تازہ ترین

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    Iranian envoy hails Pakistan on 79th Independence …

    ISLAMABAD: Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghaddam has extended heartfelt greetings to the Pakistani government and people on the country’s 79th Independence Day. In his message, the Iranian envoy described Pakistan as a great friend, neighbour and brotherly country. He praised the Pakistani people’s resilience, unity and achievements, saying Iran deeply valued their determination. Amiri Moghaddam said Iran attached great importance to its longstanding ties with Pakistan, based on friendship, mutual respect and cooperation. He said the commitment demonstrated by the leadership of both countries had opened the way for a new phase in bilateral relations. The ambassador said Iran-Pakistan relations were passing through an important turning point, with a new era of engagement and cooperation beginning between the two neighbouring countries. He said Iran wished continued prosperity, peace, security, development and wellbeing for the people of Pakistan. Amiri Moghaddam reaffirmed Iran’s desire to further strengthen the historic friendship between the two countries. He said Tehran remained committed to deepening bilateral relations in a manner that served the mutual interests of the Iranian and Pakistani peoples.

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    Senior journalists unite under new leadership to p…

    LONDON: Senior Pakistani journalists based in the United Kingdom have elected a new leadership for Pakistan Press Club UK International (PPCUK International), pledging to strengthen professional journalism, project Pakistan’s positive image abroad and work closely with the British Pakistani diaspora. Senior journalist Azhar Javaid, has been elected as Chairman of the organisation, which represents Pakistani journalists working for leading television channels, newspapers and digital media platforms across the UK. The newly elected office bearers include Haseeb Arsalan (Vice Chairman), Shaukat Dar (President), Irfan ul Haq (Senior Vice President), Nasim Siddiqi (Vice President), Safina Khan (General Secretary), Syed Sibtain Ali (Information Secretary), Amna Chaudhry (Joint Secretary), Zulfiqar Ali (Additional Secretary) and Pervez Iqbal (Finance Secretary). Senior official and Press Minister at the Pakistan High Commission in London, Ali Nawaz Malik, congratulated the newly elected office bearers and praised UK-based Pakistani journalists for promoting Pakistan’s soft image internationally. He said Pakistani journalists serving in Britain were ambassadors of Pakistan and had made valuable contributions by highlighting the country’s achievements and keeping the diaspora informed. Ali Nawaz Malik assured the Pakistan High Commission’s full cooperation in facilitating journalists in the discharge of their professional responsibilities. He said the mission looked forward to working closely with the new leadership of PPCUK International. Chairman Azhar Javaid said the organisation would uphold the highest standards of journalism, promote professional ethics and strengthen unity among Pakistani journalists in Britain. He said the club would continue to serve as a credible platform for journalists while highlighting Pakistan’s achievements and promoting the country’s soft image internationally through responsible and balanced reporting. Vice Chairman Haseeb Arsalan said Pakistan needed a stronger and more positive international image at a crucial time. “At this moment, Pakistan needs a stronger positive image across the world. Our organisation will work closely with the Pakistani diaspora overseas to promote the country’s achievements and present a balanced and constructive narrative about Pakistan.” President Shaukat Dar welcomed the unity shown by the media community, saying it was encouraging to see senior and working journalists from different organisations coming together on one platform. “The strength of this organisation lies in the fact that experienced and working journalists are united under one umbrella for the collective benefit of the profession and the community.” General Secretary Safina Khan said the newly elected team was committed to serving both Pakistan and the Pakistani community in Britain. “We will work for Pakistan and act as a bridge between Pakistan, the Pakistani diaspora and media institutions, while promoting professional journalism and positive engagement.” Founded more than a decade ago, Pakistan Press Club UK International represents Pakistani journalists across the United Kingdom and provides a platform for professional collaboration, networking and advocacy on issues affecting the media fraternity.

