تازہ ترین

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    Families demand urgent search for cargo plane wrec…

    Families of crew members killed in a cargo aircraft crash in the Arabian Sea have called for an immediate search for the aircraft’s wreckage and black box in the deep sea. The families also complained that authorities and the company involved have not provided adequate assistance in obtaining death certificates and completing other legal formalities for their deceased relatives. They urged the government to intervene and help resolve these issues. Speaking at a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, the victims’ families said more than 40 days had passed since the crash, but they had seen little progress in efforts to locate the missing parts of the aircraft. They said the prolonged lack of information had increased their distress and created the impression that the victims had been forgotten. The families called for the search operation to be resumed as soon as possible, particularly for the aircraft’s black box, cockpit and other major wreckage believed to be lying on the seabed. The aircraft, a Boeing 737 operated by private cargo company K2 Airways, crashed into deep waters off the Balochistan coast on July 7 while travelling from Sharjah to Karachi. Some wreckage was recovered from the crash area, but the aircraft’s black box, cockpit and the remains of the crew members have not yet been located. The families demanded that the authorities seek assistance from international companies and foreign experts specialising in deep-sea recovery operations. They also called for greater cooperation from the company’s owners and relevant government institutions, saying families should not be left to deal with legal and administrative difficulties on their own. The victims’ relatives said they wanted a transparent investigation into the crash and a serious effort to recover the remaining wreckage and flight data recorder.

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    Karachi deploys 6,065 personnel for Chup Tazia pro…

    KARACHI: Karachi police have finalised an extensive security plan for the Chup Tazia processions, deploying more than 6,000 officers and personnel across the city. According to a police spokesperson, a total of 6,065 personnel will be assigned to security duties at the two major processions. Around 3,745 police officers and personnel will secure the procession scheduled to begin from Nishtar Park in the morning. Another 2,320 personnel will be deployed for the procession originating from Qasr-e-Musib later in the day. The security arrangements include dedicated teams for checking and searches, route protection and surveillance. Police personnel will also be stationed at rooftops, entry and exit points, return routes and other locations considered sensitive. CCTV control rooms will monitor the movement of the processions and help security officials respond quickly to any developing situation. Police have also planned deployments at major hospitals as part of the overall security arrangements. Officials said the measures were designed to protect participants, maintain order and ensure emergency services remain accessible. The authorities said security teams would conduct thorough checking along the routes and at key access points. Traffic management arrangements have also been put in place to minimise disruption and facilitate the movement of participants and commuters. Karachi police urged citizens attending or living near the procession routes to cooperate with security personnel and follow official instructions. The public has also been advised to immediately inform police about any suspicious person, activity or unattended object. Police said the arrangements would remain focused on ensuring a peaceful observance, maintaining public safety and enabling a swift response in case of any emergency

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    Eight Sindh public university vice chancellors see…

    The vice chancellors of eight public-sector universities in Sindh have reportedly begun efforts to secure extensions as their first terms in office are set to expire over the coming months. The development follows the reported extension granted to Professor Dr Nusrat Shah, vice chancellor of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University Larkana and daughter of former Sindh chief minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah. According to reports, the first four-year term of Dr Nusrat Shah is due to end on January 1, 2027. Sources at the Sindh Chief Minister’s House said a summary seeking her extension has reached the chief minister while reports suggest that approval may already have been granted. However, the reported approval has not been independently confirmed. The extension issue is expected to become a major challenge for the Sindh government which serves as the controlling authority for public universities in the province. Sources said that the reported development regarding Dr Nusrat Shah has encouraged other vice chancellors whose tenures are also approaching completion to seek extensions. The vice chancellors of several universities are expected to complete their current terms between January and March 2027. Among them are Dr Iqbal Uddin Aijaz of Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro and Dr Zahid Hussain Khand of Aror University of Art, Architecture, Design and Heritage Sukkur. Their five-year terms are expected to end on January 1 and January 19, 2027, respectively. Sources said summaries concerning their possible extensions could also be forwarded to the provincial government soon. The report also mentions a controversy involving Dr Iqbaluddin Aijaz with questions reportedly being raised over multiple gold medals awarded to his son at the university. The issue could potentially affect consideration of his extension, according to sources. Other university heads whose terms are approaching completion include Shaheed Allah Buksh Soomro University Vice Chancellor Arabela Bhutto, IBA Sukkur Vice Chancellor Dr Asif Sheikh, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Vice Chancellor Dr Taha Hussain, Nusrat Bhutto Women University Sukkur Vice Chancellor Tehmina Nungraj and Dawood University of Engineering and Technology Karachi Vice Chancellor Dr Samreen Hussain. The provincial government has recently extended the tenure of only one vice chancellor, Dr Amjad Siraj Memon of Jinnah Sindh Medical University. Meanwhile, extension proposals for Dr Khalid Iraqi and Dr Farooq Hassan have reportedly been rejected. The emerging situation is likely to place further attention on the Sindh government’s policy for appointing and extending the terms of public university vice chancellors.

