تازہ ترین

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    Kashmiri film Saffron Kingdom finds new home on Watermelon+

    ByJustpaste.in

    Filmmaker Arfat Sheikh’s film Saffron Kingdom is now streaming worldwide. It has landed on the Palestinian-owned platform Watermelon+. The release comes after a strong run on the international festival circuit. Sheikh hails from India-Occupied Kashmir. He had earlier described the film as his attempt to reclaim his people’s stories from Bollywood. He said he wanted to take the pen back from an industry he views as a tool of oppression. The story follows Masrat, played by Diana Aras. She is a half-widow, a term used for Kashmiri women whose husbands have been forcibly disappeared by Indian forces. After her husband vanishes, Masrat flees the valley with her young son Rizwan, played by Alex Cheeks. The pair eventually settle in the United States. There, both mother and son must confront the trauma of their years spent living under occupation. Old memories resurface even as they try to build a new life. Sheikh said the film leans heavily on its female characters to carry the emotional core. He called the choice a deliberate allegory. According to him, the story centeres on two women rather than men. He explained that this reflects reality on the ground. Few men remain in India-Occupied Kashmir today, he said. The women who stay behind, he added, reveal what survival under occupation truly demands. Saffron Kingdom premiered at the Wake Forest Film Festival in the United States. It then travelled to six more countries. Screenings consistently drew full houses. The film found strong support from minority communities. Many viewers related to its themes of migration and inherited trauma. With its streaming debut, Saffron Kingdom now sits alongside other politically resonant titles on Watermelon+. These include Oscar nominee The Voice of Hind Rajab and Bafta-winning documentary Gaza: Doctors Under Attack. Pakistan’s 2025 Oscar submission The Glassworker is also part of the platform’s growing library. Together, these films reflect Watermelon+’s focus on stories of occupation, displacement, and resistance. The platform continues to build a catalogue centered on voices often left out of mainstream cinema.

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    Sunny Deol’s ‘maternal aunt’ remark on Pakistan sparks online storm

    ByJustpaste.in

    Bollywood actor Sunny Deol found himself at the center of controversy on Sunday. He was speaking to Indian media during a promotional event for his upcoming film Batwara 1947. Deol, joined by his son and co-star Karan Deol, was asked about “Pakistan as a nation” and its “atmosphere” by a journalist present at the event. Rather than answering directly, he chose to quote his late father, veteran actor Dharmendra. He said the two countries could not really be separated in feeling, since they were once one. Quoting his father, he called India “mother” and Pakistan “maternal aunt.” He added that everyone already knows the two nations remain connected in some way. Dharmendra passed away last November. He had long supported warmer ties between India and Pakistan throughout his life. Deol chose not to elaborate further on Pakistan. Instead, he stressed his role as an actor rather than a political voice. He said actors and filmmakers exist to tell stories, not to push political agendas. Despite this attempt to stay neutral, his history tells a different story. Deol has built much of his career on hyper-patriotic films like Border and Gadar. He has also served as a BJP politician in the past. This contrast between his politics and his softer comments did not sit well with many online. One social media user accused him of relying on “nationalistic jingoism” during his past election campaigns. Others called him “opportunistic” for echoing his father’s peace-leaning stance now. A wave of users criticized what they saw as sympathy toward Pakistan. Tensions between the two countries have remained high for years. They escalated further after a four-day military conflict in May 2025. India responded by restricting Pakistani entertainment content online, banning YouTube channels and Instagram accounts of several celebrities. Streaming platforms like Spotify also removed related songs and imagery. Given this backdrop, the backlash against Deol’s comments was almost inevitable. His film, Batwara 1947, is set during Partition. It follows a Muslim family who flee to Pakistan amid the violence of that era, only to find a Hindu woman already living in the home they were allotted in Lahore. Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, the film also stars Preity Zinta, Ali Fazal, and Abhimanyu Singh. It is slated for release on August 14.

