تازہ ترین

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    Curtis Jones becomes third Englishman to join Inter Milan

    MILAN: Inter Milan have added another English name to their squad, with Curtis Jones completing a move from Liverpool to the Italian champions and becoming the third Englishman to join the club this summer. The 25-year-old midfielder has signed a contract running until 2031, bringing an end to a 16-year association with Liverpool, where he progressed through the academy before establishing himself in the first team. Inter confirmed the transfer on Friday, describing Jones’ arrival as the start of a “new, incredible adventure” and noting that he becomes the sixth Englishman in the club’s history. According to Italian media reports, Inter will pay around €35 million ($40.8 million) for the Liverpool academy graduate. Jones leaves Anfield with an emotional farewell message to the club that shaped his career. “After 16 years, it’s time to say goodbye,” Jones wrote on Instagram. The midfielder said he had joined Liverpool as a child with the dream of playing for the club and felt fortunate to have lived that dream. “Liverpool will be a massive part of me,” he added. Jones now begins a completely different chapter in Serie A, joining an Inter squad that has already welcomed two other English players this summer. Right-back Djed Spence and centre-back John Stones have also completed moves to San Siro, both signing contracts through 2031. Stones joined Inter after his Manchester City contract expired, while Spence has also made the switch to Italy. Jones’ transfer underlines Inter’s growing interest in English talent as the club prepares for another demanding domestic and European campaign. For the midfielder, the move represents an opportunity to experience football outside England for the first time and compete in one of Europe’s most tactical leagues. Inter will begin their Serie A campaign against Monza on Saturday, giving Jones the chance to make an immediate impression with his new club. After spending virtually his entire professional life at Liverpool, the midfielder now faces the challenge of adapting to a new country, language and style of football. But with a long-term contract and the backing of the Italian champions, Jones will hope his move to Milan becomes the next defining chapter of his career.

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    Shifa specialists join Imran’s eye assessment

    The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) has confirmed that two specialists from Shifa International Hospital were involved in the eye examination of former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan. According to a statement issued by PIMS on Saturday, Imran Khan was brought to the Islamabad hospital during the night between August 20 and 21 for a medical examination and treatment. The institute said the ophthalmological assessment was carried out with the participation of two Shifa International specialists. Other required examinations were conducted by doctors at PIMS. PIMS said the findings from the eye assessment were reviewed alongside the results of investigations conducted by its own medical specialists. A medical board consisting of PIMS doctors subsequently compiled the overall medical fitness report. However, the institute said it would not make the contents of the medical report public. PIMS cited patient confidentiality as well as directions issued by the Supreme Court of Pakistan for withholding the details of the report. The clarification comes amid controversy over the treatment and medical care being provided to Imran Khan, who is currently detained at Adiala Jail. Earlier this week, the Supreme Court had directed that Imran Khan be shifted to Shifa International Hospital for treatment for several days. The court also ordered the government to facilitate weekly meetings between him and his family. The Supreme Court further directed authorities to provide access to Imran’s personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan. It ordered the formation of a medical board that would include an ophthalmologist, general physician and cardiologist, along with Dr Sultan. The government subsequently filed a review petition against the court’s order, describing the decision as discriminatory. Confusion arose later when reports suggested that Imran Khan was being moved from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar later said that the former prime minister had instead been taken to PIMS because of security concerns surrounding Shifa Hospital and the route leading to it. Tarar said doctors from Shifa International were also present during the medical examination at PIMS. After the examination, Imran Khan was declared medically fit and taken back to Adiala Jail. The development has drawn further attention from PTI and Imran Khan’s family, who have repeatedly raised concerns about his health and medical treatment. Imran Khan’s sister, Dr Uzma Khan, also spoke publicly after meeting him and alleged that he was facing severe injustice and mistreatment.

