تازہ ترین

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    LHC judge steps aside from bail hearing in Libya b…

    LAHORE: Lahore High Court ( LHC) Justice Ghulam Sarwar Nihang has recused himself from hearing the post-arrest bail petition of a suspect allegedly linked to the Libyan boat tragedy. The case involving accused Shafaqat Ali was taken up by the Lahore High Court, where Justice Nihang informed the court that he had previously served as a member of the commission formed to investigate the Libya shipwreck. Given his previous involvement with the commission, the judge said he did not consider it appropriate to hear the bail petition concerning the same matter. The case record was subsequently referred to the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court for further proceedings. During the hearing, the defence counsel argued that bail had already been granted to suspects in several similar cases and requested that Shafaqat Ali also be released on bail until the trial court reaches a decision. The case is part of investigations launched following the Libyan boat accident. The Federal Investigation Agency’s Mandi Bahauddin office has registered cases against suspects allegedly connected to the incident. In a related development, another accused, Muhammad Tahir, has also been granted post-arrest bail in the Libya boat tragedy case.

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    Hayden Panettiere’s final words on motherhood and struggles

    Hayden Panettiere, the actress best known for portraying cheerleader Claire Bennet in the hit NBC science-fiction series Heroes, spoke openly about motherhood, postpartum depression and her personal struggles in one of her final interviews. Panettiere died on Sunday, August 16, at the age of 36, according to her father, Skip Panettiere. She was just days away from celebrating her 37th birthday. Her family has not disclosed an official cause of death and has requested privacy as they cope with the loss. Shortly before her death, Panettiere discussed her experiences as a mother in an interview with parenting outlet Momé magazine. During the conversation, she reflected on raising her daughter, Kaya Evdokia Klitschko, and the difficult circumstances surrounding the early years of her motherhood. Panettiere shares Kaya, who is now 11, with her former fiancé, Ukrainian boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko. The actress previously spoke about experiencing a traumatic birth and struggling with postpartum depression after welcoming her daughter. Those challenges had a lasting impact on her life and contributed to a period when she was unable to be with Kaya as much as she wanted. Despite those difficulties, Panettiere said her daughter had always remained a priority. She explained that she hoped Kaya would eventually understand her circumstances and the reasons she could not always be present during her childhood. “I’ve been able to put her first no matter how I’ve felt or what I’ve experienced,” Panettiere said during the interview. She added that one day her daughter would understand her story and why she had not been able to be with her all the time. The Nashville star also described herself as a work in progress and acknowledged that personal healing is an ongoing journey. She said she was taking life one day at a time while continuing to work on herself and do her best. Panettiere also used the interview to encourage other mothers facing emotional difficulties after childbirth. Offering reassurance to women who may be struggling during the early stages of parenthood, she reminded them that they were stronger than they might realise and encouraged them to believe that things would eventually improve. Panettiere leaves behind her daughter, Kaya, as well as her parents, Skip Panettiere and Lesley Vogel. Her final reflections on motherhood have added a deeply personal dimension to the tributes following her unexpected death.

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    Shaheen stars as Pakistan Gold storm into Champions Cup final