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    Kashmir solidarity protest held outside Indian High Commission in London on Youm-e-Istehsal

    ByJustpaste.in

    A large number of Pakistanis and Kashmiris gathered outside the Indian High Commission in London on Wednesday to mark Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir, protesting against India’s August 5, 2019 decision to revoke the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir. The demonstrators raised slogans in support of the right to self-determination for the people of Kashmir and expressed opposition to the policies implemented in the region following the 2019 decision. Participants also chanted slogans in support of Pakistan and the Pakistan Armed Forces, while carrying banners and placards highlighting their concerns over the Kashmir issue. Addressing the gathering, speakers said that the August 5, 2019 move had affected the political identity and rights of the Kashmiri people. They urged the international community to pay attention to the situation in Kashmir and play a role in addressing the long-standing dispute. The protesters called for a peaceful and lasting resolution of the Kashmir issue and reiterated their commitment to continuing support for what they described as the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. The demonstration concluded peacefully, with participants reaffirming solidarity with the people of Kashmir.

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    Maryam says PML-N remains most popular party

    ByJustpaste.in

    LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) continues to enjoy strong public support in Punjab, across Pakistan and in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, attributing the party’s popularity to its development agenda and governance. She made the remarks during a meeting with Members of the Punjab Assembly, Asif Malik and Zafar Abbas Khan, who discussed political developments, constituency matters and ongoing development projects in Khushab. During the meeting, the lawmakers briefed the chief minister on issues being faced by residents of their constituency. Maryam assured them that the provincial government would take steps to resolve public problems and continue implementing development initiatives across the district. The lawmakers congratulated the chief minister on the party’s performance in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and appreciated the Punjab government’s decision to introduce electric bus services in Khushab. They also thanked her for providing electric buses to Azad Jammu and Kashmir, saying the initiative had improved public transport and benefited thousands of commuters. Maryam said Punjab was leading the country in development and governance, adding that improvements had been made in multiple sectors, including public services and law and order. She expressed confidence that the province and the country would continue progressing under the leadership of PML-N President Nawaz Sharif. The lawmakers praised the provincial government’s development record, saying the electric bus service had become a popular facility for daily passengers travelling between General Bus Stand Khushab, Garot Chowk, Mitha Tiwana and Mangwal. Separately, on the occasion of Police Martyrs Day, the chief minister paid tribute to police personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty. She praised their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, extremism and crime, and acknowledged the courage and resilience of their families. Maryam said the Punjab government was committed to supporting the families of fallen police officers by providing educational opportunities, healthcare, housing and other welfare facilities for their children. She added that the government was strengthening the Punjab Police by providing modern weapons, improved communication systems, protective equipment and bulletproof vehicles to enhance law enforcement capabilities.

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    Jacob Batalon recalls iconic handshake with Tom Holland

    ByJustpaste.in

    LOS ANGELES: Actor Jacob Batalon has opened up about the memorable handshake he shares with Tom Holland in the Spider-Man films, revealing that the fan-favourite moment was created spontaneously and has remained unforgettable over the years. Batalon, who has portrayed Ned Leeds since Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2017, said the signature handshake returned naturally while filming Spider-Man: Brand New Day. He explained that after performing it throughout several films, it had become second nature whenever the cameras started rolling. The actor recalled that the handshake was invented just minutes before filming one of their early scenes together. According to Batalon, the script simply required the characters to have a unique “best friends” handshake, leaving the two actors to create one on the spot. He said the quick improvisation unexpectedly became one of the most memorable moments of the franchise and has remained popular among fans ever since. Speaking about his relationship with Holland and the rest of the Spider-Man cast, Batalon described them as hardworking, humble and highly professional. He said spending years together on the film series had created a close bond that felt more like family than colleagues. Batalon added that watching his co-stars grow in their careers has been rewarding and expressed gratitude for being part of the successful superhero franchise. Spider-Man: Brand New Day, released in July 2026, continues its successful run in cinemas, with audiences embracing the return of the beloved characters and their on-screen chemistry.