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    Peter Capaldi joins Only Murders in the Building S…

    Peter Capaldi is joining the cast of Only Murders in the Building for its highly anticipated sixth season, adding another major British name to the hit mystery-comedy series. Deadline exclusively reported Capaldi’s casting on Thursday, placing the former Doctor Who star alongside fellow British acting heavyweights David Tennant and Jodie Whittaker. The announcement has sparked excitement among fans, particularly because the trio’s involvement could bring an unmistakably British flavor to the upcoming season. Season 6 will mark a significant change of scenery for the Hulu series, as the story moves from New York to London for the first time. Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez are expected to return as the eccentric amateur sleuths Charles-Haden Savage, Oliver Putnam and Mabel Mora, who will once again become entangled in a new murder mystery. The London setting will also introduce audiences to a fresh lineup of British talent, including acclaimed actor Jim Broadbent. With the cast expanding to include several stars known for television’s most celebrated dramas and comedies, anticipation surrounding the new season is already building. The official Only Murders in the Building account joined the excitement by celebrating Capaldi’s casting with the playful phrase “WHOdunit,” a clear reference to his Doctor Who history. The joke quickly fueled fan speculation about whether the series might include references to Capaldi’s time as the Twelfth Doctor. Others are hoping the actor’s famously sharp comedic style will receive equal attention. Capaldi is also widely remembered for his role as the furious and foul-mouthed Malcolm Tucker in The Thick of It, leading fans to imagine how his trademark intensity could translate into the show’s quirky world of amateur detectives and elaborate murder plots. Further details about Capaldi’s character remain under wraps. However, his addition strengthens an already impressive ensemble and promises to make the London-set season one of the series’ most intriguing chapters yet. With its beloved central trio, a new international setting and a growing roster of British stars, Only Murders in the Building Season 6 is shaping up to deliver another mystery packed with humor, surprises and star power. https://www.instagram.com/p/Db-6YJkmx_5/?igsh=Mno4anVkZmIya2Ft

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    Nicole Kidman opens up on facing an ‘unknown’ future post-divorce

    Nicole Kidman is opening up about the emotional aftermath of her divorce from Keith Urban. She admitted the split has left her feeling both fearful and vulnerable, while also teaching her something valuable. During a new British Vogue cover interview published Thursday, August 13, the 59-year-old reflected on choosing to prioritise her feelings, both personally and professionally. She said her goal isn’t to let logic completely take over her decisions. Kidman explained that she never expected this outcome and had a very different picture of how her life would unfold. She acknowledged simply having to accept where things stand now instead. She said people naturally build plans and expectations for the future, only for life to take a different turn. According to Kidman, adjusting and adapting to that shift becomes necessary once it happens. She was candid about not knowing what lies ahead for her at this point. Kidman described her future as completely unknown right now, admitting that uncertainty comes with real emotional weight. Looking back, the actress admitted she’d once felt very fearful and deeply vulnerable during parts of this process. She described that vulnerability as something that left her feeling exposed. Kidman explained that she was left with essentially two choices when facing that fear. She said she could either avoid confronting it entirely or move forward carrying a strong sense of hope instead. She appears to have chosen the latter, framing her outlook with cautious optimism despite the uncertainty. Her comments offer a rare, personal glimpse into how she’s processing this major life change. Kidman and Urban married in June 2006 in Sydney and share two daughters, Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret. The couple reportedly separated in late 2025 before finalising their divorce in January 2026, citing irreconcilable differences after 19 years together. Since the split, Kidman has remained largely private about the details, offering only limited public reflections. This latest interview marks one of her most candid discussions yet about navigating life after the marriage’s end.

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    Sonu Nigam admits he uses auto-tune, explains why it matters now

    Sonu Nigam has admitted to using auto-tune on some of his songs. The confession comes as a surprise, given how often the technology gets associated with less skilled singers. Speaking on the “Game Changers” podcast, the 53-year-old explained why the tool has become genuinely necessary in today’s music landscape. He didn’t shy away from addressing the topic directly. Nigam acknowledged that the rise of auto-tune has brought major changes to the industry. He said people often criticise it, but he personally believes whatever has happened has ultimately been for the good. He recalled that singers of his generation had to perform without auto-tune in earlier years. According to Nigam, that experience gave them the advantage of training their voices the traditional way, without relying on digital correction. Despite that background, he was clear about his own practices today. Nigam admitted he does use auto-tune on certain songs, depending on the requirements of the track. He explained that most modern music now follows a rigid digital pitch, unlike the live instrumentation of earlier decades. Nigam said musicians once played live sarangi and strings, which allowed some natural flexibility in vocal pitch. Now, he explained, everything is digitised and follows an exact tonal line, making raw vocals more likely to sound off. He said singers previously adjusted their voice around live musicians, but today’s productions demand more precision. Nigam did add an important caveat to his comments. He stressed that auto-tune shouldn’t be used as a way to fix the voices of people who genuinely can’t sing. He explained that the responsible use of the tool means enhancing an already strong performance, not creating one artificially. According to him, giving 99% effort and refining it to 100% with auto-tune is very different from relying on it entirely. Nigam added that many actors use auto-tune while pursuing music, which he said is completely fine for personal enjoyment. However, he made clear that trained singers still can’t be replaced by the technology. On the work front, Nigam recently lent his voice to the track “Tabassum” for Rajkumar Santoshi’s “Batwara 1947,” composed by AR Rahman and written by Javed Akhtar. The film stars Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta and Shabana Azmi in lead roles.

