تازہ ترین

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    Pakistan women make winning start, crush Japan 58-34

    HONG KONG: Pakistan’s women’s netball team made an impressive start to their campaign at the Asian Women’s Netball Plate Division Championship, defeating Japan 58-34 in a commanding opening match. Pakistan controlled the contest from the early stages and never allowed Japan to establish a meaningful lead. The Pakistani players maintained pressure throughout the game, combining disciplined defending with effective attacking moves to keep their opponents on the back foot. The victory gave Pakistan a strong opening to the championship and will provide the team with valuable confidence ahead of their next fixture. Japan struggled to match Pakistan’s intensity as the match progressed. Pakistan’s consistent scoring and organized play helped them build a comfortable advantage, which they maintained until the final whistle. The 24-point victory underlined Pakistan’s determination to make an impact in the competition and build momentum for the matches ahead. The Asian Women’s Netball Plate Division Championship is being held in Hong Kong, bringing together teams competing for honours in the regional event. Pakistan will now turn their attention to their second match of the tournament. Pakistan are scheduled to face Thailand on August 10, with the team hoping to carry the confidence from their convincing victory over Japan into the next encounter. The Pakistani side’s emphatic opening win has put them on a positive footing, while another strong performance against Thailand could further strengthen their position in the tournament. With the campaign now underway, Pakistan will be looking to maintain their winning momentum and continue their impressive run in Hong Kong.

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    Blake Lively shares rare new moments with Ryan Reynolds

    Blake Lively has given fans a glimpse into a special outing with husband Ryan Reynolds, sharing a fresh collection of photographs from their recent appearance at a football match. The actress took to Instagram on Friday, August 7, to post several pictures from their July 30 visit to Yankee Stadium, where they watched Wrexham AFC take on Liverpool. The new images feature the couple enjoying the event together, with Blake and Ryan seen smiling and posing alongside each other. One photograph shows them holding hands while standing together inside the stadium, while another captures Ryan enjoying the match from the crowd. Blake also included pictures featuring friends who joined them for the occasion, giving followers a look at the group’s memorable evening. Alongside the photographs, the actress reflected on the experience and described watching Wrexham play at the iconic stadium as one of the most unforgettable moments of their journey with the football club. She also expressed gratitude to their friends, family and members of the Wrexham community who attended the match and supported the team. Blake gave special recognition to longtime friend and photographer Guy Aroch, who accompanied the group and captured the moments featured in her Instagram post. Aroch responded warmly to the post, expressing his affection for Blake and Ryan and recalling the experience as a memorable occasion spent with family and close friends. The new photographs have attracted attention from fans, particularly because they offer a rare recent glimpse of Blake and Ryan together. The couple, who married in September 2012, have remained one of Hollywood’s most recognisable celebrity pairs. Their appearance at the Wrexham-Liverpool match also highlights their continued connection with Wrexham AFC. Ryan Reynolds is a co-owner of the Welsh football club, which has gained significant international attention in recent years. Blake’s latest post comes weeks after she shared a Father’s Day tribute for Ryan, making the new collection of photographs another affectionate public glimpse into their family life.

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    Swifties await Taylor’s debut album re-recording

    Taylor Swift has once again sparked excitement among her fans, with fresh speculation suggesting that the pop superstar could release a re-recorded version of her self-titled debut album to mark its 20th anniversary. Swift’s debut album was released in 2006 and played a major role in launching her career. As she approaches the two-decade milestone, reports and fan theories about a possible new release have begun circulating online. The singer had previously revealed that she had already completed a new recording of the album. In a letter shared in 2025, Swift celebrated regaining ownership of the master recordings from her first six albums and confirmed that her debut record had been fully re-recorded. She explained that the new version was something she was proud of and suggested that the remaining re-recordings could eventually be released as a celebration rather than being driven by her previous dispute over ownership. The latest speculation centres on October 23, 2026, which would mark 20 years since the original album’s release. A Taylor Swift fan account claimed that a German online retailer had listed CDs connected to a possible re-release of the debut album. However, there has been no official confirmation from Swift or her team regarding a release date, tracklist or album artwork. The online listings have therefore fuelled anticipation but should not be treated as confirmation of an upcoming release. Swift’s re-recording project began after a long-running dispute over ownership of the master recordings of her early work. Her former label, Big Machine Records, retained ownership of the original masters under the terms of her contract. The masters were later acquired by Ithaca Holdings, a company associated with music executive Scooter Braun, after the label was sold in 2019. The development led to a highly publicised dispute and ultimately encouraged Swift to begin recreating her earlier albums under the “Taylor’s Version” banner. So far, Swift has released re-recorded editions of Fearless, Red, Speak Now and 1989. Fans have continued to wait for the remaining two albums, particularly her self-titled debut.

