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    Riyadh Air begins operations in Pakistan with inaugural Islamabad flight

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s newly established national airline, has officially started flight operations to Pakistan, strengthening direct air connectivity between the two countries. The airline’s first flight to Pakistan, RX-660, arrived at Islamabad International Airport from Riyadh on Friday evening, marking Riyadh Air’s debut in the Pakistani aviation market, according to the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA). The inaugural flight carried 69 passengers on arrival and received a ceremonial water salute as it approached the airport terminal. The traditional welcome marked the beginning of a new chapter in commercial air links between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Riyadh Air is scheduled to operate seven flights a week between Riyadh and Islamabad, giving passengers an additional option for direct travel between the two countries. The new service is expected to facilitate business travel, tourism, family visits and other passenger movements between Pakistan and the Kingdom. An inauguration ceremony was subsequently organised at Islamabad International Airport to formally mark the launch of the airline’s operations. Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf Bin Said Al-Malki attended the ceremony as the chief guest. The event was also attended by Pakistan Airports Authority Director General Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed, senior government officials and representatives of Riyadh Air. Addressing the ceremony, the Saudi ambassador underscored the importance of the new air service in strengthening the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He noted that improved aviation links could contribute to closer people-to-people contacts and greater economic and commercial engagement between the two countries. PAA Director General Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed welcomed Riyadh Air’s entry into the Pakistani market, describing the new route as a significant development for bilateral air connectivity. He highlighted the role of expanded flight operations in improving passenger mobility and creating opportunities for greater cooperation in the aviation sector. The launch also reflects growing links between the two countries across tourism, trade, investment and other areas. The inauguration ceremony featured a ribbon-cutting and cake-cutting ceremony, formally commemorating Riyadh Air’s first scheduled service to Pakistan. Representatives of Riyadh Air also outlined the airline’s broader expansion ambitions and expressed interest in developing its presence in the Pakistani market. The airline’s entry is expected to provide passengers with greater choice while contributing to increased competition and capacity on the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia air corridor. Following the ceremony, flight RX-660 departed from Islamabad International Airport at 9:56 p.m., carrying 272 passengers on its return journey to Riyadh. The launch comes against the backdrop of longstanding and extensive travel ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Large numbers of Pakistani citizens travel to Saudi Arabia each year for employment, business, religious pilgrimage and family-related purposes, making reliable and frequent air connections between the two countries particularly important. With daily operations planned between Islamabad and Riyadh, Riyadh Air’s arrival is expected to further expand available passenger capacity and strengthen links between the two capitals.

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    Islamabad Bar raises alarm over Imaan Mazari’s h…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Bar Association has expressed concern over the reported deterioration in the health of human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, while they remain in custody. The association has urged the chief justices of the Islamabad High Court and the Supreme Court to take immediate notice of their reported medical condition. IBA Acting President Iram Rashid and Secretary Raja Khawar Dhaniyal conveyed the concerns in a letter addressed to the chief justices of both courts. The bar association said Mazari was facing serious health problems in jail and required regular medical care. It also raised concerns about Chattha’s condition and called for appropriate medical attention for him. The IBA stressed that access to timely and adequate healthcare is a fundamental right of every prisoner. It said authorities responsible for detainees must ensure that inmates receive necessary medical treatment and facilities. The association called for urgent attention to the matter, particularly in view of the reported health concerns of the two detainees. The IBA maintained that a person’s detention should not prevent them from receiving essential medical care. It urged the relevant authorities to take appropriate steps to protect their health and wellbeing.

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    Margot Robbie’s Barbie sequel hits roadblock

