تازہ ترین

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    Gold prices reverse rally, fall by Rs3,500 per tola

    ByJustpaste.in

    KARACHI: The recent upward trend in gold prices in Pakistan and international markets came to an end on Thursday, with domestic bullion rates witnessing a noticeable decline after a sharp rally over the past week. According to data released by the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association, the price of 24-carat gold dropped by Rs3,500 per tola, bringing the new price to Rs460,436 per tola. The decline was also reflected in the price of gold measured by weight. The price of 10 grams of 24-carat gold decreased by Rs3,001, settling at Rs394,749. The latest correction comes after a strong rally in the domestic bullion market. Gold had gained around Rs36,000 per tola over the previous seven days, highlighting the extent of the recent surge before Thursday’s decline. The local market also recorded a fall in silver prices. The price of silver declined by Rs175 per tola, taking its rate to Rs6,936. Global gold prices also decline The correction in Pakistan’s gold market coincided with a decline in international bullion prices. In the global market, gold fell by $35 per ounce, with the international price standing at around $4,380 per ounce. Market participants are closely monitoring developments in global financial markets, particularly movements in the US dollar, interest-rate expectations and economic data, which can influence investor demand for precious metals. Gold is generally considered a safe-haven asset, and its price can rise when investors seek protection from economic or geopolitical uncertainty. However, sharp gains can also prompt profit-taking, resulting in short-term corrections such as the one witnessed on Thursday. Despite the latest decline, gold prices remain significantly elevated after the substantial increase recorded during the past week. Traders and investors are expected to keep a close watch on international bullion movements and currency trends for further direction in the local market.

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    Pakistan names 1st lunar rover ‘Jinnah-1’ ahea…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has officially named Pakistan’s first lunar rover “Jinnah-1,” marking a significant milestone in the country’s space exploration journey. The name was selected through a nationwide competition that attracted more than 4,000 suggestions from people across Pakistan. The title “Jinnah-1” was proposed by seven participants, with the final winner chosen through a draw. Seventeen-year-old Tayyab Karim from Bahawalnagar was declared the winner after submitting the name. SUPARCO said the name pays tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and represents Pakistan’s ambition, progress and determination to explore new frontiers in space. The rover is scheduled to travel to the Moon in 2029 as part of China’s Chang’e-8 mission. Once deployed, Jinnah-1 will carry out scientific research in the lunar south polar region, contributing to Pakistan’s growing role in international space exploration. The mission is expected to provide Pakistani scientists and researchers with valuable opportunities to participate in lunar scientific studies and advance the country’s capabilities in space technology.

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    Asim Munir, Norway FM push regional security coope…

    ByJustpaste.in

    A high-level Norwegian delegation led by Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide met Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Thursday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the meeting focused on matters of mutual interest, regional security and Pakistan-Norway bilateral relations. During the meeting, Field Marshal Asim Munir presented Pakistan’s perspective on global peace and regional stability. He stressed the need for greater cooperation and joint efforts to address emerging security challenges. The two sides also discussed the evolving security environment in the region and the importance of strengthening coordination between Pakistan and Norway. The Norwegian foreign minister acknowledged the role of the Pakistan Armed Forces in contributing to regional peace and stability. Both sides expressed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation, particularly in the fields of defence and security. The meeting comes as Pakistan continues to engage with international partners on regional security, peace and broader strategic issues. The discussions with the Norwegian delegation provided an opportunity for both countries to explore avenues for deeper institutional and defence-related engagement. The two sides reaffirmed their resolve to maintain regular engagement and enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

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    Petrol pumps shut nationwide from August 15

