تازہ ترین

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    Real Madrid hails FIFA U-turn on World Cup investor plan

    Spanish giants Real Madrid have welcomed FIFA’s decision to abandon a controversial plan that would have opened the door to private investment in the World Cup. FIFA president Gianni Infantino was forced into an embarrassing reversal on Friday. The climbdown came after strong pushback from European football’s governing body UEFA, along with several other confederations who had raised objections to the proposal. In an official statement, Real Madrid called the decision good news for football, its institutions, and the millions of fans who follow the sport worldwide. The club specifically thanked UEFA, along with various confederations and federations, for standing firm and responsibly opposing the project. According to the statement, this collective show of unity and sense of duty helped protect the game at a crucial moment. Notably, Real Madrid was once a founding member of the failed European Super League breakaway project, a venture that had strained its relationship with UEFA for years. However, the two parties reached an agreement back in February 2026, aimed at benefiting European club football and putting past tensions to rest. The controversy at the centre of this latest episode began on Tuesday. FIFA had revealed plans to set up a commercial subsidiary responsible for running its biggest events, including the World Cup and Club World Cup. This subsidiary was designed to be open to private investment, something Infantino claimed could generate as much as $4.2 billion for the organisation. UEFA led the charge against the proposal from the very beginning. The organisation made clear it would boycott all FIFA competitions if the plan went ahead. It also stated openly that it had lost confidence in Infantino’s leadership, adding to the mounting pressure the FIFA chief has faced in recent days. Given Real Madrid’s past history with breakaway football projects, their public support for UEFA in this instance carries added weight. It signals a continued effort by the club to align itself with the sport’s traditional governing structures, rather than commercial ventures that risk disrupting football’s existing institutions. For now, the scrapped plan appears to have averted a serious rift within global football’s governing bodies. Still, with UEFA having openly questioned Infantino’s leadership, uncertainty may continue to surround his position at FIFA in the coming months, even as this particular controversy comes to a close.

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    Three injured as rival MQM-P groups clash at party…

    KARACHI: Internal differences within Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) intensified on Sunday after supporters of two rival factions allegedly clashed outside the party’s Bahadurabad headquarters in Karachi, leaving at least three people injured. According to reports, tensions between supporters of the groups associated with MQM-P Chairman Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and senior leader Mustafa Kamal escalated following a party meeting. The confrontation turned violent as workers allegedly exchanged slogans, engaged in physical fighting, and pelted stones at each other. Witnesses also reported aerial firing near the Bahadurabad headquarters during the unrest, creating panic in the area. Three people sustained injuries during the clashes. Senior MQM-P leader Dr Farooq Sattar said the dispute erupted after a meeting of party leaders at the Bahadurabad office. Speaking to the media, he alleged that supporters of one faction assaulted MPA Ejaz-ul-Haq and party leader Zakir. He further claimed that party leaders Mangla Sharma and Sabeen Ghori were also mistreated during the incident. MQM-P leader Amin Ul Haque alleged that one party worker was injured in the firing, while several others suffered injuries due to stone-pelting. He also claimed that extensive vandalism took place inside the party office and that the office’s DVR recording system was taken away. Amin Ul Haque said the matter had reached a point where it could no longer be ignored and called the incident deeply concerning for the party. Meanwhile, Dr Farooq Sattar later arrived at the Bahadurabad headquarters following the clashes as senior party leaders attempted to assess the situation and address the growing internal crisis.

