تازہ ترین

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    Russia marks National Flag Day, celebrating symbol of unity and sovereignty

    Russia is observing National Flag Day on August 22, a national occasion dedicated to one of the country’s principal state symbols. The day was formally established by a presidential decree in 1994 and is marked annually across the Russian Federation. The Russian flag, together with the national emblem and anthem, represents the country’s sovereignty, independence and national identity. Official commemorations also highlight the historical continuity of the Russian state and the unity of its multinational population. The tricolour has a history stretching back more than three centuries. Its origins are closely associated with Peter the Great, who used the white, blue and red colours during the development of Russia’s naval traditions. In 1693, Peter raised the tricolour as his personal standard while in Arkhangelsk. Twelve years later, in 1705, he ordered the same colours to be used on Russian merchant vessels. Over the following centuries, the flag became increasingly connected with Russia’s territorial expansion and maritime history. Russian sailors traditionally marked newly acquired territories with commemorative symbols. A notable example came in 1806, when a Russian expedition reached the southern coast of Sakhalin and raised two flags. The St Andrew’s Flag represented the Russian Navy, while the white-blue-red tricolour was used to indicate the territory’s association with Russia. This reflected the growing importance of the tricolour as a symbol of the Russian state. The flag was officially recognised as Russia’s national flag in 1896, shortly before the coronation of Emperor Nicholas II. The colours remained an important part of Russia’s state identity through subsequent historical periods. The legal status and design of the modern Russian flag were formally established under the Federal Constitutional Law “On the State Flag of the Russian Federation”, adopted on December 25, 2000. Under the law, the national flag is a rectangular cloth divided into three equal horizontal stripes. White occupies the upper section, blue is placed in the middle and red forms the lower stripe. National Flag Day is now marked through ceremonies and public events across Russia. Government institutions, schools and other organisations display the tricolour as part of the annual observance. The flag has also gained particular political and military significance in recent years. Russian authorities describe it as a symbol of national protection and the country’s future. In areas under Russian control during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russian servicemen have raised the tricolour over settlements that Moscow describes as having been “liberated.” Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly linked the national flag with the country’s historical identity and national unity. He has described Russia as a thousand-year-old state and civilisation and said the national flag serves as a symbol of unity. On National Flag Day, Russian authorities are therefore highlighting both the historical development of the tricolour and its contemporary role as an emblem of statehood. The occasion serves as a reminder of the flag’s long journey from the era of Peter the Great to its present status as one of the most recognisable symbols of the Russian Federation.

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    Prosecution raises objections over Anmol Pinky cas…

    Three drug-related cases involving accused Anmol Pinky came under discussion before the Judicial Magistrate South court, where the prosecution raised objections over deficiencies in the police challans. Police had submitted interim charge sheets in all three cases to the prosecution for review. However, the Deputy District Public Prosecutor found several important details missing from the documents and returned them to the police with instructions to make the required corrections. The prosecution pointed out that the interim challans did not contain any mention of proceedings to declare Anmol Pinky a proclaimed offender. The prosecutor directed police to provide complete details of the legal proceedings related to her status and incorporate them into the revised challans. Another objection concerned accused persons who had already been acquitted in the cases. According to the prosecution, the police challans failed to provide details about those acquittals. The police were therefore instructed to attach copies of the relevant acquittal orders to the case records so that the challans contain complete information about all accused persons and the outcome of proceedings against them. The prosecutor directed the investigating authorities to address all the objections before resubmitting the documents. The revised interim challans will be presented to the prosecution after the required amendments and additional records have been included. The development comes as legal proceedings continue in the three drug cases against Anmol Pinky. The prosecution’s objections mean that the interim challans have not yet been accepted in their submitted form and must first be corrected according to the instructions issued by the prosecutor.

