تازہ ترین

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    IHC reserves verdict on judges’ appointments ple…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday reserved its verdict on the maintainability of a petition challenging the delay in the approval of judicial appointments for high courts across the country. Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir heard the petition filed by advocate Luqman Zafar Chaudhary through his counsel Zahid Asif Chaudhry. The petitioner requested the court to direct President Asif Ali Zardari to approve a summary forwarded by the prime minister for the appointment of 19 additional judges and the confirmation of five judges in the Islamabad, Lahore, Sindh, Balochistan and Peshawar high courts. During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer argued that the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) had recommended the appointments during its meetings held on July 20 and 21. He said the summary was later sent to the president for approval, but no decision has been made despite the passage of more than two weeks. The counsel maintained that the delay is affecting the functioning of the superior judiciary. He informed the court that the tenure of an additional judge of the Sindh High Court has already expired, while the terms of four additional judges of the Peshawar High Court are expected to end within the coming days. The lawyer also told the court that reports suggest the government may issue notifications regarding the appointments within the next 48 hours. Justice Tahir repeatedly questioned whether a constitutional petition could legally be maintained against the president. He asked the petitioner’s counsel to cite any previous court ruling in which a writ had been issued against the president regarding the exercise of constitutional powers. The court observed that the judgments presented by the petitioner did not support the argument that courts could direct the president in matters governed by Article 48 of the Constitution. Justice Tahir asked whether any legal precedent existed requiring the president to act on such matters through a judicial order. The petitioner’s counsel argued that Article 48 requires the president to act on the advice of the prime minister or the cabinet. He maintained that the president has no independent authority to indefinitely delay judicial appointments once the Judicial Commission has completed its recommendations. The lawyer further argued that the Ministry of Law is the competent authority to issue appointment notifications after the completion of the constitutional process. He claimed that the president’s role in the appointment process is largely formal and that unnecessary delays should not hinder the functioning of the judiciary. The petitioner requested the court to seek responses from the federal government, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Law regarding the status of the pending summary. However, the court declined to issue notices at this stage.

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    Shakib’s home attacked after Hasina media event

    ByJustpaste.in

    Former Bangladesh cricket captain Shakib Al Hasan’s ancestral home was attacked by a group of people after he participated in the first public media event of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina since her removal from power in 2024. According to police, the attack took place in Magura, around 170 kilometres southwest of Dhaka. Protesters reportedly smashed windows of the house and threw bricks along with two petrol bombs. The attack triggered a fire on the upper floor of the residence. Authorities said the property was vacant at the time of the incident and no injuries were reported. Police have launched an investigation into the attack. The incident occurred hours after Shakib joined a virtual discussion organised by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia in New Delhi. During the event, Sheikh Hasina addressed the media for the first time since leaving office and declared that she intended to return to Bangladesh in December despite the legal cases against her. Hasina said she was prepared to face imprisonment or even death if she returned, insisting that she wanted to stand with the people of Bangladesh. She also called for the ban on her Awami League party to be lifted so it could resume political activities. Shakib, who was elected to parliament on an Awami League ticket in January 2024, has remained outside Bangladesh since the student-led uprising that forced Hasina from power. He is currently facing several investigations, including allegations related to murder, financial misconduct, fraud and money laundering, all of which remain under legal process. The Bangladesh government strongly criticised Hasina’s media appearance from India, describing it as harmful to the country’s sovereignty. Officials warned that allowing such activities could negatively affect relations between Dhaka and New Delhi. Hasina has been living in India since August 2024 after leaving Bangladesh during the political unrest. The Bangladeshi government has requested her extradition, while Indian authorities have said the request is being reviewed under legal procedures. Last year, Bangladesh’s war crimes tribunal sentenced Hasina to death in absentia over charges linked to the deadly crackdown on the 2024 student protests. The former prime minister has rejected the charges, calling them politically motivated.

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    Father seeks fresh post-mortem in Mir Raza case