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    How pakistani pensioners can get a free proof of l…

    Pakistani pensioners can now obtain their Proof of Life certificate free of charge without having to visit a bank or pension office, thanks to a new digital and nationwide service introduced by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). The facility is available through the Pak ID mobile app, NADRA Registration Centres, Union Councils, e-Sahulat franchises and NADRA’s mobile services across Pakistan. The initiative has been introduced on the special directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control Ministry of Defence Controller General of Accounts (CGA) and Military Accountant General (MAG). The service is particularly aimed at helping elderly bedridden and differently abled pensioners who may find it difficult to travel repeatedly to banks or pension offices to fulfil the Proof of Life requirement. How to Get Proof of Life from Home The easiest option for eligible pensioners is the Pak ID mobile app. Pensioners can complete the required identity verification process through the app and obtain their Proof of Life certificate from home. Pensioners who cannot use the Pak ID app themselves can also receive assistance from a family member. A family member may use their own Pak ID account to complete the prescribed identity verification process for the pensioner. For those who require in-person assistance, the service is available free of charge at more than 5,000 e-Sahulat franchises across the country. Pensioners can also visit more than 988 NADRA Registration Centres and around 500 Union Councils, where priority services are being provided without requiring them to wait in the regular queue. Pensioners who cannot easily travel to a service point can use NADRA’s mobile registration vans, biker services and main pack services. National Pensioners Register The Proof of Life facility is part of a wider reform initiative under which NADRA has established a National Pensioners Register. In its first phase pensioners administered by CGA and MAG have been included in the database. The digital register provides pension authorities with a reliable source for verifying a pensioner’s identity and life status. It can also reduce the need for families to repeatedly report the same information to different government departments. If a pensioner’s death is reported through NADRA’s death notification system or recorded in the Civil Registration Management System, the relevant pension controller can receive a digital notification. NADRA has also introduced a verification service for authorized banks, allowing them to directly check a pensioner’s Proof of Life status through the National Pensioners Register. The new system is expected to make pension verification easier while reducing paperwork, repeated physical visits and inconvenience for elderly pensioners.

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    Salman Ali Agha backs Babar Azam’s return to rev…

      Pakistan’s stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha has backed the return of Babar Azam, expressing confidence that the experienced batter can provide a much-needed boost to the team’s struggling batting lineup. His comments came after Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat against England in the opening Test at Headingley on Friday. England completely dominated the match and secured an innings-and-103-run victory, taking control of the Test series. Pakistan struggled throughout the game, particularly with the bat, as they were dismissed for just 171 runs in their first innings before being bowled out for 135 in the second. In contrast, England produced a strong batting performance, posting 409 runs in their first innings. Pakistan’s bowlers were unable to take full advantage of the helpful conditions, while England’s players maintained pressure throughout the match. Ollie Robinson was named Player of the Match after an impressive bowling display in which he claimed eight wickets. Speaking after the match, Salman Ali Agha acknowledged that England had been the superior team and admitted that Pakistan had made several costly mistakes. “England have outplayed us,” Salman said, emphasizing that the team’s inexperienced batting unit needed to become more consistent, especially when playing in challenging overseas conditions. The Pakistan captain also defended his fast bowlers despite their failure to capitalize on the moisture and overcast conditions at Headingley. He pointed out that the pace attack had performed well during Pakistan’s previous tour of the West Indies and believed the conditions in England should have suited them. According to Salman, Pakistan have bowlers capable of reaching speeds of around 140 kilometers per hour, but they were unable to produce their best performances in the first Test. He insisted that he continued to have faith in the bowling unit and said the team would work on correcting its mistakes before the next match. Despite the disappointing result, Salman praised the individual efforts of Ali Usman and Abdullah Shafique. He was particularly pleased with Usman’s bowling performance in difficult conditions and also highlighted Shafique’s determination with the bat. Looking ahead to the next Test, Salman believes the potential return of Babar Azam could significantly improve Pakistan’s batting. Babar’s experience and ability to perform under pressure could provide stability to a lineup that struggled against England’s bowling attack. “Hopefully Babar will come back in the next match and his presence will give a boost to our batting,” Salman said. Pakistan will now look to learn from their mistakes and make a strong comeback in the next Test. With Babar Azam potentially returning to the playing XI, the team will hope that his experience can help strengthen the batting order and give Pakistan a better chance of challenging England in the remainder of the series.

