تازہ ترین

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    Two UK police officers killed in horrific A66 crash

    ByJustpaste.in

    Two Cleveland Police officers have been killed in a devastating wrong-way crash on the A66 near Middlesbrough, prompting an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, politicians and local communities. Police Constables Matthew Blades, 37, and Tom Clough, 38, died at about 3:39am BST on Saturday when a Volkswagen Passat travelling in the wrong direction collided with their police vehicle. Five people travelling in the Passat, reportedly aged between their late teens and early 20s, also died in the crash. Their identities have not yet been released. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The investigation was triggered because the crash followed police contact with the vehicle. According to the IOPC, Cleveland Police had earlier spotted a suspicious vehicle and a pursuit began. Security footage from a property on Lime Road in Middlesbrough appears to show police vehicles following a car several minutes before the fatal collision. The pursuit is understood to have ended before the crash. The police vehicle carrying Blades and Clough was reportedly in the South Bank area when it was struck by the wrong-way vehicle. Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller described the deaths as an “unimaginable loss” and said it was an extremely painful day for the force and the wider community. Fuller said she and Deputy Chief Constable visited the officers’ families to offer condolences and support as they faced the devastating loss. Tributes have also been paid by senior political figures and local representatives. Prime Minister and Home Secretary figures expressed their condolences, while local leaders praised the officers for their dedication to public safety. Redcar MP Anna Turley said the tragedy had caused deep sorrow across the community. She paid tribute to Blades and Clough, highlighting the courage shown by police officers who work around the clock to protect the public. Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen also described the incident as a terrible tragedy and praised the emergency services who responded to the crash. Cleveland Police Federation chairwoman Lauren Somerville said the loss of the two officers had left the police family devastated, with colleagues struggling to put their grief into words. The A66, a major route through the Teesside area, remained closed as investigators examined the crash site. The road is surrounded by industrial areas and factories. The IOPC has urged people to avoid speculation while its investigation continues. Officials said the inquiry will examine the events leading up to the collision and the circumstances surrounding the police contact with the vehicle.

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    Ishaq Dar to visit UK from August 24-28

    ByJustpaste.in

    Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will travel to the United Kingdom on an official visit from August 24 to 28, where he is scheduled to hold talks with senior British officials and meet members of the Pakistani community. According to the Foreign Office, Dar will meet UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and FCDO Minister of State for Pakistan Stephen Doughty during his visit. He is also expected to hold discussions with other senior British government officials. A key focus of the visit will be the situation of Pakistani sailors held by Somali pirates. Dar is scheduled to meet the secretary-general of the International Maritime Organisation to discuss efforts to secure the release of the hostages. The MT Honour 25 oil tanker was hijacked near Somalia’s Puntland region on April 21. The vessel was carrying 17 crew members, including 10 Pakistani nationals. The prolonged captivity has raised concerns among the families of the crew, who have called for urgent efforts to secure their safe release. The Foreign Office has reaffirmed that the government remains committed to bringing the Pakistani nationals home safely. During his UK visit, Dar will also meet Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey. His schedule includes engagements with British parliamentarians and representatives of the British-Pakistani community. The visit comes as Pakistan and the UK continue to strengthen cooperation on security, migration and law enforcement. Earlier this year, the UK announced an additional £8 million in funding for joint efforts with Pakistan to tackle crime and illegal migration. The funding is intended to improve border and visa systems and strengthen law enforcement against human smuggling and trafficking networks. It will also support the return of people who do not have the legal right to remain in the UK and finance community-based programmes aimed at addressing factors contributing to irregular migration.

