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    Ten additional LHC judges sworn in after appointme…

    ByJustpaste.in

    LAHORE: Ten additional judges of the Lahore High Court took oath on Tuesday after President Asif Ali Zardari approved their appointments, bringing an end to a weeks-long delay over their induction. Chief Justice Aalia Neelum administered the oath to the newly appointed judges during a ceremony at the Lahore High Court. The judges who took oath were Ghulam Sarwar Nihung, Muhammad Ajmal Khan Zahid, Aamir Ajam Malik, Shireen Imran, Asad Ali Bajwa, Muhammad Amjad Pervez, Khalid Ibn-i-Aziz, Munawar Iqbal Duggal, Syed Farhad Ali Shah and Muhammad Usman Ghani Rashid Cheema. Justice Tariq Mahmood Bajwa also took oath as a permanent judge of the Lahore High Court after completing his probationary period. The newly appointed additional judges will serve for one year from the date they took oath. Despite the latest appointments, the Lahore High Court still has 10 vacant positions against its approved strength of 60 judges. The number of vacancies is expected to rise to 11 following the retirement of Justice Shahid Karim next week. Earlier on Tuesday, President Zardari approved the appointment of 19 additional judges to five high courts. He also confirmed five judges as permanent members of the superior judiciary. The appointments had remained pending since July after the Judicial Commission of Pakistan recommended the candidates for the positions. The delay had led to a dispute over the presidential approval process. The oath-taking ceremony had initially been scheduled for July 27 but was postponed indefinitely. The issue gained further attention after the president neither approved the appointment summary nor returned it for reconsideration within the expected period. The government had maintained that there was no legal basis for keeping the recommendations pending. At one stage, officials even considered constitutional options to address the delay. Meanwhile, legal teams representing the presidency and the federal government held discussions to resolve the matter. Sources said the talks between the two sides made progress and helped pave the way for the appointments to be approved. The president’s legal team had previously raised concerns about the proceedings of the Judicial Commission. Questions were also raised over the rejection of several nominees and the eligibility of some recommended candidates. The dispute had also raised concerns about delays in filling vacant judicial positions in the high courts.

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    Pakistan, US renew Fulbright partnership for five …

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    Pakistan and the United States have renewed their cooperation in higher education through a new five-year agreement between the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP). The agreement will run from the 2026-27 financial year through 2031-32. It will continue several major academic exchange and scholarship programmes for Pakistani students, researchers and professionals. The renewed partnership covers the Fulbright Master’s and PhD programmes. It also includes the Visiting Scholar Programme for post-doctoral researchers, the Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Programme and the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Programme. Under the new arrangement, the partners aim to support 66 Pakistani PhD scholars over the five-year period. Additional opportunities will be available through the other programmes covered by the agreement. The initiative is designed to help Pakistani students and academics access advanced education and research opportunities in the United States. Scholars are expected to bring back their expertise and contribute to the country’s academic and socio-economic development. The HEC will provide at least $4.54 million each year under the agreement. Its overall financial commitment for the five-year period has been capped at Rs6.48 billion. The funding will be released according to an agreed schedule. The arrangement includes an initial payment of $2 million by June 30, followed by another $2 million by January 31. The remaining amount will be released by April 30, subject to the availability of government funds. Any interest generated from HEC funds held by USEFP will be used again for student grants. This will provide additional support to beneficiaries of the programme. The selection of candidates will remain strictly merit-based. There will be no fixed quotas based on region, group or category. HEC representatives will also participate in selection panels. The commission will help identify areas of study that are considered important for Pakistan’s development and national priorities. The two institutions will establish a Joint Review Committee to monitor the programme. The committee will meet twice a year to assess progress, performance and the overall impact of the initiative. Financial oversight has also been included in the agreement. USEFP will provide annual audited financial statements to HEC. Relevant financial records will also remain available for review by the commission when required. The partnership will also focus on increasing awareness about international education opportunities. HEC and USEFP plan to conduct joint outreach activities across Pakistan. The initiative will use HEC’s network of universities and higher education institutions to reach a wider pool of potential applicants. The agreement also leaves room for future cooperation in areas such as faculty exchanges, administrator exchanges and other academic initiatives. The renewed arrangement builds on the earlier Fulbright-HEC PhD partnership signed in February 2016. Under that agreement, $25.786 million was committed to support 125 Pakistani scholars between 2016 and 2020.

