تازہ ترین

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    Tanzid Hasan hits century as Bangladesh dominate Australia

    Bangladesh strengthened their grip on the Darwin Test against Australia on Friday as opener Tanzid Hasan produced a memorable maiden Test century to put the visitors in a commanding position after the second day. Bangladesh finished the day on 351 for six, securing a valuable 153-run lead and leaving Australia facing an uphill battle in the opening Test. The biggest highlight was Tanzid, who marked only his second Test appearance with a composed century. The young opener spent nearly five hours at the crease, facing 197 deliveries and striking eight boundaries and one six on his way to three figures. His innings provided Bangladesh with the foundation they needed against a strong Australian attack. Tanzid first combined with Mominul Haque to build a 102-run partnership for the second wicket. He then continued Bangladesh’s progress alongside captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, with the pair adding another 93 runs. Shanto played a valuable supporting role before falling for 84, but Bangladesh refused to surrender their advantage despite Australia finding some success with the new ball. Australia managed to take three quick wickets with the second new ball, raising hopes of a late collapse. However, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Hasan Mahmud responded with disciplined batting to frustrate the hosts. The pair remained unbeaten at the close, putting together an important 43-run partnership for the seventh wicket and ensuring Bangladesh ended the day firmly in control. For Australia, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins claimed one wicket each, but their efforts were not enough to prevent Bangladesh from establishing a substantial advantage. Tanzid’s century was particularly significant given his limited Test experience. Having played only his second match in the format, he showed patience and maturity against one of the world’s most respected bowling attacks. With Bangladesh already 153 runs ahead and four wickets still in hand, Australia face a crucial third day in Darwin. The hosts will need early breakthroughs to prevent Bangladesh from turning their advantage into a potentially decisive position.

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    Pakistan, Norway discuss counterterrorism and regi…

    ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide held talks on Friday and reviewed bilateral relations, regional security and cooperation against terrorism. The meeting focused particularly on security concerns linked to Afghanistan. Naqvi told the Norwegian minister that militant groups were continuing to use Afghan territory for attacks inside Pakistan. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in counterterrorism and other security-related areas. They also discussed preventing illegal immigration, police training and mutual legal assistance. The Afghan situation was another key issue during the meeting. Pakistani officials briefed the Norwegian side about activities of banned organisations operating from Afghan territory and their alleged involvement in terrorism in Pakistan. Naqvi stressed the need for coordinated international efforts to eliminate terrorism. He said Pakistan was playing an important role in preventing terrorist threats from spreading beyond the region. Eide praised Pakistan’s role in the ongoing US-Iran conflict and described its approach as constructive and active. Illegal migration to Europe was also discussed. Naqvi said Pakistan had introduced strict measures against illegal migration and that these efforts had resulted in a 47 per cent decline in illegal migration from Pakistan to Europe. He said Pakistan had adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards illegal migration. He added that encouraging legal migration was essential to address the issue effectively. According to Pakistani officials, the European Union had also recognised Islamabad’s measures against illegal migration. The two ministers also discussed broader steps to improve relations between Pakistan and Norway. Eide appreciated the contribution of the Pakistani community in Norway, particularly its role in politics, healthcare and other sectors. Naqvi described Eide’s visit as an important opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation between the two countries. Eide is on a two-day visit to Pakistan. His trip is the first visit by a Norwegian foreign minister to the country in around a decade. During his engagements on Thursday, Eide met senior Pakistani civilian and military officials. Discussions covered trade, investment, technology, climate resilience, maritime cooperation, skilled labour and security. Both sides also exchanged views on developments in the region and explored areas where Pakistan and Norway can further expand cooperation.

