تازہ ترین

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    ECC approves hike in petrol, diesel dealers’ mar…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has approved an increase in the dealers’ margin on petrol and diesel by Rs1.34 per litre. According to sources, the dealers’ margin on both petrol and diesel has been raised from Rs8.64 to Rs9.98 per litre. Vice Chairman of the All Pakistan Petrol Pumps Owners Association Nauman Butt thanked the prime minister and petroleum minister for approving the increase. The association said the government had fulfilled its long-standing demand by increasing the dealers’ margin by Rs1.34 per litre. Meanwhile, the government collected more petroleum levy revenue than both its target and the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) estimate during the last fiscal year. According to Finance Ministry sources, petroleum levy collections exceeded Rs1.56 trillion during the previous fiscal year. More than Rs50 billion was also collected under the Climate Support Levy. Petroleum levy collections were around Rs100 billion higher than the government’s target and Rs21 billion above the IMF’s estimate. At present, a petroleum levy of Rs80 per litre is being charged on petrol. High-Speed Diesel carries a levy of Rs77.28 per litre. In addition, a separate Climate Support Levy of Rs5 per litre is being imposed on both petrol and diesel.

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    Jinnah turned the impossible into Pakistan: Bilal …

    ByJustpaste.in

    British Pakistani entrepreneur and educationist Bilal Sheikh has paid tribute to Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He said Jinnah’s vision, political struggle and leadership gave the Muslims of the subcontinent a separate homeland. That homeland is now home to around 250 million people. Sheikh spoke at an art exhibition organised by the Mont Rose Foundation. The exhibition was titled “Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah: A Legacy Beyond Time.” It was held at the National Liberal Club on Whitehall Place in central London to mark Jinnah’s enduring legacy. Pakistan’s newly appointed High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Tipu Usman, attended the event. Artist Amera Rashid was also present, along with several prominent members of the British Pakistani community, educationists, entrepreneurs and other dignitaries. In his keynote remarks, the High Commissioner said Jinnah firmly believed in the rule of law. He said Jinnah valued reasoned argument, dialogue and political negotiation, even with opponents. Tipu Usman said Jinnah’s legacy was not only about remembering the struggle for Pakistan’s creation. It was equally about understanding the principles and values that guided that struggle. The High Commissioner praised Bilal Sheikh for organising the exhibition. He also credited Sheikh for commissioning a portrait of Quaid e Azam that is now permanently placed in the National Liberal Club. Sheikh is the founder of Mont Rose College in London, which teaches thousands of adult students each year. He said the creation of Pakistan was the result of Jinnah’s extraordinary constitutional struggle. He said it also reflected Jinnah’s political determination and his commitment to securing a future where Muslims of British India could shape their own destiny. Sheikh said Jinnah’s message remains relevant more than seven decades after Pakistan’s creation. He said this holds true not only for Pakistan but for millions of Pakistanis living around the world, especially as Pakistan gains greater international prominence. Sheikh said Pakistan’s recent role in promoting international peace and preventing war in the Middle East reflects Jinnah’s teachings. He also pointed to Pakistan’s victory last year against a much bigger rival, India, as proof of the resilient nation Jinnah envisioned. He said Jinnah did not simply campaign for territory. He fought for the political rights, dignity and future of millions of people. Sheikh said today’s Pakistan, home to nearly 250 million people, exists because Jinnah had the courage and foresight to pursue a goal many once considered impossible. Sheikh said British Pakistanis are part of the success story of modern Britain. He said they are present in education, medicine, law, business, public service, technology and many other professions. He said serving Britain successfully while contributing to Pakistan’s development reflects the values of responsibility, education and progress that Jinnah championed. Bilal Sheikh is a British Pakistani education entrepreneur and CEO of East London based Mont Rose College. He has campaigned for several years for greater recognition of Jinnah in Britain. In 2022, Sheikh commissioned Jinnah’s portrait for London’s National Liberal Club, where Jinnah had been a member more than a century earlier. Sheikh has also advocated for a statue of Jinnah in Parliament Square. He argues that Jinnah’s historical links with Britain and his political legacy deserve greater public recognition.