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    JI announces nationwide shutter-down strike after …

    ByJustpaste.in

    Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has announced a nationwide shutter-down strike after 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal, as the party continues its protests against rising petroleum prices and the government’s petroleum levy. Speaking at a press conference in Lahore on Sunday, Hafiz Naeem said the JI’s sit-ins in provincial capitals had entered their eighth day and would continue until the government practically implemented the party’s demands. He rejected the idea of ending the protests solely on the basis of government assurances, saying the party wanted concrete action rather than promises. Hafiz Naeem called for a reduction in petroleum product prices and criticised what he described as excessive government expenditure. He also raised concerns over rising prices of essential commodities, saying flour and sugar mafias were making life difficult for ordinary citizens while farmers were struggling with expensive fertiliser. The JI chief said the nationwide shutter-down strike would be launched after Eid Milad-un-Nabi, which falls on August 26 this year. He warned that the party’s protest movement would not be called off until its demands were implemented. According to Hafiz Naeem, negotiations would no longer be based on requests for protesters to end their sit-ins in exchange for verbal commitments. JI workers have been holding demonstrations since August 16. Sit-ins are being staged outside the Punjab chief minister’s residence in Lahore and at governor houses in Karachi, Quetta and Peshawar. The protests come as consumers face growing pressure from fuel costs, inflation and high electricity bills. The government has also faced criticism following repeated increases in petroleum prices. The situation has become more challenging amid fluctuations in international oil prices linked to renewed tensions in the Middle East. Authorities have also moved from a 15-day fuel price review to a daily mechanism. The fuel price issue has triggered separate concerns among transporters and petroleum dealers. Earlier this week, the All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance suspended a nationwide strike for 40 days after receiving assurances from the federal and Sindh governments regarding several demands, including petroleum pricing. The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association has also pressed the government to resolve outstanding issues and honour previous commitments.

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    Heavy snow halts Spantik mission to recover Dr Asma

    ByJustpaste.in

    GILGIT: A rescue mission to recover the body of Pakistani climber Dr Asma Mushtaq from Spantik Peak was halted on Sunday as heavy snowfall made the treacherous mountain too dangerous for the recovery team. Dr Asma Mushtaq, 34, died on Thursday while descending from the 7,027-metre Spantik, also known as Golden Peak, in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Shigar district. She reportedly suffered from high-altitude sickness after reaching the summit. Her body remains at an altitude of around 6,400 metres near Camp 3. According to the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP), a recovery team that left on Saturday reached Camp 2 but was forced to suspend the operation because of worsening weather. The team was advised to return to base camp and wait for a safer weather window. Efforts are also under way to obtain approval for a humanitarian helicopter mission with the support of the Pakistan Army. However, officials said helicopters cannot operate at altitudes above 6,000 metres to retrieve the body. The body must therefore first be brought down by a ground rescue team. ACP General Secretary Ayaz Shigri said a six-member local team was working to transport Dr Asma Mushtaq’s body to base camp, from where an army helicopter could potentially airlift it to Skardu. The recovery operation has also raised questions about the responsibilities of the expedition operator. Baltistan Division Commissioner Kamal Khan said the tour operator had violated mountaineering regulations by failing to arrange the required recovery team and helicopter arrangements. He said operators are responsible for arranging ground rescue and helicopter insurance when required. The official also alleged that mandatory briefing and debriefing procedures under the Mountaineering Rules 1999 had not been followed. However, Mr Khan rejected suggestions that negligence had caused the delay, saying local authorities arranged a recovery team soon after the incident on humanitarian grounds. The ACP stressed that it is Pakistan’s national federation for mountaineering and sport climbing, rather than a dedicated rescue organisation. It said Pakistan still lacks a properly established high-altitude rescue system and called for stronger mountaineering infrastructure. Dr Asma Mushtaq, originally from Lahore, was a UK-based obstetrics and gynaecology doctor and an avid traveller, vlogger and mountaineer. She had documented several expeditions online and had completed the winter ascent of Musa ka Musallah. Meanwhile, bad weather has also halted the recovery of US climber Sarah Mallory Geis from Broad Peak. Her body was recovered by three local porters after she went missing in a deadly avalanche on July 30. It remains at Broad Peak base camp awaiting an army helicopter flight to Skardu. The incidents have once again highlighted the extreme dangers of high-altitude mountaineering — and the urgent need for a reliable rescue system in Pakistan’s towering Karakoram.

