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    UK faces potential red weather alerts as fifth heatwave of 2026 brings 36C temperatures

    ByJustpaste.in

    The United Kingdom is preparing for a fifth heatwave this summer, with temperatures projected to reach 36C and prompting the Met Office to consider issuing rare red weather alerts. The extreme heat poses severe risks of disruption across railway lines and power networks, whilst compounding growing concerns over drought and food security. Following a temporary drop in temperatures on Monday, heat levels across England and Wales are expected to climb rapidly. Sunday marked the 35th day in 2026 where British temperatures exceeded 30C, hitting a peak of 30.6C. Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan indicated that mid-30s temperatures will become widespread on Wednesday and Thursday, with Thursday currently tracking as the hottest day of the week and holding a small chance of exceeding 36C. The prolonged period of dry conditions has left half of England and Wales grappling with near-drought environments, and officials warn that further regions could soon be declared affected zones. Alongside potential infrastructure damage, authorities are highlighting risks to health and agricultural output. The Met Office confirmed that formal amber and red warnings are under active consideration as the situation develops. Meanwhile, the UK Health Security Agency has put yellow heat-health alerts in place across the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and London. These health advisories remain active through Tuesday evening, with potential extensions if extreme conditions persist.

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    PPP accuses PML-N of rigging Azad Kashmir election…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Pakistan Peoples Party has accused the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz of electoral irregularities during the Azad Kashmir elections. PPP leaders made the allegations during a press conference in Islamabad on Monday. PPP leader Sharmila Faruqui alleged that the PML-N was attempting to form a government in Azad Kashmir through rigging. She questioned claims that migrant seats had already been secured by the ruling party. Faruqui also criticised the Punjab government over its spending priorities. She questioned the concentration of development funds in Lahore and asked what had been done for other parts of the province. She said the PPP had avoided politicising incidents involving collapsed roofs in Punjab. However, she called for stronger measures to protect women and children. Faruqui also raised concerns about crime and law enforcement in Punjab. She referred to an alleged incident involving a girl with a mental disability in Lahore and criticised the police response. She further alleged that the Crime Control Department had carried out hundreds of encounters. According to her, the department had conducted around 670 encounters. Faruqui questioned whether the government was giving sufficient importance to courts and due process. She also claimed that a large majority of reported child abuse cases had occurred in Punjab. The PPP leader questioned the effectiveness of governance in cities where children and vulnerable citizens do not feel safe. Another PPP leader, Shahla Raza, also accused the PML-N of manipulating the Azad Kashmir election process. Raza claimed that the PML-N had entered the elections expecting to secure around 12 seats. She alleged that irregularities were reported in several constituencies because the party feared an outcome similar to the political situation in Gilgit-Baltistan. Raza said the alleged incidents demonstrated serious concerns about the credibility of the electoral process. She claimed that the Election Commission had received 26 complaints before 1pm on election day. She also alleged that election-related material was taken from police personnel and that gunfire occurred during the incidents. Raza further claimed that a PPP member of the National Assembly was shot. The PPP leaders called for greater transparency in the electoral process. They also urged authorities to investigate complaints submitted during polling. PPP leader Palwasha Khan said her party remains an ally of the PML-N at the federal level. However, she stressed that the PPP would not remain silent if it believed that the government was taking an incorrect step. Khan said the president has constitutional powers regarding official summaries and can act according to the law. She made it clear that the PPP considers itself a political partner rather than a subordinate of the PML-N. She warned that the government could face difficulties in achieving its political objectives if it ignored concerns raised by its allies. The allegations have added to political tensions surrounding the Azad Kashmir elections. The PPP and PML-N are coalition partners at the federal level. However, differences between the two parties have emerged over the election process and political developments in Azad Kashmir. The allegations made by PPP leaders have not, by themselves, established that electoral fraud occurred. The claims are expected to be examined by the relevant electoral and legal authorities.

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    Zara Noor Abbas and Asma Abbas win hearts with gra…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistani actress Zara Noor Abbas has delighted fans after sharing a charming dance video with her mother, veteran actress Asma Abbas. The mother-daughter duo appeared together in traditional outfits in the video. Their graceful performance quickly attracted attention on social media. Zara shared the video on Instagram. She was seen dancing with her mother to a song featuring renowned musician A.R. Rahman and other artists. Both actresses wore coordinated traditional attire. They appeared comfortable and happy while performing together. The video was accompanied by an emotional message from Zara. She spoke about her close relationship with her mother and the special bond shared between generations. Zara explained that the video was not simply about dancing with her mother. She said it represented a deeper connection between them. According to the actress, some qualities are not taught formally. Instead, they are naturally passed from one generation to another. Zara said she did not learn every dance step from her mother in a traditional way. Despite this, she feels that her body naturally understands her mother’s rhythm and style. She reflected on the many little things she has learned from Asma Abbas over the years. She said these lessons were often picked up naturally rather than through direct teaching. Zara also shared a sweet moment from their dance practice. She said that whenever she makes a mistake during a dance step, her mother gently places a hand on her shoulder and brings her closer. Her mother then shows her the correct movement. Zara said the same affection and guidance continue in her everyday life. She described her mother as someone who continues to guide her even in the smallest matters. The actress highlighted the emotional connection behind their performance. She said some things are deliberately taught, while others become part of a family through generations. Her heartfelt caption resonated with many fans. The video soon received positive reactions from social media users and fellow members of the entertainment industry. Actress Hira Mani reacted to the post with heart emojis. Hira Khan also left an affectionate comment. Hina Afridi and several other users praised the mother-daughter duo and expressed their love for the performance. The video has attracted attention not only for the dance but also for the warmth between Zara and Asma. Fans appreciated the natural chemistry between the two actresses. Many also praised the emotional message attached to the performance.

