تازہ ترین

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    Zardari leaves Lahore quietly, Bilawal’s whereab…

    LAHORE: President Asif Ali Zardari has left Lahore after spending around two days in the city without meeting the local leadership of his Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), adding to speculation surrounding the political situation within the party. Zardari departed for Islamabad on Sunday after a low-profile visit during which he reportedly held no formal meetings with PPP leaders in Lahore. His stay has drawn particular attention amid unconfirmed reports that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari may have left Pakistan. A senior party figure close to the leadership said the president’s visit was not intended for meetings with the party’s local leadership. According to the source, Zardari had come to Lahore to deal with sensitive and urgent matters away from public attention. The same source acknowledged hearing reports about Bilawal’s possible departure but said he could neither confirm nor reject them. During his stay, Zardari was reported to have held only one known meeting, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who was accompanied by businessman Gohar Ejaz. The president’s arrival also appeared to catch several PPP leaders off guard, with party members saying they had not been informed beforehand. Some PPP leaders reportedly sought meetings with Zardari but were unable to secure appointments. The president’s visit comes at a politically sensitive time for the PPP, which has recently taken a strong position against the creation of new administrative units and criticised the PML-N government over what it describes as excessive reliance on the establishment. Zardari has also recently withheld his assent to the elevation of judges, adding another layer to the growing political tensions. Attempts were made to contact PPP leaders Nadeem Afzal Chan and Shazia Marri for clarification about the reports concerning Bilawal, but no response was received before the report was filed. Meanwhile, PPP Kashmir leader Chaudhary Riaz said Bilawal had left the Kashmir Valley but added that he did not know where the party chairman was currently located.

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    Hobbit Heroes reunite for dinner in Cambridge

    Nearly two decades after The Lord of the Rings trilogy brought them together on screen, four of Middle-earth’s most beloved hobbits have reunited for an evening of food, drinks and friendship. Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd, who famously portrayed Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, Merry Brandybuck and Pippin Took, respectively, gathered at La Royal restaurant in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on August 8. The longtime friends spent the evening enjoying dinner, drinks and lively conversation, giving fans another glimpse of the enduring bond formed during the making of Peter Jackson’s acclaimed fantasy trilogy. Astin shared a selfie from the gathering on social media, writing, “The band’s all here,” alongside a photo of the four actors. Monaghan also documented the reunion, jokingly captioning his own post: “Four Halflings. Three cocktails. Two desserts. ONE great night of conversation!” The playful posts quickly delighted fans, many of whom have continued to follow the actors’ friendship long after the final chapter of the original trilogy reached theaters. Their regular reunions have become a nostalgic reminder of the close relationships that developed behind the scenes while filming The Lord of the Rings. The quartet last appeared together as their iconic characters in 2003’s The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, the Oscar-winning conclusion to Jackson’s trilogy. The film became a landmark in modern cinema and cemented Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin as some of fantasy’s most recognizable characters. The reunion also arrives as excitement continues to build around the wider Lord of the Rings universe. Wood is set to return to Middle-earth as Frodo in the upcoming film The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, once again connecting him with the franchise that transformed his career. For fans, however, the Cambridge dinner was about more than a famous film series. The photographs offered a warm glimpse of four actors whose friendship has endured long after their journey through Middle-earth ended. From the Shire to Cambridge, the hobbits may have left the screen years ago, but their friendship clearly remains an adventure worth celebrating. https://www.instagram.com/p/DbxAfQKp3RN/?igsh=ZzdnOHNuYXI4cDEy

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    Khawaja Asif says Mir Raza case exposes compromise…

    Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has criticised the Sindh government over the investigation into the Mir Raza case. He said the developments emerging from the case suggest that the entire system had been compromised. In a social media post, Asif said continued attention was needed to ensure that the matter was investigated properly. He warned that any previous attempts to settle or cover up the issue should not be repeated. The defence minister also called for those who allegedly tried to conceal facts in the case to be exposed. His remarks came as questions continued to be raised over the handling of the Mir Raza case. The case has attracted attention because of conflicting information and concerns about the progress of the investigation. Meanwhile, the Sindh government has decided to establish a judicial commission to investigate the Mir Raza murder case. Sindh Home Minister Zia Lanjar said the provincial government wanted justice for Mir Raza’s family. He said a new committee had also been formed to examine the matter. Lanjar said the authorities would allow the judicial commission or the court to determine how conflicting reports should be dealt with. The government’s decision to form a judicial commission is expected to provide another forum for examining the circumstances surrounding the case. It may also help clarify conflicting accounts and determine responsibility based on the available evidence.