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    Harry Potter fans save Dobby’s grave from power cable

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    Harry Potter fans have successfully pushed for a major power infrastructure project in Wales to be moved away from the memorial site known as Dobby’s grave. The $581 million Greenlink interconnector is being developed to connect the electricity networks of the United Kingdom and Ireland. The project aims to help both countries share surplus renewable energy. The original route of the underground cable was planned to pass close to the memorial for Dobby, the beloved house elf from the Harry Potter series. The memorial is located on a beach in Pembrokeshire. It became a popular destination for fans after the area was used to film Dobby’s death scene in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1. Fans regularly visit the site to pay tribute to the fictional character. Many leave stones with personal messages and tributes. Socks were also commonly left at the memorial, reflecting Dobby’s connection with the item in the Harry Potter story, but environmental authorities have asked visitors to stop leaving them. The proposed power cable route triggered a strong reaction among Harry Potter fans. Project manager Simon Ludlam said his team received hundreds of calls after details of the planned route became known. Ludlam initially did not understand why the location had caused such concern. He said a colleague eventually explained the significance of the site and the emotional attachment fans had developed to Dobby’s grave. Following discussions, the project team decided to alter the planned route. Ludlam said engineers worked on a new alignment to ensure that the cable would not pass close to the memorial. The revised route has now allowed the project to proceed without directly affecting the popular tourist site. However, the new alignment has raised another issue. It passes relatively close to a potential Bronze Age burial site. Planning documents from local authorities had identified archaeological remains in the area. An archaeological investigation reportedly found the remains of an inverted pottery vessel believed to resemble a Bronze Age collared urn. The vessel has been dated to approximately 1700 to 1500 BC. Such urns are commonly associated with burial sites and may indicate the presence of human remains. The situation has highlighted the challenge of balancing major infrastructure projects with cultural, historical and tourism interests. Local residents have also welcomed the decision to protect the Dobby memorial. The site attracts visitors from across the world and has become an important tourism attraction in Pembrokeshire. Local resident Jack Nicholas said visitors had travelled from countries including Italy, Australia and South Africa to see the memorial. He said the attraction brings tourists to one of Pembrokeshire’s notable beaches and helps nearby businesses. Tourism is a major part of the local economy. Pembrokeshire County Council estimates that the sector contributes around $815 million to the economy and supports about 23% of local employment.

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    Ghazi University marks Minorities Day, reaffirms e…

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    Dera Ghazi Khan: The Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan observed National Minorities Day today on the special directions of the Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad. The event, organized by the Directorate of Students Affairs and hosted by Prof. Dr. Arshad Munir, brought together members of the non-Muslim community and university officials to highlight the equal rights, religious freedom, and contributions of minorities in Pakistan. Members of the non-Muslim community from Dera Ghazi Khan, including Mr. Saleem Ilyas and Mr. Boota Masih, and others attended the ceremony. Senior university officials, Registrar Dr. Muhammad Asif, Prof. Dr. Saeed Ullah, Dr. Muhammad Ziaullah, Director ORIC Dr. Sagheer Atta, Dr. Irum Aziz, Dr. Khizra Bakhsh, and other faculty members were also in the event. The programme commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran by an M.Phil scholar from the Department of Islamic Studies, followed by the recitation of verses from the Injeel (Gospel) by Mr. Boota Masih. Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim then presented a Naat-e-Rasool-e-Maqbool in praise of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Thereafter, the National Anthem of Pakistan was played, with all participants standing in respect. In his welcome address, Prof. Dr. Arshad Munir highlighted the significance of National Minorities Day in Pakistan. He acknowledged the historic contributions of the non-Muslim community to the establishment of Pakistan and their continued role in strengthening the nation. On behalf of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad, he extended an open invitation to members of the non-Muslim community to visit Ghazi University and enrol their children for higher education, assuring that the university would provide full facilitation and support in this regard. Two documentaries were screened during the event. The first showcased the establishment and progressive transformation of Ghazi University under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad. The second, prepared by the Directorate of Students Affairs, highlighted the efforts of non-Muslim personalities and movements that played a vital role in the creation of Pakistan and in its subsequent development. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Saleem Ilyas expressed gratitude to the university administration for inviting members of the non-Muslim community and honouring them. He stated that minorities in Pakistan enjoy complete liberty, freedom of livelihood and worship, and equal rights alongside citizens of all other faiths. Mr. Boota Masih also thanked the university for the respect and affection extended to the community. He said non-Muslims feel comfortable and content in Dera Ghazi Khan, actively participate in local festivities, and remain an integral part of the social fabric. Extending a gesture of interfaith harmony, he invited all participants to visit their church. A cake marking National Minorities Day was cut by the honourable guests, symbolising unity and equality among people of all religions. Refreshments were also served to the participants. The Director Students’ Affairs, Dr. Muhammad Salman Haider presented the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the programme. The event conveyed a clear message of equal rights, religious freedom, and interfaith harmony, reaffirming that minorities are valued partners in Pakistan’s national progress and social cohesion.