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    Nicole Kidman makes surprise confession about her …

    Nicole Kidman has opened up about one of the most defining chapters of her life, reflecting on her high-profile marriage to Tom Cruise and the impact it had on her early career. In a candid interview with British Vogue, the Oscar-winning actress looked back on marrying Cruise at a very young age. Kidman was just 22 when she entered the spotlight as the wife of one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. She admitted that the experience quickly changed how the public viewed her. “Because of who I married, at such a young age, I was thrust into it since I was 22,” Kidman said. “Yeah, I got married so young.” (People.com⁠) Kidman and Cruise met while working together on Days of Thunder in 1990. They married on Christmas Eve that same year and went on to become one of Hollywood’s most closely watched couples. During their 11-year marriage, they adopted two children, Isabella and Connor, and appeared together in films including Far and Away and Eyes Wide Shut. (People.com⁠) Looking back, Kidman said she was deeply in love and did not worry about how the marriage might affect her professional future. She recalled being warned that marrying such a famous actor could hurt her career, but she simply wanted to follow her heart. “I was in love. I wanted to be married,” she explained, according to reports on the interview. At the time, she did not see the decision as something that needed to be carefully calculated. (Page Six⁠) However, Kidman acknowledged that the prediction about her identity becoming tied to Cruise eventually came true. For years, she was often described primarily as “Tom Cruise’s wife,” rather than being recognized independently for her own work. (The Times⁠) Their marriage ended in 2001, but Kidman later built an acclaimed career of her own, earning major recognition for films such as The Hours and becoming a leading figure in television through projects including Big Little Lies and The Undoing. Today, Kidman appears to view her younger self with greater understanding. Rather than completely rejecting that chapter, she recognizes how much it shaped the woman and performer she eventually became. Her latest comments offer a rare glimpse into a relationship she has generally kept private. More than two decades after the divorce, Kidman’s reflections suggest that her past remains complicated—but it is also an important part of the journey that helped define her remarkable career.  

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    US unable to verify Israeli claims of Iranian plot…

    The United States has been unable to independently confirm several warnings from Israel alleging that Iran was planning to assassinate President Donald Trump, according to current and former US officials familiar with the intelligence. The warnings were reportedly shared with US intelligence agencies over the past year and, in some cases, communicated directly by Israeli officials to senior members of the White House. The alleged plots included plans to target Trump with a sniper or recruit an attacker to use a knife during a major public gathering. According to the officials, the warnings began emerging before the 12-day Israel-Iran war in June 2025 and became more frequent ahead of the US military campaign against Iran in February. One of the most detailed warnings reportedly came before the NATO summit in Ankara in July. Israeli officials informed the White House that Iran might attempt to target Trump while he was travelling aboard Air Force One, potentially using a shoulder-launched missile. However, US intelligence agencies were unable to independently corroborate several of the specific threats. A Turkish official also said that Turkey’s intelligence services found no evidence supporting the Israeli warning concerning a possible attack on Trump during his visit. Despite the lack of confirmation, US authorities took additional security precautions. Among the measures was an unusual deception operation during Trump’s Turkey trip, in which he was reportedly transferred from Air Force One to another aircraft for his return journey. The episode highlights the growing importance of Israeli intelligence in the Trump administration’s assessment of threats from Iran, while also revealing differences between American, Israeli and Turkish intelligence assessments. US intelligence agencies have long assessed that Iran has an interest in retaliating against Trump over the 2020 killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani. However, officials said the CIA has not been able to verify some of the specific assassination claims attributed to Iranian operatives. During the recent US military operations against Iran, some American intelligence assessments reportedly assigned low confidence to Israeli intelligence concerning Iranian threats, including alleged plans to assassinate Trump. The Israeli Embassy rejected the suggestion that Israel was using intelligence sharing to influence US policy toward Iran, arguing that intelligence exchanges were part of the countries’ security relationship. The White House and CIA declined to comment on the reports, while the US Secret Service said it continuously evaluates intelligence and other information to protect the president. The revelations come amid broader concerns over coordination within the US intelligence community. Former officials said cooperation between the CIA and the National Intelligence Council had declined, while staff reductions at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence had also contributed to fewer recent assessments concerning Iran. The conflicting intelligence assessments underline the challenges facing Washington as it balances threats from Tehran with intelligence supplied by its closest regional ally, Israel.

