تازہ ترین

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    Shahood Alvi sparks controversy with candid marriage remarks

    Pakistani television actor and director Shahood Alvi has once again found himself at the centre of social media discussions following his candid remarks about marriage, relationships and the role of women in maintaining a healthy relationship. Shahood began his showbiz career at Pakistan Television as a boom operator alongside his maternal uncle, Iqbal Ansari. He later moved into acting and gradually established himself as a recognised performer through his work in several popular television dramas. The actor is married to Saima Shahood, and the couple has three daughters, Areeba, Sajal and Arija, all of whom are now married. Shahood frequently appears on morning shows, particularly programmes that feature discussions about marriage, relationships and family life. During a recent television appearance alongside actresses Laila Zuberi and Fariha Awan, Shahood shared his views on why some husbands may lose interest in their wives. His comments, however, quickly attracted attention and divided opinions online. Discussing the possible reasons behind a decline in a husband’s interest, Shahood suggested that women who spend most of their time at home may sometimes carry the smell of ingredients such as ginger and garlic from cooking. He contrasted this with men working in offices, where they may encounter women wearing perfumes. He questioned why a husband would remain attracted if his wife smelled of cooking ingredients, while women in offices might be dressed up and wearing fragrance. The actor also made another controversial remark when the discussion turned towards seeking professional help for marital problems. When Fariha Awan suggested therapy as an option for couples facing difficulties, Shahood jokingly questioned what would happen if a therapist ran away with someone’s wife. He repeated the warning while referring to psychiatrists, describing it as a humorous concern. Shahood further said that spending excessive amounts of time on a mobile phone could be a negative sign in a marriage. He suggested that women should also make an effort to regain their husbands’ attention by preparing food they enjoy and getting ready before their husbands return home. Laila Zuberi agreed that making an effort to look presentable for one’s spouse has traditionally been viewed positively. Recalling her childhood, she said she remembered her mother applying lipstick before her father returned home. Fariha Awan also supported the idea that women could make additional efforts to present themselves well before their husbands came home. Shahood went on to discuss his own marriage, saying he had tried to teach his wife several practical tasks, including paying bills, shopping for groceries and driving. However, he said jokingly that she never learned these skills and referred to her humorously as a “stubborn one.” He also recalled advice from actress Bushra Ansari, who had discouraged his wife from learning how to drive. According to Shahood, Bushra believed that once housewives learned to drive, their responsibilities could increase because they might then be expected to take children to school and bring them back. Following the television appearance, Shahood’s comments have sparked mixed reactions on social media. While some users criticised his remarks as outdated or insensitive, others viewed them as part of the informal and humorous nature of morning-show conversations. Despite the debate, Shahood’s comments have once again placed discussions surrounding marriage, expectations from spouses and gender roles in the spotlight.

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    Goods transport strike enters fourth day

    The nationwide strike by the All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance has entered its fourth consecutive day. The continued suspension of freight services has raised concerns about possible disruptions to the supply of essential goods. Transporters say there has been no major breakthrough in talks with the government. They have therefore decided to continue their protest. Goods Transport Alliance President Malik Shehzad Awan said the government must take serious steps to end the deadlock. He said transporters were still willing to negotiate. However, he stressed that talks alone would not be enough. The transporters want clear progress on their demands before ending the strike. The ongoing protest has created uncertainty for businesses and traders. Goods transport vehicles play a key role in moving food, fuel and other essential items between cities. A prolonged strike could affect the movement of supplies. It could also create difficulties for wholesalers, retailers and consumers. There are concerns that shortages in some markets may push up prices. Food items could become more expensive if supplies remain disrupted for an extended period. The transporters launched the protest over rising petroleum prices. They are also opposing the government’s policy of changing petroleum prices on a daily basis. The alliance has demanded action on the issues affecting the transport sector. Transporters argue that frequent changes in fuel prices make it difficult for them to manage operating costs. They have called for serious engagement from the government. They want their concerns to be addressed through negotiations. Malik Shehzad Awan said the transporters had not closed the door to dialogue. However, he maintained that the government must demonstrate meaningful progress. The strike is affecting freight movement at a time when businesses depend heavily on road transport. Goods vehicles are used to supply markets across the country. If the deadlock continues, the impact could become more visible in local markets. Traders may face delays in receiving supplies, while consumers could face higher prices. The transporters have not announced a deadline for ending the strike. They are waiting for further government action and progress on their demands.