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    PM rebukes Islamabad chief commissioner, IG over i…

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister of Pakistan has reprimanded Islamabad’s Chief Commissioner and Inspector General of Police (IGP) over their use of a ceremonial buggy during the Independence Day celebrations, describing the display as inconsistent with the principles and values expected from senior public servants. According to official advisories issued by the Prime Minister’s Office on August 17, the incident took place on August 14 during the Independence Day celebrations. Chief Commissioner Islamabad Lt. (Retd.) Sohail Ashraf and IG Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi reportedly used a ceremonial carriage belonging to the Prime Minister’s House to attend and observe the parade.The Prime Minister himself was not present at the event. The use of the ceremonial buggy attracted public criticism, with concerns raised over what was perceived as an unnecessary display of protocol and privilege by senior government officials. In its advisory, the Prime Minister’s Office expressed serious displeasure over the incident and said the conduct created an inappropriate impression about the role of public servants. The office maintained that government officials are expected to uphold simplicity, humility and dignity rather than engage in displays of grandeur or personal prominence. The Prime Minister stated that the use of such protocol projected an image of privilege, ostentation and personal aggrandisement that was contrary to the basic ethos of public service. He stressed that government officers serve the public and should therefore avoid conduct that could undermine public confidence in state institutions. The advisory further warned that displays of excessive protocol and personal privilege by senior officials could damage the credibility of public institutions. It emphasized that officers occupying important administrative and law-enforcement positions are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism and propriety. Following the Prime Minister’s directions, the Establishment Division issued a formal warning to the two officers through Joint Secretary (Discipline) Syeda Shafaq Hashmi. The directive called for an immediate end to practices involving unnecessary protocol, exhibitionism and self-promotion at official events. It instructed the officers to ensure that such conduct does not happen again and emphasized the importance of maintaining simplicity and dignity while performing official duties. The Establishment Division also directed that the advisory be followed strictly, both in letter and spirit. The warning serves as a reminder to senior civil servants that official positions come with significant responsibilities and require them to maintain appropriate standards of conduct in public. The Prime Minister’s Office highlighted the special responsibilities of the Chief Commissioner and IG Islamabad, who serve as the administrative and police heads of the federal capital. Given their positions, the public and government expect them to set an example through responsible governance, discipline and appropriate behavior. The episode has once again brought attention to the government’s emphasis on reducing unnecessary official protocol and promoting a culture of simplicity among public officials. The Prime Minister’s message was clear that public office should be associated with service, responsibility and accountability rather than privilege and ceremonial extravagance. The two officials have now been directed to ensure that similar displays do not recur at future official functions and to uphold the standards expected from senior government officers.

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    KP eyes M-1 motorway BRT service to connect 4 majo…

    PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is exploring a plan to extend its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network onto the M-1 Motorway, with the proposed service aimed at improving public transport links between Peshawar and several major cities. Officials from the provincial Transport Department said the proposed BRT service could connect passengers with Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi and Charsadda, potentially providing a faster and more convenient travel option for thousands of daily commuters. Under the initial proposal, buses would pick up and drop off passengers at designated toll plazas along the motorway. The exact locations and number of stops, however, have yet to be determined. Officials said a detailed feasibility study would establish where stations should be developed and assess the operational requirements of the proposed service. If approved and implemented, the initiative could strengthen regional connectivity and provide commuters with an expanded public transport option across key areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

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    Spirit controversy deepens over Deepika Padukone’s exit

    The controversy surrounding Spirit has gained fresh attention following new claims made by Pranay Reddy Vanga, brother of filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga, regarding the discussions that took place before Deepika Padukone’s departure from the Prabhas-led film. Pranay recently addressed the matter in an interview, offering his version of the events surrounding Deepika’s exit. According to him, the disagreement was not limited to one issue but involved several factors, including remuneration, scheduling and other matters that emerged during discussions between the actress and the production team. He claimed that Sandeep Reddy Vanga had been in talks with Deepika for nearly 18 months and had strongly wanted her to be part of the project. However, after discussions between both sides, the filmmakers eventually decided to move forward with another actress. Pranay also alleged that remuneration became an important part of the negotiations. He claimed that Deepika had sought a percentage of the film’s profits as part of her deal, saying that she had demanded a 10 percent share in the movie’s profits. According to him, the financial implications of the request were considered before the team decided to explore other casting options. The filmmaker’s brother also spoke about the issue of confidentiality surrounding the project. He claimed that the story and character had been discussed with Deepika during the development stage but alleged that details from those private conversations later became public. His remarks added another dimension to the controversy, particularly because the film’s casting discussions had already attracted considerable attention. Another major point linked to Deepika’s departure was reportedly her working schedule. Earlier reports suggested that the actress had requested an eight-hour working shift for the project. The issue became part of the wider discussion surrounding working conditions and schedules in the Indian film industry. Deepika had previously defended her position on professional working hours, making it clear that she did not believe her expectations were unreasonable. Her comments further fueled conversations about the demands placed on actors and the importance of maintaining healthy working conditions during film productions. The controversy intensified further after Sandeep Reddy Vanga appeared to respond to the situation through a social media post. Although he did not directly name Deepika, the filmmaker expressed disappointment over confidential conversations between filmmakers and actors being made public. Sandeep emphasized the trust involved when he narrates a story to an actor and referred to an “unsaid NDA” between them. His comments were widely interpreted as a reference to the discussions surrounding Spirit and the information that had emerged following Deepika’s exit. Following her departure, Triptii Dimri was brought on board as the female lead opposite Prabhas. Her inclusion officially marked a major change in the film’s casting and shifted attention toward the new pairing. Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Spirit remains one of the most anticipated upcoming Indian films, with Prabhas in the lead role and Triptii Dimri as the female protagonist. The film is currently scheduled for release in March 2027. The developments surrounding Deepika’s exit have continued to generate discussion among cinema audiences, with the reported disagreements over remuneration, scheduling and confidentiality adding further interest to the project even before its release.