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    Seven professors questioned in attack case at Fede…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Seven professors of the Federal Urdu University’s Gulshan Campus in Karachi have been issued notices in connection with an attempted attack on the university’s security in-charge. Police said the notices were issued under Section 160 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The professors have been asked to appear and record their statements regarding the incident. Police clarified that none of the seven professors has been nominated as an accused in the case. The development has, however, triggered a protest among university teachers. Faculty members objected to the inclusion of the seven professors in the investigation. They said the professors hold positions in the teachers’ association representing both campuses of the university. According to the protesting teachers, the professors have been actively raising issues concerning employees’ rights for several months. The teachers said their campaign focuses on unpaid salaries, housing ceiling allowances and pension-related matters. They alleged that the professors were being targeted because they had raised their voices over these issues. The protesters rejected any attempt to link the teachers’ rights campaign with the attack case. They demanded that the investigation should remain fair and should not be used to pressure university employees. The teachers also said their struggle for pending financial benefits would continue. They specifically referred to 27 months of housing ceiling allowances, along with salary and pension-related demands. The faculty members called for the matter to be handled according to law. They also urged authorities to ensure that teachers are not unnecessarily harassed during the investigation. Police, meanwhile, maintained that the notices were issued only to record statements related to the incident. The issuance of notices does not mean that the professors have been formally accused in the case. The investigation into the attack on the university’s security in-charge is continuing. Authorities are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether further action is required. The dispute has also highlighted ongoing tensions between university employees and the administration over unresolved financial and service-related matters.

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    Azad Kashmir enters final counting phase

    ByJustpaste.in

    Polling has ended in the third phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections. The vote-counting process has now begun. Polling was held in four constituencies of Bagh and Haveli. These included LA-14 Bagh-1, LA-15 Bagh-2, LA-16 Bagh-3 and LA-17 Bagh-4 Haveli. The polling process started at 8am and continued until 5pm. Voters were allowed to cast their ballots throughout the scheduled polling hours. With polling now concluded, election officials have started counting the votes. The results will determine the outcome of the remaining constituencies in the third phase. The first two phases had already produced a lead for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz. In the first phase, polling was held for 13 seats in the Mirpur Division. The PML-N won nine of these seats, while the Pakistan Peoples Party secured four. The second phase covered nine seats in the Muzaffarabad Division and 12 seats reserved for refugees. The PML-N won 15 seats in the second phase, while the PPP secured six seats. The third phase is being closely watched as the counting process will complete the voting process across the remaining constituencies. Election authorities are expected to announce results after the completion of counting and the required verification process. The outcome of the third phase will also determine the final balance of seats and pave the way for the formation of the next government in Azad Kashmir.

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    Magistrate launches inquiry into deaths of two gir…

    ByJustpaste.in

    LAHORE: A judicial magistrate has initiated an inquiry into the deaths of two underage girls who died while in police custody in Lahore on August 4. The inquiry was launched after the families of the deceased girls demanded an impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding their deaths. The girls were identified as Amina and Anmol. They had reportedly remained in police custody for more than two hours before emergency services were called to the Township police station. The circumstances leading to their deaths have not yet been fully established. Proceedings have been initiated under Section 176 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The provision empowers a magistrate to examine deaths that occur in police custody or under other suspicious circumstances. The magistrate can record statements from relevant individuals during the inquiry. Witnesses may also be examined under oath. The law further allows the magistrate to order the exhumation of a body if a postmortem examination is considered necessary to determine the cause of death. The judicial proceedings are expected to focus on what happened while the two girls were being held at the police station. Authorities are likely to examine the circumstances surrounding their arrest, the period they spent in custody and the events that took place before Rescue 1122 was contacted. The timing of the emergency call has also become an important part of the inquiry. The families have sought clarity over the events inside the police station and called for the matter to be investigated independently. The deaths have raised concerns about the treatment of minors in police custody and the responsibility of officials overseeing detainees. The magistrate’s inquiry is expected to establish the sequence of events and determine whether any negligence or wrongdoing contributed to the deaths. Further action will depend on the findings of the judicial inquiry and other available evidence.