    ByJustpaste.in

    The father of deceased businessman Mir Raza Ali has decided to seek a second post-mortem examination, saying he is not satisfied with the initial medical report or the progress of the investigation into his son’s death. Mir Hussain said he will move the court to request a fresh medical examination. He believes the first post-mortem did not fully explain the circumstances of his son’s death and has called for a transparent and impartial investigation. Mir Raza Ali, an IBA graduate and businessman, went missing on the night of July 28 after leaving his home. According to his family, he told them he would return within a few minutes. However, he did not come back. His body was found the following day in bushes in Karachi’s Gulistan-e-Jauhar area. The victim’s father has rejected the theory that his son died by suicide. He insists that Mir Raza was murdered and claims attempts are being made to present the incident as a suicide. He alleged that his son’s body showed signs of violence, including burns to the face, body and fingerprints. He also claimed that Mir Raza was shot from behind and questioned why the initial medical report focused only on the gunshot injury without mentioning other visible injuries. Mir Hussain further questioned what happened to his son during the nearly 24 hours between his disappearance and the recovery of his body. He said Mir Raza had spoken to his sister before leaving home and appeared to be in a normal mood. According to the family, the taxi driver who dropped him off also told investigators that the businessman seemed cheerful and was singing during the journey. Preliminary medical findings indicated that the victim died from a gunshot wound. The report estimated that the body was between 24 and 36 hours old when examined. Medical officials also noted facial injuries and marks on one of his hands. The bullet’s path suggested it entered from the back and exited through the front. To ensure a thorough inquiry, Karachi police have constituted a three-member special investigation team. The team has been directed to examine every aspect of the case, identify those responsible and submit daily progress reports to senior police officials. Investigators have also reviewed the victim’s mobile phone records and forensic evidence. According to officials, the data indicates that Mir Raza had been facing financial difficulties. Authorities said he had reportedly sent a message to a friend shortly before his death requesting a loan of Rs30 million. Police have recorded statements from 15 individuals, including the taxi driver who last transported the victim and the person who first informed authorities about the body.

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    Punjab seeks Rs12.5bn for local polls

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Punjab government is expected to consider a request for Rs12.5 billion to finance the upcoming local government elections in the province. According to official sources, the Punjab Local Government Department has formally sought the funds from the provincial government to meet the financial requirements for conducting the elections. The requested amount is intended to cover the expenses associated with organising the electoral process, including administrative arrangements, polling operations, election staff, logistics and other necessary preparations. Sources said the proposal for the release of funds will be presented before the Punjab Cabinet for approval. The cabinet will review the request and decide whether to allocate the required amount for the elections. An important meeting of the Punjab Cabinet has been convened for today. The meeting is expected to discuss several major policy and administrative matters, with the funding proposal for local government elections among the key agenda items. If the cabinet approves the request, the release of funds will pave the way for the Election Commission and the provincial authorities to begin practical preparations for the long-awaited local government elections. The financial allocation is considered a key step toward ensuring that the electoral process is conducted smoothly and that all logistical and administrative requirements are met on time. Officials believe that timely approval of the funds will help avoid delays in election preparations and support the successful organisation of local government polls across Punjab.

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    A$AP Rocky says Rihanna is working on new album

    ByJustpaste.in

    Rihanna may finally be preparing to end her nearly decade-long break from releasing a studio album, after her partner, rapper A$AP Rocky, revealed that the global music star is currently back in the recording studio. Speaking during a recent podcast interview, A$AP Rocky confirmed that Rihanna has been working on new music, saying she is “in the studio” and actively creating material. While he did not reveal any details about the project, his comments have renewed excitement among fans eagerly awaiting the singer’s next album. The rapper dismissed speculation that the couple might be planning a joint album, making it clear that Rihanna is focused on her own music. He jokingly admitted that he might get into trouble for revealing that she is recording again. Rihanna, whose real name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, has not released a full studio album since “Anti” in 2016. Despite her long absence from the album scene, she has continued to release a handful of singles over the years, including “Lift Me Up,” which featured in the film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Earlier, Rihanna had said she wanted to make sure her next album meets fans’ expectations after such a long wait. She explained that she would rather take more time than release music that does not meet her own standards. In recent years, the Barbadian superstar has focused heavily on her business ventures. Her cosmetics brand, Fenty Beauty, and fashion and lingerie businesses have become global successes, helping make her one of the world’s wealthiest entertainers. Rihanna and A$AP Rocky are also raising their three children together, balancing family life with their professional careers. During the interview, A$AP Rocky declined to comment on speculation about whether the couple had secretly married, choosing to keep their personal relationship private.

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    Vance pledges military, diplomatic pressure on Iran