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    Bobby Deol wants out of the villain box after ‘Animal’ success

    ByJustpaste.in

    Bobby Deol is opening up about being typecast as a villain following his career resurgence. His comeback gained major momentum after hit roles in “Aashram” and “Animal.” Speaking at the Jagran Film Festival, the 57-year-old actor revealed he’s been offered several negative roles recently. He admitted he’s now consciously turning many of them down to avoid getting boxed into a single image. Deol explained that actors often keep getting offered similar roles once a particular type of character brings them major success. He said that’s simply how the industry tends to operate. His post-comeback career has largely centred around dark, morally grey characters. It began with his role as a fraudulent godman in “Aashram” and continued with his widely praised villainous turn in “Animal.” Since then, he’s taken on similar roles in projects including “Hari Har Veera Mallu,” “Kanguva,” “Daaku Maharaj,” “Alpha” and “Jana Nayagan.” The pattern has left him closely associated with antagonist roles across recent years. Despite that string of successes, Deol said he is actively working to branch out into different kinds of projects. He explained that he understands why actors get pulled toward roles tied to their biggest hits, but he is determined to keep experimenting further. He revealed he recently wrapped a film called “Bandar,” describing it as a distinctly different kind of project from his recent work. Deol added that even within villain roles, there’s plenty of range to explore, since antagonists can carry very different tones and shades. He said he genuinely enjoys playing those varied versions of darker characters. Deol also confirmed he is set to appear in a few upcoming web series, which he says will offer something noticeably different from his recent filmography. On the work front, Deol is next set to appear in “Teen Kauwe,” a Hindi spy thriller series co-starring Ishaan Gupta, Fatima Sana Shaikh and Pavail Gulati. The show is currently in production and is scheduled to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on October 2, 2026.

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    Field Marshal Asim Munir, Iranian foreign minister…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, during which the two officials discussed the evolving situation in the region. According to Iranian media, the conversation took place a day earlier and focused on regional developments and matters of mutual interest. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said that Field Marshal Asim Munir is scheduled to visit Iran on Monday. Baghaei described the visit as part of Pakistan’s continued efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. He said the visit would also provide an opportunity to further strengthen relations between Pakistan and Iran. During his visit, the Pakistani Chief of Defence Forces is expected to meet senior Iranian officials and hold discussions on bilateral ties as well as regional developments. The upcoming visit comes amid heightened regional tensions and growing diplomatic efforts by countries in the region to promote dialogue and stability. The telephone conversation between Field Marshal Munir and Araghchi ahead of the visit is expected to provide further momentum to bilateral engagement between Islamabad and Tehran. Pakistan and Iran share close geographical, economic and security ties, with both countries regularly discussing border security, regional developments and broader cooperation.

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    Hailey Bieber celebrates son Jack’s second birthday

