تازہ ترین

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    Dallas conference backs UN-led Kashmir settlement

    DALLAS: A conference in Dallas, Texas, has called for a peaceful and lasting settlement of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions. The conference was organised by Friends of Kashmir to mark the anniversary of India’s 2019 decision to revoke the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir. Members of the Pakistani and Kashmiri diaspora, community leaders and representatives of Sikhs for Justice attended the event. Pakistan’s Consul General in Houston, Aftab Chaudhry, was the chief guest. Friends of Kashmir International Chairperson Ghazala Habib presided over the gathering. Speakers expressed solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). They also voiced concerns about the situation in the region following the revocation of Article 370 and Article 35A. Addressing the participants, Chaudhry said Pakistan would continue providing diplomatic, political and moral support to the Kashmiri people. He said India’s decision to revoke the region’s special status had added further complexity to the long-running Kashmir dispute. Ghazala Habib urged the international community to pay greater attention to the concerns and rights of Kashmiris. She also highlighted cooperation between Kashmiri and Sikh communities in raising issues related to justice and human rights. Other speakers, including Aftab Siddiqui, Syed Fayaz Hasan, Ghulam Jahangra and Dr Fareeha Qazi, called for stronger international efforts to address the Kashmir dispute through peaceful means. Gurvinder Singh, who represented the Sikh community, stressed the importance of involving younger generations in campaigns focused on justice and human rights. At the conclusion of the conference, participants adopted a resolution calling for an internationally supported and peaceful settlement of the Kashmir issue in line with relevant UN resolutions. The resolution also urged the international community to help protect the fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people and maintain attention on the disputed region.

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    Brad Pitt renews legal fight for Angelina Jolie’…

    Brad Pitt is continuing his years-long legal battle with ex-wife Angelina Jolie over the French winery, Château Miraval, with his legal team seeking access to years of Jolie’s financial records. According to court filings reported by PEOPLE, Pitt’s lawyers are asking for documents connected to Jolie’s income, including records from her Hollywood projects. His team argues that the information could be important because Jolie’s financial circumstances may help establish why she decided to sell her interest in the winery. (People.com⁠) The dispute centers on Jolie’s 2021 sale of her stake in Château Miraval to Tenute del Mondo, part of the Stoli Group. Pitt has argued that the sale violated an agreement between the couple that required his approval before either party could sell their interest. (People.com⁠) Jolie has rejected Pitt’s claims and pushed back against his requests for financial information. Her lawyers argue that Pitt has mischaracterized her position and that she was seeking to separate her finances from him when she sold her stake. (People.com⁠) Why Pitt wants the records Pitt’s legal team reportedly believes Jolie’s financial records could help challenge aspects of her account of the sale. His lawyers have sought information concerning her earnings between 2017 and 2021, including movie contracts and professional income. (People.com⁠) The request has become another point of disagreement despite the couple finalizing their divorce in 2024. Jolie’s side has described the demands as excessive. Her attorneys have argued that the records Pitt wants are not necessary to resolve the central questions surrounding the winery transaction. (People.com⁠) A legal dispute Pitt and Jolie purchased Château Miraval in 2008, when they were together, and developed the property into both a family retreat and a wine business. Their relationship later ended in a divorce, but disagreements involving the estate continued after their separation. (courthousenews.com⁠) The winery case has produced legal filings and disputes over documents, communications and testimony. Both sides have continued seeking information they believe supports their positions. Pitt’s renewed request for Jolie’s financial documents does not settle the dispute. Instead, it marks another stage in the discovery process as the legal battle moves forward. Neither side appears ready to abandon its position. Pitt continues to argue that the records could strengthen his case, while Jolie maintains that the requests go too far. The Château Miraval dispute remains an unresolved chapter in the couple’s legal saga.

