تازہ ترین

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    PAAM finalizes policy draft for independent altern…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Lahore: An important consultative meeting of the Core Committee of the Pakistan Association of Alternative Medicine (PAAM) was held, in which the “Policy Draft and Working Paper” was finalized to make the country’s alternative medicine sector namely Homeopathy, Herbal, and Unani economically self-reliant and to transform it into an international industry. During this meeting, PAAM Core Committee members Dr. Tariq Mahmood Chaudhry and former Director of Homeopathy at the Punjab Health Department, Dr. Jamil Akhtar Ghauri, met with PAAM President Kashif Aslam Malik and held deep consultations on the framework of the proposed federal ministry. According to the text of the policy draft, more than 80 percent of the world’s population relies on alternative and natural methods of treatment. China earns an annual export profit of 60 billion dollars from this sector, and India earns over 5 billion dollars in valuable foreign exchange. In contrast, despite having abundant natural resources and hundreds of thousands of qualified doctors, Pakistan accounts for less than 0.5 percent of the global market due to the lack of an independent federal ministry. The working paper prepared by PAAM highlights that establishing an autonomous federal ministry could be the fastest way to pull Pakistan out of its economic crisis and boost exports. The PAAM leadership has presented three-year economic targets to the government and parliament, setting the export target at 200 million dollars for the first year, 500 million dollars for the second year, and aiming to exceed 1.5 billion dollars in the third year through international trade agreements and Business-to-Business (B2B) partnerships. Another key feature of this policy draft is that commercial herb farming will be initiated nationwide under the new ministry, directly benefiting the rural economy and local farmers. Furthermore, this initiative aims to eliminate Pakistan’s reliance on expensive imported raw materials for the allopathic industry, making the country truly economically independent. During the meeting, the PAAM leadership emphasized that the alternative medicine sector is facing a severe crisis due to the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan’s (DRAP) hyper-focus on allopathic brands and bureaucratic red tape. They noted that introducing a one-window operation under an autonomous ministry would ensure medicine quality complies with World Health Organization (WHO) and International Herb Pharmacopeia standards, while also reducing public healthcare expenditures at the government level by up to 50 percent through the provision of affordable alternative medicines. Following the completion of the policy draft, PAAM has demanded a joint emergency meeting of the Senate and National Assembly Standing Committees on Health and Commerce, the formation of a dedicated task force, and a special export package for alternative medicine manufacturers. The Chairman and Core Committee of PAAM reaffirmed their commitment to presenting this policy paper to the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Federal Cabinet very soon to make the country self-sufficient on both economic and medical fronts.

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    Directorate of Youth Affairs launches citizen comp…

    ByJustpaste.in

    PESHAWAR: The Directorate of Youth Affairs, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has launched the “Ikhtiyar Awam Ka” Complaint Cell across all districts of the province, providing citizens with a dedicated platform to register complaints, submit suggestions and seek information regarding youth-related services through their respective District Youth Offices. The initiative has been introduced to promote transparency, accountability and effective public engagement while ensuring timely redressal of complaints related to youth affairs and government services. Director Youth Affairs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Abbas Khan Afridi said the establishment of the complaint cell reflects the government’s commitment to responsive governance and citizen-centric service delivery. “The Directorate of Youth Affairs is committed to ensuring that every citizen has direct access to our services. The ‘Ikhtiyar Awam Ka’ Complaint Cell will strengthen communication between the public and the Directorate, enabling us to address complaints promptly and improve the quality of services through public feedback,” Mr Afridi said. He said citizens from every district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could contact their respective District Youth Offices through the designated helpline numbers to register complaints, report issues, share recommendations and obtain information about youth development programmes. Mr Afridi added that every complaint received through the complaint cell would be handled with transparency, responsibility and within a defined timeframe to ensure accountability and public confidence. The complaint cell has been established in all district youth offices across Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Swat, Buner, Shangla, Lower Dir, Upper Dir, Malakand, Chitral Upper, Chitral Lower, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, North Waziristan, South Waziristan Upper, South Waziristan Lower, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Karak, Kohat, Hangu, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Haripur, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Battagram, Torghar, Upper Kohistan, Lower Kohistan and Kolai-Palas Kohistan, where citizens can connect through the officially designated helplines. Officials said the initiative would strengthen public trust, improve institutional accountability and ensure efficient delivery of youth-related services across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

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    Amanda Knox defends comedy show after backlash from Meredith Kercher’s sister