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    Field Marshal Asim Munir’s gesture steals spotli…

    ISLAMABAD: A video of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir placing his hand affectionately on the heads of women during a ceremony has gained widespread attention on social media. The video surfaced during the inauguration of the Victory Monument in Islamabad on Independence Day. During the event, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir and other senior civilian and military leaders met families of martyrs and military veterans. The leadership paid tribute to their sacrifices and services. The Victory Monument was inaugurated on Thursday night in a ceremony attended by the country’s top civilian and military leadership. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended as chief guests. Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, was also present. Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf attended the ceremony as well. The monument has been built to honour Pakistan’s martyrs and commemorate the military confrontation with India in May. The event featured a series of patriotic performances and visual displays. The ceremony opened with a military band playing the national anthem. A special light and sound show titled “Dastaan-e-Ishq-e-Watan: Marka-e-Haq” was later presented. Projection mapping technology was used to display visuals on the monument. The presentation highlighted themes linked to patriotism, sacrifice and the country’s defence. A documentary was also screened during the event. It showcased the construction of the monument and the eight-month journey from its initial design and development to completion. The monument features five large arches. According to the presentation, the arches represent the five pillars of Islam. They also symbolise five pillars of Pakistan, identified as the government, armed forces, media, people and national ideology. The structure incorporates elements representing Pakistan’s three military services. Its design also highlights the country’s capabilities in cyber defence and space warfare. Pakistan Air Force fighter jets conducted an aerial display during the ceremony. The aircraft released flares across the night sky, adding to the spectacle. The event concluded with a flag-hoisting ceremony attended by President Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir. Fireworks were also displayed as the national anthem played.

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    Putin hails Pakistan on 79th Independence Day

    Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended warm greetings to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Pakistan’s Independence Day. In his message, Putin congratulated the Pakistani leadership and people on the national occasion and conveyed his wishes for peace, prosperity and continued progress for Pakistan. The Russian president said relations between Russia and Pakistan were developing successfully. He noted that the two countries were steadily expanding cooperation across several areas. Putin said Moscow and Islamabad maintained productive ties in political, trade, economic and humanitarian fields. He also highlighted their cooperation on important regional and international issues. According to the Russian president, continued engagement between the two countries is important for promoting stability in the region. He expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation would continue to grow in the years ahead. Putin reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to further strengthening the partnership with Pakistan across all areas of mutual interest. He said continued cooperation would serve the interests of both countries and their peoples. The Russian leader also expressed hope that the two countries would maintain constructive joint efforts to deepen their relationship and contribute to greater regional and international stability. The message comes as Pakistan marks its 79th Independence Day, with countries across the world extending greetings and reaffirming their ties with Islamabad.

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    Selena Gomez, Wondermind partners sued by investors

    American singer and actress Selena Gomez, her mother Mandy Teefey and former business partner Daniella Pierson are facing a lawsuit from investors in Wondermind, a mental health startup co-founded by Gomez. The investors have accused the three of misleading them about the company’s financial condition, business activities and future plans. The lawsuit was filed in a Delaware court on Thursday. According to the complaint, two groups of investors collectively invested nearly $1.2 million in Wondermind. They allege that the company’s founders and executives made representations about its business that did not match reality. The investors have brought several claims, including securities fraud, common-law fraud and breach of contract. They allege that they were kept unaware of serious problems within the company while their money continued to fund its operations. Wondermind was launched in 2021 with a focus on mental fitness. The company promotes practical ways for people to prioritise their mental wellbeing in everyday life. Gomez is identified as a co-founder of the startup, while Teefey served as its chief executive. Pierson was also a co-founder but left the company in 2023 following reported disagreements with Teefey. The investors claim they were encouraged to put money into Wondermind after being told about major commercial opportunities. These allegedly included partnerships with companies such as JPMorgan, advertising arrangements, celebrity magazine features and plans for a major mobile application. According to the lawsuit, those opportunities either did not exist or failed to materialise. The investors also allege that the promised app was never developed. The complaint claims the investors only became aware of the company’s internal problems after a September report examined disputes within Wondermind and allegations of mismanagement. The investors subsequently contacted Teefey in November and requested that their money be returned. They say Teefey initially indicated that she would respond within 10 days but did not provide a substantive response. The complaint states that Teefey later replied to another notice in April, saying she believed the investment had already been returned. She reportedly referred further questions to Gomez’s legal team. The investors allege that Teefey later said Wondermind had established an escrow account to facilitate repayment. However, they claim repeated requests for information about the account went unanswered. The plaintiffs allege that no such escrow account existed and describe the events as part of an alleged years-long scheme to mislead investors. The lawsuit seeks repayment of the investors’ original funds, along with additional damages and legal costs.