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan’s petrol dealers have announced an indefinite nationwide strike from August 15 after talks with the government failed to resolve their concerns over the fuel pricing mechanism. The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) said on Thursday that negotiations with government representatives did not produce a breakthrough. The association maintained that its major demand regarding the daily adjustment system for petroleum product prices remained unresolved. PPDA Chairman Malik Khuda Baksh said the government was unwilling to change the existing mechanism during the talks. However, officials reportedly assured the dealers that an increase of Rs1.34 in their profit margin would be considered, subject to approval from the federal cabinet. The assurance failed to convince the dealers to withdraw their strike call. According to the association, its delegation left the negotiations following the unsuccessful talks and travelled back to Karachi. An emergency meeting of the PPDA executive committee was also convened to discuss the situation. The association subsequently reaffirmed its decision to shut petrol pumps across the country from Saturday morning. The proposed shutdown could create difficulties for motorists and businesses if it continues for an extended period, particularly as another major transport strike is already affecting movement of goods across Pakistan. The All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance has also decided to continue its nationwide strike after negotiations with the federal and Sindh governments failed to resolve transporters’ demands. Alliance President Malik Shahzad Awan said the strike had entered its sixth day and would continue until the government formally accepted the transporters’ demands and issued the required notification. He accused both the federal and provincial governments of failing to take the issue seriously. Awan said transporters would not end their protest merely on the basis of verbal assurances. At the same time, he appealed to transporters to remain peaceful and avoid blocking roads during the protest. The petrol dealers had initially announced their planned shutdown earlier this week after giving the government a 72-hour deadline to address their concerns. They had warned that the existing fuel pricing arrangement was making it increasingly difficult for dealers to operate their businesses. The dispute centres largely on the mechanism used to determine petroleum prices and the margins available to petrol pump owners. Earlier, another petrol dealers’ body had postponed a planned nationwide shutdown following talks with the petroleum ministry. The dealers had called for reforms to the fuel pricing mechanism and expressed concerns over delays in implementing previously agreed measures.

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    Wanted terrorist commander killed in Bannu operati…

    ByJustpaste.in

    BANNU: A highly wanted terrorist commander carrying a bounty of Rs6 million has been killed during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Bannu, police said on Thursday. The slain militant was identified as Naseer Muhammad, alias Geedarh, according to Bannu District Police Officer (DPO) Captain (Retd.) Muhammad Furqan Bilal. The operation was jointly conducted by Bannu Police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) following intelligence reports about the presence and movement of suspected terrorists in the area. Police said security teams launched targeted actions in Akbar Ali Khan Kili, Sada Khel, Sadarwan and surrounding areas under the supervision of DPO Bilal. Search and surveillance activities were also carried out during the operation. Security was strengthened in different parts of Bannu Township and areas falling within the Domel police jurisdiction. Authorities said further information about the operation and the identity and activities of the slain terrorist would be released after the operation was fully completed. The latest action is part of intensified counterterrorism operations in Bannu, where security forces have carried out several intelligence-based raids in recent weeks. On August 10, a joint operation in the Miryan area resulted in the killing of a suspected terrorist and the detention of eight others. District police, CTD, Elite Force and Pakistan Army personnel participated in that operation. According to police, the suspect killed during the August 10 operation was allegedly attempting to plant an improvised explosive device when security personnel intercepted him. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered. A similar operation was conducted in Bannu on July 20, when another suspected terrorist was killed and eight others were detained by a joint security team. The latest operation comes amid continued security concerns across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The province has witnessed a series of attacks targeting police, security personnel and public infrastructure in recent months. On July 15, terrorists attacked the Miryan police station in Bannu using an explosives-laden vehicle before engaging security personnel in a prolonged gun battle. The attack left several police officers and civilians injured. Security officials have since increased surveillance and intelligence-based operations across sensitive areas of the district. Bannu and other parts of southern K-P have remained particularly vulnerable because of their proximity to the Afghan border and the continued threat posed by militant networks. The federal government has repeatedly called on Afghan authorities to prevent militant groups from using Afghan territory to plan and carry out attacks against Pakistan. The security situation has also resulted in increased operations targeting suspected militant hideouts, movement routes and support networks. Earlier incidents in Bannu included attacks on public infrastructure and attempts to damage key transport links through explosives.