    ByJustpaste.in

    Amanda Knox is standing by her Edinburgh Fringe comedy show, pushing back against claims from Meredith Kercher’s sister that the performance trivializes violence against women. Knox, 39, was convicted and later acquitted of murdering her British roommate Kercher in Italy 19 years ago. She took to Instagram on Thursday to say her show “honors Meredith Kercher’s memory” and “calls out the violence that was done to her and to me.” The show, titled “Cartwheel,” debuted Friday evening and runs for 11 nights straight at the Scottish festival. Its title nods to a widely repeated claim that Knox did cartwheels at the police station after Kercher’s death. The show is being pitched as the story of a woman nearing forty, balancing motherhood while finally processing her wrongful imprisonment. The backlash follows a BBC interview with Kercher’s sister, Stephanie, who said the show “normalizes and trivializes violence against women.” She acknowledged that Knox is free to live her life however she chooses, but argued that turning this particular story into comedy crosses a line. Stephanie stressed that her objection is not about guilt or innocence. She said the same discomfort would apply even if someone else were behind the show, though she admitted it stings more knowing it’s Knox herself. She said she feels strongly that the project shouldn’t be given a platform at all. An online petition demanding the show’s cancellation has gathered more than 4,400 signatures so far. It accuses the show of mocking the tragedy surrounding Kercher’s death and turning it into entertainment. Knox has previously defended the project in other interviews too. She told The Telegraph she believes Kercher would have “appreciated” the show, calling it an honest look at what it means to be a young woman, and even guessed her late roommate would have found parts of it funny. Despite the criticism, Knox appears set on moving forward with the run as planned. The show continues through the rest of its scheduled dates in Edinburgh, with public reaction still divided over whether the format is appropriate for such a painful and personal subject. For now, the controversy has added extra attention to a performance that was already drawing curiosity given Knox’s unusual path from headline-making legal saga to stand-up stage.

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    ‘Tamasha’ returns for season five, promises bigger drama

    ByJustpaste.in

    Adnan Siddiqui has officially confirmed the return of Tamasha, announcing that its fifth season premieres today. He shared the news alongside photos with the show’s former winners, building instant buzz among fans. The actor posted images with past champions of the reality series to mark the occasion. In his caption, he promised the drama would be bigger and the arguments meaner than in previous seasons. Siddiqui kept his message short but effective, simply telling fans to expect the unexpected. The line was enough to stir fresh anticipation among the show’s loyal viewer base. Tamasha follows a group of celebrity contestants living together inside a house, completely cut off from the outside world. Throughout the season, they face daily tasks, public evictions and constant conflict among housemates. Siddiqui has now overseen four previous seasons of the show, each producing a new winner. Past champions include Umer Aalam, Aruba Mirza, Malik Aqeel and Saif Ali Khan, all of whom remain closely associated with the franchise. Just last week, a short teaser gave fans their first real look at the upcoming season. It showed new contestants covering their faces as they made their way toward the house, keeping their identities hidden for now. Several former winners also jumped in to share their own posts, adding to the reunion excitement. Season two winner Aruba Mirza wrote that every season creates new stories, but some victories become memories that last forever. Season four champion Saif Ali Khan shared his own photos from around the newly revamped mansion. He captioned the post by hinting at a bigger house and even bigger dreams this time around. Last season’s finale had already generated massive hype, with viewers hooked on the drama and viral clips flooding social media. Alongside that popularity, though, the show also faced criticism over incidents of alleged sexist behaviour inside the house. Those controversies, paired with the friendships and rivalries unfolding on screen, kept audiences deeply invested throughout the run. With a new batch of contestants, a redesigned house, and Siddiqui himself promising even bigger drama, season five looks primed to dominate conversations all over again.

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    Shahid Afridi picks up trash, urges tourists to keep north clean

    ByJustpaste.in

    Shahid Afridi has urged tourists visiting Pakistan’s northern areas to take greater responsibility for protecting the environment. The former captain called on visitors to stop leaving garbage behind at scenic spots. Afridi took to Instagram to spotlight the growing waste problem at some of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. In a video filmed among the mountains, he stood surrounded by lakes and waterfalls that had been littered with plastic and bottles. He appealed directly to visitors, asking them to enjoy the region’s beauty while making sure they leave it clean. In his caption, he said exploring the mountains of North Pakistan is a blessing, not an excuse to leave trash behind. He encouraged people to take memories instead of leaving mess, adding that keeping Pakistan clean and green is everyone’s shared responsibility. The message struck a chord with many of his followers online. In the clip, Afridi was seen picking up scattered litter himself while urging families to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. He said people should visit and enjoy time with family, but stressed that dumping garbage carelessly simply isn’t acceptable. He also explained that protecting Pakistan’s natural beauty requires more than just individual effort from tourists. According to him, practical support for local communities plays an equally important role in solving the problem long-term. To make disposal easier for visitors, Afridi said he’s arranging dustbins to be placed around the area. He mentioned that around four to five bins would soon be set up to help tackle the litter issue directly. Beyond the environmental message, Afridi also used his visit to highlight requests from local children. He said kids in the area had approached him with one simple wish, a cricket pitch where they could finally play the sport they love. He said he would try to get the pitch built before Pakistan’s Independence Day on August 14, calling it a small but meaningful gesture. Afridi added that the children had specifically asked for this before the national holiday. The move reflects Afridi’s continued involvement in community-focused efforts, particularly those aimed at supporting children and improving facilities in underserved regions.