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    Pakistani celebrities share sombre Independence Day messages

    Pakistani celebrities marked Independence Day 2026 with messages that went beyond traditional celebrations, highlighting the challenges facing the country and calling for greater responsibility, unity and respect for national values. As Pakistanis celebrated August 14, several prominent figures used social media to reflect on the country’s difficult circumstances. Rising living costs, security concerns, violence and political uncertainty were among the issues reflected in their messages. Rather than limiting their posts to patriotic greetings, the celebrities expressed disappointment over problems that continue to affect ordinary citizens. Their messages carried a serious and emotional tone while also stressing the need for collective efforts to improve the country. Actress Zara Noor Abbas acknowledged that she has complaints about the country but said the sacrifices made by previous generations should not be forgotten. Her message focused on remembering those who struggled for Pakistan while also recognising the responsibility of the present generation. Sonya Hussyn also shared a strong message on Independence Day. She urged people not to view freedom only as a reason for celebration but as a responsibility that requires citizens to stand up for their country. Actor Usama Khan focused on the importance of respecting Pakistan’s Constitution. He questioned whether the country had truly upheld its constitutional principles and called for accountability for those who violate or undermine the Constitution. The messages came against the backdrop of a difficult year for many Pakistanis. Economic pressures, rising prices and concerns over security have added to public anxiety. Ongoing violence and reports involving vulnerable members of society have also sparked widespread concern. For the celebrities, Independence Day therefore became an opportunity to reflect on what freedom should mean in everyday life. Their comments highlighted the gap between celebrating the country’s independence and addressing the challenges that continue to affect its people. The messages also carried an underlying call for change. The celebrities stressed that patriotism should not end with flags, songs and celebrations but should be reflected through responsible citizenship, respect for the law and efforts to build a safer and fairer society.

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    Liberty Chowk celebrations descend into chaos

    Independence Day celebrations at Liberty Chowk in Lahore took an unexpected turn after a large crowd became involved in disorderly behaviour following an organised event on Thursday night. The Punjab government had arranged a special programme at Liberty Chowk to mark Pakistan’s Independence Day. The venue was decorated with lights and other patriotic arrangements, while professional artists were invited to entertain the public. The official celebrations were held as planned, with people gathering at the iconic Lahore location to mark August 14. However, scenes changed after the formal programme ended. Videos circulating on social media appeared to show a large crowd behaving aggressively at the venue. The footage showed people climbing and swinging on structures at the site. Some individuals were also seen throwing bottles and getting involved in physical confrontations. The gathering appeared to consist largely of young men, while women and families were not prominent in the crowd shown in the videos. The scenes quickly attracted criticism online. Many social media users expressed disappointment over the behaviour and questioned whether such actions were appropriate during a national celebration. One user criticised the crowd for behaving like a mob rather than a united nation. Another argued that the country needed a stronger sense of civic responsibility. Others said the incident was unfortunate and pointed to the need for citizens to take responsibility instead of blaming authorities and institutions for every problem. The videos sparked a wider discussion about how public celebrations should be conducted. Independence Day events are traditionally associated with patriotism, national unity and respect for public spaces. The incident at Liberty Chowk highlighted the contrast between the carefully organised official celebrations and the disorder that reportedly followed among sections of the crowd.

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    Freedom greatest blessing, says LHC justice at Ind…

    RAWALPINDI: Senior Justice of the Lahore High Court Rawalpindi Bench, Sadaqat Ali Khan, has described freedom as the greatest blessing and called on citizens to contribute positively to Pakistan’s progress by following the vision and principles of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He was speaking at a grand Independence Day ceremony held at the premises of the Lahore High Court ( LHC) Rawalpindi Bench, attended by Justice Mirza Waqas Rauf, retired judges, senior lawyers and court officials. The ceremony began with a guard of honour for Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan, who later hoisted the national flag alongside fellow judges. Senior judicial officers, representatives of the legal community and other officials also participated in the event. Addressing the gathering, Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan said Pakistan’s independence was achieved through immense sacrifices by the Muslims of the subcontinent under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He said Independence Day was not merely a celebration of freedom but also a reminder of the determination and struggle that led to the creation of Pakistan. He paid tribute to the heroes who sacrificed their lives and resources for the country’s independence, saying their sacrifices should inspire the nation to work for Pakistan’s development and prosperity. The senior judge stressed that every citizen has a responsibility to play a constructive role in strengthening the country and advancing the ideals envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam.