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    Pro-Palestine activists call for Spider-Man film boycott

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pro-Palestinian campaigners in Lebanon, Jordan and other parts of the Arab world have urged audiences to boycott Spider-Man: Brand New Day, citing producer Avi Arad’s public support for Israel. The boycott campaign is focused on Arad’s political views and background rather than the film’s storyline, cast or other members of its production team. The Campaign to Boycott Supporters of Israel in Lebanon called on audiences to avoid purchasing tickets for the film. The group argued that spending money on a production associated with individuals who openly support Israel could contribute to what it described as cultural normalisation. The campaign also urged cinemas and audiences to reject paid screenings of the movie as part of broader efforts to oppose Israeli policies. A similar call was issued in Jordan by the Taharrak anti-normalisation movement. The group urged the public to boycott the film and called on cinemas to remove it from their screening schedules. The campaign also appealed to the Jordanian Artists Syndicate, cinema operators and other relevant organisations to take a position against the movie’s screening. Activists and social media personalities in other Arab countries have subsequently amplified the boycott calls. Spider-Man: Brand New Day stars Tom Holland as Peter Parker and is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. Marvel lists Arad among the film’s producers, alongside Kevin Feige, Amy Pascal and Rachel O’Connor. Arad, a former Marvel Studios chief, holds both Israeli and US citizenship. He served in the Israeli military from 1965 to 1968 and was involved in the 1967 Six-Day War. Campaigners have also pointed to comments Arad made in 2024 while criticising then-US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Schumer had described Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as an obstacle to peace and called for new elections in Israel. In a letter published by entertainment outlet TheWrap, Arad rejected Schumer’s position and argued that US politicians should not seek to influence Israel’s electoral process. He also referred to his military service and opposed Schumer’s position regarding a ceasefire. Pro-Palestinian campaigners say Arad’s statements reflect his political support for Israel and argue that audiences should avoid financially supporting productions linked to him. The impact of the boycott campaign on the film’s commercial performance remains uncertain. Despite the calls for a boycott, the movie continued to screen in Lebanon, where a representative of the Grand Cinemas chain said shortly after its release that audience demand remained strong.

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    BTS star V reveals two-year hearing loss struggle

    ByJustpaste.in

    BTS member V, whose real name is Kim Tae-hyung, has revealed that he has been undergoing treatment for hearing loss in his right ear for more than two years. The 30-year-old singer shared the information during a livestream on Wednesday, telling fans that this was the first time he had publicly spoken about the condition. V explained that his hearing in the affected ear is significantly weaker than in his left ear. He said that if his hearing in the left ear is considered 100%, the level in his right ear is around 30%. The singer said the problem became more noticeable during his mandatory military service in South Korea. However, he initially did not consider the issue serious and believed he could overcome it through mental strength. V said he is now receiving medical treatment, taking medication and visiting hospital regularly to manage the condition. His revelation comes as BTS is undertaking its first major world tour since all seven members reunited following their mandatory military service. BTS members began taking breaks from their group activities in 2022 as they prepared to fulfil their military obligations. V enlisted in 2023 and completed his service in June 2025. The group’s Arirang World Tour began in South Korea in April and has marked a highly anticipated return of the full seven-member lineup. The latest livestream came after BTS completed its concerts in Baltimore, Maryland. During the livestream, V was joined by fellow BTS member Jungkook, who also spoke about an injury affecting his shin during the tour. Jungkook revealed that he was concerned about the injury developing into a stress fracture and said he would need to manage it carefully to continue performing throughout the tour. BTS is scheduled to travel to several major international destinations in the coming months, including Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, Bangkok, Sydney and Hong Kong.

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    At UN Summit, Tanweer Ahmed demands global action …