    MULTAN: Shaheen Shah Afridi produced a match-winning bowling performance as Pakistan Gold defeated Pakistan Whites by five wickets to book their place in the National Champions Cup 2026 final at Multan Cricket Stadium. Chasing 173, Gold reached their target in just 28 overs, although they lost five wickets along the way. Haider Ali led the chase with an impressive 69 off 48 balls, smashing seven fours and three sixes in an aggressive innings. The victory was particularly striking because Gold had entered the match after suffering two defeats and sitting at the bottom of the table. Their superior net run rate, however, kept their qualification hopes alive, and they capitalised when it mattered most. Gold faced early trouble during the chase, slipping to 61-3 after 10 overs. Haider then steadied the innings alongside Kamran Ghulam, who contributed 30 from 26 deliveries, including four boundaries. Saad Khan also played a valuable supporting role, scoring a patient 33 off 55 balls as Gold moved steadily towards victory. Mohammad Wasim claimed two wickets for Whites, but his efforts were not enough to stop the chase. Earlier, Whites were bowled out for 172 in 41.4 overs after choosing to bat first. Gold’s bowlers immediately put their opponents under pressure, reducing Whites to 26-2 inside the opening 10 overs. Shahzaib Khan fell for two while Haseebullah Khan managed only three. The situation worsened as Usman Khan was dismissed for three and Saim Ayub departed after scoring 30, leaving Whites struggling at 45-4 in 14.5 overs. Hasan Nawaz provided some resistance, scoring a determined 55 off 74 balls with three fours and two sixes. His efforts helped Whites cross the 150-run mark, but the lower order could not carry the innings further. Shaheen led Gold’s attack with three wickets, while Faisal Akram claimed two. The National Champions Cup is being staged in Multan from August 11 to 18 as part of Pakistan’s 2026-27 domestic season and preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Match 6 – Sparco Paints Pakistan Gold beat UOL Pakistan Whites by five wickets at Multan Cricket Stadium Pakistan Whites 172 all out, 41.4 overs (Hasan Nawaz 55, Saim Ayub 28, Saad Masood 20; Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-26, Mubasir Khan 2-29, Faisal Akram 2-48) Pakistan Gold 173-5, 28 overs (Haider Ali 69 not out, Saad Khan 33, Kamran Ghulam 30; Mohammad Wasim Jnr) Player of the match – Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan Gold) Tournament schedule: (All matches at Multan Cricket Stadium; All matches to begin at 3pm) 11 August – Pakistan Greens beat Pakistan Whites by five wickets 12 August – Pakistan Blues beat Pakistan Gold by six wickets 13 August –Pakistan Whites beat Pakistan Blues by six runs 14 August – Pakistan Greens beat Pakistan Gold by 128 runs 15 August – Pakistan Greens beat Pakistan Blues by 192 runs 16 August – Pakistan Gold beat Pakistan Whites by five wickets 18 August – Final (Pakistan Greens v Pakistan Gold)

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    Fiza Ali criticises Nimra Khan’s ex-husband over divorce comments

    Pakistani actress Fiza Ali has spoken out about the recent divorce involving actress Nimra Khan and her former husband, urging people to maintain respect and dignity even when a marriage comes to an end. Nimra Khan recently entered into her second marriage and shared pictures from the wedding celebrations with her new family on social media. However, the relationship reportedly faced difficulties soon after the marriage, with both sides eventually sharing posts on social media that fueled speculation about problems between them. The situation attracted further attention after Nimra Khan’s husband shared a social media message using the phrase “good riddance,” which many users interpreted as a sign that the couple had separated. He later expressed his best wishes for Nimra and confirmed that the marriage had ended. Fiza Ali has now reacted to his post and criticised the way the end of the relationship was presented publicly. The actress stressed that a man should continue to treat a woman with respect, even after their marriage has ended. According to Fiza, if someone feels relieved after getting divorced, it also raises questions about what was happening in their life before the separation. She suggested that the end of a marriage should not become an opportunity to publicly humiliate or disrespect the former partner. The actress also emphasised that a woman deserves respect even when she is no longer part of a man’s life. She pointed out that people eventually move forward, rebuild their lives and find happiness after difficult experiences. Fiza strongly objected to portraying divorce as a victory. She said that ending a relationship should not be treated as if someone has won a competition or received a trophy. In her view, a marriage may have ended, but that does not mean the dignity or worth of the woman involved has ended with it. Addressing Nimra directly, Fiza encouraged her to remain confident and hold her head high despite the breakdown of her marriage. She stressed that the end of a relationship does not reduce a woman’s value or importance. Her comments have sparked discussion on social media, with many people debating whether former spouses should publicly discuss their relationships after divorce. Fiza’s message, however, focused primarily on the importance of maintaining basic respect and avoiding language that could further hurt someone during an already difficult period. The actress’ remarks highlight a broader conversation about how celebrities and public figures handle personal relationships in the age of social media, where private disputes can quickly become public controversies.

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    Tim Seifert’s 72 powers Manchester to maiden Hundred title