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    Spider-Man tops Endgame box office record

    ByJustpaste.in

    Avengers directors Joe and Anthony Russo have congratulated the team behind Spider-Man: Brand New Day after the film surpassed one of Avengers: Endgame’s biggest domestic box office records. The filmmakers shared a public message on social media, praising the cast and crew after the latest Spider-Man film crossed the $1 billion mark globally and achieved the highest domestic opening weekend in box office history, overtaking the long-standing record previously held by Avengers: Endgame. In their message, the Russo brothers congratulated director Destin Daniel Cretton, lead actors Tom Holland, Zendaya and Jacob Batalon, along with producers and the entire production team. They described the achievement as a historic moment and declared that “the gauntlet has been passed,” referencing Marvel’s iconic Infinity Gauntlet. Although Spider-Man: Brand New Day has broken several records set by Endgame, it has not yet become the fastest film to earn $1 billion worldwide, leaving that milestone intact. Industry observers believe the competition could intensify later this year when Marvel releases Avengers: Doomsday, directed by the Russo brothers. The highly anticipated superhero film is expected to arrive in cinemas in December and is already being viewed as a potential record-breaking blockbuster. The success of Spider-Man: Brand New Day has further strengthened the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with strong audience turnout and impressive global ticket sales continuing to drive its performance at the box office.

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    Khuzdar triple murder rocks Balochistan Assembly

    ByJustpaste.in

    The alleged murder of a young woman’s fiancé, uncle and father in Balochistan’s Khuzdar district over a marriage dispute echoed in the Balochistan Assembly, where lawmakers demanded the immediate arrest of the main suspect. During the assembly session chaired by Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, Provincial Minister Ali Madad Jatak informed the house that the suspect allegedly killed the woman’s fiancé after his marriage proposal was rejected. He said the victim’s uncle was also murdered, while the woman was allegedly abducted before being recovered by police. According to the minister, the woman’s father was later shot dead after her video statement highlighting security threats surfaced on social media. Jatak told the assembly that despite two days having passed since the father’s killing, a first information report (FIR) had not yet been registered. He expressed concern over the delay in legal proceedings and called for immediate action against the accused. Opposition Leader Younis Zehri warned that if the suspect was not arrested, the provincial chief minister and the home minister would be held responsible. In protest over the lack of progress, both Zehri and Provincial Minister Ali Madad Jatak staged a walkout from the assembly. Member of the Provincial Assembly Maulana Hidayatur Rehman also voiced serious concern over the incident and demanded the resignation of the provincial home minister. He claimed that those responsible for the crime were widely known and criticised the prevailing law and order situation in the province. Responding to the criticism, Home Minister Zia Langove assured lawmakers that the government was in contact with the affected family and that police had been directed to arrest the suspect without delay. The speaker instructed the Inspector General of Police, the Deputy Inspector General and the Khuzdar district police chief to ensure the suspect’s arrest within two days. He also sought daily progress reports on the investigation before adjourning the assembly session until August 28.

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    Naqvi backs independent ministry performance revie…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said he will recommend that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif order an independent performance review of all federal cabinet ministers to evaluate the effectiveness of their ministries. Speaking on the country’s governance and accountability, Naqvi said every ministry should undergo a third-party assessment so that its performance can be measured through an impartial process. He added that the findings of the evaluation should be made public to ensure transparency and strengthen public confidence in government institutions. The interior minister expressed confidence in the stability of the current political setup, saying the government would complete its full five-year constitutional term. He dismissed speculation about any change in the existing system and said the democratic process would continue without interruption. Naqvi stressed that regular performance evaluations would help improve governance, identify weaknesses and encourage ministries to deliver better public services. He said objective assessments by independent experts would contribute to greater efficiency and accountability across the federal government. Responding to criticism directed at him, the interior minister thanked those who had remarked that he achieved in three years what normally takes three decades. He described such comments as recognition of his work and said he appreciated both criticism and acknowledgment of his performance.