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    PM Shehbaz says Pak-Saudi-Turkiye defence pact is …

    ByJustpaste.in

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said the newly signed defence agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye is strictly defensive in nature. He said the pact is not intended to promote aggression or create tensions in the region. The prime minister made the remarks while addressing a meeting of the federal cabinet on Monday. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement on August 7 in Makkah. The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation among the three countries in the field of defence and security. Under the pact, an attack against any one of the three signatories would be treated as an attack against all three. The arrangement is intended to strengthen collective deterrence and improve coordination among the countries. PM Shehbaz said the main objective of the agreement was to promote peace, stability, progress and prosperity across the region. He stressed that the agreement should not be viewed as a preparation for military aggression. The prime minister described the pact as a source of strength for Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. He also said its benefits could extend to the wider Muslim world. Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir for their role in the agreement. He said discussions on stronger defence cooperation between the countries had continued for several years before the latest agreement was finalised. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had already signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement in September 2025. The prime minister said Pakistan and Turkiye had also maintained defence and security arrangements for decades. Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan’s long-standing defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia. He recalled that Pakistani personnel had served alongside Saudi forces in protecting the holy cities of Makkah and Madina. He said the latest trilateral agreement builds on those longstanding ties and provides a broader framework for cooperation. The agreement has also received attention across the Muslim world. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation described it as an important strategic development. Several countries, including Kuwait, Bahrain and Somalia, have welcomed the agreement. Iran has also responded in a relatively positive tone. Tehran reiterated its preference for regional security arrangements based on cooperation among countries in the region. The agreement comes amid growing security concerns across the Middle East and wider region. Its signatories have presented the pact as a mechanism for collective defence rather than an offensive alliance. The Pakistani government has maintained that the arrangement is aimed at strengthening regional stability and protecting the sovereignty and security of its members.

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    Iran says Pakistan ties gaining greater importance

    ByJustpaste.in

    TEHRAN: Iran has described its relationship with Pakistan as increasingly important, saying Islamabad has played a significant role as a mediator since the outbreak of the regional conflict. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the two neighbouring countries were maintaining close diplomatic contacts. He also confirmed that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf had been invited to visit Islamabad. Baghaei said the two officials would travel to Pakistan at a suitable time. He did not announce a specific date for the visit. He described reciprocal visits between the two countries as a natural part of their growing bilateral relationship. The Iranian official also played down concerns that the recently signed defence agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye was aimed at Tehran. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement on August 7. The agreement seeks to strengthen collective defence cooperation and provides for a joint response if any member comes under attack. Baghaei said Tehran did not consider the agreement a direct threat to Iran. He said regional countries were increasingly seeking security arrangements based on their own regional realities rather than relying entirely on external powers. He maintained that regional cooperation could contribute to stability if such arrangements remained inclusive and focused on preventing conflict. Baghaei also said Iran was not prepared to resume direct negotiations with the United States while Tehran believed Washington was violating an interim agreement. The Iranian government has also linked the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to a number of demands. These include compensation for damage caused during the conflict and an end to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports. Meanwhile, Iran and Oman are continuing discussions on arrangements for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Baghaei said the talks were progressing in a constructive manner. He said the two sides had reached an understanding on a proposed map for shipping traffic and were working on several technical details. According to the Iranian official, the proposed arrangement would establish mechanisms for safer maritime movement. It would also address environmental protection and maritime crimes. He stressed that the discussions with Oman were focused on ensuring safe international shipping and were separate from broader political disputes. Baghaei nevertheless reiterated that Tehran would not allow the full reopening of the strategic waterway unless its conditions concerning Washington were addressed. In a separate development, Iran has appointed former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Mohsen Rezaei to a senior position in the Supreme National Security Council. Rezaei has replaced Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr as secretary of the body responsible for coordinating Iran’s security and foreign policy. No official reason was immediately given for the change. It also remains unclear whether the appointment will lead to any major shift in Iran’s security policy. Rezaei, 71, commanded the Revolutionary Guards from 1981 to 1997. He later served for more than two decades as secretary of Iran’s Expediency Discernment Council and also held the position of vice president for economic affairs. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council brings together senior military, intelligence and government officials. It is formally chaired by the president, while the supreme leader retains ultimate authority over major state matters. A separate decree appointed Rezaei as the supreme leader’s representative on the council. Zolqadr was instead named as a political adviser. The developments come as Iran faces heightened regional tensions and continues efforts to manage its relations with neighbouring countries and major international powers.