    ByJustpaste.in

    Jack Blues Bieber’s second birthday was marked by sweet family moments, cuddles, pancakes and plenty of love from his parents, Hailey and Justin Bieber. On Saturday, August 22, Hailey Bieber took to Instagram to celebrate her son’s special day. The Rhode founder shared a carousel of photographs and a video featuring intimate and heartwarming moments with Jack, giving fans a glimpse into the family’s private celebration. “our sweet baby is 2. happy birthday Jack Blues,” Hailey captioned the post. The model and entrepreneur also shared a picture on her Instagram Stories showing a birthday breakfast prepared especially for Jack. The adorable plate featured pancakes topped with whipped cream and decorated with candles representing the number two, adding a simple but memorable touch to the celebration. Hailey’s main Instagram carousel included a mixture of recent and throwback moments highlighting her close bond with her son. The first photograph showed the mother and son relaxing together on a couch inside a beautifully decorated room. Hailey was seen lying beside Jack as they enjoyed a quiet moment together. Another photograph offered a glimpse of the Bieber family together. Justin was pictured holding his son on his lap while Hailey watched the father and son share a loving moment. The image captured the warmth and closeness of the family as they celebrated Jack’s milestone. One particularly touching photograph showed Jack reaching out toward his mother’s face while the two rested together in bed. The sweet interaction reflected the affectionate relationship between Hailey and her young son. The carousel continued with several more personal glimpses of Hailey and Jack, allowing followers to see the birthday celebration from a more intimate perspective. Rather than focusing on a large public event, the family appeared to mark the occasion with simple moments of togetherness. Justin and Hailey Bieber’s relationship Hailey and Justin Bieber’s relationship began years before they became parents. The pair first dated briefly in December 2015 before separating in January 2016. They eventually reconnected in June 2018 following Justin’s split from Selena Gomez, with their relationship quickly becoming serious. By July that year, the couple had become engaged. Justin and Hailey later confirmed that they had married in a private ceremony in September 2018. They went on to celebrate their marriage with a larger wedding ceremony in South Carolina on September 30, 2019. Nearly five years after their wedding celebration, the couple welcomed their first child. Their son, Jack Blues Bieber, was born on August 22, 2024. Now two years old, Jack remains largely away from the public spotlight, with Hailey and Justin occasionally sharing carefully selected glimpses of their family life. Hailey’s latest birthday tribute offered fans another rare look at their son while keeping the focus on the love and happiness surrounding his special day.

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    Pakistan scores key win over India at ACC meeting

    ByJustpaste.in

    BANGKOK: Pakistan secured a significant victory over India at an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting in Bangkok, winning all three seats in the election for ACC directors in a closely fought contest. The meeting, chaired by Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, brought Pakistan- and India-backed panels into direct competition for the three director positions. According to sources, the contest remained tight, but the panel supported by Pakistan emerged victorious in all three seats. The result gives Pakistan an important voice within the regional cricket body as the ACC prepares for several major tournaments and administrative decisions. India was represented at the meeting by Rajeev Shukla. The discussions also turned towards next year’s Asia Cup, which is scheduled to be hosted by Bangladesh. Officials considered possible venues for the tournament, with Sylhet, Mirpur and Chattogram among the grounds discussed for staging matches. The final schedule and venue arrangements are expected to be settled through further consultations. The upcoming Asia Cup is likely to attract considerable attention across the cricketing region, particularly because Pakistan and India remain among the tournament’s biggest draws. Their matches traditionally generate huge interest among fans and broadcasters, making venue planning and tournament logistics especially important. The Bangkok meeting also covered financial and administrative matters. The ACC budget was approved, while preparations for the Women’s Asia Cup in Dubai were reviewed. The decisions come as Asian cricket continues to expand its commercial and competitive footprint. With major bilateral and multinational events regularly drawing millions of viewers, the ACC plays a central role in coordinating tournaments, developing the game and managing regional cricketing interests. For Pakistan, the election result represents a notable administrative gain at a time when relations between the two cricket boards remain closely watched. Securing all three director positions backed by its panel strengthens Pakistan’s representation in the ACC and could give it greater influence in future discussions. The Bangladesh-hosted Asia Cup will be one of the key items on the ACC’s calendar next year. While Sylhet, Mirpur and Chattogram have emerged as possible venues, further decisions will be required regarding match allocation, logistics and other tournament arrangements. The latest ACC meeting therefore delivered more than routine administrative decisions for Pakistan. The successful election result, coupled with discussions over the next Asia Cup and women’s tournament, placed Pakistan at the centre of several important developments shaping the future of Asian cricket.