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    Saudi scholar greets Pakistan on I-DAY

    ByJustpaste.in

        ISLAMABAD : Prof. Ahmed Saad Alahmed, the president and acting rector of the university, extended ‘heartiest felicitations’ to the people of Pakistan from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Prof. Alahmed is a prominent Saudi scholar who is heading this university. His message of felicitation expresses the profound bond of friendship between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “Pakistan was founded upon the conviction that binds us,” he said, adding that that conviction is the concept of “Muslim Ummah” and the “ties of faith”. “This week, in the sanctified precincts of Makkah Almukarramah, that historic bond was consolidated once again through Makkah Accord,” he said, “The dignity and sanctity of one Muslim nation is the concern of all”. He said he has a personal bond with Pakistanis because of his stay in this country. He said Pakistani people are blessed with the talent and resilience that few other nations can have. He said that he has no reason to doubt that International Islamic University Islamabad will take a prominent place in leading universities of the world. He prayed for unity and peace among Muslim Ummah on this Independence Day. International Islamic University Islamabad also held flag hoisting ceremony at Faisal Mosque to celebrate the Independence Day.

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    Luigi Mangione pleads guilty in US insurance CEO killing

    ByJustpaste.in

    Luigi Mangione has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges linked to the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson, bringing a major development in a closely watched case that sparked intense public debate over the US health insurance system. Mangione admitted in court that he shot Thompson in Manhattan on December 4, 2024. He pleaded guilty to two federal stalking charges involving Thompson and acknowledged that he had targeted the executive with the intention of killing him. “I shot Mr Thompson in Manhattan, and he died,” Mangione told the court. US District Judge Margaret Garnett warned Mangione that the federal charges could carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. She scheduled his sentencing for December 18. Federal prosecutors have indicated that they will seek a life sentence. The guilty plea eliminates the need for a federal trial over Thompson’s killing. It could also strengthen Mangione’s efforts to challenge or seek dismissal of separate murder charges filed against him in New York. Thompson, who headed UnitedHealth Group’s insurance division, was shot outside a Manhattan hotel while attending an investor conference. His death triggered widespread attention across the United States, while the circumstances surrounding the killing led to renewed public discussion about healthcare costs, insurance coverage and patients’ frustrations with the industry. Mangione, 28, told the court that he had experienced a serious back injury and had subsequently dealt with the health insurance system. He said he researched UnitedHealthcare’s investor conference before travelling to New York with the intention of killing Thompson. Prosecutors have alleged that Mangione used a 3-D printer to manufacture part of a firearm. He was later arrested in Pennsylvania following a nationwide manhunt. Thompson’s family welcomed the guilty plea, describing it as an important step toward justice. The family said it expected the court to impose a sentence that reflected the seriousness of the crime. The case has attracted enormous media and public attention since graphic footage of the shooting emerged and authorities launched a five-day search for the suspect. Mangione’s arrest also generated intense debate on social media, including criticism of the healthcare industry and reactions to the circumstances surrounding Thompson’s death. Mangione had previously denied the federal allegations and pleaded not guilty to murder, weapons and stalking charges in April 2025.

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    President Zardari approves civil awards for 355 pe…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has approved civil awards for 355 Pakistani and foreign personalities in recognition of their outstanding services and achievements in various fields. The awards will be presented at a special ceremony on Pakistan Day, March 23, next year. The recipients include prominent figures from politics, public service, entertainment, sports, journalism, law enforcement, medicine and other sectors. Among the personalities from the entertainment industry, singers Tarannum Naz and Nisho Begum will receive the Sitara-i-Imtiaz. Actors Ghazala Kaifi, Sania Saeed and Maria Wasti, along with singer Zohaib Hassan, will be honoured with the Tamgha-i-Husn-i-Karkardagi. Singer Shiraz Uppal will receive the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz. In sports, shooter Kishmala Talat and former Test cricketer Sadiq Mohammad will be awarded the Tamgha-i-Husn-i-Karkardagi for their contributions and achievements. Several senior government officials and political figures have also been included in the awards list. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal and Muhammad Aurangzeb, and Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani will receive the Nishan-i-Imtiaz. Director General Intelligence Bureau Fawad Asadullah, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, Federal Board of Revenue Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial, Finance Secretary Imdadullah Bosal and Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul will receive the Sitara-i-Imtiaz. Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council Allama Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi will be awarded the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, while Federal Minister Engineer Amir Muqam will receive the Hilal-i-Imtiaz for public service. Zobia Khursheed Raja of Azad Kashmir will receive the Tamgha-i-Shujaat for her bravery in confronting rioters. She reportedly risked her life to rescue an injured police officer who was surrounded by rioters. A total of 46 martyrs of law enforcement agencies will be awarded the Sitara-i-Shujaat. Group Captain Asim Tariq Shaheed will also receive the same honour. Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan CEO Dr Ubaidullah will receive the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, while Punjab Saaf and Suthra Authority Director General Babar Sahib Din will be awarded the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz. Senior journalists Saleh Zafar and Haji Nawaz Raza will receive the Sitara-i-Imtiaz. Journalists Ammar Masood, Maria Zulfiqar, Adil Shahzeb and Hamad Hassan will be honoured with the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz. Two physicians associated with Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Dr Jal Ratanji Patel and Dr Jal Dabu, will be conferred the Nishan-i-Quaid-i-Azam posthumously. The list also includes prominent foreign figures. Saudi Prince Saud bin Naif will receive the Hilal-i-Pakistan, while Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defence Minister Yasar Guler and Trade Minister Omer Bolat will each be awarded the Sitara-i-Pakistan. Dr Khalid Abbas Al-Asadi and Dr Paul Jacob Bhatti will receive the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz in recognition of their services.

