تازہ ترین

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    Lionel Messi breaks Leagues Cup record with stunning brace

    MIAMI: Lionel Messi once again proved why he remains one of football’s greatest stars, delivering a brilliant two-goal performance to guide Inter Miami to a thrilling 4-2 victory over Atletico San Luis in their opening Leagues Cup 2026 group-stage match on Wednesday. The Argentine captain etched his name into the tournament’s history by becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in the Leagues Cup. His latest brace took his tally to 14 goals, surpassing every player to have featured in the competition between Major League Soccer (MLS) and Mexico’s Liga MX clubs. Inter Miami’s evening did not begin as planned. Atletico San Luis stunned the home crowd when David Rodriguez found the net in just the fourth minute, giving the visitors an early advantage. However, Messi wasted little time responding, calmly equalising only seven minutes later to restore confidence for the hosts. The momentum quickly shifted in Miami’s favour. Venezuelan midfielder Telasco Segovia completed the turnaround in the 26th minute with a well-taken goal after sustained pressure from the home side. Just before the halftime whistle, Messi struck again with a trademark finish, extending Miami’s lead and putting the match firmly under their control. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Brazilian defender Micael added another goal, capping off an outstanding opening 45 minutes as Inter Miami entered the break with a commanding 4-1 advantage. Although Rafa Llorente pulled one back for Atletico San Luis in the second half, the visitors were unable to mount a serious comeback as Miami comfortably saw out the contest to collect all three points. Messi’s latest performance highlighted his enduring quality and his ability to influence major matches. Since arriving in Florida in 2023, the Argentine icon has transformed Inter Miami into one of North America’s most competitive clubs, leading them to their first Leagues Cup title that same year. Elsewhere in the Leagues Cup, Dallas secured a 2-0 victory over Queretaro, while Leon claimed a narrow 1-0 away win over Nashville in another tightly contested fixture. With Messi in record-breaking form and Inter Miami starting their campaign in style, the 2026 Leagues Cup promises more excitement as the tournament progresses.

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    Spanish royals captivate with Mediterranean charm

    Spain’s royal family has officially begun its annual summer holiday with a traditional public appearance in the Mediterranean island of Mallorca, where members of the royal household showcased relaxed yet elegant fashion that reflected the country’s coastal culture. Every August, Spain’s monarchs spend part of their summer in Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Balearic Islands. The visit begins with an official reception at the historic Marivent Palace, where the royal family meets local government officials, community leaders and representatives from across the islands before starting their private vacation. This year’s gathering brought together King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, their daughters Crown Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía, as well as the King’s mother, Queen Sofía. The appearance highlighted the close relationship between Spain’s monarchy and the Balearic Islands while offering the public a glimpse of the family’s more casual summer style. Unlike the formal attire usually seen during official state events, the royal family opted for lightweight outfits suitable for the warm Mediterranean weather. Queen Letizia, widely regarded as one of Europe’s most stylish royals, wore a flowing white dress by Spanish designer Sybilla. The elegant outfit featured soft pleats and subtle striped details, giving it a simple yet sophisticated look. She paired the dress with gold high-heeled sandals, while King Felipe chose a light blue shirt and neutral trousers, keeping his appearance relaxed. Their elder daughter, Crown Princess Leonor, selected a sleeveless orange two-piece outfit by Spanish fashion label Thinking Mu. The colourful ensemble featured artistic shades of blue, yellow and orange, inspired by Mediterranean sunsets. She completed her look with gold bracelets and naturally styled hair. Meanwhile, Infanta Sofía wore a long pastel-coloured maxi dress decorated with soft pink, cream and lavender tones, creating a fresh summer appearance. The youngest royal’s outfit complemented the vibrant floral caftan worn by Queen Sofía, whose multicoloured dress reflected the cheerful atmosphere of the Mediterranean season. The annual reception is considered one of the final public engagements for the Spanish royal family before they begin their private summer holiday. The event has become a long-standing tradition and attracts significant public and media attention each year, with many observers focusing not only on the royal family’s activities but also on their fashion choices. For many Pakistanis unfamiliar with Spain’s monarchy, the country’s royal family plays a largely ceremonial constitutional role similar to several other European monarchies. While the elected government manages day-to-day political affairs, the King serves as the country’s head of state and represents Spain during official ceremonies, national events and international engagements.