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    Ducky Bhai urges parents to monitor children’s online content

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    ISLAMABAD: Pakistani YouTuber Saadur Rehman, popularly known as Ducky Bhai, has urged parents to take greater responsibility for monitoring their children’s online activities. Speaking during a recent podcast, the content creator responded to criticism directed at YouTubers when children develop what parents consider inappropriate habits. Ducky Bhai said parents should decide what their children watch online. He argued that children are not required to watch any particular YouTuber and that parents have the ability to restrict or monitor their access to digital content. He recalled the restrictions placed on him by his own parents during his childhood. According to the YouTuber, his father closely monitored his computer use and used parental-control software to track the websites and content he accessed. Ducky Bhai said his parents also linked access to games and other forms of entertainment with his academic performance. He used the example to argue that parents today can similarly establish rules for their children’s use of phones, tablets and computers. He also stressed that YouTube should not be treated like a school or an educational requirement. He said viewers have the choice to watch his content or avoid it. The YouTuber also discussed his experience of spending around three months in jail in connection with allegations involving an online gambling application. Ducky Bhai was granted bail in November 2025 after spending approximately 100 days at Camp Jail in Lahore. Reflecting on the experience, he described his time in custody as extremely difficult. He said the limited space and isolation made the period particularly challenging. He recalled being unable to move freely or access recreational facilities available in other parts of the prison. According to Ducky Bhai, prisoners in other areas could spend time outdoors, play sports and use recreational facilities. He said he was not permitted to visit the prison library but requested books during his detention. He also revealed that he began reading newspapers for the first time during his imprisonment. The YouTuber said his time in custody also separated him from the public reaction to his case. He explained that social media feeds generally show recent content, making it difficult to find older posts and determine who had supported or criticised him during his imprisonment. Ducky Bhai also commented on controversies involving fellow content creator Rajab Butt. He suggested that personal disputes should be addressed quickly and privately before they become larger public controversies. He said family elders could play an important role in resolving such disputes. Drawing from his own experience, he said his time in jail made him realise how deeply a public controversy can affect a creator’s family.

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    Three Pakistanis killed in Houthi attack on vessel