    LONDON: New Zealand batter Tim Seifert produced a sensational display of power hitting as Manchester Super Giants chased down 159 against Trent Rockets to win their maiden men’s Hundred title by five wickets at Lord’s on Sunday. Seifert’s explosive 72 off just 38 balls transformed the chase and put Manchester in control before Liam Dawson held his nerve during a dramatic final over to complete a memorable victory. The Super Giants appeared to be cruising before the Rockets launched a late fightback. With Manchester needing only three runs from the final nine balls, Mohammad Amir struck twice in successive deliveries, removing Heinrich Klaasen and Michael Bracewell. Ben Sanderson then delivered two consecutive dot balls, leaving Manchester needing three runs from three deliveries. Dawson responded in emphatic fashion. The experienced batter launched the next delivery over the mid-wicket boundary for six, sealing victory with two balls still remaining and sparking celebrations among the Manchester camp. Earlier, Seifert had almost single-handedly shifted the momentum of the final. The right-hander attacked the Rockets’ bowling from the outset, smashing seven sixes and four fours in a breathtaking innings. The Rockets briefly thought they had removed the danger man when Seifert was on 33. Finn Allen produced a spectacular effort near the boundary, but the catch was ruled out after Allen’s foot touched the rope before he completed the attempt. Seifert continued his assault and eventually equalled Will Jacks’ record for the highest individual score in a men’s Hundred final. His performance capped an outstanding tournament. Seifert finished as the competition’s second-highest run-scorer, behind Australia’s Mitchell Marsh, accumulating 394 runs at an average just below 50. For Manchester Super Giants, the triumph ended years of frustration. The Old Trafford-based franchise, previously known as Manchester Originals, had reached two men’s finals before Sunday but failed to lift the trophy, including a defeat by Trent Rockets in 2022. The Rockets, meanwhile, were left to rue a missed opportunity after topping the men’s table and earning a direct place in the final. They had also hoped to make history by becoming the first franchise to win both the men’s and women’s Hundred titles in the same season. Instead, it was Manchester’s night at Lord’s, with Seifert’s extraordinary hitting and Dawson’s cool finish delivering the franchise its long-awaited first men’s Hundred crown.

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    Ronaldo hints at retirement as 1,000-goal dream nears

    LISBON: Cristiano Ronaldo has given his clearest indication yet that the end of his extraordinary football career could be approaching, saying the upcoming season may be his final one as a professional. The 41-year-old Portugal captain, however, appears determined to make his final chapter memorable. Ronaldo is chasing the extraordinary milestone of 1,000 goals and wants to leave the sport with a legacy that reflects more than two decades at the highest level. “This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo told Vogue in an interview published on Sunday. Ronaldo made his senior debut for Sporting CP in 2002 and has since built one of the most decorated careers in football history. He has played for Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus before continuing his career with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has also become one of international football’s most prolific scorers with Portugal. Ronaldo currently has 976 goals for club and country, leaving him just 24 goals short of the unprecedented 1,000-goal mark. Reaching that figure before retirement would add another remarkable achievement to a career already filled with records. Yet one major prize remains missing from his collection: the FIFA World Cup. Portugal’s failure to win the 2026 tournament means Ronaldo will likely finish his international career without lifting football’s biggest trophy. Despite his latest comments, Ronaldo has not announced a specific retirement date, leaving open the possibility that he could continue beyond the coming season. The veteran forward has also begun thinking about life away from football. He said he has plenty of interests that could keep him occupied once he finally steps away from the game. Ronaldo mentioned travelling more, playing padel and enjoying the rewards of a career built on years of discipline and sacrifice. For now, though, his focus remains on football — and perhaps the most eye-catching target of all: becoming the first player to reach 1,000 career goals.

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    Kushner meets Netanyahu to revive stalled Gaza pea…

    US President Donald Trump’s envoy and son-in-law Jared Kushner met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday as Washington stepped up efforts to revive its stalled plan for ending the Gaza war. The meeting came a day after Kushner held talks in Cairo with Hamas representatives, including senior leader Khalil Al-Hayya, marking his second known direct engagement with the Palestinian group. Kushner was accompanied in Jerusalem by Trump’s Board of Peace envoy for Gaza, Nickolay Mladenov. The latest diplomatic push comes amid deep disagreements over the implementation of the US-backed Gaza plan. Under the proposal, Hamas and other armed groups would surrender their weapons while Israeli forces would gradually withdraw from Gaza. An international stabilisation force, alongside a new Palestinian police force, would then help maintain security in the territory. Netanyahu, however, has insisted that Israeli troops will not withdraw until Hamas and other armed groups are fully disarmed. Israel has also rejected a separate US-backed roadmap aimed at moving the broader peace plan forward. Diplomats say Israel is unlikely to make major concessions on Gaza ahead of the country’s October 27 election, adding another challenge to Washington’s efforts to break the deadlock. The talks have gained urgency as implementation of the ceasefire framework remains limited, with Israeli strikes continuing in Gaza despite commitments under the US plan. Hamas has said it accepts the proposed disarmament framework but argues that its implementation depends on Israel fulfilling its own obligations, including withdrawing forces and ending attacks. Kushner previously met Hamas officials alongside US envoy Steve Witkoff in October 2025. Those discussions helped produce an agreement that led to a Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages captured during the October 7, 2023 attack. The latest meetings suggest Washington is seeking to reopen negotiations and bridge the widening gap between Israel and Hamas before the Gaza peace initiative loses further momentum.