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    Taylor Swift music removed from Trump TikTok videos

    Taylor Swift has reportedly had more of her music removed from TikTok videos posted by Donald Trump and the official White House account, adding another chapter to the ongoing tension between the pop superstar and the US president. The latest incident involved Swift’s 2021 song “Bet You Think About Me,” which was featured in a TikTok video showing Trump speaking to supporters. The video was posted on the official White House account and included a caption that appeared to reference Swift’s lyrics, saying, “We know you think about us.” However, within hours of the video being posted, viewers noticed that Swift’s song was no longer playing. The audio had been muted, while an onscreen message stated that the sound was unavailable. The removal quickly attracted attention from Swift’s fans, many of whom have closely followed the singer’s public and political disagreements with Trump. Reports have also indicated that Swift’s music was removed from other White House TikTok videos posted months earlier. One recent example featured Trump and First Lady Melania Trump watching fireworks. The video included text describing the mood as being excited because it was August and Trump was president. The clip originally featured Swift’s song “August,” a track from her critically acclaimed 2020 album “Folklore.” It also included a message from Trump’s team suggesting that Swift would be pleased that her music had been used, along with hashtags referencing the singer, the song and the MAGA movement. The situation changed several days later when the song was no longer available in the video. Instead, TikTok displayed a notice explaining that the copyright owner had not made the sound available in the country. Trump’s social media team later appeared to respond by using another Swift song, “Red,” in a separate TikTok post. The video featured a parody album cover showing Trump wearing a red MAGA hat, along with a fictional playlist titled “Red (Donald Trump’s Version).” The disputes over Swift’s music come amid a long-running public relationship between the singer and Trump that has often been marked by political differences. Trump has previously criticized Swift publicly, while the singer has openly expressed political views that have frequently placed her at odds with him and his supporters. Swift’s ownership of her music has also become an important part of the situation. She regained control of her original master recordings in May 2025 after a lengthy dispute over ownership. As a result, her control over her catalog has allowed her to take a stronger position regarding how her recordings are used. The repeated removal of Swift’s songs from Trump-related TikTok posts highlights the complicated relationship between copyright ownership, social media and political messaging. It also demonstrates how the use of popular music can quickly become controversial when it is connected to political figures or movements.

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    Sihala Police Chief calls for sensitive rape case …

    RAWALPINDI: Commandant Sihala Police College Ashfaq Ahmad Khan has called upon police officers to adopt a compassionate, respectful and impartial attitude towards victims of rape and sexual violence. He was addressing sub-inspectors who successfully completed the one-month SSIOU course at Sihala Police College, Rawalpindi. Speaking at the concluding ceremony, Ashfaq Ahmad Khan said that rape victims, particularly women, children and girls, are already in a highly vulnerable situation, and it is the responsibility of police officers to protect their dignity and self-respect throughout the investigation process. He stressed that investigations into rape cases must be conducted professionally, sensitively and impartially. The identity and personal information of victims must be kept strictly confidential so that their dignity and reputation in society are not compromised. The Commandant urged the newly trained officers to ensure that every stage of an investigation is carried out while respecting the privacy and dignity of victims. At the same time, he said, investigations must be thorough, transparent and evidence-based so that perpetrators can be brought to justice and face the consequences of their crimes under the law. Ashfaq Ahmad Khan said the police have a crucial responsibility to provide victims with justice, protection and confidence. He added that a compassionate approach, combined with professional investigation, would help ensure that victims are treated with dignity while criminals are brought to justice. make it proper title