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    Christian Convery calls Anne Hathaway his ‘hero’

    ByJustpaste.in

    Actor Christian Convery has opened up about his experience filming the sci-fi thriller The End of Oak Street, describing the production as both exciting and emotionally demanding while praising his co-star Anne Hathaway. The film features Convery alongside Hathaway, Ewan McGregor and Maisy Stella. The story follows the Platt family as they struggle to survive after their neighbourhood is mysteriously displaced into an unfamiliar and dangerous environment. Speaking about the filming experience, Convery said the production involved a sharp contrast between lighthearted family scenes and emotionally intense sequences. He explained that scenes involving ordinary family moments, such as a neighbourhood party or a meal together, were enjoyable to film. However, extended periods of emotionally heavy scenes became exhausting for the cast. The young actor said the demanding nature of the production helped the cast connect with their characters on a deeper level. According to Convery, the actors were placed under considerable physical and emotional pressure during filming, which helped them portray the fear, tension and uncertainty experienced by their characters more convincingly. Convery also discussed how the cast developed a believable family dynamic on screen. He said there was no special formula for creating chemistry because the cast members naturally connected when they first met. He credited the table read, preparation sessions and regular discussions for helping the actors understand their relationships within the story. The cast also spent time together away from the set, including during meals and weekends, which further strengthened their bond. The actor said the close relationship eventually extended beyond the principal cast, describing the entire production team as a large family. Convery also spoke warmly about working with Anne Hathaway, admitting that he initially felt nervous because she had been one of his acting heroes for many years. He said Hathaway treated him as a professional colleague rather than simply as a young actor. That approach helped him feel respected and gave him an opportunity to learn from her while maintaining a clear distinction between their on-screen relationship and their real-life professional relationship. Convery has been working in the entertainment industry since childhood. He said a major turning point came when he was around nine years old and landed the lead role in Sweet Tooth, a project he filmed over several years in New Zealand. He explained that the experience encouraged him to take acting more seriously and develop a deeper understanding of filmmaking. He began studying different performances, directors and classic films while learning more about the creative process behind cinema. Despite his early success, Convery said he remains focused on improving his craft and believes actors should remain grounded and recognise that there is always more to learn.

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    Two suspects killed in police encounter in Sheikhu…

