تازہ ترین

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    Gold price in Pakistan rises by Rs1,700 per tola

    ByJustpaste.in

    Gold prices moved higher across Pakistan on Monday, tracking an upward trend in the international bullion market, according to the latest rates issued by the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA). The price of 24-karat gold per tola increased by Rs1,700, taking the new rate to Rs428,436. The recovery comes after a sharp decline recorded in the previous trading session, when the precious metal had fallen by Rs3,700 per tola to settle at Rs426,736 on Saturday. The price of 10 grams of 24-karat gold also witnessed an increase, climbing by Rs1,457 to reach Rs367,314 in local markets. Market analysts said the rise in domestic gold prices reflects the positive movement in global bullion markets, where investor demand strengthened amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the global economic outlook and expectations regarding interest rate policies. In the international market, the price of gold gained $17 per ounce, pushing the bullion rate to $4,060 per ounce, including a premium of $20. The increase in global prices was mirrored in Pakistan’s local market, where gold rates are largely influenced by international trends and fluctuations in the value of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar. Meanwhile, silver prices also registered a notable increase. The price of silver per tola rose by Rs54, reaching Rs6,291 in the domestic market.

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    Rain disrupts Washington open finalsWashington open finals, Canadian open schedule revised

    ByJustpaste.in

    Persistent rain caused major disruption to professional tennis events in North America on Sunday, forcing officials to suspend the Washington Open women’s final and postpone several matches at the Canadian Open in Toronto and Montreal. The highly anticipated Washington Open women’s singles final between defending champion Jessica Pegula of the United States and rising Philippine star Alexandra Eala was interrupted during the second set after heavy rain made playing conditions unsafe. The match had already faced a delay of nearly three hours before it finally began. Pegula managed to secure the opening set 6-4 after a competitive contest. Eala responded strongly in the second set and had taken a 2-1 lead when rain returned, forcing tournament officials to suspend play. Organisers later confirmed that the final would resume on Monday at 12:00 p.m. local time, with both players returning to complete the unfinished match. The weather also affected the men’s singles final in Washington. The championship clash between American Taylor Fritz and Spain’s Rafael Jodar was postponed and rescheduled for Monday, with organisers announcing that the match would begin no earlier than 1:00 p.m. local time after the completion of the women’s final. Tournament officials issued an update through social media, informing fans that all remaining matches scheduled for Sunday evening had been cancelled because of the adverse weather conditions. Meanwhile, the Canadian Open also experienced significant interruptions as rain swept across both host cities. The prestigious tournament, running from August 1 to August 14, features the women’s competition in Toronto and the men’s event in Montreal. In Toronto, action on the Grandstand Court was suspended during the women’s singles match between Poland’s Magdalena Frech and France’s Leolia Jeanjean. After monitoring the weather, officials decided to cancel the remainder of Sunday’s schedule, assuring spectators that play would resume once conditions improved. Tournament organisers expressed optimism despite the disruption, saying they expected clear weather for the following day and looked forward to restarting the competition. Montreal faced similar challenges, with rain first delaying several daytime matches before worsening conditions forced organisers to cancel the entire evening session as well.

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    UK petrol theft hits £200,000 a day amid fuel price surge

    ByJustpaste.in

    The sharp rise in fuel prices across the United Kingdom has triggered a significant increase in petrol theft, with filling stations now losing an estimated £200,000 worth of fuel every day, according to media reports. Petrol station operators have reported a growing number of “drive-off” incidents, where motorists fill their vehicles with fuel and leave without making payment. The trend has become increasingly common as higher fuel costs continue to put pressure on household budgets. Reports indicate that the overall financial impact of fuel theft has climbed by 48 percent following the recent surge in petrol and diesel prices. Retailers say the increase has added to the challenges already facing fuel station businesses, many of which are struggling with rising operating costs. The spike in fuel prices followed heightened tensions during the Iran conflict, when global oil markets experienced sharp volatility. During that period, the price of petrol reportedly increased by 27 pence per litre, while diesel prices rose by 37 pence per litre, making fuel significantly more expensive for consumers. Industry representatives warn that the consequences extend beyond financial losses. According to the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA), the rise in fuel prices has also been accompanied by an increase in abusive and aggressive behaviour directed at petrol station employees. Pump attendants have reportedly faced more verbal harassment and confrontations from frustrated customers. Fuel retailers are urging authorities to take stronger action against theft and improve security measures at filling stations. They also stress the need for greater protection for frontline staff, who are increasingly being exposed to difficult and sometimes dangerous situations while carrying out their duties.