    ByJustpaste.in

    The United States will use military, economic and diplomatic measures to bring the conflict with Iran to an end, Vice President JD Vance has said, stressing that Washington remains committed to preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. In a television interview, Vance said negotiations with Iran remain difficult due to internal divisions within the country’s leadership. He claimed that while some factions in Iran want to end the conflict through diplomacy, others continue to support confrontation, making negotiations more complicated. Despite the challenges, Vance expressed confidence that a settlement could eventually be reached, although he acknowledged the process would take time. He said the US hopes regional stability will improve and global oil prices will ease once tensions decline. The vice president reiterated that the United States would continue using every available tool, including military strength, economic sanctions and diplomatic engagement, to achieve what he described as a lasting resolution. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said he still prefers diplomacy over military action. Speaking at a public event, Trump said he would rather reach an agreement with Iran than resort to war, but warned that military action remains an option if negotiations fail. Trump also dismissed reports suggesting the United States is facing shortages of key military ammunition. He insisted that the country has substantial stockpiles of weapons and said defence manufacturers are rapidly expanding production to meet future requirements. The president further warned that individuals responsible for leaking classified information about US military capabilities would face legal action, saying authorities were actively pursuing those involved. The developments come as tensions remain high around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes for oil exports. At the same time, eight leading international shipping organisations have urged the United Nations to oppose any proposal to impose mandatory transit fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. In a joint letter addressed to the UN and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the organisations warned that introducing tolls would undermine the internationally recognised principle of free navigation and could increase shipping costs, fuel prices and inflation worldwide. The maritime groups also cautioned that allowing such charges could create a dangerous precedent for other international waterways and disrupt global trade. The appeal follows recent discussions between Iran and Oman on future arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials said the two countries have reached preliminary understandings on several issues related to maritime traffic, although they clarified that the agreement does not mean the waterway will be fully reopened under a new system. Separately, reports in US media claimed President Trump had questioned senior defence officials over alleged shortages of military munitions during a recent Cabinet meeting. According to the reports, concerns over weapon supplies had influenced military planning regarding Iran.

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    Pakistan’s blasphemy cases hit record low

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan has witnessed a significant decline in registered blasphemy cases this year following a crackdown on hardline religious groups, signalling what analysts describe as a major shift in the country’s security policy. According to figures cited by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), only 13 blasphemy cases have been registered so far in 2026, marking a fall of nearly two-thirds compared with the same period in recent years. Data from conflict monitoring organisation ACLED also indicates that only one blasphemy-related riot or attack has occurred over the past year, compared with an annual average of more than seven incidents between 2021 and 2024. The decline comes after security agencies intensified action against several extremist organisations accused of exploiting blasphemy allegations to incite violence. Officials familiar with the matter said the campaign has included arrests of key figures, restrictions on organisational activities, freezing of financial assets and tighter monitoring of religious gatherings. The change was evident during an incident in Karachi last month, where allegations of blasphemy against a Christian family drew a large crowd. Police officers intervened before the situation turned violent and persuaded protesters to disperse peacefully. Authorities later determined that the accusations against the family were baseless, allowing them to be moved to safety without further harm. Analysts believe the reduced presence of organised extremist groups has played a key role in preventing mob violence that has historically followed blasphemy accusations. Pakistan has witnessed around 90 blasphemy-related lynchings since 1990, with many incidents beginning after rumours spread through local communities. Security experts say the military leadership has adopted a tougher stance against groups previously accused of using religious sentiments to mobilise supporters and pressure governments. They argue the policy shift is linked to broader efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s international image, attract foreign investment and improve relations with Western countries while tackling growing security threats at home. Officials also believe that curbing religious extremism is necessary to address worsening militancy in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where insurgent violence continues to challenge the state’s authority. Some analysts say extremist organisations and militant groups have historically drawn support from similar networks of radicalised youth. The country’s largest hardline religious party, Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), was banned last year after authorities concluded that its activities posed a threat to public order and Pakistan’s international reputation. Government measures reportedly included detaining senior leaders, sealing offices and restricting financial operations. The party has rejected the ban, calling it unconstitutional. Despite the decline in violence, observers caution that extremist ideology remains deeply rooted in parts of society. Human rights advocates say minority communities, including Christians, Ahmadis and Shia Muslims, continue to live under the fear of false accusations, as Pakistan’s blasphemy laws remain in force and carry the death penalty. Security analysts also warn that sustained enforcement will be necessary to prevent banned organisations from regrouping or resurfacing under new identities. They argue that long-term success will depend on consistent policies rather than temporary crackdowns.