    ByJustpaste.in

    American Pakistani businessman and analyst Tanweer Ahmed has called for greater investment in young people and urged governments, businesses and international institutions to ensure that artificial intelligence (AI) expands opportunities rather than deepens existing inequalities. Addressing a Youth and AI Summit at the United Nations on International Youth Day 2026, Ahmed said young people should be viewed not only as beneficiaries of development but also as innovators, decision-makers, community leaders and partners in shaping the future. He described AI as a defining force of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, saying rapid advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, data, connectivity, biotechnology and automation were transforming economies and societies at an unprecedented pace. Ahmed said the impact of AI would extend across education, healthcare, public services, entrepreneurship, security and employment, creating both challenges and opportunities for the younger generation. He highlighted the growing importance of digital skills, creativity, adaptability, ethical decision-making and technological confidence in preparing young people for future jobs. “Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not,” he said, stressing that young people in cities such as Karachi, Nairobi, Riyadh and Dhaka could possess the same potential as those living in major global technology centres but often lacked equal access to resources and opportunities. According to Ahmed, AI could help bridge this gap by allowing students to access knowledge beyond traditional classrooms, entrepreneurs to reach international markets and researchers to process information at unprecedented speeds. However, he cautioned that technological progress alone would not guarantee equal opportunity. Access to education, skills, credentials and technology must also be expanded to prevent AI from worsening existing inequalities. Pakistan’s AI potential Speaking about Pakistan, Ahmed said the country’s large young population could become a major economic strength if properly prepared for the emerging digital economy. He pointed to initiatives including ACT AI — Awareness, Competency and Tools Training for Artificial Intelligence, associated with the state-owned enterprise AXI. The programme focuses on practical AI capabilities, including generative AI, agentic AI systems, productivity tools, automation and sector-specific applications. Ahmed emphasised the importance of making AI education accessible to young people from different academic backgrounds, including those without previous programming or AI experience. He said young Pakistanis should be equipped to use AI not only for education and employment but also for entrepreneurship, public service and innovation. He also highlighted the role of MicroCerts, a government-backed initiative aimed at providing accessible and market-oriented skill certifications. Ahmed argued that traditional university degrees would continue to be valuable, but rapidly changing technology required young people to keep learning throughout their careers. Micro-certifications, he said, could help workers demonstrate specific skills and create new pathways to employment, freelancing, entrepreneurship and further education. Youth urged to become AI creators Ahmed said young people should not be trained merely to consume AI technologies. Instead, they should learn to develop, question, govern and innovate with AI while understanding its ethical and social consequences. He stressed that technology could not replace human compassion, character, judgement and responsibility. “AI can process enormous amounts of information,” he said, while emphasising that decisions about the kind of society humanity wants to build must remain a human responsibility. He also called for stronger international cooperation to develop common skills frameworks, support youth-led innovation and expand access to recognised digital credentials. Governments, universities, technology companies, international organisations and civil society, he said, must work together to ensure young people can participate meaningfully in the AI-driven economy. Ahmed further stressed that technological development must be accompanied by environmental responsibility, noting that AI systems, data centres and cloud computing require significant infrastructure and energy. Addressing young people around the world, he urged them to actively shape the future rather than wait for it. He called on the younger generation to learn emerging technologies, develop solutions, create businesses and communities, and use AI with a clear sense of purpose. Who is Tanweer Ahmed, the Pakistani-American philanthropist? Pakistani-American businessman and philanthropist Tanweer Ahmed has attracted renewed attention in Pakistan following his reported $9 million contribution to the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) and his recent appearance alongside senior Pakistani officials in the United States. Ahmed, who is based in Houston, has built a diverse business portfolio in the United States while also becoming involved in philanthropy, education, healthcare and cricket. His recent contribution to NUST is aimed at supporting talented students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. The endowment is expected to provide scholarships to deserving students each year, with a particular focus on fields such as artificial intelligence, information technology, science and other emerging technologies. Ahmed has said his objective is to ensure that talented Pakistani students are not deprived of quality education because of financial difficulties. He has also expressed plans to expand similar scholarship initiatives to other educational institutions. The businessman has also supported infrastructure and technology-related initiatives at NUST, including the development of facilities intended to strengthen research and innovation. His philanthropic activities extend beyond education. Ahmed has been associated with healthcare initiatives in Pakistan and has supported efforts aimed at providing assistance to communities affected by natural disasters. He also drew attention for his role in relief efforts following the devastating floods that struck Pakistan in 2022. He has been credited with helping mobilise substantial humanitarian assistance for flood-affected communities. Ahmed’s business journey began after he moved to the United States as a student. According to accounts of his career, he initially worked in restaurants and at gas stations while trying to establish himself. He later moved through several positions in the American fast-food industry. His career accelerated after he joined Jack in the Box as a shift manager. His performance and business approach helped him move into senior management positions, eventually leading to opportunities in the Taco Bell franchise system. Ahmed later expanded into franchising and developed a large portfolio of food outlets across several US states. His business interests have also extended into insurance, energy, transportation and other sectors. Over the years, he has developed a reputation as an entrepreneur who combines commercial ventures with philanthropic activities. Ahmed

