تازہ ترین

  • | |

    Tamil Nadu CM Vijay’s wife withdraws divorce petition

    ByJustpaste.in

    CHENNAI, August 7, 2026: Sangeetha, the wife of popular actor and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, has withdrawn her divorce petition filed before a family court. According to Indian media reports, Sangeetha appeared before the court through video conference on Friday and informed the judge that she no longer wished to pursue the divorce case. Based on her statement, the court allowed her to withdraw the petition and disposed of the case. According to the court order, Sangeetha had formally submitted an application seeking withdrawal of the petition. The court recorded her statement, while Vijay’s lawyer raised no objection to the withdrawal. The court also allowed Sangeetha to file a fresh petition in the future if necessary. Sangeetha had filed for divorce in February 2026. In her petition, she had alleged that Vijay was involved in a relationship with a female actor. She claimed that she became aware of the alleged relationship in 2021. According to her, Vijay had promised to end the relationship but allegedly failed to do so. The petition further alleged that Vijay gradually excluded Sangeetha from his personal and professional life. She claimed that he continued to appear publicly and travel abroad with the actress. Sangeetha also stated that photographs of Vijay and the actress were repeatedly shared on social media. She alleged that Vijay neither denied nor objected to the circulation of the pictures. According to the petition, Sangeetha said the situation caused severe emotional distress and humiliation to her and their two children, Jason Sanjay and Divya Sasha. She also alleged that Vijay withdrew previously available facilities, imposed financial restrictions and limited her movements. Sangeetha further claimed that Vijay’s behaviour and social media controversies surrounding him in 2024 caused her significant emotional trauma. She maintained that their marriage had effectively ended and existed only on paper. She alleged that the relationship had subjected her to prolonged emotional distress, humiliation and suffering.

  • | |

    Only 170 officials and rising HIV cases push Sindh…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad / Karachi: The Sindh Healthcare Commission came under intense scrutiny in the Senate after lawmakers questioned its ability to control illegal medical practices and respond effectively to the growing HIV situation in Sindh. Senators raised concerns over delayed action, staff shortages, and legal weaknesses that they said were limiting the Commission’s performance. The issue was discussed during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination chaired by Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti. The meeting was attended by Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan, Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, Senator Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto, Senator Nasir Mehmood Butt, Senator Anusha Rehman Ahmad Khan through Zoom, Federal Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal and Sindh Labour Minister Saeed Ghani along with senior federal and provincial health officials. Senator Nasir Mehmood Butt questioned why FIRs had still not been registered against those responsible in connection with the HIV situation, while Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan expressed dissatisfaction over delays in action and questioned the role of the Sindh Healthcare Commission in preventing the spread of the disease. Responding to the Committee, the Chief Executive Officer of the Sindh Healthcare Commission said the Commission had already registered several FIRs against medical quacks. However, he stated that weaknesses in the existing legal framework allowed many accused to obtain bail shortly after arrest. He informed the Committee that amendments to the law were being prepared to strengthen action against quackery. The CEO also disclosed that the Commission has only around 170 officials serving across the entire province, highlighting a serious shortage of human resources. Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri questioned why the Commission remained understaffed and asked whether the issue had been formally raised with the Sindh Government. Federal Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal requested the Committee Chairman to issue directions so the matter could move forward. Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan stressed that the Government should acknowledge administrative shortcomings wherever they exist. He also asked how many times the Sindh Healthcare Commission had formally requested additional staff from the Provincial Government. The discussion also focused on the governance structure of the Commission. Members were informed that after the 18th Constitutional Amendment, the Sindh Health Department no longer exercises administrative control over the Sindh Healthcare Commission. Federal Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal suggested that legislative measures should be considered to address governance-related issues affecting provincial institutions. The Committee also examined the appointment process for members of the Sindh Healthcare Commission Board. The Secretary Health informed members that the Department did not have the authority to appoint or remove Board members. Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri observed that such limitations weaken accountability, while Senator Nasir Mehmood Butt expressed concern that the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission was not administratively answerable to the Secretary Health. Earlier in the meeting, Sindh Labour Minister Saeed Ghani informed the Committee that two inquiries had been conducted into the Valika Hospital incident, during which 37 officials were identified for disciplinary action. He said the inquiry findings had not been made public due to security considerations but assured the Committee that strict action would be taken against those found responsible. He also informed members that the Sindh Government had established a social security fund to support families affected by HIV.