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    North Carolina man wins $1 million lottery after trusting his lucky number 7

    ByJustpaste.in

    A North Carolina man has struck it rich after relying on what he has always believed to be his lucky number, winning a $1 million prize from a scratch-off lottery ticket. According to international media reports, Thomas Moonves, a resident of Biscoe in North Carolina, purchased a $10 Triple Red 777 Jackpot scratch-off ticket from a local convenience store. He said he chose the ticket because the number 7 has always held special meaning in his life. Moonves explained that his connection with the number dates back to his birth, as he was born on the 7th day of the month in 1977. Believing the number had consistently brought him good fortune, he decided to try his luck with a ticket featuring multiple sevens. Soon after buying the ticket, Moonves scratched it on the spot and was stunned to discover he had won the game’s top prize of $1 million. Recalling the unforgettable moment, he said he was overwhelmed with excitement and could hardly believe what he was seeing. The unexpected win turned an ordinary trip to the store into a life-changing experience.

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    Iran denies holding talks with US

    ByJustpaste.in

    Iran has dismissed reports of ongoing negotiations with the United States, saying there are currently no direct talks between the two countries, while confirming that discussions with Oman are focused solely on establishing a temporary maritime route through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the consultations with Oman are aimed at ensuring safe navigation in the strategic waterway and should not be interpreted as an agreement to fully reopen the strait. He maintained that the security situation in the region remains unchanged and insisted that any broader decision regarding the Strait of Hormuz would depend on regional developments. Baghaei also said there are no plans for Iranian or American delegations to meet in the coming days, rejecting speculation that formal negotiations are currently underway. His remarks came after US President Donald Trump announced that Washington expected to begin talks with Iran and suggested that diplomatic efforts had prompted him to cancel a planned military operation. Trump said discussions involving Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Iran had encouraged the United States to pursue diplomacy instead of military action. The US president said he preferred reaching a negotiated settlement but warned that military options remained available if diplomacy failed. He expressed hope that an agreement could eventually address both navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme. Meanwhile, regional tensions remain high despite renewed diplomatic efforts. Reports emerged that an explosion occurred near a commercial tanker off the coast of Oman. Maritime authorities said the vessel and its crew were safe, while an investigation into the incident is underway. In another development, Iraq’s state oil marketing company reportedly offered significant discounts on Basrah crude exports to encourage buyers to lift cargoes from facilities inside the Strait of Hormuz, reflecting continuing uncertainty in regional energy markets. Iran also announced the execution of two men convicted of spying for Israel’s intelligence agency, saying they had provided sensitive military information to foreign operatives. The uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz continues to affect global energy markets. The waterway handles a significant share of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, making any disruption a major concern for international trade and energy security.

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    Phil Collins says Taylor Swift’s success is ‘well deserved’ after memorable early performance

    ByJustpaste.in

    Music icon Phil Collins has spoken warmly about Taylor Swift, praising the singer-songwriter’s rise to global stardom and saying her remarkable success has been fully earned. Speaking during a BBC Radio 2 interview, the Genesis frontman reflected on a performance that left a lasting impression on him. Collins recalled watching Swift perform her ballad “White Horse” at the Songwriters Hall of Fame event in 2008, describing the moment as one that has stayed with him ever since. According to Collins, the performance stood out because of its simplicity and emotional honesty. With only an acoustic guitar accompanying her, Swift delivered the song in a way that highlighted both her songwriting and vocal ability. He said the heartfelt sentiment behind the lyrics, combined with her expressive singing, made the performance unforgettable. Collins explained that the stripped-back arrangement allowed the emotion of the song to shine through, adding that it created a lasting soft spot for both the track and the artist. Looking back, he said it is easy to understand why Swift went on to become one of the most successful musicians of her generation. Swift has spent the years since that performance building one of the music industry’s most celebrated careers. Her albums have consistently topped charts around the world, while her songwriting has earned widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards. Her ability to reinvent her sound while maintaining a close connection with fans has made her one of the defining artists of modern pop music. The admiration appears to be mutual. In 2019, Swift performed a cover of Collins’ song “Can’t Stop Loving You,” introducing the classic hit to many younger listeners while paying tribute to one of her musical influences. The performance was widely welcomed by fans of both artists. Collins, whose career with Genesis and as a solo performer has earned him worldwide recognition, remains one of the most influential figures in popular music. His comments about Swift reflect an appreciation for artistry across generations, highlighting how memorable performances and strong songwriting can create lasting respect between musicians. As both artists continue to leave their mark on music history, Collins’ praise serves as another reminder that genuine talent is often recognised by fellow performers. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/phil-collins-praises-taylor-swift-1236307708/