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    Ines Garcia opens up on scary hospital visit amid needle fear

    ByJustpaste.in

    Ines Garcia, girlfriend of football star Lamine Yamal, has revealed a frightening health scare through her Instagram. The 21-year-old influencer left fans worried after describing a sudden trip to the hospital. Sharing the update on Friday, August 7, Garcia walked followers through the unexpected medical emergency as it unfolded. She explained that despite never having a fear of needles before, the entire experience turned out to be genuinely horrible for her. She also praised the hospital staff for helping her stay calm throughout the ordeal. Garcia said she felt overwhelmed during the visit, but noted the nurse looking after her had a good sense of humour that helped ease the tension. In a follow-up story, Garcia posted a photo of herself lying in a hospital bed, looking noticeably pale. She joked about how visibly her emotions and health always show on her face, saying she can never hide it when something is wrong. The update came just a day after Garcia had already hinted that something was off. She’d posted a selfie earlier in the week, telling followers she had so much bad news lately that she barely knew where to begin. Garcia and Yamal have remained under intense public scrutiny since the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup. Their relationship first drew attention after rumours suggested Garcia had ended a previous relationship to be with the young football star. Speculations did not stop there either, with some fans even suggesting she might be pregnant, though nothing was ever confirmed. The couple’s relationship first became public knowledge during the FIFA tournament, and it’s kept them in headlines ever since. While Garcia has not shared the exact medical reason behind her hospital visit, her posts were enough to spark concern among her large online following. Fans have since flooded her comments section with messages wishing her a quick and full recovery. For now, both Garcia and Yamal appear to be navigating a stretch of unusually intense media attention, with little sign of it slowing down anytime soon.

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    Global food prices hit 3-year high as FAO warns of hunger risk

    ByJustpaste.in

    World food prices climbed in July to their highest level in more than three years. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization says extreme weather and escalating conflicts are driving the surge. According to FAO’s food price index, prices averaged 131.1 points in July, up from 130.3 points in June. That marks the strongest reading recorded since January 2023. Experts describe the trend as a “perfect storm” of overlapping pressures hitting global agriculture at once. Multiple factors are compounding each other, making the situation harder to control. Reuters reported that FAO’s chief economist pointed to severe weather, including intense heatwaves and El Niño effects, as major contributors. These conditions have damaged crop yields in several key farming regions. On top of that, escalating conflicts in the Black Sea and Gulf regions have added further strain. Together, these factors have disrupted supply chains and pushed prices higher across multiple food categories. Cereal prices led July’s overall rise, climbing 3.4% month-on-month. That increase was largely driven by a sharp 5.8% jump in wheat prices specifically. FAO said wheat markets were rattled by fears over disrupted Black Sea exports. Heat damage to crops in major producing regions added even more pressure on supply. Vegetable oil prices also rose, climbing 2% to their highest level since June 2022. Higher crude oil prices, tied partly to the ongoing Iran conflict, helped push palm and soy oil prices upward. Rapeseed and sunflower oil prices moved in the opposite direction, declining slightly during the same period. Sugar prices rose too, up 5.6%, driven by weather concerns across Europe and Asia. Stronger expected demand for ethanol in Brazil added further support to sugar prices. Meat prices, however, told a different story entirely, falling 2.8% after hitting a record high in June. Poultry, pork and beef prices all declined during the month. Sheep meat was the exception, hitting a record high due to tight export supplies from Oceania. Dairy prices dipped slightly as well, down 0.7% overall. Despite July’s increase, the latest reading remains 18.2% below the record peak set in March 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Even so, economists warn that these combined pressures could trigger a fresh wave of global food inflation in the months ahead

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    AI builds 16 brand-new viruses in world-first genome experiment