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    Kylie Jenner, Timothée Chalamet slow down romance

    Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet are reportedly happy with the current stage of their relationship and are not planning to rush into an engagement, despite being together for several years. According to a recent report, the couple remains deeply committed to each other but prefers to allow their relationship to develop naturally rather than making immediate plans for marriage. A source reportedly described Jenner and Chalamet as being very much in love and said they are comfortable with how their relationship is progressing. The couple has apparently chosen not to put pressure on themselves to take the next major step. The pair have also continued spending time together away from the spotlight. They recently enjoyed a getaway with Jenner’s sister Kendall Jenner and her boyfriend, actor Jacob Elordi. The two couples reportedly spent time together in Malibu during the trip. Jenner and Chalamet have become increasingly comfortable appearing together publicly throughout 2026. They have been spotted at several high-profile events, including the Critics Choice Awards, the Oscars, the NBA Finals and the World Cup Final. Earlier reports also suggested that the couple is in a strong place emotionally. Sources close to them have described their relationship as supportive, with both reportedly enjoying each other’s company and feeling comfortable together. Friends and family are said to be positive about the relationship, with those close to the couple believing they could remain together for the long term. However, neither Jenner nor Chalamet appears to be treating engagement as an immediate priority. How their relationship began Jenner and Chalamet were first linked romantically in 2023 after reportedly interacting at an event during Paris Fashion Week earlier that year. Their relationship attracted widespread attention after they were publicly seen together at Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour concert in Los Angeles in September 2023. At the time, reports described their romance as relaxed and uncomplicated, with Chalamet praised for being affectionate and supportive toward Jenner. The couple later reached another major milestone when they made their red-carpet debut together at the David Di Donatello Awards in Rome in May 2025. Since then, Jenner and Chalamet have continued to maintain a relatively private relationship while occasionally appearing together at major events.

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    BLACKPINK marks 10 years with emotional fan tributes

    BLACKPINK has reached a major milestone, celebrating a decade since its debut with all four members coming together for a special 10th-anniversary event. Jennie, Lisa, Jisoo and Rosé reunited on Friday, August 7, as the group marked 10 years since beginning its journey in the K-pop industry. The occasion also gave the members an opportunity to reflect on their career and the support they have received from fans around the world. Following the celebration, the members shared personal messages and photographs on social media, giving BLINKs a glimpse into the significance of the milestone. Jennie shared an emotional tribute expressing her gratitude to fans who have supported the group throughout its decade-long career. She reflected on how much she has experienced since BLACKPINK’s debut, including performing on major stages, travelling around the world and meeting people who influenced her journey. The singer also acknowledged that her career has come with challenges, but said the constant encouragement from fans has helped her continue pursuing her dreams. Jisoo also joined the anniversary celebrations online by sharing a previously unseen photograph from the special event. The image showed all four members together, giving fans another memorable moment from the gathering. The reunion also came after online speculation about Rosé’s attendance at the anniversary celebration. Questions had circulated about whether the singer would be able to attend because of her personal schedule. Her agency, The Black Label, subsequently addressed the speculation and provided clarification regarding her participation in the commemorative occasion. BLACKPINK’s 10-year milestone has particular significance because the group has remained one of the most influential K-pop acts internationally since its debut. The group was formed by YG Entertainment after its members were recruited through auditions in South Korea and other countries. Jennie, Lisa, Jisoo and Rosé each underwent years of intensive training before officially debuting on August 8, 2016. Their training included vocals, dancing and language skills, preparing them for careers that would eventually take them far beyond South Korea. Over the past decade, BLACKPINK has established a global fanbase and achieved major milestones in music, touring and entertainment. The anniversary gathering therefore became more than a celebration of the group’s debut. For the members and their fans, it marked a decade of music, performances, challenges and shared memories.