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    Jason Sudeikis gushes over his hometown in Ted Las…

    Jason Sudeikis is celebrating his Kansas City roots after bringing his beloved hometown to the center of the Ted Lasso season 4 premiere. The 50-year-old actor and comedian, who stars as the warm-hearted football coach Ted Lasso, recently spoke with PEOPLE about returning to Kansas City with several of his castmates. For Sudeikis, filming there was more than simply another location shoot. It gave him the chance to share a place that has played an important role in his life with people he has worked alongside for years. (People.com⁠) A special homecoming Sudeikis grew up in the Kansas City area and has maintained a strong connection to the city. He frequently returns for charity events and other appearances, but bringing the Ted Lasso cast there created a different experience. Some of his co-stars, including Hannah Waddingham and Brendan Hunt, were already familiar with Kansas City. For Juno Temple and Jeremy Swift, however, the 10-day shoot offered an opportunity to experience the city for the first time. Sudeikis said he enjoyed watching his castmates discover the place he knows so well. Their reactions also allowed him to see Kansas City from a fresh perspective and appreciate it all over again. (People.com⁠) Kansas City takes the spotlight The season 4 premiere, titled “Home,” puts Kansas City at the heart of Ted’s story. The episode features recognizable locations and local touches, making the city feel like an important character rather than simply a backdrop. One memorable stop is Gates Bar-B-Q, a Kansas City institution that has been serving barbecue since 1946. In the episode, Ted introduces his British friends to the local favorite, giving viewers a taste of the city’s famous food culture. Sudeikis also revealed his own preferred order: pulled pork or burnt ends. His comments show just how familiar he remains with the city’s barbecue traditions. (People.com⁠) Returning to Ted’s roots The Kansas City setting also has deeper meaning for Ted. At the end of season 3, he returned home to be closer to his son, Henry. When Sudeikis initially considered the story complete, he felt Ted had already made his way back to Kansas City. Season 4 now begins from that point, with Ted once again balancing his life at home with his connection to AFC Richmond. (Good Morning America⁠) For Sudeikis, bringing Ted Lasso home has clearly been a meaningful experience. With Kansas City featured so prominently in the premiere, the new season offers fans a closer look at the place that helped shape both the actor and his beloved character.

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    Dylan Sprouse finally reveals how he met wife Barb…

    Dylan Sprouse has opened up about the story behind his first meeting with his wife, model Barbara Palvin, revealing how their relationship began years before they eventually got married. The 34-year-old actor discussed his relationship with Palvin during the Tuesday, August 4 episode of Amanda Hirsch’s Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast. Sprouse looked back on their first encounter in 2017 and shared details about how the pair initially crossed paths. Sprouse and Palvin have now been married for three years, but their romance did not begin with an immediate relationship. Instead, their first meeting happened through a professional connection that eventually developed into something much more personal. How Dylan and Barbara first met During the podcast appearance, Sprouse explained that he first met Palvin after being introduced to her through mutual connections. At the time, the two were beginning to get to know each other, although neither could have known that the meeting would eventually lead to marriage. Sprouse recalled being interested in Palvin from the beginning, but their relationship developed gradually. The actor has previously described their early connection as something that grew naturally rather than happening overnight. Palvin, meanwhile, has also spoken about their early relationship and the way they stayed connected after meeting. Their romance eventually became public in 2018, when the pair began appearing together at events and sharing glimpses of their relationship with fans. From dating to marriage After several years together, Sprouse and Palvin took their relationship to the next level. The couple became engaged in 2023 and married later that year in an intimate ceremony in Hungary. The wedding was especially meaningful for Palvin because it took place in her home country. The couple celebrated with family and close friends, keeping many details of the ceremony private. Since getting married, Sprouse and Palvin have continued to support each other’s careers while maintaining a relatively low-key personal life. Although both have major careers in entertainment and fashion, they often choose to keep their relationship away from the constant attention of Hollywood. Looking back at their beginning For Sprouse, revisiting their first meeting offers a glimpse into how an unexpected introduction can eventually become a lasting relationship. What began with a meeting in 2017 ultimately grew into a romance, an engagement and a marriage. Now, nearly a decade after they first crossed paths, Sprouse and Palvin have built a life together while continuing to pursue their individual careers. The actor’s recent comments also give fans a rare look at the early days of a relationship that has remained one of Hollywood’s more enduring celebrity romances.

