying there would be no retreat. He told workers that he would lead them to Islamabad and expressed confidence that the movement would return with success. The chief minister also criticised what he described as the failure to implement a Supreme Court directive concerning PTI founder Imran Khan’s medical treatment. Afridi claimed that a three-member bench had ordered arrangements for Khan’s treatment at Shifa International Hospital, but the directive had not been carried out despite time being granted for implementation. He accused the authorities of applying court orders selectively, alleging that decisions involving PTI and its supporters were enforced quickly while the order concerning Khan’s treatment remained unimplemented. Afridi urged the judiciary to ensure that laws and court decisions were applied equally, arguing that the country could not operate under separate standards for different groups. Turning to the economy, the chief minister claimed that Pakistan’s public debt had climbed to Rs97 trillion while inflation and financial pressures continued to affect ordinary citizens. He also alleged that industrial investment was shifting abroad and that farmers were facing increasing difficulties. Afridi portrayed Imran Khan as a unifying national figure and argued that his return would help rebuild public trust in state institutions and contribute to political stability. He also criticised government policies that he said were contributing to loss of life while benefiting a limited section of society. Appealing particularly to young Pakistanis, Afridi urged them to take an active role in the September 27 movement. He said the youth make up a major share of PTI’s supporters and argued that they should play a decisive role in determining the country’s political future.

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    Government allows cheaper export of costly importe…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The federal Ministry of Industries and Production has allowed the export of imported sugar at a lower price, a decision that could cause billions of rupees in losses to the national exchequer, according to ministry sources. Sources said the government has permitted the export of 100,000 tonnes of sugar. However, a decision on exporting 250,000 tonnes of cheaper locally produced sugar has not yet been taken. The sources described the decision to allow the export of only 100,000 tonnes as disappointing. They said the move could create financial losses because the sugar being exported was imported at a comparatively higher cost. The sources further warned that the decision could also affect sugarcane procurement in the country. According to them, sugar mills may face difficulties in purchasing sugarcane from farmers if the current situation persists. Sugar mill owners had already informed the Ministry of Industries and Production about the issue, sources said. They had reportedly warned the ministry that the limited export decision could make it difficult for mills to manage their stocks and purchase the upcoming sugarcane crop from farmers. The government is now facing a challenge in balancing sugar exports, domestic prices, the interests of farmers and the financial impact on the national exchequer. Sources said further decisions regarding the export of locally produced sugar are expected after reviewing the market situation and available stocks.

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    Samiya Hijab confesses feelings for Yasir Alam

    ByJustpaste.in

    Tamasha 5 continues to attract significant attention from viewers as the latest season of ARY Digital’s popular reality show brings new friendships, rivalries and emotional moments to the screen. Since its launch in 2022, the Big Brother-style reality series has developed a strong following across Pakistan and the wider Subcontinent. The show is produced by Salman Iqbal and Jarjees Seja and is hosted by Adnan Siddiqui. This season, several contestants have formed close bonds inside the Tamasha house, but the friendship between Samiya Hijab and Yasir Alam has become one of the most discussed relationships among viewers. Their growing connection has sparked interest, particularly after Samiya openly spoke about her feelings for Yasir during a recent episode. While having a conversation with Yasir, Samiya admitted that his success in one of the tasks made her genuinely happy. She recalled watching him thank the audience after winning and asking viewers to continue supporting him so that he could eventually take the Tamasha trophy home. Samiya revealed that she immediately responded by saying “In Sha Allah,” explaining that she normally does not use the phrase when talking about someone else’s success. Her reaction appeared to show just how strongly she has begun to care about Yasir and his journey on the show. She also acknowledged that both of them are competing for the same trophy and that, ideally, neither contestant wants to lose. However, Samiya said she had reached a point where Yasir’s victory would make her happy even if she could not achieve the same result herself. The Tamasha contestant also asked Yasir not to simply respond to her feelings because she tends to overthink such situations. Her comments reflected the emotional confusion she has been experiencing while trying to balance her personal feelings with the competitive nature of the reality show. Yasir, meanwhile, thanked Samiya for the unconditional support she had shown him during his task. In response, Samiya casually said that this was what friends were for, although her earlier comments suggested that their bond may have become more meaningful to her. Samiya later expressed her frustration about the situation and spoke about how difficult it has been for her to deal with her feelings for Yasir while living inside the Tamasha house. With contestants constantly surrounded by cameras, competition and emotional pressure, personal relationships can quickly become complicated. The growing bond between Samiya and Yasir has now become one of the season’s most talked-about dynamics. Whether their relationship remains a close friendship or develops into something more remains to be seen as Tamasha 5 progresses. For now, Samiya’s candid confession has given viewers another emotional storyline to follow, while Yasir’s response and their continued interactions are likely to receive even more attention in upcoming episodes.