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    FIFA backs Gianni Infantino, apologise for World Cup privatisation plan

    RABAT: FIFA has thrown its full support behind president Gianni Infantino despite growing criticism over the now-abandoned proposal to privatise the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup, while admitting that serious mistakes were made during the handling of the controversial plan. The governing body’s senior leadership met in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday to address the crisis that erupted after details of the proposal were leaked to the media. Following the meeting, FIFA issued a statement reaffirming its confidence in Infantino but also apologised to member associations for the way the process was managed. The proposed project, known as the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), aimed to create a new commercial subsidiary responsible for managing tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and Club World Cup. FIFA estimated the venture could generate up to $4.2 billion, based on a valuation of $20 billion, while significantly increasing financial support for its 211 member associations. Under the proposal, each member nation would have received a one-time payment of $20 million in 2027, with regular funding for the 2027–2030 cycle rising from $8 million to $20 million. However, instead of winning support, the initiative sparked fierce opposition from football stakeholders worldwide. UEFA strongly criticised the plan, describing it as an opaque agreement that lacked transparency, while CONCACAF questioned Infantino’s leadership and governance. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also publicly expressed doubts about Infantino’s ability to continue leading world football. Facing mounting pressure, Infantino withdrew the proposal last weekend, saying FIFA’s primary goal had always been to unite and strengthen the global game. In Wednesday’s statement, FIFA admitted that member associations and the FIFA Council should have been more closely involved from the outset. It also acknowledged mistakes made after the proposal became public and pledged to improve transparency in future decision-making. A formal review of the process will now be conducted, with findings expected to be presented at the next FIFA Council meeting. Officials confirmed that the FFE proposal has been permanently shelved. Later in the day, Infantino attended a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations match in Rabat alongside Moroccan football federation president Fouzi Lekjaa, one of the few senior officials to publicly support him throughout the controversy. Despite surviving the immediate crisis with the backing of FIFA’s leadership, the episode has raised fresh questions about governance, transparency and trust within world football, casting a shadow over Infantino’s bid for another term as FIFA president.

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    Amitabh Bachchan opens up about retirement amid busy schedule

    Amitabh Bachchan has once again demonstrated why he remains one of the hardest-working actors in Indian cinema. At 83, the legendary star recently revealed that he completed a demanding 24-hour work shift, leaving fans amazed by his dedication and commitment to his profession. While sharing details of his hectic schedule, Bachchan also hinted at the possibility of retirement, sparking concern among admirers who have followed his remarkable career for decades. The veteran actor shared that he began working at 7 a.m. one day and continued without stopping until 7 a.m. the following morning. Despite the physically exhausting schedule, he explained that the project required timely completion and presentation, making it essential for him to continue working until everything was finished. Even after wrapping up such an intense shift, Bachchan maintained his regular routine by updating his personal blog and interacting with members of his extended fan community. He expressed relief at being able to stay connected despite the demanding workload, highlighting his long-standing commitment to keeping in touch with supporters. His schedule remains particularly busy because of his involvement in the upcoming season of the iconic quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC). With the official broadcast date now announced, Bachchan has chosen to continue working without taking any significant breaks. Preparations for the popular television show require long hours of filming, rehearsals, and promotional commitments, adding to his already packed calendar. In his blog, Bachchan also made a remark that immediately caught the attention of fans. He mentioned that he would “retire now” to get something to eat and rest before reporting back to work early the next day. Although the statement appeared to refer to taking a temporary break after an exhausting work schedule, he also noted that missing his professional commitments could result in someone else replacing him. His words suggested that he continues to feel a strong sense of responsibility toward his work, despite his age and decades of achievements in the entertainment industry. Rather than slowing down, the actor appears determined to fulfill every commitment, believing that consistency and discipline remain essential in a highly competitive profession. The mention of retirement naturally sparked discussion among fans, many of whom wondered whether Bachchan was subtly hinting at stepping away from acting in the near future. However, his comments also reflected that now may not be the right time to walk away, especially with ongoing projects demanding his full attention. Throughout his illustrious career spanning more than five decades, Amitabh Bachchan has earned a reputation for professionalism, punctuality, and an unmatched work ethic. Even in his eighties, he continues to headline films, host one of India’s most popular television programs, and engage regularly with millions of fans through his blog and social media platforms. His latest update serves as another reminder of his dedication to his craft. While his comments about retirement have fueled speculation, Bachchan’s actions suggest that he remains focused on delivering his best performances and honoring every professional commitment. For now, the legendary actor shows no signs of slowing down, continuing to inspire audiences with his passion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to his work.