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    Sindh University VCs seek extensions as tenures ne…

    ISLAMABAD: The extension of the tenure of Professor Dr Nusrat Shah, Vice Chancellor of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University (SMBBMU), Larkana, has reportedly prompted vice chancellors of several public-sector universities across Sindh to seek extensions as their first terms approach completion. According to sources, the first four-year terms of vice chancellors at eight government universities are set to expire over the coming months. Almost all of the serving VCs, except one, are reportedly seeking second terms. Nusrat Shah’s extension case reaches CM House Sources in the Sindh Chief Minister’s House said that a summary seeking an extension for Dr Nusrat Shah has been forwarded to the Chief Minister of Sindh. Dr Nusrat Shah’s current four-year term is scheduled to expire on January 1, 2027. She is the daughter of former Sindh chief minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah. Sources said her extension case has gained considerable attention and may receive approval. The development has reportedly encouraged other vice chancellors whose terms are also nearing completion to pursue extensions. One extension approved so far The Sindh government has so far approved an extension only for Dr Amjad Siraj Memon, Vice Chancellor of Jinnah Sindh Medical University. Sources said extension cases of Dr Khalid Iraqi and Dr Farooq Hassan have been rejected. Other VCs seeking second terms   Several other vice chancellors are also approaching the end of their first terms: Dr Ikramuddin Ujan — Vice Chancellor, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro. His term expires on January 1, 2027. His extension case is reportedly complicated by allegations concerning the awarding of multiple gold medals to his son at the university. Dr Zahid Hussain Khand — Vice Chancellor, Aror University of Art, Architecture, Design and Heritage, Sukkur. His term expires on January 19, 2027. Arbela Bhutto — Vice Chancellor, Shaheed Allah Buksh Soomro University of Art, Design and Heritages. Her term expires on January 19, 2027. Dr Asif Sheikh — Vice Chancellor, IBA Sukkur. His term expires on January 19, 2027. Dr Taha Hussain — Vice Chancellor, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology. His term is due to expire in mid-March 2027. Tahmina Nangraj — Vice Chancellor, Begum Nusrat Bhutto Women University, Sukkur. Her term expires on January 19, 2027.  Dr Samreen Hussain — Vice Chancellor, Dawood University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi. Her term expires in January 2027. Sources said summaries seeking extensions for several of these vice chancellors are expected to be forwarded to the Chief Minister’s House in the coming weeks. Test for Sindh government The growing number of extension requests is likely to pose a fresh challenge for the Sindh government and the Chief Minister, who exercises an important role in the appointment and continuation of leadership at public universities. The decisions are expected to be closely watched, with the candidates’ performance, administrative record, political affiliations and any controversies surrounding their tenures likely to come under scrutiny. The outcome of these cases could also shape the leadership of Sindh’s public-sector universities for the next several years.

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    DHA Wali Maid’s children enter elite schools

    Social media personality known as DHA Wali Maid has reached another important milestone, with her growing online success helping her take steps towards a better future for her children. She first gained attention on Instagram after her employer encouraged her to create a social media account. She began posting videos about her daily household work and routine. Her content soon went viral and attracted a large audience. What started as a simple social media account gradually turned into a successful online career. She received considerable appreciation and support from people on social media. Her growing popularity has also brought financial opportunities. She is now using her success to improve the quality of life for her family, particularly her young children. One of her latest goals is to provide her children with better educational opportunities. She recently shared that she is preparing to enrol them in an elite school. She said she has always wanted to give her children access to quality education. With her improved financial circumstances, she now feels able to fulfil that ambition. With guidance from her employer, whom she affectionately refers to as her “Baji”, she explored several well-known educational institutions. These included Aitchison, Beaconhouse and The City School. After considering different options, she selected a school for her children. The decision has become an important personal achievement for the influencer, who has openly discussed her hopes for her family. Her journey has attracted attention because of the significant change in her circumstances. From sharing videos of household chores on Instagram, she has developed a sizeable social media following and turned her online presence into a source of income. Her latest achievement has received a warm response from followers. Many users congratulated her and praised her determination to provide better opportunities for her children. One follower prayed for greater success for her family, while another expressed happiness over her journey from a relatively small following to her current level of popularity. Another user described her as a “super mom” and praised her efforts. The positive reaction reflects the public interest in her personal journey. Her story has resonated with many social media users because it highlights how an ordinary beginning can develop into new opportunities through determination and public support.