  • | |

    Chinese suspects seek bail in organ trade case

    ByJustpaste.in

    Three Chinese nationals arrested in a case involving the alleged illegal sale of human organs have approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking post-arrest bail. The bail petitions were heard by IHC Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir. The petitioners include Li Gang Chai, Ping Fei Guo and Wang Bao. The three suspects are facing a case registered by the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Corporate Crime Circle. A trial court had earlier rejected their bail applications. Appearing on behalf of the petitioners, Barrister Yawar Qureshi requested the court to transfer the cases to another bench. He told the court that petitions involving similar circumstances were already pending before a different bench. The lawyer requested that the three cases also be transferred to the bench of Justice Muhammad Azam Khan. Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir observed that Justice Muhammad Azam Khan was currently on summer vacation and transferring the cases could delay the proceedings by around a month. However, following the lawyer’s insistence, the court accepted the request for consideration of the bench change. The court directed that the case file be sent to the Chief Justice’s Office for a decision regarding the transfer of the petitions.

  • | |

    ‘Muslim world united’: Maryam hails Makkah pac…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has welcomed the joint defence agreement signed between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, calling it a decisive moment in the history of the Muslim world. In a statement, Maryam said the agreement sent a strong message to the world from the holy city of Makkah that the Muslim world was united. She said the coming together of three major economic, military and political powers was a positive development for the entire Muslim Ummah. Maryam described the agreement as the beginning of a new chapter for the Islamic world. She said the pact would strengthen collective security and defence cooperation among the three countries. She praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir for standing alongside the Saudi and Turkish leadership, saying their efforts had raised the nation’s pride. “The agreement will not only strengthen the security of our borders but also raise the head of the Muslim Ummah with pride,” she said. Maryam added that the Makkah defence agreement had reinforced the message of unity among Muslim countries. The agreement was signed in Makkah by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, the agreement stipulates that an attack on any one of the three countries will be considered an attack on all three. The pact aims to strengthen their joint defence capabilities against any aggression and expand defence cooperation between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.

  • | |

    Bilawal accuses PML-N of undermining Shehbaz

    ByJustpaste.in

    PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has alleged that some elements within the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) are weakening Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s position and creating divisions between the government and its political allies. Addressing an election rally in Poonch, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Bilawal said the PPP’s political differences with the PML-N were normal during elections. However, he claimed that the real problem was internal and involved elements within the ruling party. Bilawal said reports suggesting that the government had collapsed were incorrect. He described Prime Minister Shehbaz as a person with “good intentions”, but questioned whether the premier could succeed if people around him were working against his interests. The PPP chairman alleged that a significant section of the PML-N wanted the prime minister to confront not only opposition parties but also his coalition partners. He also criticised the phased AJK election schedule, questioning why polling was not held on a single day if the region was considered one electoral unit. Bilawal said the elections were being conducted in phases in the name of maintaining peace and ensuring free and fair polling. However, he alleged that the process had instead created opportunities for electoral manipulation. He accused the PML-N of securing seats in advance and alleged that the party had already “taken” seats in Mirpur and Muzaffarabad and was now targeting Poonch and Bagh. The PPP leader urged voters in Poonch and Bagh to respond through their votes in the upcoming elections. The AJK elections are being conducted in three phases. Polling in the Mirpur division was held on July 27, while the second phase in the Muzaffarabad division took place on August 2. The PML-N won nine of the 13 seats contested in Mirpur, while the PPP secured four. In the second phase, the PML-N won 15 additional seats in Muzaffarabad, while the PPP added six. The third phase was originally scheduled for August 10 across the Poonch division. However, the AJK Election Commission has revised the schedule because of security concerns. Under the revised plan, polling on August 10 will be held only in Bagh and Haveli districts. Elections in Poonch district and Pallandri in Sudhnoti district have been postponed. The Election Commission said it took the decision after receiving a report from the AJK home secretary highlighting concerns about the law and order situation in parts of Poonch and Pallandri. The decision follows clashes between protesters and law enforcement personnel in Rawalakot on July 27, which reportedly resulted in several casualties. Tensions have persisted in Rawalakot since early June, with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) organising periodic protests and sit-ins. The group has been demanding the abolition of 12 seats in the AJK legislature reserved for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir.