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    Supreme Court bars fresh claims after final contra…

    ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ruled that contractors cannot pursue additional financial claims or seek arbitration after voluntarily accepting a final settlement, reinforcing the binding nature of contractual agreements. A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, alongside Justice Irfan Saadat Khan and Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi, dismissed a petition seeking permission to appeal against an earlier ruling of the Peshawar High Court. Justice Irfan Saadat Khan authored the judgment. The dispute originated from a construction contract awarded in December 1993 for the Hayatabad Medical Complex in Peshawar. During the project, the contractor sought additional payments, citing delays and funding shortages. According to the judgment, the company later accepted Rs88.555 million as final payment and signed a No Demand Certificate, formally giving up its right to pursue further financial claims under the contract. Despite the settlement, the contractor subsequently approached the courts seeking arbitration over additional demands. The trial court and the Peshawar High Court rejected the request, and the Supreme Court has now upheld those decisions. The apex court clarified that once a party willingly accepts final payment and signs a No Demand Certificate, it cannot reopen financial claims or invoke arbitration unless it can establish that the settlement was secured through fraud, coercion or undue influence. The court stressed that voluntarily concluded agreements must remain enforceable, particularly in public-sector development projects where contractual certainty is essential. It warned that allowing settled disputes to be reopened without evidence of wrongdoing could weaken confidence in contracts and create uncertainty in commercial dealings.

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    # A$AP Rocky responds to Drake’s ‘Burning Brid…

    A$AP Rocky has addressed the renewed tension surrounding Drake after the Canadian rapper appeared to reference Rocky and his partner, Rihanna, on his song “Burning Bridges.” The track, released as part of Drake’s 2026 album Iceman, quickly sparked discussion among hip-hop fans. Listeners interpreted several lines as possible references to Rocky, particularly a lyric questioning where a rapper’s “baby mama” was while discussing his music. Because Rihanna and Rocky are partners and share a family, fans quickly connected the lyrics to the Harlem rapper. However, neither Drake nor Rocky has explicitly confirmed every interpretation of the song. (Just Jared⁠) Rocky and Drake’s complicated history The tension between the two rappers has been developing for years. Rocky previously addressed their relationship in an interview with Apple Music’s Ebro Darden, saying that he no longer had a good relationship with Drake. He also suggested that women and past relationships played a role in how their friendship deteriorated. (BET⁠) The situation gained additional attention after Drake released Iceman, with fans examining its lyrics for references to Rocky, Rihanna and other celebrities. Rocky has not appeared interested in letting the online conversation dictate his response. Instead, his recent comments suggest that he is aware of the speculation but remains focused on his own career. Rihanna remains part of the conversation Drake’s apparent reference to Rihanna has attracted particular attention because of her history with both artists. Rihanna and Drake previously collaborated on several songs and had a widely discussed relationship, while she has been romantically involved with Rocky since 2020. Rihanna has also publicly supported Rocky’s career. After his album Don’t Be Dumb reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in January, she celebrated the achievement publicly, contradicting the idea that she had not supported his music. (Just Jared⁠) The feud continues The latest exchange adds another chapter to one of hip-hop’s most closely followed rivalries. Rocky has previously responded to online speculation with humor and occasional jabs, including a July concert moment in which he held up a fan’s anti-Drake sign. (iHeart⁠) For now, there is no indication that the situation has moved beyond music and public comments. Drake’s lyrics have fueled plenty of discussion, but interpretations remain largely driven by fans. Rocky appears to be moving forward with his own music and performances while maintaining his relationship with Rihanna and focusing on his growing family. Whether he chooses to answer Drake directly in a future song remains to be seen.

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    Saudi Crown Prince receives PM Shehbaz Sharif in M…

    Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was received by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at Al-Safa Palace in Makkah on Friday, where the two leaders commenced high-level bilateral talks aimed at further strengthening Pakistan-Saudi Arabia strategic ties. The Prime Minister is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, and Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif. The meeting is expected to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations, with discussions focusing on defence and security cooperation, trade and investment, regional developments, and ways to deepen the longstanding strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The talks come amid heightened regional diplomatic activity and underscore the close coordination between Islamabad and Riyadh on key geopolitical and economic issues.