    ByJustpaste.in

    The highly anticipated Barbie sequel has hit a major roadblock, leaving fans uncertain about the future of the blockbuster franchise. Negotiations between Warner Bros. and the key creative team behind the 2023 hit have reportedly stalled over compensation. Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, director Greta Gerwig and co-writer Noah Baumbach are all involved in discussions about returning for a potential sequel. However, the sides have not yet reached an agreement. (Variety⁠) The issue reportedly centers on salary demands and backend compensation. Robbie and Gosling are seeking larger financial packages for their returns, while Gerwig and Baumbach are also negotiating their deals. Reports indicate that the creative team wants stronger upfront pay along with a greater share of the film’s potential profits. The negotiations are particularly significant because the original Barbie became a massive worldwide success. Released in 2023, the Greta Gerwig-directed film earned more than $1.4 billion globally and became Warner Bros.’ highest-grossing movie. Its success also turned Robbie and Gosling’s versions of Barbie and Ken into major pop-culture figures. (EW.com⁠) Despite the enormous success of the first film, Warner Bros. reportedly underestimated how valuable the project and its talent would become. The studio has made several offers to bring the original creative team back, but an agreement has yet to be reached. (Page Six⁠) The situation could become more complicated as a deadline approaches. Reports say Warner Bros. needs to secure agreements by December 2026 to retain the rights connected to a potential sequel. If the negotiations fail, the rights could return to Mattel, potentially opening the door for the property to be developed with a different studio and creative team. (The Guardian⁠) There is still hope for fans. Gerwig and Baumbach reportedly have an idea for a follow-up story, but they are keeping details private while contract discussions continue. Gerwig has also previously indicated that she would only return if there were a meaningful creative reason to revisit the world of Barbie. For Robbie, the situation is especially notable because she was not only the film’s star but also a producer on the original movie. Her involvement helped bring Gerwig’s ambitious version of Barbie to the big screen. For now, Barbie 2 remains uncertain rather than officially cancelled. Until Warner Bros. and the creative team settle their financial and contractual differences, fans may have to wait before knowing whether Barbie and Ken will return to the big screen

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    Lionel Richie takes a dig at Chris Brown during co…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Lionel Richie has sparked a conversation among music fans after taking a pointed swipe at Chris Brown and Usher during one of his recent concerts. The 77-year-old music legend made the comments while performing with Earth, Wind & Fire in Phoenix on August 11. During the show, Richie compared the current R&B tour featuring Brown and Usher with the tours he performed decades ago with the Commodores and Earth, Wind & Fire. (People.com⁠) Richie suggested that Brown and Usher were not doing something completely new by bringing two major R&B performers together for a large-scale tour. He pointed out that the Commodores and Earth, Wind & Fire had already been performing major joint shows about four decades ago. However, Richie’s comparison took a sharper turn when he referenced the legal troubles surrounding Brown. He joked that the biggest difference between his generation and today’s artists was that his group members had not gone to jail. The comment appeared to be a reference to Brown’s past legal issues. (Billboard⁠) The remark quickly spread online, with clips from Richie’s concert gaining attention across social media. While some fans viewed the moment as an amusing example of the veteran singer defending his generation’s legacy, others debated whether the joke went too far. Richie later appeared to soften the tone of his comments. He described both Brown and Usher as “fine Christian men” and suggested that the internet often creates unnecessary controversy around celebrities. (People.com⁠) Brown, for his part, did not appear to take the comment too seriously. The singer responded on Instagram with a playful message directed at Richie, calling him “paw paw” and adding laughing emojis. His reaction suggested that he viewed the exchange more as friendly teasing than a serious feud. (TMZ⁠) The comments come as Brown and Usher continue their joint R&B stadium tour, which launched earlier this year. The collaboration has attracted considerable attention because both singers are major figures in modern R&B, with their careers spanning different eras of the genre. Richie’s own career gives him plenty of experience with massive R&B performances. As a member of the Commodores and later as a solo artist, he became one of the most recognizable voices in popular music. For now, there is no indication of a serious feud between the three singers. Instead, Richie’s remarks and Brown’s playful response appear to have created an unexpected exchange between two generations of R&B stars.

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    Ryan de Nino, Married at First Sight star, passes …

    ByJustpaste.in

      Ryan de Nino, best known for appearing on Lifetime’s Married at First Sight, has died at the age of 40. The reality star passed away suddenly in New Jersey earlier this week, according to a family member who confirmed the news. His family has not revealed the cause or circumstances of his death.  De Nino appeared on the second season of Married at First Sight, which aired in 2015. He was matched with Jessica Castro, a New York law firm receptionist, as part of the show’s unusual experiment in which couples meet for the first time at the altar. Ryan and Jessica initially decided to remain married after completing the show’s trial period. However, their relationship later became highly contentious. The couple eventually divorced, and their difficult breakup became one of the most talked-about stories from their season.  Their relationship continued to make headlines after filming ended. In 2015, Castro filed a restraining order against Ryan and made serious allegations concerning threats toward her and her family. Ryan disputed the allegations at the time. The former couple ultimately went their separate ways.  Following news of Ryan’s death, his sister, Melissa DeNino, shared an emotional tribute on social media. She remembered her brother as funny, witty and fiercely loyal to the people he loved. She also described him as someone with a huge heart and reflected on the unique bond between siblings. Melissa wrote about the pain of losing someone who had been part of her life from the beginning. Her tribute included photographs of Ryan and the siblings throughout the years.  Jessica Castro has also reacted to the news. She said she had not been in contact with Ryan for years and therefore did not know about his life in recent times. Despite their complicated history, she expressed her condolences to his family and wished him peace.  Ryan’s death has prompted viewers to remember his time on Married at First Sight and the dramatic relationship that made his season particularly memorable. While he largely stayed away from the spotlight after the show, his sudden passing has brought attention back to his reality television career. For now, Ryan’s family has chosen not to release additional details about his death. As they grieve his loss, fans and former MAFS viewers have been sharing condolences for his loved ones.