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    Sonu Nigam opens up on being banned by music companies over copyright fight

    Sonu Nigam recently revisited one of the most controversial chapters of his career. He spoke about it during a candid conversation on the YouTube show Game Changers with Komal Nahta. The topic centered on the time music companies banned him after he raised his voice on copyright issues. Nigam began by looking back at how well his career was going before the controversy started. He said albums kept releasing one after another during that time. Audiences loved his work, and everything seemed to be going smoothly. That changed the moment he raised concerns over copyright. Several music companies responded by cutting ties with him entirely. He recalled how people within the industry began labelling him an activist at the time. The tone behind that label, he noted, was often dismissive rather than respectful. Looking back now, he finds it ironic that those same companies eventually started paying him royalties. He added that representatives from these companies now visit his home as guests. Nigam also explained his reasoning behind taking such a bold stand at the time. He said someone had to take the risk, comparing his decision to belling the cat. According to him, he felt he was meant for something bigger than just singing. He believed he was destined to carry forward a movement that legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar had once started. That movement, he said, had never reached its logical conclusion. When asked whether he felt scared during that turbulent period, Nigam said fear was not something he experienced. He admitted he never expected to actually get banned in the first place. He initially believed things would eventually work out on their own. However, as the situation kept worsening and more doors closed around him, he found strength through his live performances instead. He felt confident that nobody could stop him once he stepped on stage. Nigam went on to describe how his relationship with music companies gradually improved over time. He credited changing laws, along with the industry’s eventual realization that his stance had been justified. According to him, this shift slowly repaired his equation with these companies. Today, he said, their interactions feel warm and almost familial in nature. Reflecting on the entire journey, Nigam suggested that everyone involved likely needed to go through that difficult phase for real change to happen. He noted that any bitterness or resentment that once existed between him and the industry has since completely faded away, leaving behind a much healthier relationship.

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    Mohammad Ali strikes early as rain interrupts Pakistan-West Indies Test

    West Indies reached 49-1 at lunch on day one of the second Test against Pakistan. The opening session was cut short by rain at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad on Sunday. Having won the toss and opted to bat first, the home side made steady progress through the morning. They moved to 49-1 in just 9.5 overs before rain forced an early break in proceedings. Brandon King was the standout batter during the shortened session. He remained unbeaten on 33 runs from 27 deliveries at the interval, having struck four boundaries along the way. His innings gave West Indies a solid platform, despite the disrupted playing conditions. Pakistan’s lone success with the ball came through pacer Mohammad Ali. He dismissed opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul for 15 runs, drawing an edge that was well taken by Sajid Khan at deep fine leg. Chanderpaul had faced 32 deliveries before departing. Throughout the session, Pakistan’s bowlers maintained discipline with the new ball. They created a handful of half-chances during the opening spells, testing the West Indies top order on a surface that offered some early assistance. However, a largely defensive approach from the batting side meant Pakistan weren’t able to build further pressure or add to their solitary wicket. With rain interrupting play so early into the Test, both teams will now be keeping a close eye on the weather as the match unfolds. Given how tightly poised this series already is, any lost playing time could have a real bearing on how the remaining days shape up. West Indies fielded a settled lineup for this Test, featuring Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Brandon King, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope as wicketkeeper, Amir Jangoo, Justin Greaves, Roston Chase as captain, Jomel Warrican, Shamar Joseph, Kemar Roach, and Jayden Seales. Pakistan named Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam as captain, Mohammad Rizwan behind the stumps, Salman Ali Agha, Awais Zafar, Ali Usman, Sajid Khan, Mohammad Ali, and Ubaid Shah in their playing eleven for the contest. As the two sides look to make up for lost time, the coming sessions could prove crucial in determining which team gains the early advantage in this pivotal second Test.

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    Khawaja Asif accuses PTI of supporting PPP candida…

    Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has claimed that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supported candidates of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) during the recent elections. He alleged that in several constituencies, it appeared that both political parties had made joint efforts to influence the electoral outcome. Khawaja Asif stated that there were visible signs of cooperation between PTI and PPP in certain areas. According to him, the political activities and election strategies of both parties suggested that they were working together against other candidates. However, he did not provide specific evidence to support his claim. The Defence Minister said that he had been observing elections in Azad Kashmir for the past 55 years and had witnessed many political developments over different periods. He described the current election as significant, particularly because voter participation in urban areas was higher compared to previous elections. Khawaja Asif praised the efforts of his party’s workers, saying that they had worked hard during the election campaign. He claimed that the increased voter turnout in cities reflected greater public engagement and interest in the electoral process. He stated that urban areas recorded a turnout of more than 45 percent, describing it as an important achievement. According to Asif, the higher participation rate demonstrated that voters had actively participated in the democratic process and responded positively to his party’s campaign efforts. While discussing the performance of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Khawaja Asif claimed that the party’s popularity had declined among voters. He pointed out that the PPP had last won an election from the city in 1970, suggesting that the party had lost much of its previous political influence in the region. Asif argued that the current political landscape in Azad Kashmir was different from previous decades. He suggested that changing voter preferences and recent electoral trends indicated that political support for traditional parties had shifted over time. The Defence Minister’s remarks came amid political debate following the Azad Kashmir elections, where opposition parties raised concerns about the fairness of the electoral process. The PPP and other opposition groups have alleged irregularities, while government representatives have defended the transparency of the elections. Khawaja Asif maintained that his party’s success was the result of extensive political efforts and public support. He credited party workers for their dedication and said that the election outcome reflected the changing political dynamics of the region. The allegations regarding PTI’s support for PPP candidates have added another layer to the ongoing political discussions. Both PTI and PPP have their own positions regarding the election process, and any claims of coordination between them remain a subject of political debate. As the political situation develops, statements from different parties are expected to continue shaping discussions about the election results, voter trends, and the future direction of politics in Azad Kashmir.

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    Shaheen Shah Afridi leaves Lanka Premier League du…

    Pakistan’s star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has returned home after leaving the Lanka Premier League (LPL) due to personal reasons. The left-arm pacer, who was representing the Kandy Royals in the tournament, departed from the event before its conclusion, ending his participation in the ongoing competition. During his time in the Lanka Premier League, Shaheen Afridi was also involved in a disagreement with his team management over his exclusion from the playing squad for a match on July 19. The incident reportedly created tension between the player and the franchise during the tournament. In the match against the Colombo Capitals, Shaheen Afridi was informed that he would be used as an impact player. However, his name was not included in the official team sheet submitted for the match. The omission reportedly upset the Pakistani fast bowler, who expressed his disappointment over the situation. The issue was later addressed after the Kandy Royals management apologized to Shaheen Afridi. Following the apology and discussions with the team officials, the fast bowler returned to action and participated in subsequent matches for the franchise. Despite the disagreement, Shaheen Afridi continued to contribute to his team’s campaign in the tournament. He played six matches in the Lanka Premier League and took seven wickets, demonstrating his effectiveness as one of the leading fast bowlers in the competition. Shaheen Afridi is regarded as one of Pakistan’s most important international cricketers and has established himself as a key figure in the national team’s bowling attack. Known for his pace, swing, and ability to take early wickets, he has represented Pakistan across all formats of international cricket and has earned recognition as one of the world’s top fast bowlers. His participation in overseas T20 leagues has provided him with valuable experience and exposure against international players. The Lanka Premier League was another opportunity for him to showcase his skills and maintain competitive form ahead of future international assignments. The Kandy Royals management’s decision to apologize after the team sheet controversy helped resolve the matter, allowing Shaheen Afridi to continue his involvement in the tournament. However, his early departure due to personal reasons means that he will no longer be available for the remaining matches of the league. The exact nature of the personal reasons behind Shaheen Afridi’s return to Pakistan has not been disclosed. His decision comes as part of his personal commitments, and there has been no official indication that his departure is related to any injury or cricketing issue. Fans and cricket analysts have closely followed Shaheen Afridi’s performances in the tournament, particularly because of his reputation as a match-winning bowler. His seven wickets in six matches highlighted his continued ability to perform at the highest level in franchise cricket. The Pakistan Cricket Board and supporters will now be hoping that Shaheen Afridi returns refreshed and prepared for upcoming international challenges. His fitness, form, and availability remain important factors for Pakistan’s future cricketing plans.