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    Oil prices climb as Hormuz tensions rekindle suppl…

    Global oil prices moved higher on Friday as renewed uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz fueled concerns over potential disruptions to one of the world’s most critical energy shipping routes. Brent crude futures rose 80 cents, or nearly 1%, to $83.29 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 64 cents to reach $77.93 per barrel. The increase followed a sharp rally in the previous session, when prices surged by more than $3 after reports that Iran was considering new restrictions on maritime traffic through the strategic waterway. Market sentiment shifted after Iranian officials proposed measures that could prohibit US and Israeli-linked vessels from transiting the Strait of Hormuz, while imposing significant financial penalties on ships from countries deemed hostile. The proposal, reportedly being reviewed by Iran’s parliament, has raised fresh concerns about the future of global energy supplies. Analysts said the latest developments indicate that tensions between Iran and the United States remain unresolved, despite recent hopes of diplomatic progress. They noted that the market is now pricing in the possibility of a tightly managed transit system rather than a return to unrestricted shipping through the strait. Reports also suggest that Iran is seeking transit fees ranging from 5% to 7% of cargo values, while Oman has proposed lower charges. However, industry experts believe any agreement would face significant hurdles because of US sanctions and insurance restrictions affecting international shipping. Although crude benchmarks are still on track to post weekly losses after earlier declines driven by optimism over a possible breakthrough in the regional conflict, the renewed geopolitical uncertainty has restored upward pressure on prices. Adding to market jitters, Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi positions in Marib and Hadramout, further highlighting the fragile security situation in the region. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump expressed optimism that the conflict could end soon, but investors remain cautious as uncertainty continues to dominate the global oil market.

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    PSX retreats as profit-taking, oil prices hit sent…

    The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) came under pressure on Friday as investors opted to book profits after the market’s recent gains. The benchmark KSE-100 Index fell sharply during early trading, reflecting cautious investor sentiment amid rising global oil prices and uncertainty over developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. The index dropped 771.05 points, or 0.42%, to 181,005.54 by 9:39am. Selling was reported across several major sectors, putting pressure on the overall market. By noon, the KSE-100 had recovered some of its losses and was trading at 181,326.54 points, down 450.05 points, or 0.25%, from Thursday’s close of 181,776.59. During the session, the index moved between an intraday high of 181,647.27 and a low of 180,620.08 points. Trading activity remained moderate, with around 146.05 million shares changing hands. The total value of traded shares stood at approximately Rs10.06 billion. Selling was visible in several heavyweight sectors, including automobile assemblers, cement companies, commercial banks, fertiliser firms, oil and gas exploration companies and oil marketing companies. Market sentiment was also affected by the continued rise in international crude prices. Investors remained cautious over possible disruptions to energy supplies amid tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts attributed the decline largely to profit-taking following the market’s recent strong performance. Investors appeared reluctant to make fresh aggressive positions while global oil prices and geopolitical risks remained elevated. Despite Friday’s decline, the KSE-100 remained above the 181,000-point level, indicating that the broader market continued to retain much of its recent gains.

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    Qul held for Ustad Noor Muhammad Nizami

    Dera Ghazi Khan: A large number of people from all walks of life attended the Qul ceremony of legendary qawwal Ustad Noor Muhammad Nizami, held in Taunsa Sharif. The renowned qawwal, who passed away on 6 August 2026 after battling lung complications since 5 July, was 86. Prayers were offered for the departed soul, and admirers paid tribute to his lifelong contributions to Qawwali and Sufi music. Born in 1940, Ustad Noor Muhammad was the torchbearer of a glorious seven-generation Qawwal legacy, rooted in the soil of Taunsa. His seventh forefather, Mian Ahmad, was brought from Mahaar Sharif to Taunsa by Khawajah Shah Sulaiman Taunsavi of the Chishti Order. For seven generations, his family has devoted their art to the shrine of Taunsa, offering soul-stirring Qawwali in service of the divine. Ustad Noor Muhammad began his musical journey at the tender age of seven, singing at shrine Mahmoodia Taunsa in the presence of Khawajah Nizamudin Taunsvi. His musical education was nurtured by his uncle, Ghulam Sarwar, who guided him in the classical traditions. He was a master of the Kaafi Thaath and Raag Darbari, and his renditions of Ghazal, Kaafi, and Qawwali captivated audiences for decades. From 1970 to 1974, he lent his voice to Radio Pakistan Multan, enriching the airwaves with his timeless artistry. He shared deep bonds with the members of the Sham Chaurasi and Patiala clans, who held him in the highest esteem as a friend and fellow maestro. Ustad Noor Muhammad Nizami leaves behind a grieving family—three sons, Mazhar Ali, Azhar Ali, and Imran Haider, who courageously carry forward his legacy, along with five daughters and a host of grandchildren. His voice may have fallen silent, but his spirit lives on in every note his sons sing and in the hearts of all who were blessed to hear him.