تازہ ترین

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    GCU goes fully paperless, embracing digital govern…

    ByJustpaste.in

    LAHORE: Government College University (GCU) Lahore has become fully paperless after shifting its administrative operations to a cloud-based digital system, marking a major step towards modern and technology-driven governance. The transformation has been achieved through the successful implementation of the Punjab Information Technology Board’s (PITB) e-Filing and Office Automation System. The platform has been provided to the university free of cost on the special directives of the Punjab government. Under the new digital framework, administrative activities across all university departments will now be managed online through a single platform. Faculty and staff can submit leave applications, travel requests and annual performance reports, while official orders and administrative correspondence will also be processed digitally. The system will also replace conventional paperwork for departmental digital notes, approval of visiting faculty payments, purchase requests and meeting agendas. As a result, the traditional practice of physically moving files from one office to another will be eliminated. Vice Chancellor Professor Muhammad Umar Chaudhry described the move as an important milestone in the university’s digital transformation. He said paperless administration was not merely an environmental initiative but represented a structural shift towards greater transparency, efficiency and accountability. He added that eliminating administrative delays and manual file tracking would allow faculty members and heads of departments to devote more time and attention to teaching and research. He said the initiative could position GCU as a leading example of digital transformation among public-sector universities in Punjab. According to a university spokesperson, the paperless system is part of a broader digitalisation programme launched under the vice chancellor’s leadership during the previous academic year. The university had already introduced online approval mechanisms for student society events and digital billing for payments to visiting faculty. GCU is also preparing to launch a comprehensive e-Services Portal aimed at improving campus facilities. The upcoming platform will enable staff to submit maintenance requests and seek other support services digitally, helping resolve infrastructure-related issues more efficiently without disrupting academic activities. The university’s digital transformation is also extending beyond the campus. Work is underway to digitise the records of its alumni, further expanding the institution’s efforts to establish a modern, technology-based administrative system.

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    Coach hails Fatima’s bronze, urges women’s boxing support

    ByJustpaste.in

    Veteran Pakistani boxing coach and former international boxer Arshad Hussain has praised Fatima Zehra for securing a rare bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, saying her achievement reflects the untapped potential of Pakistan’s female boxers. Arshad, who has himself competed at the Commonwealth Games, said winning a medal at the prestigious event was a major accomplishment, particularly in women’s boxing. Speaking about Fatima’s performance, he said she had to overcome strong international competition and win two bouts to secure the bronze medal. He stressed that athletes competing at the Commonwealth level face opponents from countries against whom Pakistani boxers often have limited experience. Arshad also called for greater attention to women’s boxing in Pakistan. He said the country has several promising female fighters who could achieve significant success if provided with proper coaching, international exposure and regular training opportunities. He identified Fatima Zehra, Malaika and Maria among the boxers with considerable potential. According to him, these athletes should be given opportunities to train abroad for several months so they can improve their technical skills and gain valuable international experience. The veteran coach also expressed disappointment over boxer Qudratullah’s decision to leave Pakistan after participating in the Commonwealth Games. He described him as a talented fighter and questioned the circumstances that led to his disappearance from the national setup. While assessing the performance of Pakistan’s male boxers at the Games, Arshad said they produced competitive performances but lacked the required technical and physical sharpness. He maintained that better preparation could help them compete more effectively at the international level. Arshad further highlighted the need for sustained government support for boxing. He recalled Pakistan’s strong history in the sport and argued that short training camps were insufficient to prepare athletes for major international competitions. He questioned how Pakistan could expect medals when boxers were given only a 20-day camp before the Commonwealth Games, saying even much longer preparation does not guarantee success at that level. Looking ahead to the Asian Games, Arshad remained cautious about Pakistan’s medal chances. He said the competition would be significantly tougher, with major boxing nations including Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Japan, China and the Philippines expected to compete.

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    Pezeshkian rejects pressure as Iran seeks path to de-escalation