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    Pakistan Stock Exchange ends week lower as KSE-100 falls 1,325 points

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a relatively volatile trading week, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index ending lower after losing 1,325 points over the five trading sessions. The benchmark index settled at 180,104 points at the close of the week, compared with its previous level, reflecting a decline in investor sentiment and selling pressure across the market. During the week, the KSE-100 Index moved within a range of 2,568 points. The index touched a weekly high of 182,347 points, while its lowest level stood at 179,778 points, highlighting fluctuations in trading activity throughout the period. Despite the overall decline in the benchmark, trading activity remained substantial. A total of approximately 3.41 billion shares changed hands during the week, with the combined traded value reaching around Rs152 billion. The market’s overall capitalization also came under pressure during the reporting period. According to the weekly market data, total market capitalization declined by approximately Rs107 billion, falling to Rs20.13 trillion. Market participants continued to monitor developments affecting domestic economic conditions, investor confidence and broader market sentiment. The movement in the benchmark index reflected a cautious approach among investors, with fluctuations in buying and selling activity contributing to the week’s overall performance. The decline in the KSE-100 Index comes despite continued interest in equities, as investors assessed market valuations and economic indicators while keeping a close watch on developments that could influence the direction of the stock market in the coming sessions.

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    ‘I got so much love’, Sunny Deol on Pakistan Kartarpur Corridor visit

    ByJustpaste.in

    Bollywood actor Sunny Deol has recalled his visit to the Kartarpur Corridor, saying he received considerable affection in Pakistan despite the political tensions between the two neighbouring countries. Deol made the remarks while promoting his latest film, Batwara (1947), which was released in India and several other countries on Friday. During a recent interview, the actor was asked whether he had ever travelled to Pakistan. Deol clarified that he had never formally visited Pakistan, but had the opportunity to travel to the Kartarpur Corridor when it was opened. As the corridor falls within his parliamentary constituency, he was included in a delegation that visited Kartarpur. Recalling the experience, Deol said he was surprised by the warmth he encountered on the Pakistani side. “I received a lot of love in Pakistan,” the actor said, adding that members of the military also expressed affection and spoke to him about his films. According to Deol, some of those he met told him they admired him but asked him not to make films portraying Pakistan negatively because they felt a strong connection with him as an actor. Deol said his response was that he was only performing a character in films and that the views of a fictional character should not necessarily be confused with his personal beliefs. The actor also spoke about the wider human dimension of relations between India and Pakistan. He said people naturally love their own countries but argued that innocent civilians should never be targeted. His comments come as Deol promotes Batwara (1947), a film dealing with the turbulent period surrounding the Partition of British India. The Kartarpur Corridor, which links India with the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, has long been viewed as an important religious and people-to-people connection between the two countries. Deol’s recollection has attracted attention because of his long association with patriotic and action-oriented Bollywood roles, some of which have featured strong anti-Pakistan themes. His latest remarks, however, offered a more personal perspective, highlighting how an encounter across the border left him with memories of warmth and affection.