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    ECNEC approves Rs1.15tr development projects amid major cost escalations

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: The government has approved 16 development projects with a combined estimated cost of around Rs1.15 trillion, including the controversial Lahore-Sahiwal-Bahawalnagar motorway and the fifth extension of the Tarbela hydropower project, whose cost has surged by nearly 282% from the original estimate. The decisions were taken by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. Several of the projects had previously been considered by development forums and returned with revised costs following delays, changes in scope and rising construction expenses. Of the total approved amount, approximately Rs320 billion represents additional expenditure linked to cost increases and delays, highlighting the financial pressures facing major public-sector development schemes. The government, however, issued only a brief statement following the ECNEC meeting and did not provide a complete breakdown of all the projects and their financial details. The omission of the Lahore-Sahiwal-Bahawalnagar motorway from the official summary was particularly notable given the political controversy surrounding the scheme. Lahore-Bahawalnagar motorway approved The ECNEC approved the Rs407 billion Lahore-Sahiwal-Bahawalnagar Motorway project, retaining its original 295-kilometre alignment in accordance with a directive issued by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif earlier this year. The first package, covering an 18.5-kilometre stretch from the Lahore Ring Road to Raja Jang Interchange, was approved at an estimated cost of Rs49 billion through federal financing. The project has faced opposition from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which has raised objections to the scheme and its proposed alignment. Given the heavy financial burden on the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), the ECNEC directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to examine public-private partnership options for sections that could attract private investment. For commercially viable portions, the NHA will arrange its contribution through its own revenues in the form of Viability Gap Funding. For sections that are considered financially unviable, alternative arrangements will be explored, including contributions from the Punjab government, loans or financing from international financial institutions and direct federal funding, subject to the availability of resources. Tarbela extension faces major cost increase One of the most significant approvals was the fifth extension of the Tarbela project, which received approval at a revised cost of Rs316 billion. The project’s original estimated cost stood at approximately Rs82 billion, meaning its revised price tag represents an increase of about 282%. The steep escalation has already attracted scrutiny from government officials. During the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) review, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal reportedly raised concerns over project management, transparency and oversight. Questions were also raised regarding the technical capacity of personnel associated with the project. The Ministry of Water Resources had previously highlighted shortcomings in an inquiry into problems encountered during project implementation. An inquiry into the failure of the downstream cofferdam reportedly concluded that the structural collapse was linked to design changes, inadequate supervision and delayed administrative action rather than flooding. The findings attributed the failure to the shift from roller-compacted concrete to a rock-fill structure, along with weaknesses in project oversight. The incident resulted in delays and financial losses, adding to concerns over the project’s rising cost. The Ministry of Finance also sought an explanation for the substantial increase in the project’s estimated cost. Since the scheme is being financed through international financial institutions, the ministry asked the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) to provide details regarding the mechanism for repayment. Despite the concerns and requests for additional information, the ECNEC ultimately approved the revised project cost. Road and infrastructure schemes The committee also approved the 48-kilometre Khwazakhela-Besham Expressway at a revised cost of Rs116.6 billion. The new estimate is around 47% higher than the original cost. Another interprovincial road scheme aimed at improving connectivity between Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir was approved at Rs29 billion, representing an increase of approximately Rs10 billion over its initial estimate. The Rathoa Haryam Bridge over the reservoir channel on the Mirpur-Islamgarh Road also received approval at a revised cost of Rs10.8 billion. Its original estimate had been only Rs1.4 billion, reflecting a substantial increase over the initial projection. The ECNEC further approved the Lahore Wastewater Treatment Plant at a cost of Rs56.6 billion, around Rs4.2 billion above the earlier estimate. Poverty alleviation and education initiatives The Southern Punjab Poverty Alleviation Project was approved at Rs29.7 billion and will cover 10 districts: Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Bhakkar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Khushab, Layyah, Mianwali, Muzaffargarh, Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur. The scheme includes an additional cost escalation of around Rs6.8 billion and is aimed at improving socioeconomic conditions and livelihood opportunities in some of the region’s less-developed areas. The ECNEC also sanctioned Rs10.6 billion for the Fulbright scholarship programme, under which 816 scholarships are planned. Of these, 550 MS and 141 PhD scholarships will be administered through the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP), while the Higher Education Commission (HEC) will provide funding for another 125 PhD scholarships through the PSDP. Water projects in Sindh and Balochistan The Mazarani Dam project in Qambar Shahdadkot, Sindh, was approved at an estimated cost of Rs16.1 billion. The committee directed the provincial authorities to begin Command Area Development alongside construction of the main dam so that the project’s agricultural and economic benefits could be realised during its second phase. The Winder Dam project was also approved at Rs21.6 billion, with the federal government expected to contribute Rs15.6 billion. Meanwhile, the Mashkel Dam in Washuk, Balochistan, received approval at a cost of Rs41 billion. The project will be financed by the Balochistan government, while an environmental assessment report will be incorporated into the official project documentation.w Power-sector efficiency projects The ECNEC approved several schemes aimed at improving the performance of electricity distribution companies. A Rs24 billion project for the Supply, Installation, Testing and Commissioning of Asset Performance Management Systems at Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) was approved. The committee also sanctioned Rs19 billion for the Electricity Distribution Efficiency Improvement Project of Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO). A similar initiative for Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) was approved at Rs30.2 billion. These projects are intended