    ByJustpaste.in

      Two suspected criminals, identified as Fayyaz Butt and Rehan Butt, were killed in an exchange of fire with police in Sheikhupura, while a case has been registered at Muridke Police Station in connection with the incident. According to police and details mentioned in the First Information Report (FIR), the two suspects were among armed men allegedly involved in a recent attack in Lahore in which three police personnel were martyred and three others were injured. The suspects had reportedly fled the scene following the attack and were later traced to a house in Sheikhupura. The FIR states that a group of three armed suspects entered the residence of a citizen, identified as Abdul Hafeez, and held his family hostage at gunpoint. Abdul Hafeez’s wife and their three children were reportedly inside the house when the suspects entered and took control of the situation. After receiving information about the presence of the suspects, police surrounded the house and launched an operation to secure the area and rescue the hostages. Police officials reportedly called upon the suspects to surrender their weapons and come out of the house peacefully. However, instead of surrendering, the suspects allegedly opened fire on the police, resulting in an exchange of gunfire between the two sides. During the confrontation, a police vehicle was also damaged by gunfire. According to the FIR, the exchange of fire continued for some time before the shooting eventually stopped. When police personnel entered the house and searched the premises, they found two bodies lying in the courtyard. Weapons were also recovered from the scene near the bodies. The deceased suspects were subsequently identified as Fayyaz Butt and Rehan Butt Police have registered a case against the suspects and other alleged accomplices under several serious charges. The FIR includes provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act along with sections relating to the possession of explosive material, murder and attempted murder. The case has been registered at Muridke Police Station and further investigation is underway to determine the suspects’ alleged involvement in the Lahore attack and other criminal activities. Authorities are also investigating the circumstances surrounding the hostage situation and the suspects’ presence at the residence. Police are expected to examine evidence recovered from the scene, including weapons, and determine whether other individuals were involved in the incident. The development comes after the reported killing and injuries of six police personnel in Lahore, with authorities alleging that the suspects involved in that incident escaped and later took refuge in the Sheikhupura area. The police operation ultimately ended with the deaths of two suspects, while the condition and whereabouts of the hostages were not detailed in the FIR information provided. Officials said the investigation would continue to establish the complete sequence of events, identify any other people involved and determine the suspects’ connection with the earlier attack on police personnel. The incident has also raised concerns over the use of firearms and explosives by suspected criminals and the risks faced by law enforcement personnel while responding to armed confrontations. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.

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    372 honoured with Pakistan Civil Awards on Indepen…

    ByJustpaste.in

        ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan has announced the Pakistan Civil Awards 2026 honouring 372 Pakistani citizens, overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals for their outstanding achievements, services and acts of courage in various fields. The awards were announced on August 14, 2026 on the occasion of Independence Day, by the President of Pakistan. According to an official press release issued by the Cabinet Division, the honours recognise individuals who have demonstrated exceptional performance, excellence, dedication and bravery. The awards will formally be conferred at an Investiture Ceremony on Pakistan Day, March 23, 2027. The recipients come from diverse fields, including science, engineering, education, medicine, literature, arts, sports, journalism, social welfare, philanthropy and public service. A significant number have also been recognised for gallantry and sacrifices made while performing their duties. Among scientists, Dr Shahid Mahmud has been selected for the Hilal-i-Imtiaz in Science (I.T.), while Prof Dr Syed Zafar Ilyas and Prof Dr Mudassir Asrar will receive the Sitara-i-Imtiaz. Several other scientists, including Dr Sajjad Hussain, Prof Dr Aneela Zameer Jaffery and Dr Urooj Saeed, have been selected for the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz. Engineers Dr Muhammad Sadiq and Prof Dr Naeem-ul-Haq Tariq have also been named for the award. In education, Prof Sheikh Imtiaz Ali (late) has received the Nishan-i-Imtiaz posthumously. Lt Gen (retd) Moazzam Ejaz has been selected for the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, while other educators and researchers have been recognised with Sitara-i-Imtiaz and Tamgha-i-Imtiaz. The government has also honoured numerous doctors and health professionals. Prof Faisal Saud Dar has been selected for the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, while the late Prof Dr Tahir Shamsi has been awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz posthumously for his contributions to bone marrow transplantation. The arts category includes actors, singers, musicians, painters and theatre personalities. Sultana Siddiqi has been selected for the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, while Nisho Begum, Iftikhar Ahmed Thakur, Syed Fasih Uddin Soharwardhy, Shakir Hussain, Taranam Naz and Saira John Peter are among those receiving the Sitara-i-Imtiaz. Numerous performers and traditional artists have also been recognised through the Presidential Award for Pride of Performance and Tamgha-i-Imtiaz. Literary figures have also featured prominently. Asad Muhammad Khan has been selected for the Nishan-i-Imtiaz for his contributions to fiction, drama and poetry, while Ejaz Rahim and Muhammad Khurshid Ul Hasan Rizvi will receive the Hilal-i-Imtiaz. Sports personalities, including wrestler Bashir Bhola, shooter Kishmala Talat, squash player Noor Zaman, boxer Muhammad Waseem and cricketer Sadiq Muhammad, have also been recognised. Journalists Muhammad Saleh Zaafir and Haji Nawaz Raza have been selected for the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, while several other media professionals will receive Pride of Performance and Tamgha-i-Imtiaz awards. Public service remains one of the largest categories, with Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Mohsin Naqvi, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ahad Khan Cheema and Bilal Azhar Kayani selected for the Nishan-i-Imtiaz. The list also includes numerous military personnel, police officers and civilians recognised for bravery. Forty-three individuals have been named for the Sitara-i-Shuja’at, with many receiving the honour posthumously for sacrificing their lives in the line of duty. Several foreign nationals have also been honoured for their services to Pakistan. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak has been selected for the Nishan-i-Pakistan, while other international figures have been chosen for various civil awards. The government has separately recognised overseas Pakistanis for their contributions, with recipients selected for honours including the Nishan-i-Imtiaz, Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Sitara-i-Imtiaz and Tamgha-i-Imtiaz. The official notification was issued by Cabinet Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal on August 14. The awards will be formally presented on March 23, 2027.