  • |

    Iranian lawmaker questions Saudi defence pact with Pakistan, Türkiye

    ByJustpaste.in

    TEHRAN: Iranian parliamentarian Ebrahim Rezaei has questioned whether Saudi Arabia’s new defence agreement with Pakistan and Türkiye can guarantee the Kingdom’s security. Rezaei, a member of Iran’s Parliament National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, made the remarks in a social media post. He said Saudi Arabia should understand that the agreement with Pakistan and Türkiye would not provide the level of protection Riyadh had failed to obtain despite decades of reliance on the United States. Rezaei described the agreement as a “paper pact” and urged Saudi Arabia to reconsider its policies so that it would not have to seek security guarantees from other countries. His comments came shortly after Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye signed a joint defence agreement in Makkah. The agreement was signed amid concerns over potential attacks on Saudi Arabia by Iran-aligned militias in Iraq and Yemen. Saudi officials have reportedly warned of such security threats. Under the new agreement, an attack against any one of the three countries will be considered an attack against all three. The pact aims to strengthen defence cooperation and develop joint capabilities among Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye. A trilateral defence summit was held at Al-Safa Palace in Makkah, attended by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the three leaders signed the agreement, formally described as the Makkah Defence Joint Agreement.

  • | |

    Armed robbers loot Rs6.5 million from Edhi Centre …

    ByJustpaste.in

    KARACHI: An armed robbery took place at an Edhi Centre in Karachi’s Sohrab Goth area, with four suspects fleeing with Rs6.5 million in cash. According to the centre’s spokesperson, the money had been withdrawn from a bank to pay employees’ salaries when the robbers targeted the staff. Police said four armed men riding two motorcycles carried out the robbery and escaped with the cash. Initial information is being obtained from employees who were present at the centre. According to their statements, all four suspects were wearing helmets during the robbery. Police said efforts were underway to obtain CCTV footage from the area to identify the suspects. An investigation into the incident is also continuing. Sindh Chief Minister has sought a report from the Inspector General of Police over the robbery. The chief minister said the Edhi Centre serves as a major source of support for poor and abandoned people. He directed the police to investigate the incident immediately and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. He added that protecting the lives and property of citizens remains the government’s top priority.

  • | |

    Miss North Carolina loses crown after allegations

    ByJustpaste.in

    Miss North Carolina USA Brittany Boltinhouse has been removed from her title following a review of information that recently came to light, pageant organisers announced. A Blaize Productions, which runs the state pageant, said it had made the decision to end Boltinhouse’s reign after examining the circumstances. The organisers did not disclose the nature of the information that prompted the review. Miss USA organisation president Thom Brodeur said the organisation does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia or language that degrades or strips people of their dignity. Brodeur said the issue was not linked to a single incident. According to him, the information presented to the organisation pointed to conduct that had allegedly occurred over an extended period. He said Boltinhouse had apologised and was expected to issue a statement addressing the matter. She has not publicly provided details about the circumstances leading to her removal. Boltinhouse, 27, won the Miss North Carolina USA title in June. She had been preparing to represent the state at the 75th Miss USA competition in Miami later this month. Organisers said the decision was not taken lightly and followed a “thorough review” of recently surfaced information. They said the action was necessary to protect the integrity of the title and uphold the organisation’s standards. The state’s runner-up, Myla Hadley, will now take over the title and represent North Carolina at the Miss USA pageant. Hadley said she understood the significance and responsibility attached to the position and was prepared to take on the role despite the short notice. She said she had been preparing to represent North Carolina at the national competition since she first entered the organisation’s pageant system. The winner of the upcoming Miss USA competition will go on to represent the United States at the Miss Universe pageant in November.