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    Ella Bright joins Suki Waterhouse onstage for first live 

    Off Campus star Ella Bright made a memorable live-performance debut when she joined singer-songwriter Suki Waterhouse onstage during Waterhouse’s Loveland Tour stop in Vancouver. Bright surprised concertgoers at the Orpheum Theatre on August 8, appearing alongside Waterhouse for a duet of “Girl That I Am,” a song featured in Prime Video’s Off Campus. The performance marked Bright’s first-ever live appearance as a singer, making the unexpected collaboration a special moment for fans of the series. The appearance also carried a full-circle connection to Bright’s role on the hit romantic drama. She plays Hannah Wells, an aspiring singer-songwriter at the fictional Briar University. “Girl That I Am” is performed by Bright on the Off Campus soundtrack, while Waterhouse has also recorded her own version of the song for the show’s expanded soundtrack release. Waterhouse’s Vancouver concert was part of her ongoing Loveland Tour, supporting her latest album, Loveland. The singer performed a selection of songs from the record alongside several fan favorites before bringing Bright onto the stage near the end of the set. According to reports from the concert, the surprise duet received an enthusiastic response from the audience. Following the final note, Bright and Waterhouse embraced as the crowd applauded the unexpected collaboration. The moment was particularly timely because Off Campus is currently filming its second season in Vancouver, where the series is produced. Bright’s appearance therefore brought together the show’s music and its cast in the same city where the next chapter of the story is being filmed. For Bright, the performance represented a major step beyond her work on screen. After portraying Hannah as a young musician on Off Campus, she was able to step onto a professional concert stage and perform the character’s signature song in front of a live audience. The surprise appearance quickly became one of the standout moments of Waterhouse’s Vancouver show, giving Off Campus viewers an unexpected connection between the series they watch and the music they hear within it. https://www.instagram.com/p/Db3nP3agVJT/?img_index=4&igsh=MjJxcHQwOGZvZDR2

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    Bank of Punjab Board approves Up to Rs30bn equity injection by Punjab government

    LAHORE: The Board of Directors of The Bank of Punjab (BOP) has approved a proposal for an equity injection of up to Rs30 billion by the Government of Punjab, a move aimed at strengthening the bank’s capital position and supporting its next phase of expansion. The decision was taken at a board meeting held on August 7, 2026. Under the proposal, the Punjab government will subscribe to ordinary shares to be issued by the bank through a mechanism other than a rights issue. The proposed transaction will not take effect immediately and remains conditional on obtaining all required statutory, corporate, shareholder and regulatory approvals. According to the bank, the planned capital injection is an important step in its broader transformation strategy and will provide additional financial capacity to support sustainable growth across its key business segments. Share issuance price The ordinary shares will initially be issued at Rs38.20 per share. However, if the market price of BOP shares is higher than this amount at the time of issuance, the shares will be issued at the prevailing market price plus a premium of 5 percent. As a result, Rs38.20 will serve as the minimum or floor price for the proposed share issuance. The transaction is expected to reinforce the bank’s capital base and provide greater flexibility to manage balance-sheet expansion while maintaining prudent financial and risk-management standards. BOP expands its market presence The Bank of Punjab has undergone significant changes in recent years, with the institution expanding its balance sheet, improving financial performance and strengthening its position across several sectors of Pakistan’s economy. The bank has developed a strong presence in areas including small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) financing, agricultural lending, affordable housing, digital banking and credit cards. It has also increased its focus on women’s participation and leadership in banking and financial services. BOP is further expanding its activities in commercial and corporate banking, particularly in areas linked to export-oriented businesses. The bank said these business segments have positioned it as an important participant in supporting economic activity, employment creation and financial inclusion across the country. Capital requirements rise with expansion Despite the bank’s growth, the rapid expansion of its operations has increased pressure on its existing capital base. BOP said its capital position has historically remained relatively limited compared with the size of its operations and the growth opportunities available to the institution. The proposed Rs30 billion injection is therefore expected to provide the bank with additional capacity to expand its core businesses while maintaining financial resilience. The additional capital could also enable BOP to increase its low-cost deposit base and grow lending operations without facing the same level of capital constraints. The bank said strengthening its capital position would allow it to pursue growth while maintaining a balanced and prudent approach to balance-sheet management. Strong financial performance The proposed capital injection comes as BOP continues to report strong underlying financial performance. During 2025, the bank recorded revenue growth of around 29 percent, while its earnings increased by more than 40 percent year on year. The bank also witnessed significant appreciation in the value of its shares during the period. According to the bank, the proposed capital raise should therefore be viewed primarily as growth capital rather than a measure aimed at addressing immediate financial weakness. The additional equity is expected to provide the financial foundation required for BOP to continue expanding its operations and investing in new business opportunities. International expansion in focus Another important component of the bank’s future strategy is its international expansion. The capital injection is expected to support the next phase of BOP’s growth, including an international venture that has recently received approval from the State Bank of Pakistan. The move could provide the bank with an opportunity to broaden its geographical footprint and develop new sources of business and revenue. With the proposed equity injection, BOP aims to strengthen its financial position, support expansion in priority sectors and improve its ability to serve businesses, consumers and other customers as demand for banking and financial services continues to grow.