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    Pakistan gets $3.6bn remittances in July, PM welco…

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed a strong increase in remittances sent by overseas Pakistanis, with the country receiving $3.6 billion during July. Reacting to the latest figures, the prime minister described the inflow as encouraging, noting that remittances recorded a 13 per cent increase compared with the same month last year. He also highlighted a month-on-month rise, saying remittances grew by 4.5 per cent in July. The continued increase provides further support to Pakistan’s foreign exchange position and reflects the growing contribution of overseas Pakistanis to the national economy. Shehbaz praised the Pakistani diaspora for playing an important role in supporting economic stability. He said overseas Pakistanis remain an important part of the country’s economic strength and appreciated their continued support through financial transfers. The latest rise in remittances comes as Pakistan continues efforts to strengthen its external account, improve foreign exchange liquidity and maintain economic stability.

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    Olivia Ponton and Joe Burrow spark romance buzz

    Olivia Ponton and Joe Burrow have once again fueled speculation about their relationship after being spotted together at a Cincinnati Bengals practice. The model and the NFL quarterback, who have been romantically linked since 2024, were seen spending time together during the team’s training camp on Sunday, August 9. Their appearance together quickly caught the attention of fans, particularly because Ponton was reportedly seen having a private and relaxed conversation with Burrow on the field. A video circulating online showed the pair sitting together away from the rest of the group. Their comfortable interaction immediately sparked discussion among social media users, with many wondering whether the two are finally becoming more open about their rumored relationship. The sighting also marked a notable appearance for Ponton at a public Bengals event. Her presence at the team’s practice attracted considerable attention, with fans closely observing her interaction with Burrow. Some social media users reacted excitedly to the apparent sighting, comparing the growing interest in Burrow’s personal life to the attention previously received by other NFL stars and their partners. Others urged fans to respect the couple’s privacy and allow them to enjoy their time together without excessive public attention. The relationship rumors surrounding Ponton and Burrow first emerged in December 2024. At the time, Ponton’s name became connected to the Bengals quarterback after she was reportedly present at Burrow’s home during a burglary while he was away in Texas for a game. Reports surrounding the incident stated that Ponton was associated with Burrow and provided information about belongings that could potentially have been missing from the property. The situation brought significant public attention to Burrow’s private life and raised questions about his connection with the model. Burrow later addressed the burglary during a press conference, expressing his frustration over the loss of privacy. The football star explained that living a public life comes with certain challenges but admitted that having personal matters exposed publicly was difficult for him. He also acknowledged that privacy has always been something he values, particularly because his career naturally places him under constant public scrutiny. Despite understanding the realities that come with being a professional athlete, Burrow made it clear that unwanted attention surrounding his personal life was not easy to handle. Since the initial rumors, neither Burrow nor Ponton has publicly confirmed that they are romantically involved. The pair have largely kept their personal lives away from the spotlight, leaving fans to speculate based on their occasional public appearances and interactions. Their latest appearance at Bengals practice has therefore renewed interest in the rumored romance. While their relaxed interaction has certainly caught the attention of fans, there has still been no official confirmation from either of them regarding the nature of their relationship.

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    Gunmen target PPP MNA Qadir Patel’s office in Ka…

    KARACHI: Unidentified gunmen opened fire at the office of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MNA and former federal minister Qadir Patel in Karachi’s Boat Basin area, prompting a police investigation and tighter security around the premises. According to police, the attackers fired several shots at the office entrance late at night before fleeing the scene. No one was injured in the incident, while the main gate sustained bullet marks. Investigators recovered five spent 9mm pistol casings from the site and secured them as evidence. Police teams also began examining CCTV recordings from the surrounding area to trace the attackers and determine the vehicle used in the shooting. Following the incident, security was increased around Patel’s office and nearby areas of Clifton. Police said efforts were underway to identify the suspects and establish the motive behind the attack.