  • | | | |

    Three powers, one shield? What the pact means

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye have formalised their long-standing strategic and defence ties through the newly signed Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, establishing a framework for closer military coordination and collective security. The agreement was signed during a trilateral summit in Makkah attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The pact has attracted comparisons with established military alliances. However, analysts say its stated purpose is not to create a new military bloc or target any particular country. Instead, it provides an institutional structure for defence cooperation that has developed between the three nations over several decades. A formal structure for longstanding ties Pakistan and Türkiye have maintained close political and military relations for decades, while Islamabad and Riyadh have developed extensive defence, diplomatic and economic cooperation. The new agreement is viewed as an attempt to bring these existing relationships under a formal trilateral framework. It is designed to provide a more structured mechanism for consultations, military coordination and strategic cooperation. Why the agreement was signed now The agreement comes amid growing security challenges across the Middle East and wider region. Analysts say conflicts, changing military technologies and emerging security threats have encouraged countries with shared strategic interests to strengthen their defence coordination. The trilateral arrangement is intended to improve collective preparedness and provide a coordinated response to potential threats while supporting regional stability. What the defence pact provides A central element of the agreement is the principle of collective security. Under the framework, aggression against one member is to be treated as a threat to all three countries. The arrangement is expected to encourage greater military coordination, intelligence cooperation, strategic consultations and defence planning. Closer institutional links could also allow the three countries to coordinate their military capabilities and improve their ability to respond to security challenges. Different strengths, shared security interests Each country brings different capabilities to the partnership. Pakistan contributes a large and experienced military, operational expertise and extensive experience in counterterrorism and conventional defence. Saudi Arabia brings significant economic resources, regional influence and political weight. Türkiye adds its growing defence industry, military technology and manufacturing capabilities. Analysts believe these complementary strengths could make the partnership more effective while allowing the three countries to develop greater strategic self-reliance. Pakistan’s diplomatic role The agreement also comes as Pakistan seeks to strengthen its role as a regional diplomatic actor. Islamabad maintains relations with Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Iran, China and the United States, giving it channels of communication with several major regional and global powers. Analysts argue that Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement, alongside its military capabilities, could help it contribute to regional crisis management and dialogue. What the pact does not mean Despite comparisons with NATO and other military alliances, analysts stress that the agreement is not described as an offensive alliance. It is also not presented as a pact directed against a particular country, a so-called “Muslim NATO”, a nuclear deterrence arrangement or a religious military bloc. Instead, the three countries have presented it as a defensive framework focused on collective security, deterrence, military cooperation and regional stability. The long-term effectiveness of the agreement will depend on sustained political coordination and the willingness of all three governments to implement its commitments.

  • |

    Shakib ready to return to Bangladesh if assured of security

    ByJustpaste.in

    DHAKA: Bangladesh cricket star and former lawmaker Shakib Al Hasan has said he is prepared to return home from exile, face ongoing court proceedings and play a farewell series if the government guarantees his safety. Shakib, 39, has been living in the United States since the fall of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government following a deadly student-led uprising in August 2024. The former Bangladesh captain remains politically linked to Hasina’s Awami League, having previously served as a lawmaker from the party. He is currently facing criminal cases in Bangladesh, including one related to the alleged killing of a protester and another involving anti-corruption authorities. Speaking to Reuters from Sri Lanka, where he is playing franchise cricket, Shakib said he wanted to return and was willing to appear before the courts. He said he would go back if the government formally assured him that adequate security would be provided. Shakib maintained that he had not committed any wrongdoing and described the murder case against him as baseless. He said the case was filed on a day in August 2024 when he was playing a match in Toronto. The cricketer also said he had previously attempted to return to Bangladesh. In late 2024, he boarded a flight after receiving assurances that he would be protected, but was reportedly instructed to turn back while the journey was underway. He eventually landed in Dubai before returning to the United States. Shakib said another planned return was blocked after he posted a birthday message for Hasina. He questioned why such a social media post should prevent him from entering his own country. The former captain also rejected suggestions that he should distance himself from Hasina or the Awami League to facilitate his return. Shakib recently appeared virtually at a press conference in Delhi alongside Hasina. Following the event, his vacant home in Bangladesh was reportedly attacked. He defended his participation, saying his message was focused on peace and Bangladesh’s progress. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said Shakib must face the legal process like any other accused person and surrender before Bangladeshi courts. Meanwhile, Shakib said he still hopes to represent Bangladesh in a farewell series and possibly play at the 2027 ODI World Cup. He acknowledged that retirement was approaching but said he remained physically fit and continued to enjoy playing cricket. The cricketer also revealed that his bank accounts had been frozen for around 18 months during investigations. He said he had not seen his parents in Bangladesh for nearly two years.