    ByJustpaste.in

    Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran will not surrender to external pressure or compromise its military and defensive capabilities, while stressing that Iran remains open to diplomacy if it can help protect the country’s interests. In a televised interview marking the second anniversary of his presidency, Pezeshkian said Iran would resist any attempt to force it into submission. He maintained that Tehran had the right to preserve its defence capabilities and would not accept demands aimed at weakening its military strength. The Iranian president described his country’s response during the latest conflict with the United States and Israel as an act of self-defence. He praised Iran’s armed forces, including the Army, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Aerospace Forces, for their performance during the fighting. Pezeshkian also accused Washington and Tel Aviv of attempting to bring Gulf countries together against Iran. He said Tehran was working to prevent further regional divisions and maintained that Muslim countries should cooperate regardless of sectarian differences. He rejected claims that Iran sought territorial expansion or intended to attack neighbouring states. According to Pezeshkian, Iran wanted peaceful relations with countries in the region and had no plans to seize territory or expand its borders. The president also questioned why some regional countries allowed their territories to be used for attacks against Iran. He said Tehran did not seek confrontation with those states but would respond against locations from which it was attacked. Meanwhile, senior US military officials are reportedly pushing for a path toward de-escalation as concerns grow over the effectiveness and sustainability of further military action against Iran. According to a report, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen Dan Caine has privately urged senior Trump administration officials to explore options for ending the conflict. The discussions reportedly involved senior figures including CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance. US officials are said to believe that continued air operations alone may not be enough to force Tehran to accept Washington’s demands. There are also concerns about Iranian retaliation against US allies and regional energy infrastructure. The report further indicated that shortages of some US weapons, including air-defence interceptors and precision munitions, could make a prolonged conflict increasingly difficult. Despite the concerns, US officials reportedly believe American forces could still inflict significant damage on Iran if President Donald Trump orders further escalation. At the same time, Washington is examining diplomatic options that could allow Trump to present an agreement as a political achievement. A possible agreement between Iran and Oman could provide a major breakthrough in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to a US official. Washington expects Tehran and Muscat to reach an understanding that would allow commercial shipping and oil traffic to resume through the strategic waterway. The United States has indicated that it could lift its blockade of Iranian ports once commercial shipping is restored and Iran fulfils its commitments. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy routes, with a significant share of global oil supplies traditionally passing through it. Disruptions caused by the conflict have contributed to higher energy prices and increased inflationary pressure. The latest diplomatic activity follows several previous claims that a deal over the strait was close, although Iranian officials have repeatedly denied that formal negotiations were taking place. Regional tensions have also prompted Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye to strengthen military cooperation through a joint defence agreement signed in Makkah. Under the agreement, an armed attack against any one of the three countries would be treated as an attack against all three. The countries said the pact was intended to strengthen collective deterrence and protect regional security. Türkiye stressed that the agreement was defensive and was not directed against any particular country. However, the deal comes amid heightened tensions involving Iran and growing concerns about the conflict spreading across the Gulf and wider Middle East. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are continuing on the Lebanon front, where officials are discussing arrangements for monitoring the potential disarmament of Hezbollah under a US-backed framework. Pezeshkian has also defended diplomatic engagement with Washington despite opposition from Iranian hardliners. The Iranian president argued that dialogue could be useful if it allowed Tehran to safeguard its national interests and secure its rights.

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    K-P assembly rejects move to absorb Haripur, Abbot…

    ByJustpaste.in

    PESHAWAR: The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has unanimously rejected any reported move to separate Haripur and Abbottabad from the province and place them under the administrative control of Islamabad, warning that any such attempt would undermine provincial autonomy and constitutional rights. The resolution was adopted during Friday’s session after Provincial Minister Akbar Ayub presented a strongly worded motion opposing any proposal by the federal government to alter the status of K-P districts, particularly Haripur and Abbottabad. The House declared that all districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa are an integral part of the province and cannot be separated under any circumstances. It maintained that changing provincial boundaries for administrative, political or economic purposes, or to gain control over natural resources, would violate the constitutional rights of the province and its people. The resolution specifically highlighted K-P’s water resources, hydropower facilities, mineral wealth, forests and other natural assets, stating that these resources belong constitutionally to the province and its people. Any attempt, directly or indirectly, to take control of these resources was described as unacceptable. The provincial legislature called on the federal government to immediately drop any proposal concerning the separation of the districts and respect the existing constitutional, geographical and administrative status of K-P. The House also urged political parties, lawmakers, constitutional bodies, lawyers, civil society, young people and the media to maintain a united position in protecting the province’s territorial integrity, autonomy and public interests. During the same session, PPP lawmaker Mehr Sultana raised concerns over the lack of effective rules requiring doctors to prescribe medicines using generic names rather than specific brands. She also called for computerized prescriptions to become mandatory, pointing out that unclear handwritten prescriptions can create difficulties for patients and increase the risk of errors. She urged the provincial government to introduce legislation or regulations addressing both issues, with the aim of improving prescription practices and protecting patients.