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    LHC acquits man sentenced to life for wife’s…

    LAHORE: The Lahore High Court ( LHC) has overturned the life imprisonment sentence of a man convicted of murdering his wife, ruling that the prosecution failed to establish his guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh issued a detailed 19-page written judgment, allowing the appeal filed by the convict, Tanveer, and ordering his immediate release. According to the verdict, Tanveer maintained that he was on duty at a petrol station at the time of the incident and denied any involvement in the killing of his wife. The court observed that the prosecution had failed to produce reliable and convincing evidence to support the allegations against him. The judgment concluded that the available evidence was insufficient to sustain the conviction, leading the court to set aside the trial court’s decision and acquit the appellant. Tanveer had been sentenced to life imprisonment in 2022 by a trial court after being found guilty of his wife’s murder. In addition to the prison term, he was fined Rs400,000. He later challenged the conviction before the Lahore High Court, which has now ruled in his favor.

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    Musafir Cafe season 2 officially announced by Netflix

    Netflix has officially renewed Musafir Cafe for a second season, promising to continue the emotional journey of love, relationships and unresolved feelings that made the first installment popular among viewers. The streaming platform confirmed that Vikrant Massey, Vedika Pinto and Mahima Makwana will reprise their lead roles, returning as Chander, Sudha and Preeti for the next chapter of the romantic drama. The announcement was made through a special promotional video, offering fans their first confirmation that the story will move forward. While the teaser did not reveal any major plot details, it hinted that the upcoming season will pick up where the previous one ended, exploring the next stage of the characters’ personal and emotional lives. The first season of Musafir Cafe focused on the complexities of modern relationships, highlighting the emotional struggles, difficult choices and evolving connections between its three central characters. Its ending sparked widespread discussions among viewers, with many debating the future of Chander, Sudha and Preeti and wondering how their unfinished stories would unfold. Speaking about the show’s renewal, Tanya Bami, Series Head at Netflix India, said that Musafir Cafe had resonated deeply with audiences across the country. She noted that viewers connected strongly with the characters, memorable dialogues and music, while conversations surrounding the ending generated significant buzz on social media. According to her, the overwhelming response encouraged the platform to continue the story with a second season. Creator and writer Sharanya Rajgopal also expressed gratitude for the appreciation the series received. She said the love shown by audiences had been overwhelming and that, as a storyteller, there could be no greater reward than seeing fictional characters become meaningful to viewers. She added that the audience’s support inspired the creative team to continue Chander, Sudha and Preeti’s journey in a new chapter. Although Netflix has kept the storyline under wraps, expectations are high that Season 2 will further explore the emotional consequences of the characters’ earlier decisions. Fans are anticipating new challenges, evolving relationships and deeper emotional conflicts as the story progresses. The returning cast includes Vikrant Massey, Vedika Pinto and Mahima Makwana in the lead roles. They will once again be joined by a talented supporting ensemble featuring Adil Hussain, Rajeev Siddhartha, Anubha Fatehpuria, Loveleen Mishra and Sadia Siddiqui, all of whom played significant roles in the first season. Musafir Cafe was created and written by Sharanya Rajgopal and directed by Ruchir Arun. The series is based on characters from a novel by Divya Prakash Dubey and is produced by Terribly Tiny Tales (TTT) in collaboration with Homemade Stories. An official release date for the second season has not yet been announced. However, with the original cast returning and the creative team back on board, viewers can expect another heartfelt chapter exploring love, longing and the emotional complexities of human relationships.