    ByJustpaste.in

    Artificial intelligence has designed 16 entirely new viruses that have never existed in nature before. Researchers in the US are calling it a genuine scientific breakthrough. According to the team behind the project, these newly designed viruses are fully functional and can replicate successfully in lab conditions. Scientists are describing the achievement as a major turning point for the field. This marks the first time AI has managed to design a complete viral genome from scratch. The viruses were specifically built to target bacteria, particularly drug-resistant strains of E. coli, and pose no risk to humans. The work was led by Dr Brian Hie and his team at Stanford University. They relied on genome language models, including systems called Evo1 and Evo2, trained using data from roughly two million bacteriophages. To keep the research safe, the team deliberately excluded any genetic data linked to viruses capable of infecting humans, animals or plants. That precaution was built into the training process from the very start. Hie explained that this represents a new level of complexity for what generative AI can design. He noted that building a complete, functional genome capable of replicating inside cells was completely uncharted territory for his team. Out of thousands of AI-generated designs, researchers narrowed the list down to around 300 for lab synthesis. After testing, only 16 of those proved effective at killing antibiotic-resistant E. coli. Scientists have framed the achievement as a potential breakthrough with real medical applications ahead. Tom Ellis, a synthetic genome expert at Imperial College London, called the work impressive but pointed out its current limitations. He noted that this particular genome remains one of the simplest and smallest to design successfully. Ellis added that concerns around AI-designed pathogens are often overstated compared to more realistic risks. He explained that modifying existing pathogens through gain-of-function techniques remains a far easier and more likely biosecurity threat. Still, some researchers in the wider scientific community remain cautious about where this technology could eventually lead. Experts at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security warned that proper oversight for this kind of AI-driven genome design doesn’t fully exist yet. Dr Filippa Lentzos from King’s College London argued that regulation needs to focus on multiple layers, including lab safety and DNA synthesis screening, rather than restricting AI models alone.

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    NAB chairman grilled over bureau’s performance

    ByJustpaste.in

    A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice was held under the chairmanship of Senator Farooq H Naek, where National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Nazir Ahmed Butt appeared before the committee on its instructions. During the meeting, Senator Farooq H Naek remarked that the NAB chairman had perhaps appeared before the committee for the first time. In response, Nazir Ahmed Butt said that it was his first appearance before the committee as NAB chairman. He added that he had appeared before the committee several times while performing his previous responsibilities. The NAB chairman said he had been assigned the responsibility in 2023. He recalled that ministers he met during his tenure repeatedly complained that the bureaucracy was afraid to make decisions and was therefore reluctant to work. During the meeting, NAB Director General Operations briefed the committee on the bureau’s powers and performance. The official said NAB had received 505,799 complaints since its establishment. He said NAB also operates as an investigative agency under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2010. According to the briefing, NAB has so far completed 12,147 inquiries, conducted 7,339 investigations and filed 4,105 references. The DG Operations further told the committee that NAB had been allocated Rs22.556 billion over the past three-and-a-half years. Despite the expenditure, the bureau reported significantly higher recoveries during the same period. The committee was informed that NAB had recovered Rs1.069 trillion over the past three-and-a-half years. The briefing highlighted the bureau’s role in investigating corruption, financial crimes and other cases falling under its legal mandate. The committee members discussed NAB’s powers, investigations, recoveries and its overall performance during the meeting. The NAB chairman and officials responded to questions from the committee and provided details about the bureau’s operations and financial performance.

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    Why people are belting Disney tunes at smart-glasses wearers

    ByJustpaste.in

    If you suspect someone is secretly filming you with smart glasses, the internet has come up with an unusual defence. People are being told to start singing a Disney song out loud. The idea is not that singing will actually stop the recording itself. Instead, it relies on platforms’ copyright detection systems flagging the music and quietly taking the video down. Most major platforms scan uploaded videos for any copyrighted audio in the background. If a clip contains protected music, it typically gets muted, deleted, or in rarer cases, flagged for legal action. Copyright protection applies to lyrics, composition and melody alike, which means even a rough, off-key rendition can trigger removal. That loophole is exactly what people online are now trying to exploit. This trick has already spread across social media, with people from different countries picking it up. Reactions online have mostly ranged from disbelief to outright frustration at the whole situation. Many users have pointed out the irony that copyrighted music seems to receive stronger legal protection online than personal privacy does. Being filmed without consent, by comparison, often leaves people with far fewer options. Copyright law tends to apply fairly consistently across different countries, but privacy law is a different story entirely. It varies significantly from place to place, leaving many people, especially women, without a reliable way to get unwanted footage removed. The debate has grown louder alongside the rising popularity of smart glasses in everyday life. Meta’s Ray-Ban models have become the clear frontrunner in this fast-growing product category. As more people walk around with cameras built into their glasses, old arguments about filming strangers without consent have resurfaced. The devices have made it easier than ever to record someone without them even realising it. Meta has responded by saying it takes non-consensual filming seriously as a company. It has also made changes to the indicator light that shows when the glasses are actively recording. The company added that it has been removing certain types of content it considers harassment. This includes unsolicited, “pick-up line” style videos aimed at strangers without their consent.