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    PML-N targets 2/3 majority in AJK as final electio…

    ByJustpaste.in

    MUZAFFARABAD: With the final phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) general elections just days away, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has stepped up its campaign in Rawalakot Division, expressing confidence that it can secure a two-thirds majority in the 45-member Legislative Assembly. The party held a major election rally in Haveli on Friday as campaigning intensified ahead of the August 10 polling in Bagh and Haveli. The final phase will conclude the three-stage electoral process and determine the composition of the next AJK government. Addressing supporters, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah claimed that the results of the first two phases reflected strong public support for the PML-N. He said the party expected voters in Haveli and the three constituencies of Bagh to further strengthen its position and help it achieve the numbers required for a two-thirds majority. Sanaullah pledged that a PML-N-led government would implement its election promises and accelerate development projects in collaboration with the federal government. Referring to commitments made by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz during the campaign, he said development initiatives similar to those undertaken in Punjab would be introduced in AJK. He also said PML-N President Nawaz Sharif would personally monitor major development projects in the region. Rejecting opposition allegations of electoral manipulation, Sanaullah described the first two phases as peaceful and transparent, dismissing claims of rigging as unfounded. Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam also addressed the rally, assuring voters that a future PML-N government would focus on public welfare, infrastructure and improved services. He said road connectivity and other development projects in areas close to the Line of Control would be given special priority, with the government seeking to improve infrastructure and public facilities across the region. The August 10 vote in Bagh and Haveli is expected to play a crucial role in determining whether the PML-N can translate its campaign momentum into a two-thirds majority and take the lead in forming the next AJK government.

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    Trump’s former lawyer Todd Blanche confirmed as US attorney general

    ByJustpaste.in

    Todd Blanche, a former personal attorney to US President Donald Trump, has been confirmed as the country’s attorney general after a closely contested Senate vote. Blanche secured confirmation by 50 votes to 49, with Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski joining Democrats in opposing his nomination. Senator Bill Cassidy provided the crucial Republican vote in Blanche’s favour after saying he believed Blanche was the strongest candidate Trump was likely to nominate. The vote ended a prolonged dispute between the Trump administration and Senate Republicans over Blanche’s appointment. He had been serving as acting attorney general since April, after Pam Bondi was removed from the position. All Senate Democrats voted against Blanche’s confirmation. Several Republican lawmakers had questioned Blanche’s record and raised concerns about his involvement in a number of controversial matters. Among them was his handling of documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his role in developing Trump’s proposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund. The proposed fund was intended to compensate people who claimed they had been politically targeted or persecuted by the government. However, critics, including Murkowski, warned that the scheme could potentially benefit people prosecuted for their involvement in the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol. During his confirmation process, Blanche promised to abandon the proposed fund following opposition from Republican senators. Questions remain over whether that commitment would prevent the administration from introducing a similar programme under a different structure in the future. Murkowski said she opposed Blanche because she lacked confidence that he would be willing to challenge what she described as the administration’s worst impulses. She also expressed concern about the increasing politicisation of the Justice Department. Collins raised separate concerns over Blanche’s involvement in Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service. Despite those reservations, she ultimately did not support his confirmation. Cassidy, meanwhile, said he trusted Blanche to provide Trump with independent and candid legal advice. He acknowledged that the president ultimately determines the direction of the Justice Department but argued that Senate confirmation would give Blanche greater authority to advise the administration and push back when necessary. Cassidy also said he did not want political disagreements to prevent the Justice Department from carrying out its responsibilities, particularly in combating violent crime. Blanche’s confirmation marks a significant development for the Trump administration, given his previous role as Trump’s personal lawyer. He was serving as deputy attorney general when he assumed the department’s temporary leadership in April.

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    TikToker arrested in Abdullah Tahir murder case

    ByJustpaste.in

    Police have arrested a female TikToker in connection with the murder case of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Abdullah Tahir. According to police, the suspect allegedly honey-trapped the driver of the slain political leader. She was arrested from Sialkot during an investigation into the case. Police sources said the woman is a resident of Faisalabad. She had allegedly gone into hiding after the murder. Investigators had been searching for her as they traced the people linked to the incident. Officials said the suspected honey-trap is an important part of the investigation. The driver of Abdullah Tahir was allegedly targeted through the woman before the murder. Investigators are also looking into the alleged use of a drone camera in the case. Police are trying to determine who operated the drone and how it may have been used during the planning or execution of the crime. Abdullah Tahir was shot dead in the Ghalib Market area a few days ago. The killing triggered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Police are now questioning the arrested TikToker and examining her alleged links with other suspects. Investigators are also working to establish the motive behind the killing. Authorities are expected to gather further evidence as the investigation continues. Police are also looking into the role of other individuals who may have been involved in the alleged honey-trap operation.