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    Amine Gouiri double powers Marseille to 4-0 win over Strasbourg

    MARSEILLE: Amine Gouiri made a flying start to Marseille’s new Ligue 1 campaign, scoring twice in the second half as his side swept aside Strasbourg 4-0 on Friday in the opening match of the French top-flight season. The Algeria international was at the heart of Marseille’s attacking display, breaking the deadlock shortly after half-time before converting a penalty to put the hosts firmly in control. Gouiri’s performance gave Marseille exactly the kind of opening they wanted in front of their home supporters, while also extending their remarkable unbeaten league run against Strasbourg, which now stretches back to 1997. “It’s a joy,” Gouiri told Ligue 1+, reflecting on a perfect start. “We really wanted to start well in front of our supporters, and it’s job done.” Marseille had to wait until the second half to unlock the visitors’ defence. Gouiri struck just a minute after the restart, meeting the ball with a low first-time finish that finally gave the hosts the breakthrough. Strasbourg’s hopes of recovering quickly suffered another blow shortly before the hour mark when Samir El Mourabet was shown a red card for violent conduct after kicking Marseille midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. With Strasbourg down to 10 men, Marseille seized control. Gouiri stepped up to take the resulting penalty and made no mistake, calmly sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to complete his brace and double Marseille’s advantage. The hosts continued to push forward and eventually turned a comfortable victory into a statement result. Young substitute Keyliane Abdallah added a third before Hojbjerg put the finishing touch on the night, scoring late to complete the 4-0 rout. For coach Bruno Genesio, the result provides an ideal beginning despite Marseille’s limited activity in the summer transfer market. The manager has acknowledged that the club must reduce its wage bill before it can make major additions to the squad. “We have to drop our salary spend,” Genesio said. “Until that’s done, we won’t be able to recruit.” Gouiri, who joined Marseille from Rennes in January 2025, will be encouraged by his explosive start. He also scored once for Algeria during four matches at this year’s World Cup. The opening weekend continues on Saturday, with last season’s runners-up Lens hosting Auxerre, while newly promoted Le Mans face Brest in their first top-flight match since 2010. Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain begin their title defence away to Rennes on Sunday as they chase a record-extending 14th Ligue 1 crown.

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    Punjab CTD arrests 18 suspected militants in provi…

    LAHORE: Punjab’s Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has arrested 18 suspected militants affiliated with various banned organisations during intelligence-based operations across several districts of the province, officials said on Friday. According to the CTD spokesperson, the operations were carried out as part of efforts to prevent possible terrorist activities and maintain law and order across Punjab. A total of 117 intelligence-based operations were conducted, during which 117 individuals were questioned and 18 suspects were taken into custody. The arrested suspects were identified as Hassan Abbas Shah, Muhammad Hanif, Samiullah alias Talib Jan, Muhammad Hasnain, Hafiz Muhammad Abdul Latif, Attaullah, Faizullah, Muhammad Shehzad alias Pama, Muhammad Bilal, Muhammad Anas, Tahir, Waqar Ahmed, Muhammad Ahsan, Muhammad Farman, Muhammad Nauman, Umar Farooq, Abdul Wahab and Shaukat Ali. The suspects were reportedly arrested in Faisalabad, Sialkot, Sargodha, Sahiwal, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Bhakkar, Lahore and Multan. The CTD said its teams recovered 3.185 kilograms of explosive material, eight detonators, safety fuses, primer cord, four pistols with 21 rounds, along with banned books, prohibited magazines, pamphlets and stickers. Seven mobile phones and Rs42,740 in cash were also seized. Officials said the suspects were allegedly involved in activities aimed at creating fear among the public and disrupting peace and security. Legal proceedings have been initiated against them, while further investigation is underway to determine their alleged links and activities. The spokesperson added that, during the past two weeks, the CTD, local police and other law-enforcement agencies conducted 3,357 combing operations across Punjab. More than 121,000 people were checked during these operations, resulting in 274 arrests, 263 cases being registered and 244 recoveries of various kinds. The CTD said its operations against militants and other elements considered a threat to public security would continue under its objective of ensuring a safer Punjab. Citizens have also been urged to report suspicious activities or information related to terrorism to the CTD Punjab helpline at 0800-11111.