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    Dar, Araghchi discuss regional tensions and Makkah…

    Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The two leaders discussed the latest situation in the region. They also exchanged views on the recently concluded Makkah Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. The conversation comes as the regional security situation remains sensitive. Both sides discussed developments in the region and efforts to promote peace and stability. According to reports, Araghchi briefed Dar on recent discussions with Oman. The talks focused on a proposed new trade corridor in the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz remains an important international trade and energy route. Developments in the area have raised concerns about regional security and the movement of commercial shipments. During the telephone call, Dar also explained Pakistan’s position on the Makkah Defence Agreement. He told his Iranian counterpart that the agreement was aimed at strengthening strategic cooperation between the participating countries. Dar also stressed that the pact was intended to support peace and stability in the region. The agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye has attracted regional attention. Questions have also been raised about its possible impact on the wider security environment. Iran has previously sought clarification about the nature and objectives of the defence cooperation. Pakistani officials have maintained that the agreement is focused on strategic cooperation and regional stability. The latest conversation between Dar and Araghchi provided an opportunity for both countries to discuss these developments directly. The two foreign ministers also discussed diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further instability in the region. Their conversation highlights the importance of continued engagement between Pakistan and Iran. Both countries share close regional ties and have an interest in maintaining peace and stability.

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    Khloé Kardashian shares heartfelt birthday tribute for Kylie Jenner

    Khloé Kardashian has celebrated her younger half-sister Kylie Jenner with an emotional birthday tribute, reflecting on their close bond and describing her as one of the greatest loves of her life. The reality television star turned to Instagram on Monday, August 10, to mark Kylie’s 29th birthday with a collection of photographs featuring memorable moments from their lives. The carousel included childhood pictures as well as more recent snaps, giving fans a glimpse into the sisters’ relationship over the years. Alongside the photographs, Khloé penned a deeply affectionate message for Kylie, making it clear that their connection goes far beyond being related by blood. She jokingly referred to Kylie as her “world class poker player baby sister” before expressing how strongly she has always felt connected to her. Khloé wrote that regardless of how old Kylie becomes, she will always consider her to be her “baby.” She also reflected on the idea that their relationship may have existed long before their current lives, suggesting that she believes they would continue to find one another in every possible lifetime. The Good American founder described Kylie as her sister by blood and her best friend by choice. She also called her one of the greatest loves of her life, highlighting the extraordinary closeness they share. Khloé further opened up about how proud she is of the woman Kylie has become. Watching her younger sister grow up and build her own identity has been an emotional and rewarding experience for Khloé, who has often spoken about her protective feelings toward Kylie. The heartfelt message also touched on the unique bond shared by the Kardashian-Jenner family. Khloé acknowledged how special their connection is and said she never takes their relationship for granted. She expressed gratitude for being able to experience life alongside Kylie and described her as her “forever baby” and “forever bestie.” She concluded the tribute by declaring her love for Kylie and emphasizing that their bond is one she believes will remain strong across every stage of their lives. Khloé Kardashian and Kylie Jenner’s close relationship Khloé Kardashian and Kylie Jenner are maternal half-sisters and share the same mother, Kris Jenner. Despite their 13-year age difference, the two have developed an exceptionally close relationship. Khloé has frequently spoken about feeling protective of Kylie and has even described herself as having a mother-like relationship with her younger sister. Their closeness has remained evident through family celebrations, public appearances and social media posts. Kylie, meanwhile, has also maintained a strong connection with Khloé throughout the years. Their friendship and sisterhood have become a familiar part of the Kardashian-Jenner family dynamic. Khloé’s latest birthday tribute once again highlighted just how meaningful their relationship is to her, with the reality star making it clear that Kylie will always hold a special place in her heart.