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    Sister reveals shocking details of Imran’s check…

    Uzma Khan, sister of incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan, said Friday that the PTI founder had complained of health problems that he believed were connected to his prolonged solitary confinement. She made the remarks during a press conference in Islamabad alongside Imran’s personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan, following his transfer to hospital for a medical examination. Uzma said she and Dr Sultan were asked to reach Adiala Jail on Friday evening after receiving a phone call. According to her, they arrived at the prison at around 8pm to 8:30pm. She said they were taken to a room belonging to a deputy superintendent of police. After some time, she alleged, Dr Sultan was asked to leave the room with a police official while she was taken separately by a female police officer. Uzma said police officers did not explain where she was being taken or provide clear information about Dr Sultan. She was eventually taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), despite the Supreme Court directing that Imran be shifted to Shifa International Hospital for a medical checkup. According to Uzma, officials told her the visit to Pims was related to a follow-up examination of Imran’s eye condition. She described the hospital environment as unusually dark and said she was taken through the building with the help of a mobile phone flashlight before being brought to an office. Uzma said she was later taken upstairs, where she unexpectedly saw her brother. She recalled that Imran appeared surprised and shocked to see her after a long period apart. He reportedly introduced her to the doctors as his sister, saying they were meeting after about 10 months. Uzma said she informed Imran that he had been brought for a medical examination and was expected to be taken to Shifa International Hospital afterward. She also asked about Dr Sultan but said she was not given a clear answer. The examination eventually focused on Imran’s eye. Uzma said several doctors were present, although she was familiar with only one of them, whom she identified as Dr Arif. Imran has previously received treatment at Pims following the diagnosis of right central retinal vein occlusion, an eye condition identified earlier this year. The Supreme Court had directed authorities to arrange Imran’s medical examination while also instructing that information about his health should not be used for political purposes.

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    Isla Fisher shares hilarious dating rules after sp…

    Isla Fisher is embracing her single era with a healthy dose of humor. The Australian actress recently revealed some of her biggest dating “icks,” and her brutally honest rules are already giving fans plenty to laugh about. Fisher, 50, has been in the spotlight following the end of her marriage to comedian Sacha Baron Cohen. The former couple, who were together for more than two decades, announced in 2024 that they had filed for divorce. Their divorce was finalized in June 2025. They share three children and have continued to prioritize their family while navigating life after marriage. (EW.com⁠) Now, Fisher appears to be having fun with the idea of dating again. During a recent appearance on KIIS FM’s The Smallzy Show, the actress was asked about the little things that can instantly turn her off. Her answer was anything but serious. One of Fisher’s biggest complaints? Backpacks. “Backpack, period,” she joked, explaining that she would immediately lose interest if a man showed up wearing one in a particular way. She admitted that simply carrying a backpack is not necessarily a problem. However, things change when a man clips the straps together across his chest. According to Fisher, that small detail is enough to make her say goodbye. But backpacks are not her only dating deal-breaker. Deck shoes also made the list. Fisher described the shoes as already being “a bit of an ick” before revealing the specific habit that really bothers her. She said she recently saw someone wearing deck shoes with the heel folded down, turning them into something resembling casual plimsolls. Her reaction was immediate and hilarious. “Repulsive,” she declared. The comments offer a glimpse into Fisher’s playful personality as she enters a different chapter of her life. Earlier, she had been candid about how difficult her separation was, describing it as one of the hardest experiences she had faced. She also credited her close female friends with helping her rediscover her strength and identity outside of a relationship. (Us Weekly⁠) Fisher has also been focusing on her acting career. Her latest projects include Spa Weekend, while she continues to take on new opportunities in film and comedy. Whether she is seriously dating or simply enjoying being single, Fisher’s hilarious list proves one thing: romance may be complicated, but her dating “icks” are surprisingly simple. For now, men with backpacks and badly worn deck shoes might want to take notes.