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    Dar, Turkish Foreign Minister reaffirm diplomacy a…

    ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, during which the two sides discussed recent regional developments and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation. According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two foreign ministers agreed that dialogue and diplomacy remain the most effective means of addressing regional challenges and advancing peace and stability. The conversation comes as Pakistan continues diplomatic efforts to help ease tensions surrounding the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Islamabad has stepped up engagement with key international and regional partners and has offered its platform for dialogue between Washington and Tehran. Dar has recently held discussions with senior diplomatic representatives from the United States, United Kingdom and China, as well as Pakistan’s ambassador-designate to Sweden, focusing on developments in the region. He has repeatedly emphasised the importance of implementing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding as a pathway towards lasting peace and security. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide also recently praised Pakistan’s role in facilitating diplomatic efforts during the conflict, describing Islamabad’s contribution as important and constructive. The latest Dar-Fidan conversation also comes against the backdrop of growing security cooperation among Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia. On August 7, the three countries signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, a trilateral framework aimed at strengthening collective deterrence, expanding military cooperation and supporting regional stability. The agreement builds on the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia last year, under which aggression against either country is to be regarded as aggression against both. The latest diplomatic contacts underline Pakistan and Türkiye’s shared emphasis on dialogue, cooperation and diplomatic engagement as tools for managing regional tensions and promoting stability.

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    Trump hails Makkah Defence pact, calls it bold ste…

    WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has welcomed the newly signed Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, describing the trilateral pact as an important step toward greater regional security. Trump said he was pleased to see the three countries formalise the agreement, arguing that it demonstrated a growing willingness among Middle Eastern and regional states to strengthen their ability to protect themselves. The agreement was signed in Makkah on August 7 during a summit involving Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. It establishes a framework for closer defence cooperation, collective deterrence and enhanced strategic coordination among the three countries. Although the pact has drawn comparisons with NATO, security analysts say it is primarily an institutionalisation of longstanding political and military ties rather than the creation of a new offensive military alliance. The framework is expected to facilitate greater cooperation in areas including intelligence sharing, defence planning, military coordination and strategic consultations. The agreement comes amid an increasingly complex regional security environment marked by conflicts, shifting alliances and emerging military threats. Supporters argue that stronger coordination among the three countries could enhance deterrence and contribute to regional stability. Pakistan brings extensive military and operational experience, while Saudi Arabia offers significant economic and political influence. Türkiye, meanwhile, contributes a developed defence industry, military technology and industrial capabilities. Analysts believe combining these strengths could improve the partners’ collective preparedness. Turkish President Erdogan has also described the agreement as a significant message for global peace. Speaking in an interview with Al Jazeera Arabic, he said the decision to sign the pact in Makkah gave it additional significance, particularly amid tensions between the United States and Iran. Erdogan stressed that Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia sought to position themselves as advocates of peace and said the three countries would continue supporting diplomatic efforts to prevent conflict. Asked whether the agreement was comparable to NATO’s Article 5, Erdogan said its collective defence principle meant the three countries would have the opportunity to respond jointly if any member faced a serious threat. He also revealed that the framework could eventually expand beyond the three founding members. According to Erdogan, the agreement leaves the door open for other countries to join, with Egypt among the potential future participants. The pact is therefore emerging as a significant development in regional security cooperation, while its proponents present it as a defensive mechanism designed to strengthen deterrence and promote stability rather than fuel confrontation.

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    Pakistan takes helm of UN disarmament conference, …

    GENEVA: Pakistan is set to assume the presidency of the United Nations Conference on Disarmament on Monday, taking on a key diplomatic role in international efforts to advance arms control and global security. Tahir Andrabi, Pakistan’s representative, has arrived in Geneva to take charge of the presidency and will chair important sessions of the Conference during his tenure. He will continue performing his responsibilities as spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs alongside his new assignment. As president, Andrabi will be responsible for steering the Conference’s proceedings in an organised, balanced and consensus-driven manner. Pakistan is expected to focus on facilitating dialogue among member states and helping move discussions forward on key disarmament issues. During his tenure, Andrabi will also oversee the preparation of the Conference’s annual report, which will be presented to member states for consideration and approval. Diplomatic sources said Pakistan will subsequently engage in negotiations aimed at securing agreement on a resolution based on the annual report. The resolution is expected to be taken up by the UN General Assembly for approval in November. Pakistan’s presidency provides Islamabad with an opportunity to play a prominent role in international discussions on disarmament while promoting dialogue, consensus and multilateral cooperation on global security challenges.