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    90,000 rubber ducks race through Chicago river in …

    CHICAGO: The Chicago River turned bright yellow on Thursday as around 90,000 rubber ducks were released into the water for the annual Chicago Ducky Derby, a colorful charity event that draws thousands of spectators and raises funds for Special Olympics Illinois. The unusual race began when the huge collection of rubber ducks was dropped into the river from one side of a partially opened bridge. Within moments, the water was covered with thousands of small yellow ducks, creating a striking spectacle for people gathered along both sides of the river. The ducks remained in the water for roughly 15 minutes as they floated and moved with the river’s current. Organizers then retrieved the ducks from the water to determine the winning entries and ensure that the river was cleared of the race participants. Thousands of people attended the event, turning the annual derby into a lively festival. Spectators gathered along the riverbanks to watch the race, take photographs and support the charitable cause. Many participants and visitors also wore colorful T-shirts featuring rubber duck designs. The Ducky Derby is organized to support Special Olympics Illinois, helping raise thousands of dollars for programs and activities for athletes with intellectual disabilities. One of the highlights of this year’s event came when 13-year-old Special Olympics athlete and Ducky Derby ambassador Becky Cavanaugh selected the winning duck. Her announcement was met with cheers from enthusiastic crowds gathered along the river. Cavanaugh said one of the things she values most about being involved with the Special Olympics is the opportunity to meet and build friendships with other people. The Chicago Ducky Derby has become a popular annual tradition, combining entertainment, community participation and fundraising. The event gives spectators a memorable experience while contributing to programs designed to support Special Olympics athletes across Illinois.

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    New US opportunities emerge for Pakistani nurses

    Pakistani nurses and other healthcare professionals could soon have better access to professional opportunities in the United States. A new initiative is being developed to strengthen medical education and workforce development in Pakistan. It also aims to help meet the growing demand for trained healthcare professionals in the US. The American Pakistan Education Foundation and the Pakistan Education Foundation are set to sign a memorandum of understanding in New York. The agreement will establish a framework for cooperation between the two organizations. It will focus on education, professional preparation, training, certification and qualification requirements. The initiative will also explore suitable pathways for qualified Pakistani healthcare professionals to access professional opportunities in the United States. The organizations plan to build stronger links with hospitals, healthcare systems, educational institutions and professional organizations in the US. The American Pakistan Education Foundation is a US-based nonprofit organization. It works on education, healthcare workforce development, professional training and community-focused initiatives in both countries. The project to create professional opportunities for Pakistani nurses was launched with support from New York State Assembly Deputy Speaker Phil Ramos. Members of the foundation’s board have already visited Pakistan twice. During the visits, they met relevant stakeholders and discussed ways to strengthen nursing education and the wider healthcare workforce. The discussions also focused on professional training and the development of medical skills. The delegation examined opportunities to expand institutional cooperation between Pakistan and the United States. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Education Foundation has launched an NCLEX nurse placement programme. The initiative is aimed at helping Pakistani registered nurses prepare for international licensing. A nationwide registration campaign was conducted under the programme. A total of 2,759 candidates registered. After a detailed screening and selection process, 300 eligible nurses were selected for training. More than 80 nurses have so far obtained NCLEX-related licensing credentials. They are now prepared to pursue international professional opportunities. More than 220 additional nurses are currently progressing through the examination process. The programme has also helped candidates who face financial difficulties. They have been able to prepare for the costly licensing examination without travelling abroad. The new memorandum is expected to provide a stronger basis for connecting qualified Pakistani healthcare professionals with potential employers in the US. The American Pakistan Education Foundation plans to establish links with hospitals, healthcare networks, nursing facilities, universities and professional organizations. These institutions could provide employment, training and partnership opportunities for qualified professionals. The two organizations also intend to strengthen nursing and medical education. They will explore professional development programmes for teachers and healthcare workers. Professional exchange programmes could also be developed. Scholarships and educational assistance may be considered as part of future cooperation. The Pakistan Education Foundation will identify nurses and other healthcare professionals with suitable educational and professional backgrounds. It will also assist candidates interested in further education, professional development and potential employment opportunities in the United States. Support could include exam preparation, professional training and assistance with certification and documentation. The proposed cooperation may also involve universities, nursing schools, hospitals, training institutions and professional organizations. Joint educational programmes could be developed for nurses and other healthcare professionals. Existing programmes could also receive additional support. A joint working group may be established to oversee implementation of the memorandum and develop further cooperation between the two organizations. Officials involved in the initiative have welcomed the development. They said the project could create stronger institutional links between Pakistan and the United States. The initiative is also being viewed as a step towards expanding international career opportunities for Pakistani healthcare workers.