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    Faysal Quraishi claims Pakistani dramas now rival Netflix globally

    Veteran actor Faysal Quraishi has made a bold statement about how far Pakistani dramas have come on the world stage. He shared his views during a recent appearance on Fahad Abid’s podcast, Fahad’s Den. According to Quraishi, Pakistani dramas are now competing directly with Netflix productions on a global level. He noted that free-to-air Pakistani dramas are increasingly being compared to major international Netflix shows, despite operating on vastly different budgets. He broke down the numbers to make his point clearer. A highly successful Pakistani drama, he said, typically earns around Rs 20 crore at its peak. Certain Indian series made for Netflix, on the other hand, are produced with budgets nearing Rs 40 crore. Yet, according to Quraishi, these productions still end up being measured against Pakistani dramas in terms of overall impact. He went further, pointing to viewership numbers as proof of this growing rivalry. Quraishi claimed that a single episode of a Pakistani drama often pulls in more YouTube views than an entire hit Netflix series combined. He said this reflects just how deeply Pakistani content has connected with audiences around the world. Quraishi also raised a pointed question about the relationship between the two industries. He asked why Indian streaming platforms have not made Pakistani dramas available on Netflix, if the two truly are not in competition. According to him, this hesitation comes from a deliberate push to protect and promote homegrown Indian content instead. Beyond his industry comparison, Quraishi shared a personal story to highlight just how far-reaching Pakistani dramas have become. He recalled sitting inside a cinema once, only to spot the person beside him watching a Pakistani drama on their phone. He added that a friend had told him a similar story, describing how commonly people now watch these dramas on mobile devices rather than television screens. Quraishi has built an extensive career in the Pakistani entertainment industry over the years. His body of work includes popular dramas such as Fitoor, Farq, Dil-e-Momin, and Khaie. He recently earned strong praise for his performance in Case No. 9, further reinforcing his reputation as one of the country’s most respected television actors.

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    Raja Pervaiz Ashraf urges PPP to boycott final AJK…

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Raja Pervaiz Ashraf on Sunday said the party should consider rejecting the results of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections and boycott the third phase of polling, alleging widespread irregularities and electoral misconduct. Speaking at a press conference alongside PPP leader Sherry Rehman and other party members in Islamabad, the former prime minister clarified that the proposal reflected his personal opinion, adding that the final decision would be made by the party’s central leadership. Ashraf alleged that the elections were neither free, fair nor transparent, warning that such results would fail to gain public acceptance. He said political workers were well aware of constituencies where the party had strong support and accused the authorities of manipulating outcomes in areas where the PPP expected to perform well. Expressing disappointment over the second phase of the AJK elections, he said the PPP had already submitted documented evidence of irregularities during the first phase. He referred to one constituency where polling could not be held because election materials allegedly failed to reach polling stations. Ashraf questioned the explanation, saying election materials are normally delivered a day before polling and not on election day. He argued that such failures reflected serious administrative shortcomings. The PPP leader also alleged that party workers were assaulted and forcibly removed from polling stations during voting. He said the PPP had formed a joint committee with its coalition partner, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), after the first phase in the hope that the Election Commission would ensure greater vigilance during the second phase. However, he claimed that similar incidents were repeated despite those efforts. While acknowledging that the PML-N remains a coalition ally, Ashraf questioned the party’s role in the alleged irregularities. He asked whether such conduct was consistent with democratic values and said transparent elections were the Election Commission’s foremost constitutional responsibility. He further alleged that the Chief Election Commissioner had failed to take action on any major complaint and accused the Election Commission of acting under the influence of a political party. According to Ashraf, the overall conduct of the elections suggested that the process had been pre-planned. The former prime minister also alleged that current AJK Speaker and Acting President Chaudhry Latif Akbar was physically attacked by PML-N supporters. He claimed that Akbar was abused, assaulted and punched during the incident, criticising attempts to describe the episode as a mere verbal altercation. Ashraf further claimed that a long-time PPP worker was killed in the Khawra constituency and questioned the credibility of an electoral process in which, he alleged, violence had overshadowed voting. He also referred to the Kotli constituency, where polling reportedly could not be completed because election materials did not reach polling stations, saying it was the Election Commission’s responsibility to ensure timely delivery. He added that voting was also suspended at several polling stations in the constituency of Bazil Naqvi.