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    Prime Video renews ‘Adarsh Baal Vidyalaya’ for two more seasons

    ByJustpaste.in

    Prime Video is bringing back “Adarsh Baal Vidyalaya” for two more seasons, confirming both Season 2 and Season 3 following the show’s successful debut run. The renewal marks a strong vote of confidence in the series. The streamer also confirmed that development on the upcoming seasons has already begun. Work is reportedly underway even before the current buzz around the first season has fully settled. The comedy drama premiered worldwide on July 24 and quickly became a global favourite. It trended at No. 1 among non-English titles on Prime Video’s worldwide Top 10 list. The show also achieved impressive domestic reach, connecting with audiences across 94% of India’s PIN codes. That level of penetration highlights just how widely the series resonated with viewers nationwide. At the centre of the story is Gyaneshwar Tripathi, a laid-back headmaster trying to bring order to one of Tinki Toli’s most chaotic schools. His attempts to manage the dysfunction form the emotional and comedic core of the series. The show is directed by Himank Gaur, with Biswapati Sarkar and Sameer Saxena serving as creators and executive producers under their Posham Pa Pictures banner. Their creative partnership has previously delivered several well-received comedy projects. Leading the cast is veteran actor Kay Kay Menon, joined by Archana Puran Singh and Abhimanyu Singh. The ensemble also includes Naveen Kasturia, Prasanna Bisht, Deven Bhojani, Ajitesh Gupta, Annapurna Soni and Prachee Shah. News of the renewal spread quickly across social media, with fans expressing genuine excitement over the announcement. One user said they were thrilled about the upcoming second season, while another simply called it an amazing series. A third fan described the renewal as some of the best news they had heard recently. The overwhelmingly positive reaction reflects just how strongly the show connected with its audience during its debut run. With development already underway on both new seasons, fans can expect the comedic chaos of Tinki Toli’s dysfunctional school to continue well into the future. For now, no release date has been announced for either upcoming season.

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    Nicole Kidman reveals her secret ‘stealth mode’ for nights out

    ByJustpaste.in

    Nicole Kidman has a clever trick for going out in public without being recognised. She calls it her stealth mode. Speaking with British Vogue, the “Babygirl” star opened up about how she enjoys ordinary outings and summer trips across Europe while keeping her identity under wraps. Her secret weapon is a slightly darker wig paired with a simple pair of glasses. Kidman described herself as genuinely skilled at slipping in and out of places unnoticed. She named cities like London, Ibiza, Paris and Portofino as regular stops during her European summers. She explained that her evenings can range from a quiet dinner party to a full night out dancing. According to her, it really comes down to two simple options, playing Scrabble at home or heading out for the night. Kidman described her typical evening rhythm in detail, starting with dinner around 10:30 pm and moving to a club by 1 am. She said she’ll usually put on glasses to help blend into the crowd. She admitted that sometimes she goes a step further, adding a dark wig to fully disguise her look. Once disguised, she said, she is free to simply enjoy dancing without being noticed. Kidman noted that staying surrounded by trusted people is essential to feeling comfortable during these outings. She said she always brings people along with her, describing that sense of company as something she genuinely needs. Elsewhere in the conversation, Kidman reflected on how differently she viewed life before her recent divorce from Keith Urban. She said she has since adopted more of a feelings-first approach to both her personal life and career. She explained that she does not want to be ruled entirely by logic anymore. According to Kidman, she once had a very different vision for how her life would unfold, but reality simply turned out differently. She said people often build detailed plans and expectations, only to find life does not follow that script. Kidman added that adjusting and adapting has become necessary, describing her future right now as something entirely unknown to her.