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    Iran, Oman move closer to Hormuz shipping agreement

    ByJustpaste.in

    TEHRAN: Iran and Oman have reached a preliminary understanding on the geographic coordinates of a proposed shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, marking progress in negotiations aimed at regulating navigation through one of the world’s most strategically important waterways. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said discussions between Tehran and Muscat had advanced positively and that both sides had agreed on the geographical framework of the proposed route. He added that a joint statement outlining the key points of the understanding was in its final stages and could be issued if the process is not disrupted by external factors. Despite the progress, Baghaei emphasised that the agreement alone would not automatically guarantee security in the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that ensuring stability in the region would require broader cooperation and continued diplomatic engagement. According to regional officials familiar with the negotiations, the proposed arrangement would give Iran a greater role in overseeing vessels entering the Gulf through the strategic waterway. However, several technical and operational issues still need to be resolved before any final agreement can be implemented. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s busiest energy transit routes, carrying a significant share of global oil and gas exports. Any changes to shipping arrangements in the area are closely watched by international markets due to their potential impact on global trade and energy supplies. Officials involved in the negotiations described the talks as constructive, while indicating that further consultations would continue before a formal announcement is made. Both Iran and Oman have maintained that dialogue remains the preferred path for addressing issues related to maritime navigation and regional stability.

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    PPP rejects Azad Kashmir election results, alleges…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Secretary General Nayyar Bukhari has strongly rejected the election results, declaring that his party will not accept what he described as a flawed and manipulated electoral process. Addressing a press conference in Muzaffarabad, Bukhari alleged that the elections were marred by widespread irregularities, voter manipulation, and violence, making them neither free nor fair. Bukhari claimed that the PPP possesses evidence of electoral misconduct. According to him, ballot papers were allegedly distributed among supporters of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and party workers were seen providing ballot papers outside polling stations. He argued that such practices seriously undermined the credibility of the electoral process and violated the principles of transparent and democratic elections. Speaking to journalists, Bukhari questioned the fairness of the election, stating that a truly transparent election should allow voters to cast their ballots freely without interference or manipulation. He accused the authorities and political rivals of attempting to ensure victory for their preferred candidates through unfair means. As a result, he emphasized that the PPP does not recognize these elections as free and fair and therefore refuses to accept the announced results. The PPP leader also made serious allegations against a PML-N candidate, claiming that the individual was involved in a murder case. He urged the relevant law enforcement agencies and government institutions to take immediate notice of the matter and ensure that those responsible are arrested and brought to justice. According to Bukhari, allowing such individuals to contest elections raises serious concerns about the rule of law and the integrity of the democratic process. Bukhari further alleged that law and order in Azad Jammu and Kashmir had significantly deteriorated. He pointed to what he described as increasing incidents of violence and political intimidation during the election period. Referring to recent events, he claimed that even the President of Azad Kashmir had been attacked, calling it evidence of the worsening security situation and the failure of the authorities to maintain peace. He also highlighted attacks on members of his own party. Bukhari stated that PPP Member of the National Assembly Salahuddin Junejo was attacked, while PPP worker Mushtaq Hussain Shah was killed. He described these incidents as tragic examples of political violence and intimidation aimed at discouraging democratic participation. Furthermore, he alleged that in constituency LA-31, the PPP candidate was attacked by PML-N workers and was subsequently hospitalized due to injuries sustained during the incident. Describing the elections as fraudulent and heavily rigged, Bukhari argued that the overall electoral environment was neither peaceful nor impartial. He maintained that the democratic rights of voters had been compromised and that the results failed to reflect the genuine will of the people. He stressed that elections conducted under such circumstances cannot earn public confidence or democratic legitimacy. Concluding his remarks, Bukhari stated that governments established through coercion and manipulation cannot gain lasting public acceptance. He reaffirmed that the PPP respects the will of the people and believes that democratic principles must always be upheld. However, he alleged that the public mandate, particularly in the Mirpur Division, had not been respected. According to Bukhari, the people of Azad Kashmir had rejected the PML-N, and the election results did not accurately represent the voters’ true choice.