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    PML-N secures AJK majority, says Sanaullah

    ByJustpaste.in

    Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah has said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has secured a simple majority in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly after winning 13 of the 20 seats contested in the first two phases of the elections. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad alongside Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam, Sanaullah said the election process had so far been completed on 20 constituencies. He said polling was first held on 13 seats and later conducted on seven more seats during the second phase. According to Sanaullah, the PML-N won 13 seats, while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) secured seven seats. He added that the PML-N also emerged victorious on 10 of the 12 refugee seats, taking the party’s total strength in the 45-member AJK Legislative Assembly to 23 seats. He said the party now has the required numbers to form a simple majority government in Azad Kashmir. Sanaullah congratulated PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, party workers and all successful candidates on what he described as a major electoral success. The adviser said the victory reflected the confidence of the people of Azad Kashmir in the policies and leadership of the PML-N. He added that the new government would focus on fulfilling the promises made during the election campaign and would work for the development, prosperity and welfare of the region. Sanaullah rejected allegations of election rigging made by the Pakistan Peoples Party. He maintained that the elections were conducted in a peaceful, transparent and credible manner under the supervision of the Election Commission and relevant state institutions. He alleged that some opposition leaders started questioning the election results only after realising they were losing in several constituencies. He urged political parties to respect the democratic process and avoid making accusations without presenting evidence. Referring to incidents reported during polling, Sanaullah claimed that attempts were made in some areas to create unrest and discourage voter turnout. However, he said the administration, police and security agencies effectively handled the situation and ensured that polling continued smoothly. He also expressed confidence that the PML-N would perform strongly in the remaining phase of the elections. He said the party expects to win more seats when polling is held on the remaining constituencies, further strengthening its position in the legislative assembly. Meanwhile, Federal Minister Amir Muqam described the election outcome as a victory for democracy and the people of Azad Kashmir. He said voters actively participated in the electoral process despite concerns raised before polling and demonstrated their trust in the democratic system. Muqam praised the Election Commission, civil administration, police and security institutions for ensuring peaceful and orderly polling across the region. He said the successful completion of the first two phases reflected effective coordination among all institutions involved in the election process. The minister said the PML-N’s campaign was based on public service, development and good governance. He added that the party leadership remained fully engaged throughout the campaign, while workers reached out to voters across Azad Kashmir to present the party’s vision and manifesto.

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    Mir Raza was shot 4 times, rejects suicide attempt

    ByJustpaste.in

    Karachi: Sindh Governor Nahal Hashmi has claimed that the death of young businessman Mir Raza Ali was not a case of suicide, stating that the victim had sustained four bullet wounds. His remarks came while addressing a ceremony held under the Prime Minister’s Youth Laptop Program in Karachi. Speaking to students at the event, the governor said it was an honor to participate in the distribution of laptops, describing the initiative as a significant step toward empowering Pakistan’s youth through education and technology. He credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for prioritizing educational development and providing students with modern learning opportunities. Hashmi emphasized the importance of education by referring to the Quranic command “Iqra” (Read), saying that knowledge is the foundation of progress. He added that equipping young people with laptops would help them develop the skills needed for the digital era and contribute to the country’s future. Highlighting Pakistan’s technology ambitions, the governor said the country aims to achieve $25 billion in IT exports. He also praised the success of talented students from Karachi who recently established a company that was reportedly sold to Elon Musk for millions of dollars, calling it a source of pride for the nation. The governor reiterated his support for national unity, stressing that Pakistan was founded as a free and sovereign state in line with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He also clarified that he serves as a constitutional governor and remains committed to fulfilling his responsibilities under the Constitution. Commenting on law and order, Hashmi urged authorities to further strengthen security measures in Karachi, noting that larger cities naturally face greater crime-related challenges. He said the city’s crime rate has improved significantly compared to previous years but acknowledged that more work is needed. Referring to the ongoing investigation into Mir Raza Ali’s death, the governor stated that, according to the information available to him, the victim had been shot four times and had not died by suicide. He noted that the investigation is still underway and expressed sorrow over the loss of a young life, saying the final conclusions would depend on the outcome of the official probe.