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    Army troops deployed in Rawalpindi for six months

    The federal government has approved the deployment of three companies of the Pakistan Army in Rawalpindi. The troops will perform sensitive security duties in the city. The deployment will remain in place for six months. The decision was taken after a request from the Punjab Home Department. The Interior Ministry issued the deployment order on August 21. The order said the army personnel would help prevent any undesirable situation. They will also assist the civil administration in dealing with any unexpected security challenge. The deployment has been authorised under Article 245 of the Constitution. The provision allows the armed forces to assist the civil administration when required. The troops will perform their duties according to the requirements of the district administration. Their presence is intended to strengthen security arrangements and improve the authorities’ ability to respond to emergencies. The government has given the deployment immediate effect. The three army companies can therefore begin their assigned security responsibilities without delay. The order did not provide details about the exact locations where the troops will be stationed. It also did not specify particular operations or threats that prompted the deployment. The decision places additional security resources at the disposal of the Rawalpindi administration. Civil authorities can seek the assistance of the deployed personnel when required during the six-month period. The deployment is part of the government’s broader security arrangements. The use of military personnel under Article 245 is intended to support civilian authorities while they carry out their responsibilities.

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    Nadia Khan issues blunt warning to Sajal fans

    Pakistani television host and actress Nadia Khan has spoken about the online criticism she says she has faced from some fans of actress Sajal Aly. The discussion took place during a recent episode of Nadia’s programme Kya Drama Hai, where she addressed reactions to her comments about the drama Zanjeerain. Nadia explained that she had previously pointed out what she considered a technical mistake by the director while discussing the drama. According to her, she did not make a direct criticism of Sajal Aly, but some of the actress’s fans nevertheless brought her name into the discussion. She said the situation became more noticeable after she praised actress Dur-e-Fishan Saleem for her performance in Dar-e-Nijat. Nadia claimed that some users then began discussing her comments on her other programme and linking the matter to Sajal Aly. The host questioned why her comments about one actor or a director were being connected to another actress. She maintained that her original remarks were focused on the work and direction rather than on Sajal Aly personally. Nadia also urged social media users to show more patience and avoid creating unnecessary controversies around actors. She suggested that fans should focus on supporting their favourite artists rather than targeting other people online. According to Nadia, online fan conflicts can ultimately have a negative impact on the celebrities whom fans are attempting to defend. She said that social media discussions are widely visible and can affect how the public perceives an actor. The television host also clarified that she was not accusing the actors themselves of creating the controversy. She attributed the situation to sections of their fan communities and said that the behaviour could unintentionally damage the reputation of the celebrities they support. Nadia has remained a prominent figure in Pakistan’s entertainment industry for years. Alongside her television work, she has developed a significant digital presence through her YouTube platform and social media accounts. She is currently associated with programmes including Kya Drama Hai and Rise & Shine, where she regularly discusses television, entertainment and current trends in the industry.