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    Rashid Latif urges PCB to shield Babar from English media

    Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to reduce Babar Azam’s media commitments during the upcoming Test tour of England, warning that the Pakistan skipper could face intense scrutiny from the English press. Pakistan have arrived in England for a three-match Test series, with Babar returning to the leadership role in red-ball cricket. The series begins at Headingley in Leeds on August 19 and will continue at Lord’s before concluding at Edgbaston in September. Speaking on a television programme, Latif described an England tour as a challenging assignment and suggested that the PCB should carefully manage Babar’s interactions with the local media. According to the former wicketkeeper-batter, the English press can generate considerable attention around visiting teams, potentially creating distractions away from the cricket. “An England tour is a difficult assignment,” Latif said, adding that the PCB should consider keeping Babar away from frequent media appearances. His suggestion is not to isolate the captain completely, but rather to share the responsibility of representing the team with other experienced players. Latif specifically recommended Shan Masood, who previously led Pakistan in Test cricket and has considerable experience of playing in England. He believes Masood is well equipped to handle difficult questions and media pressure. The former captain also identified Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Abbas as players who could take on media duties during the tour. Babar was reappointed Pakistan’s Test captain in July, replacing Shan Masood after his stint in charge. The PCB confirmed Babar as captain for both the West Indies and England Test tours. Pakistan’s immediate challenge will be to carry the momentum from their recent Test victory over the West Indies, where they secured an eight-wicket win in Port of Spain to level the two-match series 1-1. The England assignment will test Babar both as a batter and captain. With the spotlight likely to remain firmly on him, Latif’s advice raises an interesting question: could fewer media commitments help Babar focus more sharply on Pakistan’s battle in English conditions? The first Test will be played in Leeds from August 19–23, followed by Lord’s from August 27–31 and Birmingham from September 9–13. Pakistan squad for England Tests Babar Azam (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.

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    Imran Khan receives eight books in jail

    PTI founder Imran Khan has been provided with eight books in jail following directions from the Islamabad High Court. A deputy superintendent of the jail said the prison authorities received the eight books from the Islamabad High Court. The court had directed the authorities to provide the books to Imran Khan. The jail administration subsequently handed all eight books over to the PTI founder. However, Khan returned four of the books to the jail authorities. He reportedly told officials that he had already read those books. The remaining books were kept with him after being delivered by the prison administration. The development comes after the Islamabad High Court issued directions regarding access to reading material for the former prime minister. The jail authorities confirmed that the court’s instructions regarding the books had been followed. Officials did not provide further details about the titles of the books that were delivered or returned. The provision of books gives Khan access to additional reading material during his time in prison.