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    Dakota Johnson steps out with Taylor Swift post-breakup

    ByJustpaste.in

    Dakota Johnson appears to be focusing on friendship and fun following the end of her relationship with musician Role Model. Just days after news of their split surfaced, the Madame Web star stepped out in Los Angeles for a girls’ night with global pop superstar Taylor Swift. The two stars reportedly reunited at the exclusive Bird Streets Club, a members-only venue in Los Angeles known for attracting celebrities and high-profile guests. Their latest outing offered Johnson a chance to enjoy some downtime with one of her famous friends amid recent headlines surrounding her personal life. A photo shared on social media showed a member of Taylor Swift’s security team stationed outside the private club. However, neither Johnson nor Swift appeared in the photograph, keeping the details of their evening largely private. Johnson’s night out comes shortly after reports confirmed that she and Role Model had ended their relationship. The couple had reportedly been together for several months, with their romance first attracting attention toward the end of 2025. Rumors about the pair began circulating in December 2025 after Johnson and the singer were spotted spending time together. They were later seen on another outing in Los Angeles in January 2026, prompting further speculation that their relationship was becoming more serious. By April, reports suggested that the two were more than casually involved. An insider described their relationship as genuine and said they had been seeing each other since late the previous year. Johnson’s family also appeared supportive of the romance, with her mother, actress Melanie Griffith, publicly speaking positively about Role Model and describing him as “fabulous.” Despite their relationship eventually coming to an end, Johnson has seemingly continued to surround herself with close friends and maintain a positive outlook. Her evening with Swift highlights the strong friendship between the two actresses and entertainers, who have been seen together on various occasions. Swift, meanwhile, has also been enjoying a major new chapter in her personal life. Her latest outing with Johnson comes weeks after her reported marriage to NFL star Travis Kelce. The couple reportedly exchanged vows in a private, star-studded ceremony at Madison Square Garden on July 3, 2026. The wedding was said to have brought together several well-known names from the entertainment industry, including Selena Gomez, Gigi Hadid, Sabrina Carpenter and Jack Antonoff. Adam Sandler was reportedly involved in the ceremony as well, adding another recognizable name to the high-profile celebration. While neither Swift nor Johnson has publicly commented on their recent night out, their reunion appears to have provided a welcome break from the intense public attention surrounding their personal lives. For Johnson, the outing comes at a time when interest in her relationship status remains high. Rather than addressing the breakup publicly, she seems to be keeping her focus on friends, privacy and enjoying her time away from the spotlight. Her Los Angeles night with Swift suggests that, despite the recent change in her romantic life, Johnson is moving forward with plenty of support from the people close to her.