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    Three Pakistani sailors were among four crew members killed after a commercial vessel came under attack in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait on Tuesday, according to Yemen’s Ministry of Transportation. The Yemeni-flagged vessel, identified as Tihamah, was carrying food supplies when it was reportedly struck by three ballistic missiles while sailing through the strategically important waterway. The attack set the vessel on fire and caused significant damage, the ministry said. Four other crew members were wounded, while a member of the rescue team also sustained injuries. The ministry said another missile was fired at the vessel while rescue teams were trying to reach the crew. It accused the attackers of attempting to disrupt the rescue operation and increase the number of casualties. The ministry condemned the incident and described the attack as a serious threat to maritime security and international trade. It also warned that attacks on commercial vessels carrying essential goods could affect food and consumer supplies in Yemen. There was no immediate statement from the Houthis regarding the reported attack. According to maritime security sources, the crew lost control of the vessel after the attack. Yemeni coastguard personnel moved towards the ship, but the responding forces reportedly came under fire. The incident occurred near Perim Island, a strategically important location close to the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. A British maritime security organisation said the vessel was reportedly at anchor northeast of the island when it was struck. The ship was reportedly carrying food supplies and had departed from the government-controlled Yemeni port of Al-Mokha on Saturday. Maritime data indicates that shipping activity through the Bab al-Mandeb and Red Sea has fallen sharply amid continuing security concerns. Traffic through the strategic waterway has declined by more than half compared with levels recorded before an earlier wave of Houthi attacks on commercial shipping. The latest restrictions have further reduced shipping activity in the region. Industry data showed that an average of about 32 vessels passed through the strait each day last week, compared with around 50 before the latest blockade was announced. The Bab al-Mandeb connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and serves as a major international shipping route. Any prolonged disruption could affect the movement of food, fuel and other essential goods between Asia, the Middle East and Europe. The incident also adds to concerns over the safety of Pakistani nationals amid the widening regional conflict.

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    Trump claims US controls Iran’s finances 

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    WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has claimed that Washington has control over Iran’s financial resources as the conflict between the United States and Iran continues. In an interview, Trump said the US was effectively acting as a banker for Iran. He claimed Washington had control over a large amount of Iranian money. Trump also described Iran’s economic situation as extremely difficult. He alleged that the country was facing very high inflation and that its currency had lost much of its value. The US president further claimed that Iran was struggling to pay its soldiers and suggested that the economic pressure could become increasingly difficult for Tehran to sustain. Trump outlined several possible approaches toward Iran. He said Washington could maintain the current economic pressure, launch further military action or rely more heavily on financial measures. He said his main objective in the conflict was to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Trump also claimed that US military action had stopped Tehran from obtaining such a capability. Qatar urges reopening of Strait of Hormuz Meanwhile, Qatar said talks between Iran and Oman on arrangements for reopening the Strait of Hormuz had reached an advanced stage. Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari said the negotiations had reached a critical point. He expressed hope that the strategically important waterway would reopen as soon as possible. Qatar said it supports diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and resolving the dispute. Iran and Oman have been discussing legal and technical arrangements for the resumption of maritime traffic through the strait. Shipping activity in the area has been disrupted following the military confrontation between Iran and the United States. Tehran has linked the reopening of the waterway to the resolution of disputes surrounding what it describes as US violations of a June memorandum of understanding. Araghchi says US sought negotiations Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has claimed that Washington eventually sought negotiations with Tehran after initially demanding Iran’s unconditional surrender. Speaking during a televised press conference, Araghchi said the US had initially taken a hard-line position but later sought talks. He claimed that the change demonstrated Iran’s ability to withstand military and political pressure. Araghchi also said Iran had surprised countries around the world by resisting the United States. The Iranian foreign minister said Washington had support from Israel and several Western countries during the conflict. He also discussed the situation with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul during a telephone conversation. According to Iranian state media, Araghchi told his German counterpart that the insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz was the result of US and Israeli military actions against Iran. He briefed Wadephul on Iran’s discussions with Oman regarding the creation of a safe route for maritime traffic through the strategic waterway. The two officials also discussed bilateral relations and wider regional and international developments. Araghchi called on the international community to hold Washington accountable for what he described as the security and economic consequences of the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. He maintained that lasting security in the waterway would require an end to what Tehran considers US military aggression, maritime restrictions and violations of previous commitments.