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    Jawad Akhtar, Arsam Farooq elected Islamabad Cricket Association President

    ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has completed the election process for the Islamabad Regional Cricket Association (IRCA), with Mohammad Jawad Akhtar elected as president and Arsam Farooq Ahmed chosen as secretary for the next three years. According to an official notification issued by PCB Election Commissioner Mansoor Qadir on Thursday, both candidates were elected unopposed, allowing them to assume office immediately without a formal contest. The appointments mark another milestone in the PCB’s ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and improve the administrative framework of regional cricket across Pakistan. As office-bearers of one of the country’s key regional associations, Jawad Akhtar and Arsam Farooq Ahmed will be responsible for overseeing cricket development in Islamabad and implementing the PCB’s domestic cricket vision. The newly elected officials are expected to focus on expanding grassroots cricket, improving talent identification, and ensuring that promising young players receive better opportunities to progress through Pakistan’s domestic cricket system. Regional cricket associations serve as the backbone of the country’s cricket structure. They organise local tournaments, manage club and district competitions, coordinate coaching and development programmes, and create pathways for talented cricketers to reach the national domestic circuit. With Islamabad continuing to produce several promising players in recent years, expectations are high that the new leadership will further enhance the region’s cricketing infrastructure and provide stronger support for clubs, academies and emerging athletes. The PCB has repeatedly emphasised the importance of transparent administration and efficient regional governance as part of its long-term strategy to strengthen Pakistan’s domestic cricket. Stable leadership at the regional level is viewed as essential for nurturing future international stars and maintaining a competitive domestic structure. Jawad Akhtar and Arsam Farooq Ahmed now begin their three-year tenure with the responsibility of working closely with the PCB, local stakeholders and cricket clubs to promote the game throughout the federal capital. Their immediate priorities are expected to include improving player development programmes, supporting age-group competitions and ensuring effective coordination between regional and national cricket bodies. The successful completion of the Islamabad Regional Cricket Association elections reflects the PCB’s broader commitment to building a stronger, more organised domestic cricket system. With new leadership now in place, attention will turn to how the association translates administrative stability into meaningful progress for cricket in Islamabad and contributes to the continued growth of Pakistan’s talent pipeline.

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    Rome talks continue despite fresh Israel-Lebanon c…

    JERUSALEM: Fresh violence erupted along the Israel-Lebanon border on Wednesday after two Israeli soldiers were killed during a military operation in southern Lebanon, prompting retaliatory Israeli airstrikes even as diplomatic talks aimed at reducing tensions continued in Rome. The latest escalation comes despite a US-brokered security arrangement reached in June, which was intended to ease hostilities between Israel and Lebanon following months of cross-border clashes. According to Israeli authorities, the two soldiers were killed and four others wounded when an explosion ripped through a building they had entered during a security sweep inside southern Lebanon. Israeli Army Radio, citing a security source, reported that investigators were still trying to determine whether the explosive device had been planted before or after the ceasefire agreement. Soon after the incident, the Israeli military described the explosion as a “blatant ceasefire violation” and launched a series of retaliatory strikes targeting areas in southern Lebanon. Lebanese officials said one civilian was killed and at least 12 others were injured after Israeli strikes hit the town of Tibnin, around 25 kilometres from Mansouri. Before the attack, the Israeli military issued an evacuation warning for residents in the area—the first such online warning directed at Lebanon in more than a month. However, Israel’s tone appeared to soften a day later. In a statement mourning the soldiers, Defence Minister Israel Katz did not directly accuse Hezbollah or refer to a ceasefire violation, signalling that Israeli authorities may be seeking to avoid a wider military escalation. Israel continues to maintain a buffer zone inside southern Lebanon, saying its forces are operating there to eliminate threats posed by the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement and to enhance border security. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts remain underway in Rome, where Israeli and Lebanese officials are participating in talks that began on Tuesday and are scheduled to continue through Thursday. The negotiations are focused on strengthening the June security arrangement and preventing further violence along the volatile frontier. The renewed bloodshed underscores the fragile nature of the ceasefire and highlights the challenges facing mediators seeking lasting stability in the region. While both sides have expressed interest in preventing a broader conflict, sporadic violence continues to threaten the progress made through recent diplomatic initiatives. With negotiations still in progress and tensions remaining high, regional observers fear that any further incidents along the border could quickly undermine the fragile peace and derail ongoing efforts to maintain security between the neighbouring countries.