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    Messi, Ronaldo face security scares at World Cup

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup may have ended with Spain lifting the trophy, but a reported police dossier has brought fresh attention to the security threats that allegedly shadowed some of football’s biggest stars during the tournament. According to a report based on an alleged leaked police document, Lionel Messi was repeatedly targeted with threats during Argentina’s campaign, while Cristiano Ronaldo and several other high-profile figures also faced security concerns. The World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, was already one of the largest sporting events ever staged. Spain eventually defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final to claim the title. However, behind the packed stadiums and celebrations, security agencies were reportedly dealing with a series of alarming incidents. One alleged threat emerged before Argentina’s match against Jordan. According to the report, a caller contacted authorities at Dallas airport and threatened an attack at the stadium, allegedly claiming that grenades and rifles would be used. Another disturbing incident was reportedly recorded before Argentina’s game against Egypt, when a threat targeting Messi was posted on social media. Security concerns escalated during the match after authorities received information suggesting that explosives could have been placed inside stadium waste bins. Bomb-disposal specialists and trained detection dogs were reportedly deployed to search the area. No explosives were found, according to the report. The security concerns were not limited to Messi. Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo was also reportedly the subject of attempts to obtain information about his accommodation. In another alleged incident, a suspicious individual reportedly managed to reach his hotel while posing as a fan. The pressure extended to match officials and other players. French referee François Letexier reportedly received thousands of threatening messages following decisions made during the Argentina-Egypt match. Players including Alexander Sørloth and Jae-hun Campaz were also allegedly subjected to death threats after missing important opportunities during matches. The reported security breaches prompted authorities to strengthen protection around key World Cup locations. At one media centre in England, security measures reportedly included multiple protective layers, concrete barriers, anti-sniper screens and a no-fly zone. The revelations offer a stark reminder that the spectacle of a World Cup comes with enormous security challenges. While millions of fans experienced football, entertainment and celebration, security teams were simultaneously working behind the scenes to protect players, officials and spectators from potential threats. The security allegations above are presented as reported claims from the supplied report and alleged leaked dossier; they should not be treated as independently established facts unless confirmed by authorities.

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    Punjab cybercrime crackdown, 28 suspects arrested

    LAHORE: Authorities have arrested 28 suspects in Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan as part of a major crackdown on organised online fraud, exposing alleged schemes that relied on impersonation, fake investment opportunities and fabricated official identities to deceive citizens. The arrests were made during a province-wide operation by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Punjab, directed by Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Wasim, officials said. Investigators also seized 24 mobile phones and a laptop, which are now being examined for evidence that could lead to other members of the alleged network. The investigation has revealed how fraudsters allegedly manipulated trust to convince victims to hand over large sums of money. Millions allegedly lost in Lahore scam In Lahore, 18 suspects were arrested in separate operations. Investigators said the suspects allegedly impersonated relatives, visa agents, government officials and personnel associated with the Punjab Safe Cities Authority. In one case, suspects allegedly posed as both a relative and a visa agent and persuaded a victim to transfer Rs25.86 million. The case has highlighted how scammers can combine apparently familiar identities with urgent requests to make their schemes appear legitimate. Rs54.66m trading fraud uncovered Three suspects were arrested in Faisalabad in connection with alleged online trading fraud and unauthorised access to a company email account. According to investigators, a victim was shown fabricated trading records, digital-wallet balances and purported profit statements to create the impression that substantial returns were being generated. After being persuaded to invest, the victim allegedly lost Rs54.66 million, investigators said. The case demonstrates the growing sophistication of investment scams, where criminals allegedly use manipulated digital information to make fraudulent platforms appear genuine. Multan arrests expose impersonation tactics In Multan, seven suspects were arrested for allegedly posing as relatives, bank employees and individuals claiming to be based in Britain. Officials said victims were approached with various demands, including payments supposedly required for prize money, customs clearance, taxes and visa renewals. Such tactics typically create a sense of urgency, leaving victims with little time to verify the identity of the caller or the authenticity of the demand. Digital evidence now under forensic examination NCCIA investigators are examining the seized devices through forensic analysis. Financial transactions, call records and digital communications are also being reviewed to establish the full extent of the alleged operation and identify other people who may be connected to it. The crackdown comes amid growing concern over online financial fraud in Pakistan. The NCCIA’s own statistics identify financial fraud as a major category of reported cybercrime. The latest arrests underscore a simple but increasingly important warning: an apparently familiar voice, official-looking message or promising investment opportunity may not be what it seems. Authorities are expected to continue the investigation as they trace the alleged network and follow the digital and financial trails left behind.