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    Zayn Malik promotes greenpeace ‘Be Cool’ Tee a…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Zayn Malik has joined forces with Greenpeace UK to promote a new “Be Cool” T-shirt campaign as Britain faces an intense summer heatwave and growing concerns over the effects of climate change. Malik encouraged his fans to support the campaign by purchasing the oversized T-shirt, with proceeds going towards Greenpeace’s climate-focused work and efforts to promote solutions to global warming. The partnership marks another example of the singer using his public platform to draw attention to environmental issues. The campaign comes as the United Kingdom experiences exceptionally high temperatures during the summer of 2026. Several areas have recorded temperatures significantly above seasonal averages, while authorities have issued heat-health warnings. Water shortages have also led to hosepipe restrictions in some regions, as pressure on supplies increases. The prolonged heat has raised concerns beyond discomfort. Dry conditions have heightened the risk of wildfires, while health officials have warned that extreme temperatures can pose serious risks, particularly to older people, young children and those with existing health problems. Greenpeace UK has used the campaign to highlight the connection between rising temperatures and the urgent need for climate action. The organisation hopes the collaboration will encourage people, particularly younger audiences, to learn more about climate change and support measures aimed at reducing emissions and protecting the environment. Malik’s involvement quickly attracted attention online, with fans praising the singer for combining fashion with an environmental message. Many supporters welcomed his decision to use his influence to promote a cause extending beyond music. Social media reactions also brought a lighter side to the campaign. Some fans joked that, with Britain experiencing record-breaking heat, the planet was “getting hotter than Zayn himself.” The campaign arrives at a time when extreme weather is increasingly shaping public discussions about climate change. By pairing a simple summer wardrobe item with an environmental message, Malik and Greenpeace UK are hoping to turn fan enthusiasm into meaningful support for climate solutions.

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    Rawalpindi polio drive reaches over 594,000 childr…

    ByJustpaste.in

    RAWALPINDI: A four-day Special Polio Immunization Activity (SIAD) concluded in Rawalpindi on Thursday, with more than 594,000 children vaccinated during the first three days of the campaign, health authorities said. The campaign was carried out across Rawalpindi City, Rawalpindi Cantonment, Rawalpindi Rural and Taxila to strengthen children’s immunity against polio amid continued circulation of the virus in the region. According to Dr Ehsan Ghani, CEO Health Rawalpindi, around 184,000 children were vaccinated in Rawalpindi Rural, 107,000 in Rawalpindi City, more than 98,000 in Rawalpindi Cantonment and over 88,000 in Taxila during the first three days. More than 27,000 children found outside their homes and over 38,000 visiting children were also administered polio drops. The vaccination campaign was supported by 3,147 mobile teams, 169 fixed teams and 143 transit teams. A total of 525 Area In-Charges and 142 Union Council Management Officers supervised and monitored the campaign. Vaccination teams visited households, fixed sites and transit points to ensure that children travelling through or visiting the district were also covered. Dr Ghani said the campaign was preceded by extensive community engagement activities aimed at increasing public confidence in polio vaccination. Frontline workers held meetings at the neighbourhood level and engaged mosque imams, local elders and other community influencers to explain the importance of repeated vaccination and counter misinformation. Awareness activities were also conducted at health facilities, including Holy Family Hospital, where doctors and paramedical staff were briefed on vaccine confidence and the importance of supporting polio eradication efforts. The Punjab Emergency Operations Center coordinated with the district administration, health authorities, community representatives and other stakeholders to strengthen preparations for the campaign. Media and digital awareness campaigns also urged parents to welcome vaccination teams and ensure that all eligible children received the vaccine. Dr Ghani said detailed campaign data would now be analysed to identify missed children, assess vaccination coverage and improve future immunization strategies. Although no polio case has been reported in Rawalpindi, the detection of poliovirus in environmental samples from the district remains a serious warning, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and high population immunity. Dr Ghani thanked parents, caregivers, frontline workers, health authorities and local communities for their cooperation, stressing that every vaccination dose is essential to protecting children from lifelong paralysis. “Polio eradication remains a top priority. With continued commitment from parents, frontline workers, health authorities and communities, we can eliminate the virus from Rawalpindi and protect every child from this preventable disease,” he said.