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    Naimal Khawar’s new look leaves fans stunned

    Former actress and social media personality Naimal Khawar has become the subject of renewed online discussion after new photographs of her surfaced from a wedding event in Oslo, Norway. Naimal attended the wedding with her husband, actor Hamza Ali Abbasi. The couple was photographed alongside other guests during the event, with pictures later shared on Instagram by one of the attendees. For the occasion, Naimal wore a salmon-coloured traditional outfit. She kept her hair tied back and opted for soft makeup. Hamza Ali Abbasi appeared in a black smart-casual outfit and was seen posing for photographs with guests. The pictures quickly attracted attention from social media users, particularly because some viewers felt Naimal looked different from the way she usually appears in her own Instagram posts. Several users commented on her appearance and speculated about possible changes in her weight. Some went further and suggested that she might be expecting a baby. However, there has been no confirmation from Naimal Khawar or Hamza Ali Abbasi regarding such speculation. Other users criticised her appearance, with some making harsh comments about her face and overall look. The remarks have generated a debate online about the difference between photographs shared by celebrities themselves and candid pictures taken by others at public events. Naimal Khawar has largely remained away from acting in recent years and has focused on her personal life, family and social media activities. She frequently shares content related to art, travel and everyday moments with her followers. Her marriage to Hamza Ali Abbasi has also remained a subject of public interest. The couple generally maintains a relatively private personal life while occasionally appearing together at social events. The latest photographs have now attracted considerable attention because they provide a candid glimpse of the couple at a wedding outside Pakistan. While some fans simply appreciated the couple’s appearance and the event pictures, others focused heavily on Naimal’s appearance. Importantly, the pregnancy claims circulating online remain unverified. Changes in appearance in photographs can result from lighting, camera angles, clothing, makeup or other factors, and the available pictures do not provide evidence to confirm such claims.

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    Fahad Mustafa’s second wife spotted on film set?

    Pakistani actor and television host Fahad Mustafa has once again attracted attention on social media after sharing new pictures from the sets of his upcoming film Aag Lagay Basti Mein. The actor, who is also a successful producer and the founder of Big Bang Productions, has remained one of the most prominent figures in Pakistan’s entertainment industry. His latest social media post has generated renewed discussion because a woman previously linked to reports about his alleged second marriage was also spotted at the film’s sets. Fahad had previously faced speculation regarding an alleged second marriage with Hina Aman. The reports gained significant attention online after photographs of the two surfaced on social media. However, Fahad Mustafa did not publicly confirm or deny the reports at the time. Hina Aman also did not issue a public statement regarding the claims. The matter therefore remained unconfirmed. Now, nearly a year after the earlier speculation, Fahad has shared photographs from the sets of Aag Lagay Basti Mein. Hina Aman was reportedly seen at the location alongside the actor, prompting social media users to revisit the previous marriage rumours. The new pictures quickly attracted attention from fans and entertainment followers. Many users began discussing the woman’s presence at the film’s sets and its connection with the earlier reports surrounding Fahad’s personal life. Another detail that caught the attention of social media users was that comments on Fahad Mustafa’s latest post had been disabled. This further fuelled online discussion, although there has been no official statement from the actor explaining the decision. The photographs themselves do not confirm any marriage or relationship. Fahad Mustafa has not made a public announcement regarding the allegations, and the renewed speculation remains based on social media discussions and the reported appearance of Hina Aman at the film’s sets. Fahad Mustafa has generally maintained a private approach to his personal affairs while remaining highly active professionally. Alongside acting and hosting, he has established himself as a producer through Big Bang Productions, which has produced several successful Pakistani television projects. His latest film project has also kept him in the public spotlight. The appearance of Hina Aman at the shooting location has now brought renewed interest in a controversy that had largely faded from public discussion.

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    Ramsha Khan’s sister’s English Nikah sparks backlash