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    Salman Khan faces court summons over jewellery business dispute

    Salman Khan and his sister Alvira Khan Agnihotri have been summoned by a Chandigarh court in connection with a legal dispute involving a Being Human jewellery showroom. The case stems from a complaint filed by Chandigarh-based businessman Arun Gupta, who alleged that he suffered significant financial losses after investing in a jewellery franchise associated with the Being Human brand. According to the complaint, Gupta invested nearly ₹3 crore to establish a Being Human jewellery showroom in Manimajra, Chandigarh, in 2018. He claimed that the agreement with Style and Content Jewellery Private Limited included assurances of business support, promotional assistance, and other commitments necessary for the successful operation of the showroom. Gupta stated that he fulfilled all the conditions outlined in the agreement and spent approximately ₹1 crore on setting up the outlet. However, he alleged that the promised support from the company never materialized, making it difficult for the business to operate effectively. He further claimed that the lack of assistance led to financial difficulties and eventually affected the showroom’s operations. The businessman also alleged that the jewellery store ceased operations in February 2020, disrupting the supply of products and causing substantial monetary losses. According to the complaint, the closure left him unable to continue business as planned, resulting in heavy financial damage. Another key allegation in the complaint relates to the showroom’s inauguration. Gupta claimed that he had been informed Salman Khan would personally inaugurate the outlet, which was expected to attract customers and generate publicity for the business. However, instead of the Bollywood superstar, the event was reportedly attended by Salman Khan’s brother-in-law, Aayush Sharma. The complaint names Salman Khan, Alvira Khan Agnihotri, and several others associated with Style and Content Jewellery Private Limited. After reviewing the matter, the Chandigarh court issued summons directing the accused to appear before it on October 5 for further proceedings. Meanwhile, Style and Content Jewellery Private Limited has strongly denied the allegations. The company maintained that Salman Khan had no direct involvement in the agreement signed with the Chandigarh businessman. It clarified that the Being Human brand had been licensed to the company by the Salman Khan Foundation in 2015, giving it the authority to manage and operate the jewellery business independently. The company further stated that all operational and commercial responsibilities related to the jewellery venture rested solely with Style and Content Jewellery Private Limited, not Salman Khan personally. The case will now proceed before the Chandigarh court, where the parties are expected to present their arguments when the matter comes up for hearing on October 5.

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    Ertugrul star Celal Al confirms upcoming Pakistan visit for fans

    Turkish actor Celal Al, best known for portraying Abdur Rahman Alp in the globally popular historical drama Diriliş: Ertuğrul, has announced that he will soon visit Pakistan once again. The actor shared the exciting news through a heartfelt message on his Instagram Story, expressing his affection for his Pakistani fans and hinting at several surprises during his upcoming trip. In his message, Celal Al addressed his followers in Pakistan with warmth and gratitude, saying that he misses them dearly and looks forward to meeting them again. He revealed that he would soon be returning to Pakistan and promised to bring many surprises for his supporters. Asking fans if they were ready for the special reunion, the actor’s announcement quickly generated excitement among those who have followed his career for years. He concluded his message with the phrases “Dil Dil Pakistan” and “Jan Jan Türkiye,” reflecting the close cultural bond and friendship between the two countries. His words were warmly received by fans, many of whom expressed their eagerness to welcome him back. According to Celal Al, the visit is linked to his collaboration with a well-known Turkish brand. However, he did not disclose the name of the company or provide details about the partnership. He also refrained from announcing the exact dates of his Pakistan tour, leaving fans curious about the upcoming visit. Celal Al became a household name in Pakistan after Diriliş: Ertuğrul gained extraordinary popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The historical series attracted millions of Pakistani viewers, and his portrayal of the brave and loyal warrior Abdur Rahman Alp earned him widespread admiration. His previous visits to Pakistan also received an overwhelming response, with fans gathering in large numbers to meet the actor. Beyond Diriliş: Ertuğrul, Celal Al has built an impressive career in Turkish cinema and television. He appeared in the 2012 historical film Fetih 1453, which depicted the conquest of Constantinople. He has also served as a co-producer of the award-winning short film Zemberek, showcasing his contributions behind the camera as well. Apart from acting, Celal Al is actively involved in humanitarian work. He has participated in various charitable and relief initiatives, working with organizations such as the Turkish Red Crescent and other international aid groups. His commitment to social welfare, combined with his successful acting career, has helped him earn admiration not only in Türkiye but also among audiences around the world, particularly in Pakistan, where he continues to enjoy a loyal and passionate fan following.