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    Ertugrul star Celal Al sends ‘Dil Dil Pakistan?…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Turkish actor Celal Al has once again shown his affection for Pakistan, winning hearts among Pakistani fans with a warm message celebrating the close friendship between the two countries. Celal Al, best known for playing Abdurrahman Alp in the hit historical drama Diriliş: Ertuğrul, has developed a strong connection with Pakistani audiences since the series became hugely popular in the country. His portrayal of the loyal and courageous warrior made him a familiar face among viewers and helped build a passionate fan following in Pakistan. The actor recently confirmed that he plans to visit Pakistan again. In a message shared with his Pakistani followers, Celal expressed his excitement about returning and meeting fans. He also hinted that his upcoming visit will include several surprises connected to a collaboration with a Turkish brand. (Minute Mirror⁠) Celal ended his message with the much-loved phrase “Dil Dil Pakistan” alongside “Jan Jan Türkiye,” highlighting the cultural warmth between Pakistani and Turkish people. His words quickly attracted attention from fans who have followed his career since Ertugrul became a household favourite in Pakistan. (Minute Mirror⁠) This is not the first time Celal has celebrated Pakistan’s Independence Day. In August 2020, the actor shared a special video message in Urdu for Pakistani fans. He wished them a happy Independence Day and paid tribute to the country’s martyrs. He also said that Türkiye and its people would always stand beside Pakistan. (Geo News⁠) The actor even wrote “Dil Dil Pakistan” in the comments and ended his message by saying “Pakistan Zindabad.” His effort to communicate in Urdu made the message particularly special for Pakistani viewers. Celal’s relationship with Pakistan has continued beyond social media posts. He has met several Pakistani celebrities, including Imran Abbas and Reema Khan, and has been seen singing Dil Dil Pakistan alongside Pakistani stars. He has also participated in humanitarian activities and publicly expressed his support for the friendship between Türkiye and Pakistan. (Wikipedia⁠) His popularity in Pakistan grew rapidly after Diriliş: Ertuğrul was introduced to a wider Pakistani audience. The drama’s themes of courage, loyalty and Muslim history connected strongly with many viewers. As Pakistan celebrates another Independence Day, Celal’s continued messages of friendship have added another warm moment to the long-standing cultural relationship between the two nations. For his Pakistani fans, “Dil Dil Pakistan” from their favourite Ertugrul star remains a memorable symbol of that bond.

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    North Korea warns US nuclear strategy could trigger arms race

    ByJustpaste.in

    PYONGYANG: North Korea has warned that a new nuclear strategy being considered by the United States could trigger a fresh global arms race and increase the risk of nuclear conflict. A spokesperson for North Korea’s Foreign Ministry criticised the proposed US nuclear policy and accused Washington of using nuclear weapons for strategic dominance and political and military objectives. The spokesperson described the reported US strategy as a serious and dangerous development. North Korea said the policy could undermine the existing nuclear balance and accelerate the development and deployment of nuclear weapons around the world. According to the North Korean statement, continued expansion of nuclear capabilities could push the international security environment closer to the threshold of nuclear war. However, US Deputy Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby said on Thursday that he did not expect any major or fundamental changes in the nuclear strategy currently under consideration. North Korea also criticised planned joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea. It warned that it would exercise what it described as its right to self-defence in response to what it considers hostile military activities. A statement carried by North Korean state media said Pyongyang would not tolerate what it described as an increasingly confrontational situation created by hostile states. The United States and South Korea are scheduled to begin their joint military exercises on August 17. The drills are expected to continue until August 27. The exercises are also expected to take into account possible lessons from North Korea’s involvement in Russia’s war in Ukraine, particularly its military experience and battlefield capabilities. The latest warnings came after North Korea conducted its second missile test in less than a week. On Wednesday, Pyongyang launched a ballistic missile from its eastern coast towards the sea. Six days earlier, it had conducted another test involving a short-range missile. North Korea’s latest military activity comes amid continued tensions with Washington and Seoul. Diplomatic efforts to restart talks have so far failed to produce a breakthrough. According to reports, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has largely rejected recent calls for renewed diplomatic engagement with the United States and South Korea. Since the collapse of diplomatic efforts involving former US President Donald Trump in 2019, Kim has instead focused on strengthening North Korea’s nuclear and missile capabilities. Analysts believe Pyongyang could eventually use its expanding nuclear capabilities as leverage to seek concessions from Washington. These could include relief from international sanctions and other measures imposed on North Korea over its nuclear and missile programmes.

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    Girl killed by brother after choosing to marry, ac…

    ByJustpaste.in

    RAWALPINDI: A young woman was allegedly shot dead by her brother in Gujar Khan after she had married a man of her choice, police said on Saturday. The accused, who allegedly killed his sister two days ago, has been arrested by police. A case has also been registered at Gujar Khan Police Station on the complaint of the victim’s father. According to the family, the woman had left home in January during her leave and married a man of her choice. She had subsequently been living with her husband in Karachi. Police said the woman’s brother recently brought her back to the family home from Karachi after reconciliation between the two sides. Her father later alleged that his son shot and killed his daughter over her decision to marry according to her own choice. Further investigation into the incident is underway.