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    Saudi-US talks focus on easing regional tensions, …

    Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper have held talks on regional security and efforts to ease tensions, as the conflict involving Iran continues to threaten stability and global energy supplies. According to Saudi state media, the two officials discussed defence cooperation between Riyadh and Washington, developments across the region and diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and strengthening security. The meeting came as concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz intensified. The strategic waterway remains a major route for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, and disruptions caused by the conflict have raised fears of further pressure on international energy markets. Saudi Arabia also announced the launch of a multinational defensive maritime alliance, with 13 countries joining the initiative. Representatives from 39 countries attended a planning meeting held at the Western Fleet Command in Jeddah, which Saudi authorities described as an important step towards putting the alliance into operation. Meanwhile, Washington has signalled that its economic and military pressure on Tehran could intensify. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States was preparing measures against Iran on a scale not previously seen in efforts to economically isolate a country. Bessent said the strategy would combine tougher economic restrictions with continued pressure surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. He indicated that further announcements could come next week as Washington seeks to increase pressure on Tehran. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also said the US Navy could maintain a blockade of Iranian ports and shipping routes for an indefinite period, arguing that American forces had sufficient capacity to rotate vessels and sustain the operation. The standoff has already severely affected shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Traffic has fallen sharply compared with levels recorded before the conflict, when roughly 130 to 140 vessels passed through the waterway each day. The decline has raised concerns about disruptions to international energy supplies. Tensions escalated further after two vessels operated by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company were reportedly attacked while travelling through the strait. The UAE condemned the incident and blamed Iran for the attacks. Iran has rejected US claims over control of the waterway and has indicated that normal shipping will not resume until its demands are addressed. Tehran has called for the removal of economic sanctions and the release of frozen Iranian assets. The conflict is also putting increasing pressure on global oil markets. The International Energy Agency has revised its estimate for the decline in global oil supply, projecting a reduction of about 4.3 million barrels per day this year, equivalent to around 4% of global supply. Although oil prices fell by more than 2% on Thursday amid concerns over weaker demand and rising US crude inventories, renewed reports of attacks linked to Iran-backed forces have continued to fuel uncertainty in energy markets. The economic consequences are spreading beyond the region, with economists warning that a prolonged conflict could significantly weaken global growth and increase the risk of recession in some economies. US President Donald Trump has faced growing domestic pressure to bring the conflict to an end as higher fuel prices weigh on American consumers and threaten his political standing ahead of November’s midterm elections. While Trump has repeatedly warned that military action against Iran could escalate, he has so far avoided deploying ground troops or launching attacks against some of the region’s most sensitive strategic targets. More recently, he has indicated a greater reliance on economic pressure. Hegseth, meanwhile, said Washington’s priority remained preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and declined to comment on whether previous ceasefire decisions had been mistakes. With diplomatic efforts struggling and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continuing, Saudi-US security coordination is emerging as a key factor in attempts to contain the wider regional crisis and protect vital international shipping routes.