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    PML-N rejects rigging claims as AJK polls head tow…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has strongly rejected allegations of election rigging in the ongoing Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) legislative assembly elections, maintaining that the electoral process has remained transparent and democratic despite criticism from opposition parties. The three-phase election, being held under heightened security arrangements, has become one of the most closely watched political contests in recent years. The process has been marked by the boycott of the polls by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), accusations of irregularities by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and weeks of unrest linked to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has challenged the existing electoral structure, particularly the controversial refugee constituencies. Addressing a press conference after the completion of the second phase of polling, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah expressed confidence that the PML-N had already secured enough seats to form the next AJK government. He predicted the party would strengthen its position further after the remaining constituencies complete voting in the final phase. Sanaullah described the elections as free, fair and credible, crediting election officials, law enforcement agencies and the AJK administration for ensuring a peaceful voting process under difficult circumstances. He dismissed the PPP’s allegations of rigging, arguing that any complaints should be formally presented before the Election Commission, which has the constitutional authority to investigate and order re-polling wherever necessary. The senior PML-N leader also alleged that elements associated with the PPP and JAAC attempted to create unrest in Muzaffarabad before polling day to discourage voter turnout in areas considered favorable to his party. He said the PML-N would seek an official investigation into those incidents. The PPP, however, continues to challenge the credibility of the elections. Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has alleged widespread irregularities and insisted that several constituencies require independent investigations, claiming that the electoral process has not provided a level playing field for all contestants. One of the central issues surrounding the election remains the 12 refugee constituencies, which represent refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir residing in different parts of Pakistan. Critics argue that these seats allow Islamabad greater influence over government formation in AJK, while the government maintains they are constitutionally protected. Earlier this year, the AJK Supreme Court ruled that the constituencies cannot be abolished without a constitutional amendment. The political atmosphere has also been shaped by protests led by the Joint Awami Action Committee, which initially mobilized against rising electricity prices, taxation and the increasing cost of living before expanding its campaign to demand electoral reforms. Following weeks of demonstrations and clashes with security forces, the AJK government declared JAAC a banned organization under anti-terrorism laws. With unofficial results from the first two phases placing the PML-N in a leading position, attention has now shifted to the third and final phase of polling in Poonch Division, scheduled for August 10. The outcome will determine the composition of the next AJK government and conclude an election that has generated intense political debate across Pakistan.

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    Babar creates another captaincy milestone for Pakistan

    ByJustpaste.in

    TRINIDAD: Pakistan captain Babar Azam added another milestone to his illustrious career after leading the national side for the 150th time in international cricket, joining legendary captains Imran Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq in one of Pakistan cricket’s most exclusive leadership clubs. The landmark came during the second Test against the West Indies, further cementing Babar’s place among the country’s most successful and experienced captains. The 31-year-old recently returned as Pakistan’s Test captain, replacing Shan Masood ahead of the team’s tours of the West Indies and England. His return marked a new chapter in a leadership journey that has already produced numerous records across all three formats. With 150 international matches as captain, Babar now stands third on Pakistan’s all-time list. Former World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan remains at the top with 187 matches, while Misbah-ul-Haq occupies second place with 151. Babar is also closing in on another remarkable achievement. He has guided Pakistan to 84 international victories, the second-highest by any Pakistan captain. Only Imran Khan, with 89 wins, has recorded more triumphs, while Misbah follows with 77 victories. Across his 150 matches in charge, Babar has registered 84 wins, 51 defeats, two ties, four draws and eight no-results, giving him an impressive overall winning percentage of 56 percent. Former captain Wasim Akram ranks fourth on Pakistan’s captaincy list with 134 international matches, followed by Inzamam-ul-Haq with 119 and Sarfaraz Ahmed with 100. Babar first captained Pakistan in T20 Internationals in October 2019 before taking charge of the ODI side in May 2020. Later that year, he was appointed Test captain, becoming the leader across all three formats. He stepped down from the role after Pakistan’s disappointing campaign at the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, but was reappointed white-ball captain in March 2024 before resigning again later that year to focus on his batting. Following Pakistan’s recent leadership changes, the Pakistan Cricket Board restored Babar as Test captain ahead of the current overseas assignments. Reaching 150 international matches as captain places Babar among Pakistan cricket’s greatest leaders, and with several years of international cricket still potentially ahead of him, he now has an opportunity to surpass Misbah-ul-Haq and move closer to Imran Khan’s long-standing captaincy record.