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    Pakistan, Malaysia agree to boost cooperation agai…

    Pakistan and Malaysia have agreed to strengthen joint efforts against terrorism, drug trafficking and human trafficking while enhancing intelligence sharing between the two countries. Malaysian Interior Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail met his Pakistani counterpart, Mohsin Naqvi, in Islamabad. The two ministers also held delegation-level talks during which they discussed a range of security and law-enforcement issues. The two sides agreed to increase cooperation to prevent drug trafficking, illegal immigration and cybercrime. They also discussed greater intelligence sharing to support action against terrorists and drug traffickers. Both countries agreed to develop a more effective joint strategy to counter terrorism, narcotics and human trafficking. They also expressed their commitment to improving coordination to prevent illegal immigration and cyber-related crimes. During the meeting, Pakistan and Malaysia decided to establish a joint working group to strengthen institutional ties between their interior ministries. The two sides also agreed to expand cooperation between Pakistan’s National Police Academy and the Royal Malaysia Police College. Training programmes and the exchange of expertise in law enforcement were also discussed. Cooperation between the two countries’ coast guard authorities was another key area discussed during the meeting. Mohsin Naqvi said Pakistan wanted to benefit from Malaysia’s experience in the coast guard sector. Speaking during the meeting, the Pakistani interior minister said Pakistan was committed to playing its role in the global fight against terrorism. He also described Malaysia as one of the rapidly developing countries in the Muslim world. The two ministers also discussed ways to promote tourism between Pakistan and Malaysia and improve visa facilities for travellers. Naqvi said Malaysia was an attractive tourism destination for Pakistani citizens and stressed the importance of making travel easier between the two countries. He also said an increase in Malaysia’s work quota for Pakistanis would allow more Pakistani workers to travel to the country through legal channels. According to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior, a high-level Pakistani delegation will visit Malaysia soon to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

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    Pakistan reports 11 million hepatitis C cases, hea…

    Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has said that around 11 million people in Pakistan are living with hepatitis C, while a large number of cases remain undiagnosed because many people have not undergone screening. Addressing a ceremony in Karachi, the minister highlighted several major public health challenges facing the country. He said around 80% of people in Sindh do not have access to clean drinking water. Kamal said approximately 11,000 mothers die every year during childbirth, while around 400,000 children die annually. He also claimed that one in every three people in the country suffers from diabetes. He expressed concern that Pakistan is still recognised as a polio-affected country. According to the health minister, nearly 68% of diseases are linked to the consumption of contaminated water, highlighting the need for improved water and sanitation facilities. Speaking about healthcare services in the area, Kamal said the site where the ceremony was held previously operated as a federal government dispensary. The facility currently provides medical services from 8am until noon. He said telemedicine services had been introduced at the dispensary as part of efforts to improve access to healthcare. Doctors can now examine patients remotely through online consultations. The minister announced that the dispensary would be upgraded into a secondary-care hospital. He said it was the fourth location where the federal government had laid the foundation for a secondary hospital. The new facility will have 40 beds and will provide a range of medical services. Kamal said the hospital would be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs660 million and was expected to be completed within four months. The hospital will also provide emergency services around the clock, he added. Kamal said residents would no longer need to travel long distances for X-rays and other essential medical services once the hospital becomes operational. The federal health minister acknowledged that securing approval and funding for development projects from the federal government was not an easy process. He said the private sector would also be brought on board to improve the management of the healthcare facility. Kamal further said the federal government had allocated Rs2.86 billion for plans to expand and upgrade dispensaries across the country. The announcements are part of the government’s efforts to expand basic healthcare services and improve access to medical facilities, particularly in areas where residents have limited access to hospitals and diagnostic services.

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    Diesel cut brings freight fare relief

    RAWALPINDI: Goods transport and long-distance public transport operators have lowered fares following a Rs32.63-per-litre reduction in diesel prices, offering temporary relief to passengers and businesses. The Goods Transport Federation announced a 10 per cent reduction in freight charges, while fares for long-distance routes to nearby areas have been cut by 5 per cent. The fare revision, however, has not extended to all local transport. Taxis, Qingqis and motorbike rickshaws have raised their fares by another 5 per cent after petrol prices increased by Rs3 per litre. The standard stop-to-stop fare remains Rs50. Freight charges have also been reduced significantly on major routes. The cost of transporting containers and trailers from Karachi to Rawalpindi has fallen by Rs50,000, while charges for containers, trailers and heavy vehicles travelling from Karachi to Peshawar have dropped from Rs800,000 to Rs750,000. Transport federations said the reduced fares would remain in effect for only 24 hours. They warned that any increase in petroleum prices expected later in the week would result in the fare cuts being withdrawn proportionately. They further said bookings made by Thursday evening for heavy vehicles, trailers and containers operating on routes including Karachi-Peshawar, Peshawar-Lahore, Karachi and Multan could be revised if fuel prices rise, with additional charges imposed accordingly.