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    Paris Jackson reacts after fan brands her tattoos …

      Paris Jackson has made it clear that she is not interested in letting strangers dictate how she should look. The singer and actress recently hit back at an Instagram user who criticized her extensive collection of tattoos, saying the body art made her look “dirty.” Jackson responded with a blunt and sarcastic comment, showing that the criticism had little effect on her. The exchange happened after E! News shared an Instagram post about Jackson opening up about meeting her mother, Debbie Rowe, for the first time. The post featured a photo highlighting the colorful chakra-inspired tattoo running down the center of Jackson’s chest. (E! Online⁠) One commenter complimented Jackson’s appearance but then criticized her tattoos, writing that they made her look dirty and took away from her overall look. Jackson was quick to respond. “Oh no what ever will i do 😰 (i’m dirty even without the tattoos),” she wrote, turning the criticism into a joke rather than allowing it to become a serious confrontation. (People.com⁠) The commenter continued to defend their opinion, telling Jackson that she was beautiful and questioning why she had “messed with perfection.” Jackson did not appear interested in continuing the argument. The reaction is hardly surprising considering Jackson’s long-standing love for tattoos. The 28-year-old has accumulated more than 80 tattoos over the years, with many carrying personal or symbolic meanings. She has previously explained that some of her tattoo decisions were spontaneous and even revealed that she has done some of them herself. (People.com⁠) One of her most meaningful tattoos is the word “Applehead” written across her left foot. The nickname was associated with her late father, Michael Jackson. When she revealed the tattoo in 2017, Paris described it as a tribute to her father and connected it to the idea of him guiding her as she moved through life. (People.com⁠) Her response also comes at a time when Jackson has been opening up about her family and childhood. In a recent Call Her Daddy interview, she discussed meeting her mother, Debbie Rowe, for the first time when she was 15. She recalled that their first meeting was surprisingly relaxed and that they gradually became closer. (EW.com⁠) For Jackson, tattoos appear to be more than just a fashion choice. They are a form of self-expression and, in some cases, a way of carrying memories and personal experiences with her. While social media users may continue to have opinions about her appearance, Jackson’s latest response shows that she is comfortable making her own choices. Rather than changing herself to satisfy critics, she seems perfectly happy to embrace the tattoos that have become part of her identity. And judging by her sarcastic comeback, online criticism is not going to make her rethink her ink anytime soon.

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    Perez Hilton’s family gives update on celebrity …

    Perez Hilton’s family has shared an emotional update on the celebrity blogger’s condition following his devastating mental health crisis earlier this month. Hilton, whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., was hospitalized on August 4 after he appeared to harm himself during a TikTok livestream. The disturbing broadcast prompted viewers to contact authorities, who responded to his Miami home and took him to a hospital for medical treatment. (People.com⁠) Now, Hilton’s sister, Barbara Lavandeira, has spoken publicly about his condition and the difficult road ahead. In an emotional interview, Barbara revealed that her brother remains hospitalized and continues to receive treatment for both his physical injuries and mental health. She described the situation as extremely difficult for their family and emphasized that his recovery will not happen overnight. (Page Six⁠) “His physical and mental recovery is going to take a lot of time, but we remain hopeful,” the family has said, according to reports. Hilton reportedly suffered significant blood loss and injuries that required surgery after the incident. He remains under medical care while his doctors and loved ones focus on his recovery. His family has also asked the public to respect their privacy during this painful period. (People.com⁠) Barbara also described the shock of discovering her brother in serious distress. She said the experience was deeply traumatic for everyone involved, particularly because Hilton’s children were also affected by the crisis. The family has been working to protect the children while making sure Hilton receives the support he needs. The blogger’s recent struggles have come after a particularly difficult year. Before the August 4 incident, Hilton had experienced serious health problems, including a battle with sepsis and a blood clot. His sister also revealed that he had voluntarily sought treatment for severe depression just weeks before the livestream. (Page Six⁠) The family has urged people to show compassion rather than focus on Hilton’s controversial past. Barbara has defended her brother against harsh comments online, saying he had been making efforts to change and become a better person. (People.com⁠) For now, Hilton’s loved ones remain focused on his healing. His return home is uncertain, and his recovery is expected to be a long process. Despite the seriousness of his condition, his family says they are hopeful. They are asking fans and the public to give Hilton the time, privacy and support he needs as he continues receiving treatment. The family’s latest message makes one thing clear: the road ahead may be long, but they are standing by him throughout his recovery.