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    Suicide bombing at Kabal Police Station kills 14, injures 20 in Swat

    SWAT: At least 14 people, including five police personnel and nine civilians, were killed and 20 others injured in a suicide bombing at the main gate of Kabal Police Station in Swat district on Sunday. According to Malakand Regional Police Officer (RPO) Syed Fida Hassan Shah, the attacker attempted to enter the police compound but was intercepted by security personnel stationed at the entrance. Prevented from gaining access, the suicide bomber detonated his explosive vest at the main gate. Police said the 20 injured include 14 police personnel and six civilians. The wounded were shifted to nearby hospitals, where several are reported to be in critical condition. The RPO said the police compound houses Kabal Police Station, Kabal Police Lines, a public facilitation center, and several other government offices. He noted that the casualties could have been significantly higher had the attacker succeeded in entering the compound. Following the blast, police and other law enforcement agencies cordoned off the area and launched a search operation, while investigators began collecting forensic evidence from the scene. Police officials said the severed head of the suspected suicide bomber has been recovered, and investigators are working to establish his identity and determine the circumstances surrounding the attack. Local sources said a public demonstration calling for peace was underway at nearby Kabal Chowk when the explosion occurred. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the protest was linked to or affected by the attack. An investigation into the incident is ongoing. An emergency has been declared at the Saidu Group of Teaching Hospitals following the suicide blast in Kabal, Swat. All doctors, nursing staff, and paramedics have been placed on high alert to ensure the timely treatment of those injured in the attack. Hospital authorities said every effort is being made to provide the best possible medical care to the victims. Medical Superintendent Dr. Muhammad Saleem Khan, along with other senior officials, is personally overseeing the emergency response and monitoring the situation. The Saidu Hospital administration has appealed to the public to donate blood to help meet the urgent needs of the injured. Citizens have also been requested to avoid unnecessary visits to the hospital during the emergency to prevent overcrowding and allow medical teams to carry out their work efficiently. Hospital officials said the situation is being closely monitored, and emergency medical services remain fully operational.

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    Pakistan’s Commonwealth campaign ends with one medal

    Pakistan concluded its campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with just one medal, marking the country’s poorest performance at the event in more than three decades. Pakistan sent a contingent of 21 athletes to compete across various disciplines but returned with only a single medal. The country’s sole podium finish came in women’s boxing, where Fatima Zahra secured a medal for Pakistan. The result marks the first time since the 1998 Commonwealth Games that Pakistan has finished the event with only one medal. In 1998, the country won a lone silver medal. It was also Pakistan’s weakest Commonwealth Games performance in the last 36 years. The only poorer result came in 1990, when the national contingent failed to win any medal. Pakistan’s hopes of improving its medal tally on the final day were dashed when judoka Shah Hussain Shah was eliminated in his opening bout, ending the country’s campaign without any further success. Shah Hussain Shah and Olympic javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem had been widely regarded as Pakistan’s strongest medal prospects heading into the Games. However, both athletes fell short of expectations and were unable to secure podium finishes. The disappointing campaign stands in sharp contrast to Pakistan’s performance at the previous Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham four years ago, where the country won a total of seven medals, including two gold medals. The latest results have raised concerns over Pakistan’s overall performance in international multi-sport events, with the country finishing the Glasgow Games with only one medal despite sending athletes in several disciplines.