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    GCU Lahore goes fully paperless in major digital s…

    LAHORE: Government College University (GCU) Lahore has officially moved its administrative operations to a fully paperless digital system, marking a major step towards modernising governance and reducing reliance on traditional office files. The transformation has been achieved through the implementation of the e-Filing and Office Automation System, a cloud-based digital platform developed by the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB). The system has been provided to the university free of cost under special directions from the Punjab government, according to university officials. Under the new framework, administrative processes across GCU’s departments will now be handled online through a single digital platform. Routine matters such as leave applications, travel permissions, annual performance reports, official orders and departmental correspondence can now be processed electronically. The university said the system would also cover digital note sheets for proposals between departments, approval of payments for visiting faculty, purchase requests and agendas for departmental meetings. No more files moving from desk to desk One of the most significant changes will be the elimination of the traditional practice of physically moving files from one office to another. Instead, officials will be able to create, review, approve and track documents digitally through the cloud-based platform. This is expected to improve administrative efficiency while making it easier to monitor the progress of official matters. GCU Vice Chancellor Professor Muhammad Umar Chaudhry described the transition as more than an environmental initiative, saying digital governance was essential for a modern educational institution. He said moving administrative affairs away from paper would strengthen transparency, speed and accountability, while reducing delays associated with manual file tracking. According to the vice chancellor, removing routine administrative delays would allow faculty members and heads of departments to devote more time to teaching and research. Part of wider digital transformation The university said the paperless initiative is part of a broader digitalisation drive launched during the previous academic year under the vice chancellor’s leadership. Before implementing the complete e-office system, GCU had introduced online approval mechanisms for student society events and digital billing for payments to visiting faculty members. The administration is now preparing to take the process further with the planned launch of a comprehensive e-Services Portal. The upcoming platform is expected to streamline requests related to campus maintenance and other facilities. Officials hope the system will allow infrastructure-related problems to be reported and addressed more quickly without disrupting academic activities. Alumni records also going digital GCU’s digital reforms are not limited to current campus operations. The university is also working on a major project to digitise the records of its alumni, expanding technology-based management beyond day-to-day administration. The move towards a paperless campus could ultimately reduce paperwork, improve record management and provide university officials with faster access to important information. With administrative processes increasingly moving online, GCU Lahore is positioning itself as an example of how Pakistan’s public-sector universities can use digital technology to make governance faster, more transparent and more efficient.

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    Rana Sanaullah vows to ‘set countdown critics st…

    Adviser to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has said that those counting down the government’s tenure will eventually be “set straight” themselves, and their countdown will also be corrected. Addressing a public gathering in Bagh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sanaullah said the people were the rightful owners of Pakistan and highlighted the strong bond between Pakistan and Kashmir. “Where in Pakistan are Kashmiris not working?” he asked, adding that Kashmiris enjoy all rights in the country. Sanaullah said Pakistan was incomplete without Kashmir and stressed that no force could weaken the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Kashmir. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader also claimed that four PML-N candidates would be elected to the legislative assembly in the upcoming election, which is scheduled to take place in two days. He said the PML-N needed only six more seats to secure a two-thirds majority in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. Referring to the ongoing political activities and the action committee, Sanaullah said many people associated with the committee were their “brothers” and patriotic citizens. His remarks came as political parties intensified campaigning ahead of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections, with competing groups seeking to secure a strong mandate in the upcoming polls.

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    Maryam Nawaz orders timely salaries for Sutrah Pun…

    Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed that workers associated with the Sutrah Punjab programme be paid their salaries by the fifth of every month. According to an official statement, the chief minister also sought monthly reports from the companies responsible for making payments to the workers to ensure that salaries are being disbursed on time. Maryam Nawaz ordered a zero-tolerance policy against workers who fail to perform their duties. She also directed authorities to develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) to regularly assess workers’ performance and improve the overall efficiency of the programme. The chief minister stressed that special attention should be given to cleanliness at fruit and vegetable markets. She said additional efforts were required to achieve better sanitation results across Punjab. Maryam Nawaz also directed officials to begin washing and cleaning major roads at 5am. She instructed authorities to ensure door-to-door waste collection and maintain proper cleanliness around schools, colleges, universities and hospitals. She further ordered the use of uniform garbage bins and waste bags in markets and commercial areas. Officials were directed to establish specific timings for removing waste from commercial zones and ensure that vacant plots in different areas were also cleaned.