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    Global oil prices edge higher amid incertainty over Strait of Hormuz

    Global crude oil prices moved higher on Monday as uncertainty surrounding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz continued to influence market sentiment and raise concerns about potential disruptions to international energy supplies. According to media reports, oil prices gained during Asian trading, with investors closely monitoring developments related to the strategic waterway and the ongoing discussions over shipping arrangements. Brent crude futures climbed by more than 1%, moving above the $84-per-barrel mark. US crude oil also recorded a gain of more than 1% during the session, reflecting renewed concerns over the stability of oil shipments through the region. The Strait of Hormuz remains a major focus for global energy markets because of its importance to international oil transportation. Any prolonged disruption to shipping through the waterway could put upward pressure on crude prices and raise concerns about supplies to major importing countries. Market participants are therefore keeping a close watch on diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring normal maritime traffic. Uncertainty over when and under what conditions the waterway will fully reopen has added to volatility in crude oil markets. Iran has said that an understanding with Oman regarding the establishment of new shipping routes is nearing completion. However, Tehran has also maintained that the Strait of Hormuz will not fully reopen until additional conditions involving the United States are addressed. The conflicting positions have left traders uncertain about the timing of a broader resolution. As a result, oil markets remain sensitive to any fresh developments involving Iran, Oman, the United States and maritime traffic through the strait. A sustained increase in crude prices could have wider economic implications, particularly for countries that rely heavily on imported petroleum. Higher international oil prices can increase import bills, put pressure on foreign exchange reserves and contribute to higher domestic fuel costs.

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    Gigi Hadid breaks silence after secret wedding rumours

    Gigi Hadid has made a fresh social media appearance after recently grabbing attention with a wedding ring during a public outing with her boyfriend, Bradley Cooper. The supermodel, who was previously in a relationship with singer Zayn Malik, returned to Instagram on Sunday, August 9, sharing a series of photos that gave fans a glimpse into her summer days with her daughter, Khai. The update came just days after Gigi and Bradley fueled speculation that they may have secretly tied the knot. The 31-year-old model appeared to be enjoying a relaxed summer getaway with family and friends. Among the first pictures she shared was a sweet beach moment featuring Gigi alongside her younger sister, Bella Hadid. Both sisters looked effortlessly stylish as they posed together while enjoying the sunny surroundings. Another photo showed Gigi spending time with a close friend on a yacht, while their daughters were seen wearing matching swimsuits. The collection of images also captured several warm mother-daughter moments, highlighting how the model has been making the most of her summer break with Khai. Gigi’s post quickly attracted significant attention from her millions of followers. While many fans praised the beautiful summer snapshots, others could not help but notice how much Khai has grown. Several followers took to the comments section to express their surprise at seeing the little girl looking noticeably older. Fans described Khai as “so big” and shared their amazement at how quickly she appears to be growing up. The Instagram update also gave Gigi an opportunity to shift the focus away from the recent wedding speculation and toward her personal life and time with her daughter. Rumours surrounding Gigi and Bradley intensified earlier this month when the couple were spotted together in Paris. On Monday, August 3, the pair were photographed walking hand in hand through the French capital, with their jewellery immediately catching the attention of fans. Both appeared to be wearing rings on their hands, leading to widespread speculation that they may have secretly exchanged wedding vows. However, neither Gigi nor Bradley has publicly confirmed that they are married. The couple, who have reportedly been romantically linked since 2023, have generally kept their relationship away from the spotlight. Their rare public appearances have therefore continued to attract considerable attention. Gigi’s ring also became a major talking point among fans. The jewellery reportedly features 33 quarter-carat diamonds set alongside 18-karat yellow and white gold in a Grosgrain design. The ring has been reported to cost around $6,450. Despite the growing speculation, Gigi has not addressed the marriage rumours directly. Instead, her latest Instagram post focused on her summer memories, family and daughter. For now, fans will have to wait for Gigi or Bradley to confirm whether the rings were simply jewellery or a sign of a secret wedding.