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    PM orders aid for rain and flood victims

    LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the immediate provision of financial assistance to families affected by recent monsoon rains and floods across Pakistan, while directing authorities to speed up relief and rehabilitation efforts. Chairing a meeting in Lahore on Saturday to review the ongoing response, the prime minister instructed that compensation be provided to families who lost loved ones and to owners of houses that were completely or partially damaged by the severe weather. Shehbaz also called for the swift restoration of electricity transmission networks and roads in affected areas. Federal ministers and senior officials were directed to personally visit impacted regions, assess the damage and oversee rehabilitation work. The prime minister further ordered authorities to accelerate the delivery of food and other essential relief supplies to areas that remain difficult to access. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and provincial disaster management authorities were told to maintain full preparedness as more rain and flooding are forecast. Officials briefed the meeting that around 615 tonnes of relief supplies had already been dispatched to monsoon-hit areas, with additional consignments being arranged. Authorities also reported that flood-affected residents had been moved to safer locations across all affected areas. Restoration efforts are underway in Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, while disaster management teams remain on standby for any further emergencies. The meeting was also informed that early warning systems in the northern areas are operational and have helped authorities evacuate residents to safer locations ahead of potential flooding.

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    Pakistani footballer Maryam Mahmood earns place on Wrexham FC honours board

    Pakistan women’s football team player Maryam Mahmood has become the first Pakistani female footballer to be included on the International Honours Board of Wrexham FC Women. The British football club has also recognised Pakistan men’s team player Umar Nawaz on its International Honours Board. Wrexham FC honoured Mahmood after she represented Pakistan at the international level. Speaking about the achievement, Mahmood said she was extremely happy and proud to see her name on the honours board. She described her journey of representing Pakistan internationally as “incredible” and said seeing her name alongside the club’s legends felt surreal. She added that she could not find enough words to express her emotions about representing Pakistan. Mahmood said making her international debut for Pakistan and receiving strong support from fans was an unforgettable experience. She added that inspiring the younger generation is one of her personal goals. The footballer also recalled her experience of playing three matches for Pakistan in Ivory Coast. She said scoring a goal for Pakistan against Turks and Caicos was particularly special for her. Mahmood further said that she did not have a female role model while growing up. She expressed happiness at having the opportunity to become a role model for young girls and inspire them to pursue football. Her recognition by Wrexham FC marks another significant achievement in her career and highlights the growing presence of Pakistani women in international football.

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    Faisal Kundi calls for modern arms for K-P police

    PESHAWAR: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has called for the provincial police to be equipped with modern weapons, advanced technology and additional resources to strengthen their ability to counter terrorism. Speaking at Governor House during a meeting with a 33-member delegation of Sindh Police Deputy Superintendents of Police visiting the province for training, Kundi praised the K-P police for continuing to serve on the frontline despite severe security challenges. The governor said policing in K-P was fundamentally different from other provinces because of the persistent threat of terrorism. He stressed that police personnel needed modern weapons, more bulletproof vehicles and advanced technological equipment to respond to emerging threats, including attacks involving militant quadcopters. Kundi said proposals had also been forwarded to the provincial government regarding improvements in police salaries. He maintained that better resources and welfare measures were essential for strengthening the force. He said K-P’s long border with Afghanistan had created additional security challenges, while the Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps were contributing significantly to border protection. He urged the government to provide comprehensive support to all law-enforcement agencies engaged in counterterrorism operations. Addressing a question about cross-border terrorism, Kundi said attacks originating from Afghan territory were unacceptable. He claimed that evidence had surfaced regarding the involvement of some Afghan nationals in terrorist incidents in K-P and said the repatriation of undocumented Afghan nationals was continuing.