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    Pakistan rise in WTC standings after West Indies w…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Port of Spain: Pakistan breathed new life into their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 campaign after defeating the West Indies by eight wickets in the second and final Test, a victory that lifted them off the bottom of the standings and restored confidence under new captain Babar Azam. The convincing win helped Pakistan move up to seventh place in the WTC table with a points percentage of 22.22, replacing the West Indies, who dropped to the bottom after another disappointing result. Pakistan have now won two of their six matches in the current championship cycle, while the Caribbean side have managed just two victories in 12 Tests. At the top of the standings, Australia remain the dominant force with seven wins in eight matches and a remarkable winning percentage of 87.50. Defending champions South Africa occupy second place, followed by New Zealand, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, England, Pakistan and West Indies. Pakistan entered the Caribbean series under fresh leadership after Babar Azam replaced Shan Masood as Test captain. However, the new chapter began on a disappointing note as the visitors suffered a 90-run defeat in the opening Test at Tarouba. The Green Shirts responded in style in the second Test at Queen’s Park Oval with an impressive all-round performance. After electing to bat, the West Indies posted 344 thanks to fighting half-centuries from captain Roston Chase and Justin Greaves. Pakistan answered with determination as opener Abdullah Shafique produced a magnificent unbeaten 160, anchoring the innings from start to finish. Captain Babar Azam added a composed half-century as Pakistan reached 387, taking a valuable first-innings lead of 43 runs. The turning point came in the West Indies’ second innings when Pakistan’s spin duo completely dominated the hosts. Sajid Khan and Ali Usman claimed four wickets each to dismiss the West Indies for just 117, leaving Pakistan a modest target of 75. Pakistan completed the chase comfortably with eight wickets to spare. Shafique and Babar remained unbeaten on 24 each, guiding their team to its first away Test victory since July 2023. Teams Matches Wins Losses Draw Points Winning Percentages Australia       8    7      1     0    84        87.50 South Africa       4    3      1     0    36           75 New Zealand       6    4      1     1    52        72.22 Bangladesh       4    2      1     1    28        58.33 India       9    4      4     1    52        48.15 Sri Lanka       4    1      1     2    20        41.67 England      13    4      8     1    38        24.36 Pakistan       6    2      4     0    16        22.22 West Indies      12    2      8     2    30        20.83   The morale-boosting triumph not only squared the two-match series 1-1 but also revived Pakistan’s hopes in the World Test Championship race. With Babar Azam’s captaincy beginning to take shape and key players delivering under pressure, Pakistan will now look to build momentum in the remainder of the WTC cycle.

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    HRCP, PFUJ slam new foreign media rules

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) have strongly criticised the government’s newly introduced Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines 2026, describing the policy as a serious threat to press freedom and independent journalism. The criticism comes after the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting reminded foreign media organisations that journalists must obtain prior government approval before carrying out reporting assignments outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi under the revised External Publicity Guidelines. The ministry issued the reminder following concerns over international coverage related to Azad Jammu and Kashmir. In a statement, the HRCP said the new guidelines could discourage independent reporting on issues of public interest instead of facilitating journalistic work. The commission expressed concern that the policy reflects an increasing trend of restrictions on media freedom, including tighter controls on reporting and growing administrative hurdles for journalists. According to the rights body, requiring official permission before reporting from many parts of the country could create an atmosphere where critical journalism is discouraged. It urged the government to withdraw the new measures and ensure protection of freedom of expression in line with constitutional guarantees and international commitments. The PFUJ also condemned the notification, calling it a direct attack on press freedom. The journalists’ union argued that the policy not only limits the movement of foreign correspondents but also places restrictions on Pakistani journalists working for international media organisations. PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari questioned how journalists would be able to perform their professional responsibilities if access to large parts of the country is restricted. They warned that the policy could affect Pakistan’s international reputation and further weaken its standing in global press freedom rankings. The union also expressed concern that Pakistani journalists employed by foreign media organisations could face job losses if they are prevented from reporting from different regions of the country.

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    Zverev suffers shock exit at Montreal Masters

    ByJustpaste.in

    MONTREAL: French Open champion Alexander Zverev suffered a surprise early exit from the ATP Montreal Masters after falling 6-7 (3/7), 6-2, 6-4 to Dutch underdog Tallon Griekspoor in a dramatic second-round clash on Wednesday. The top-seeded German entered the tournament hoping to bounce back from his Wimbledon final defeat to Jannik Sinner, but instead endured one of the toughest losses of his season. Despite claiming a tightly contested opening-set tiebreak, Zverev struggled to maintain his rhythm as Griekspoor mounted an impressive comeback. The world No. 69 displayed remarkable composure and consistency, taking control in the second set before sealing the biggest victory of his campaign after two hours and 34 minutes of intense tennis. A visibly disappointed Zverev did not hide his frustration after the match. “I didn’t expect to play well, but I also didn’t expect to play this badly,” the German admitted. “This was probably the worst match of the season. Tennis has its ups and downs, and now it’s about finding my best level again.” The defeat marked Zverev’s first match since finishing runner-up to Sinner at Wimbledon and brought an abrupt end to his Montreal campaign. Griekspoor’s reward is a place in the third round, where he will meet the winner of the match between Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi and Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan. The tournament had already witnessed another setback for the top seeds after second seed Felix Auger-Aliassime withdrew before his opening match because of a back injury sustained during training earlier this week. Despite the disappointing result in Montreal, Zverev has enjoyed an impressive 2026 season. He reached the semi-finals at the Australian Open, Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo and Munich, finished runner-up in Madrid, and captured his maiden Grand Slam singles title at the French Open. However, his latest defeat serves as a reminder that even the game’s biggest stars can face unexpected setbacks as the North American hard-court season gathers momentum.