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    Bilawal hails Makkah defence pact as historic mile…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has welcomed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, describing it as a historic development that will further strengthen Pakistan’s defence capabilities. In a statement issued on Saturday, Bilawal said the agreement marked an important moment in Pakistan’s history and carried significance beyond the defence cooperation of the three participating countries. He said the pact would contribute to a stable and secure future for Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye while also supporting broader efforts for peace and stability in the region and around the world. Bilawal praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir for their role in facilitating the agreement. He described their contribution to the agreement as commendable and said the pact represented an important step toward strengthening collective security and defence cooperation among the three countries. The agreement was signed in Makkah by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, amid heightened regional tensions and growing concerns over security and stability in the Middle East. The three countries have described the agreement as a defensive arrangement aimed at enhancing cooperation and deterrence, with an attack against one member to be treated as an attack against all. Bilawal’s remarks underline the PPP’s support for the agreement and its potential role in strengthening Pakistan’s strategic and defence partnerships while promoting regional stability.

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    ‘Never felt this helpless’: Dr Summaiya speaks…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Police Surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed has expressed deep concern over developments in the Mir Raza Ali case, saying she has never felt so helpless during her four-year tenure as Karachi’s police surgeon and head of medico-legal services. In a post on social media platform X, Dr Summaiya said she had frequently faced obstacles while trying to establish the truth and ensure justice. However, she said the situation surrounding the Mir Raza case had left her extremely exhausted. “During my four-year tenure as Karachi’s medico-legal services/police surgeon, I have never felt this helpless,” she said. Dr Summaiya added that although difficulties had often come her way in the pursuit of truth and justice, she had now reached a point of extreme exhaustion. The police surgeon had earlier written a letter to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) East regarding the Mir Raza Ali case. In the letter, she pointed out what she described as serious shortcomings in the post-mortem report prepared by Dr Usama Sheikh. Her concerns have raised questions about the findings recorded in the post-mortem report and the medico-legal procedures followed in the case. The matter has consequently drawn attention to the importance of accurate documentation and proper medical examination in sensitive cases. Dr Summaiya’s latest remarks indicate her continued concern over the handling of the case. Her public statement has also highlighted the difficulties she says she has encountered while carrying out her professional responsibilities and seeking truth and justice.

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    Hanin Shah’s heroics fall short as Falcons win CPL thriller

    ByJustpaste.in

    Antigua and Barbuda Falcons began their Caribbean Premier League 2026 campaign with a dramatic two-wicket victory over Jamaica Kingsmen, sealing the opening match on the final delivery after a tense finish. The Falcons successfully chased down a target of 168, but what appeared to be a comfortable pursuit turned into a nail-biting contest during the final over. Jamaica Kingsmen, batting first, posted 167 runs after a competitive innings. Reeza Hendricks provided an aggressive start, scoring 42 off 25 balls, while Rovman Powell played a valuable captain’s knock of 47 from 37 deliveries. For the Falcons, Alzarri Joseph was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets and helping restrict the Kingsmen to a total that remained within reach. The Falcons looked well placed during the chase and entered the final over needing just six runs with four wickets in hand. Victory appeared almost certain, but Jamaica’s young fast bowler Hanin Shah suddenly changed the mood of the contest. Shah conceded three runs from the first two deliveries before producing a stunning response. He struck twice in successive balls, taking two wickets and putting the Falcons under unexpected pressure. With the equation reduced to two runs from the final delivery, Shah delivered another impressive ball into the blockhole, denying the batter the opportunity to play a big shot. However, the dramatic finish ultimately went against Jamaica. The Falcons managed to complete the required two runs after a misfield by Kingsmen captain Rovman Powell at long-on. The fielding error allowed the visitors to cross the line and secure a thrilling two-wicket victory on the final ball. For Shah, the ending was particularly frustrating. His brilliant final over had brought Jamaica back into contention and left the Falcons needing to find a way through under intense pressure. Despite his late heroics, the young pacer could not prevent his side from suffering defeat. The result gave Antigua and Barbuda Falcons a winning start to their CPL 2026 campaign, while Jamaica Kingsmen were left to reflect on a match that had seemingly slipped away before Shah produced a remarkable late fightback. The opening fixture provided exactly the kind of drama expected from the Caribbean Premier League, with powerful batting, timely wickets and a last-ball finish setting the tone for the tournament.