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    Russia, Pakistan advance Moscow-Karachi rail link

    ByJustpaste.in

    Russia and Pakistan are working to launch a new freight railway service connecting Moscow with Pakistan, Russian Ambassador to Islamabad Albert P. Khorev has said. The proposed rail link is aimed at improving trade connectivity between the two countries and creating a more direct overland route for the movement of goods. In comments published by the Russian newspaper Izvestia on August 8, Khorev said Moscow and Islamabad were jointly working on launching freight railway services along the Moscow-Faisalabad and Moscow-Karachi corridors. The proposed routes would operate in both directions, allowing goods to be transported between Russia and Pakistan through a dedicated rail-based trade network. Khorev said the possibility of including Belarus in the project was also being examined. If the Belarusian side joins the initiative, the route could provide a wider connection across parts of Eastern Europe and South Asia. The project has faced delays because of changing geopolitical conditions in the region. According to the Russian ambassador, heightened geopolitical tensions during 2025 and early 2026 resulted in several postponements to the planned launch. Despite the delays, work on the project is continuing. Khorev said the countries involved are currently finalising a contract covering the required freight railway services. At the same time, officials are identifying companies in the countries along the proposed route that could use the railway network to transport commercial cargo. The identification of potential cargo owners is considered an important step before the service can begin. A stable volume of goods would be needed to make the railway corridor commercially viable. The Moscow-Karachi route could provide Pakistani and Russian businesses with another option for moving goods between the two markets. It could also reduce reliance on traditional maritime routes for certain types of cargo. The Moscow-Faisalabad corridor would provide a direct connection to one of Pakistan’s major industrial and commercial centres. Faisalabad is an important manufacturing hub, particularly for textiles and other export-oriented industries. For Russia, improved rail connectivity with Pakistan could open additional opportunities for trade with South Asia. Pakistani businesses could also gain access to wider markets through connections with Russia and potentially Belarus. The possible involvement of Belarus could further expand the corridor’s geographical reach. It may also strengthen transport cooperation among the countries involved. However, the project still requires the completion of commercial and logistical arrangements before the first freight service can be launched. The parties are therefore focusing on finalising the service contract and securing interest from companies that can provide regular cargo for the route. The proposed railway initiative is part of broader efforts by Russia and Pakistan to strengthen economic and transport cooperation.

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    NCCIA launches probe into social media campaign ag…

    ByJustpaste.in

      The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has launched an investigation into an alleged social media campaign aimed at damaging the reputation of Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon and his son. According to NCCIA officials, the agency has received a formal complaint from Sharjeel Inam Memon regarding the alleged defamatory content circulating on various social media platforms. The complaint was received by the Deputy Director of the NCCIA’s Karachi Zone, who has initiated the process of investigating the matter. Officials said the agency is currently working to identify individuals allegedly involved in operating social media accounts, creating content and disseminating posts that are claimed to have harmed the reputation of the senior provincial minister and his son. The investigation will focus on tracing the origin of the posts, identifying the people responsible for creating and publishing the material, and determining how the content was circulated and amplified across social media platforms. NCCIA officials said the agency has contacted around 10 major social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, X, and Instagram, as part of its investigation. The platforms have reportedly been asked to provide relevant information about the accounts and individuals involved in spreading the alleged defamatory posts. The agency has also sought details of accounts that allegedly played a role in making the posts viral. Investigators are attempting to determine whether the content was originally posted by a particular account and subsequently shared or promoted by other users. In addition, the NCCIA has requested data relating to social media accounts from which the allegedly objectionable posts were later deleted. Officials are seeking information that could help investigators identify the users behind such accounts, even where the original content is no longer publicly available. The development comes amid growing concerns over the use of social media platforms to circulate unverified, misleading or allegedly defamatory material against public figures. With social media allowing information to spread rapidly across multiple platforms, cybercrime investigators increasingly rely on digital records and platform data to trace the origins of online content. The NCCIA’s investigation is expected to examine the digital trail associated with the alleged campaign, including the accounts involved in creating, sharing and circulating the material. Investigators may also examine the extent to which the content was distributed and whether multiple accounts were coordinated in spreading it. The complaint reportedly alleges that the social media campaign was intended to damage the honour and reputation of Sharjeel Inam Memon and his son. However, the allegations remain part of the ongoing investigation, and any responsibility for the content will ultimately depend on the findings of the relevant authorities. The agency’s request for information from social media platforms is aimed at obtaining additional evidence that could assist in identifying the people behind the accounts and determining the circumstances surrounding the creation and distribution of the posts. The NCCIA has not yet disclosed the identities of any suspects or announced arrests in connection with the case. Further action is expected after investigators receive and analyse the requested information from the social media platforms. The case highlights the increasing role of cybercrime authorities in addressing complaints involving online harassment, defamation and the alleged misuse of social media. The investigation will determine whether the content in question violated relevant laws and whether those responsible can be identified and proceeded against under the applicable legal framework.