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    Punjab cybercrime crackdown, 28 suspects arrested

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    LAHORE: Authorities have arrested 28 suspects in Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan as part of a major crackdown on organised online fraud, exposing alleged schemes that relied on impersonation, fake investment opportunities and fabricated official identities to deceive citizens. The arrests were made during a province-wide operation by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Punjab, directed by Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Wasim, officials said. Investigators also seized 24 mobile phones and a laptop, which are now being examined for evidence that could lead to other members of the alleged network. The investigation has revealed how fraudsters allegedly manipulated trust to convince victims to hand over large sums of money. Millions allegedly lost in Lahore scam In Lahore, 18 suspects were arrested in separate operations. Investigators said the suspects allegedly impersonated relatives, visa agents, government officials and personnel associated with the Punjab Safe Cities Authority. In one case, suspects allegedly posed as both a relative and a visa agent and persuaded a victim to transfer Rs25.86 million. The case has highlighted how scammers can combine apparently familiar identities with urgent requests to make their schemes appear legitimate. Rs54.66m trading fraud uncovered Three suspects were arrested in Faisalabad in connection with alleged online trading fraud and unauthorised access to a company email account. According to investigators, a victim was shown fabricated trading records, digital-wallet balances and purported profit statements to create the impression that substantial returns were being generated. After being persuaded to invest, the victim allegedly lost Rs54.66 million, investigators said. The case demonstrates the growing sophistication of investment scams, where criminals allegedly use manipulated digital information to make fraudulent platforms appear genuine. Multan arrests expose impersonation tactics In Multan, seven suspects were arrested for allegedly posing as relatives, bank employees and individuals claiming to be based in Britain. Officials said victims were approached with various demands, including payments supposedly required for prize money, customs clearance, taxes and visa renewals. Such tactics typically create a sense of urgency, leaving victims with little time to verify the identity of the caller or the authenticity of the demand. Digital evidence now under forensic examination NCCIA investigators are examining the seized devices through forensic analysis. Financial transactions, call records and digital communications are also being reviewed to establish the full extent of the alleged operation and identify other people who may be connected to it. The crackdown comes amid growing concern over online financial fraud in Pakistan. The NCCIA’s own statistics identify financial fraud as a major category of reported cybercrime. The latest arrests underscore a simple but increasingly important warning: an apparently familiar voice, official-looking message or promising investment opportunity may not be what it seems. Authorities are expected to continue the investigation as they trace the alleged network and follow the digital and financial trails left behind.

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    Trump appoints Will Scharf as new White House counsel

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    US President Donald Trump has named Will Scharf as the incoming White House counsel and assistant to the president, succeeding David Warrington on September 1, 2026. Warrington, who previously served as general counsel for Trump’s campaign and managed initial administration legal affairs, will be departing for the private sector. Scharf currently serves as the White House staff secretary, a role where he manages the daily flow of papers and documents reaching the president’s desk. In addition to these duties, he chairs the National Capital Planning Commission, where he helped fast-track approvals for a controversial $400 million White House ballroom project. A former federal prosecutor and appellate law clerk, Scharf joined Trump’s personal legal team in 2023. He played a central role in defending Trump across several high-profile legal battles, including the federal election interference case and the landmark presidential immunity ruling before the US Supreme Court. In his new post, Scharf will lead the administration’s legal strategy. His responsibilities will include overseeing executive privilege, managing judicial nominations, liaising with the Department of Justice, and preparing for potential congressional inquiries ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

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    Trump says US controls Strait of Hormuz

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    US President Donald Trump has claimed that the United States is now controlling the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said the US Navy had cleared the entire waterway of naval mines. He made the remarks while speaking to reporters at the Oval Office. The Strait of Hormuz is a major international shipping route. It is also an important passage for global energy supplies. Any disruption in the area can affect international trade and energy markets. Trump was asked about the next steps following recent talks with Iran. However, he declined to provide details about what the United States would do next. The US president also indicated that Washington could increase pressure on Iran. He did not give specific details about what further action could be taken. Trump has also announced plans to seek compensation from Iran. The demand is linked to Americans who were killed or injured in various conflicts involving Iran. He had earlier said that Iran should provide compensation to the families of those killed aboard the US Navy destroyer USS Cole. Trump said his administration was seeking compensation for people who had been killed or wounded in different conflicts. He argued that Iran should be held responsible for the losses. According to Trump, Iran had not previously demanded compensation during earlier negotiations or discussions at different levels. He said Tehran had now unexpectedly raised such a demand. Trump said his decision to seek compensation from Iran would be made in response to the Iranian demand. The latest statements come as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high. Trump has continued to signal that the United States is prepared to take further action if necessary. However, he did not reveal whether the US would pursue additional military or diplomatic measures.