    The wedding celebrations of Pakistani actress Ramsha Khan’s sister, Alysha Khan, have attracted significant attention on social media, with her Nikah ceremony becoming a major topic of discussion among internet users. Alysha’s wedding festivities have been circulating online in recent days. However, much of the attention has focused not only on the bride and the celebrations but also on the language used during the Nikah ceremony. The Nikah was conducted in English during a daytime ceremony. Clips from the event appeared on social media and quickly generated mixed reactions from viewers. Some social media users questioned the decision to conduct the Nikah in English and compared it with the traditional way of solemnising marriages in Pakistan. Several commenters argued that the ceremony appeared influenced by Western culture, while others criticised what they described as an attempt to adopt a foreign style. The bride’s pronunciation also became a subject of online discussion. In a widely circulated clip, viewers focused on her pronunciation of the phrase “I do,” with some users making jokes and critical comments about her accent. The reaction soon turned into a wider debate about cultural traditions and personal choices. Some users defended the family’s decision, arguing that the language used during a Nikah does not change the religious or legal nature of the marriage. Others continued to question why an English-language ceremony was chosen for a Pakistani wedding. Ramsha Khan herself has largely stayed away from the spotlight during her sister’s wedding festivities. Despite considerable interest from her followers, she has reportedly avoided sharing pictures and videos of herself from the celebrations. The actress has also kept her personal life private following her marriage to actor Khushhal Khan. She previously made her Instagram account private and has maintained a relatively low profile since leaving the acting scene. Ramsha Khan became a familiar face in Pakistani television after beginning her career in the entertainment industry. She appeared in several successful dramas and films, including Mah-e-Tamaam, Khud Parast, Kaisa Hai Naseeba, Shehnai, Ishqiya, Hum Tum, Sinf-e-Aahan and Duniyapur. Her relationship and subsequent marriage to her former drama co-star Khushhal Khan also attracted considerable public attention. Since then, the actress has largely kept her family matters away from the media. Meanwhile, Alysha Khan’s wedding has continued to generate discussion online. Some users also questioned why entertainment and social media pages were giving extensive coverage to the wedding despite the bride not being a prominent public figure.

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    Chiranjeevi unveils Kaaka title on 71st birthday

    Indian megastar Chiranjeevi celebrated his 71st birthday with the title reveal of his upcoming film Kaaka, which was previously being referred to as #Mega158. The makers released the first glimpse of the film on Saturday, offering fans an intriguing introduction to Chiranjeevi’s character and revealing that the veteran actor will appear in two distinctly different avatars. Directed by Bobby Kolli, Kaaka is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on January 13, 2027, coinciding with the Sankranthi festival. The title announcement was shared by KVN Productions, which teased fans with a glimpse of what it described as a new side of the megastar. The production house also promised an intense big-screen experience with the upcoming project. The glimpse begins with Chiranjeevi playing K Satyam, a middle-class supervisor working in the aqua industry. The character initially appears simple, responsible and grounded. Satyam is shown dealing with his team in Chennai and ensuring that an important delivery is completed on time. He also refuses a colleague’s request for leave because of a festival-related deadline. The sequence then takes an unexpected and humorous turn. When a colleague accidentally drops scooter keys into the water, a dog appears carrying a remote. Satyam uses the remote and a magnet in an attempt to retrieve the keys. However, the seemingly ordinary situation quickly changes when guns emerge from the water along with the missing keys. The surprising moment leads into the film’s title reveal and hints that Satyam may have a much more complicated background than initially suggested. The glimpse then shifts to another version of Chiranjeevi. In the flashback-style sequence, the actor appears younger and considerably more stylish. He is seen handling firearms with confidence, presenting a sharp contrast to the modest and unassuming Satyam introduced earlier. The teaser deliberately leaves the relationship between the two versions of Chiranjeevi unexplained. It also keeps the larger storyline under wraps, leaving viewers to speculate about the connection between the characters and the circumstances that bring their worlds together. The film features Anaswara Rajan alongside Chiranjeevi. The writing team includes Kona Venkat, K Chakravarthy Reddy, Hari Mohana Krishna and Vineeth Potluri. With its combination of humour, mystery and action, Kaaka is already generating interest among Chiranjeevi’s fans. The contrasting looks presented in the title glimpse have particularly raised curiosity about the actor’s role and the film’s narrative. Chiranjeevi has another major project lined up as well. His film Vishwambhara is scheduled for release on October 16, adding to an already busy period for the veteran star.