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    Govinda recalls how he inspired Salman Khan before Partner

    Indian actor Govinda once opened up about a difficult phase in Salman Khan’s life before the two actors came together for their successful comedy film Partner. According to Govinda, Salman was going through a period of personal pain and emotional distress at the time, which had made him unusually quiet and withdrawn. Recalling their interaction before the shooting of the 2007 film, Govinda said he felt the need to speak to Salman and encourage him. He believed that when a person is struggling with personal issues, whether related to love, expectations or disappointment, it can become difficult for anyone else to help them overcome their emotions. Govinda remembered telling Salman that he had spent enough time focusing on things outside himself and now needed to look inward. He encouraged the actor to concentrate on his own well-being and work on rebuilding his confidence. The veteran actor also spoke to Salman about his physical fitness. Govinda recalled that he himself was going through a challenging period and weighed around 114 kilograms after stepping away from politics. Despite his own struggles, he tried to motivate Salman and remind him of his potential. Govinda reportedly told Salman that he did not look like a typical hero at that point because he appeared unhappy and sad. Rather than allowing himself to remain trapped in that difficult phase, Salman was encouraged to move forward and regain his confidence. According to Govinda, Salman asked him what he should do next. In response, Govinda advised him to exercise regularly for several hours each day. He also reminded Salman of the qualities that made him special as an actor and a leading man. Govinda compared Salman’s potential with that of legendary actor Dharmendra. He believed Salman had been blessed with a supportive family, a good appearance, personality and the qualities needed to become a major star. His advice was not simply about improving Salman’s physical appearance but also about helping him rediscover his confidence and strength. Govinda further recalled making a prediction about Salman’s career at the time. He told him that he believed he would continue to rule the film industry for the next 10 years. Looking back, Govinda said Salman ultimately proved that prediction right through his continued success and popularity. Their professional association later became particularly memorable through Partner, directed by David Dhawan. Released on July 20, 2007, the romantic comedy starred Salman Khan and Govinda in the lead roles, with the two actors developing a popular on-screen partnership. The film went on to become a notable commercial success and remains remembered for the chemistry and comic timing between its two leading stars. Govinda’s recollection of his conversations with Salman offers another glimpse into the relationship between the actors before they appeared together on screen. His advice also reflected the importance of self-confidence, discipline and perseverance during difficult periods. For Salman, that phase eventually became part of a larger journey that saw him strengthen his image as one of Bollywood’s most prominent stars.

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    Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan’s Haiwaan teaser coming soon

    Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan are all set to reunite on the big screen with their upcoming action thriller Haiwaan, and fans will not have to wait much longer for their first glimpse of the highly anticipated film. The teaser of Haiwaan is scheduled to arrive on August 12, marking an important step toward the movie’s theatrical release. The teaser launch will take place almost a month before the film reaches cinemas, giving audiences their first look at the characters, action, and intense world of the upcoming project. The film has already created significant excitement because it brings Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan together after nearly two decades. The two actors previously appeared together in the 2008 action-comedy Tashan, making Haiwaan their first on-screen collaboration in 18 years. The upcoming project is expected to combine action, suspense, and darker emotional elements. While details about the storyline have largely been kept under wraps, the film is said to revolve around a dangerous confrontation involving a blind martial artist and a ruthless killer. Haiwaan is the official Hindi remake of the acclaimed 2016 Malayalam thriller Oppam. The original film starred Mohanlal in the lead role and was also directed by Priyadarshan. For the Hindi adaptation, the filmmaker returns to helm the project, adding further anticipation among moviegoers who are familiar with his work. The story follows a blind martial artist who becomes determined to protect a young girl from a psychopathic killer. The premise promises a suspense-heavy narrative filled with danger, unexpected turns, and high-stakes action. The teaser is expected to provide audiences with a better understanding of the film’s tone and the roles played by its leading stars. Alongside Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, Haiwaan features an ensemble cast that includes Asrani, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Saiyami Kher, Jisshu Sengupta, and Mohanlal. The combination of experienced performers and a suspense-driven storyline has added to the curiosity surrounding the film. The movie is being produced under KVN Productions and Thespian Films, with Priyadarshan at the helm. His involvement has raised expectations, particularly because the director has previously delivered several successful films across different genres. For Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, the film marks a significant reunion after their previous collaboration in Tashan. Their return together is likely to be one of the major talking points surrounding the movie when its promotional campaign begins in full swing. With the teaser arriving on August 12, anticipation for Haiwaan is expected to increase considerably. The film is currently scheduled to hit theatres on September 11, 2026, giving audiences a little less than a month to get their first taste of what the action thriller has in store.