تازہ ترین

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    Toy Story 5 set to arrive on Disney+ September 23

    Pixar’s latest chapter in the beloved Toy Story franchise is heading to the small screen, with Toy Story 5 set to premiere on Disney+ on September 23, following a hugely successful theatrical run that reaffirmed the enduring popularity of Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the rest of Andy and Bonnie’s toy box favorites. The film, which has become the franchise’s highest-grossing installment with more than $1.13 billion in worldwide box-office earnings, opened domestically to an impressive $160 million on June 19. Its strong performance demonstrates that audiences remain eager to return to Pixar’s world of talking toys, even as the series enters a new era. In Toy Story 5, the focus shifts to Bonnie and her collection of toys as they face an unexpected new challenge. Rather than competing with another child’s toys, they find themselves struggling to capture Bonnie’s attention from a modern screen gadget called Lilypad. The storyline brings the franchise’s familiar themes of friendship, loyalty and growing up into a distinctly digital-age setting. The arrival on Disney+ gives families who missed the theatrical release an opportunity to experience the latest adventure from home. For longtime fans, it also marks another milestone in a franchise that has remained a cultural touchstone since the original Toy Story debuted in 1995. The film’s music has also attracted attention. A new piano version of Taylor Swift’s “I Knew It, I Knew You” is now available to stream, adding another musical element to the film’s expanding soundtrack presence. Physical editions of Toy Story 5 will follow shortly after the Disney+ debut, with 4K UHD and Blu-ray releases scheduled for September 22. With its combination of nostalgia, new technology and another generation of toys fighting for their place in a child’s world, Toy Story 5 is poised to bring audiences back into Pixar’s emotional universe. As the September 23 streaming date approaches, fans can once again prepare for an adventure where friendship and being there when it matters remains at the heart of the story. https://variety.com/2026/film/news/toy-story-5-disney-plus-release-date-streaming-how-to-watch-1236844965/

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    Health minister offers accountability after PIMS t…

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has offered himself for accountability following the deaths of newborns in a fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), as criticism over the tragedy intensified. Speaking to the media outside PIMS on Wednesday, Kamal said he had placed himself before Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for accountability and would accept whatever decision the premier makes. “I have presented myself before Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for accountability. He is my boss and will decide my fate,” the minister said. Kamal also assured that action would be taken against anyone found responsible for negligence or any other mistake linked to the incident. The minister said preliminary CCTV footage had provided investigators with an indication of how the fire started. According to him, the footage showed a spark near an air conditioner at around 6:38am. People were seen leaving the area shortly afterwards. He said the presence of oxygen in the ward caused the flames to intensify rapidly. Kamal maintained that the government would not conceal any information related to the incident and that those responsible would be dealt with according to the findings of the investigation. The minister faced protests and angry reactions from people gathered outside the hospital while speaking to reporters. The situation became tense, forcing him to leave the premises. The tragedy has triggered demands for a transparent investigation and accountability of all officials and staff whose actions or omissions may have contributed to the deaths. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Sherry Rehman also called for the health minister’s resignation, saying serious questions had emerged about emergency arrangements at the hospital. Rehman claimed that the emergency department’s door was locked after the fire and that people had to break windows to gain access. She also questioned the reported absence of doctors at the scene. The PPP senator said her party was not seeking to politicise the tragedy but had a responsibility to ask questions about the circumstances that led to the loss of newborn lives. “The minister responsible should resign,” Rehman said. Another senior PPP leader, Nayer Hussain Bokhari, said the Health Ministry must answer questions surrounding the incident. He argued that holding only a single secretary responsible would not be sufficient if the investigation identifies wider administrative failures. The incident has placed renewed focus on safety measures, emergency preparedness and accountability at major public hospitals. Authorities are expected to determine the exact cause of the fire and establish whether negligence, equipment failure or administrative shortcomings contributed to the deaths.

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    Celebrities slam ‘criminal negligence’ after PIMS fire

    The deadly fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) has triggered grief and anger across the country, with several Pakistani celebrities using social media to demand accountability and action against those responsible. The tragedy, which claimed the lives of newborn children, has deeply affected the public. Showbiz personalities expressed sympathy for the bereaved families while questioning the safety standards and emergency arrangements at one of Islamabad’s major public hospitals. Actor Muhammad Ahmed criticised the repeated loss of children in incidents that later fade from public attention. In a video message, he questioned whether the deaths would also be forgotten after a few days without anyone being held responsible. He expressed his sorrow for the mothers who lost their newborns and called for those responsible to be identified and held accountable. Actress Azekah Daniel also criticised what she described as an incompetent system. She said tragedies often lead to public condemnation for a short period, after which attention shifts elsewhere until another incident occurs. Her remarks highlighted concerns about the lack of sustained institutional reforms following serious incidents involving public safety and healthcare. Actor Zara Noor Abbas also voiced her frustration over what she described as repeated failures to establish responsibility after major incidents. She said a series of such events was creating a sense of desperation among citizens, particularly when accountability remains absent. Zunaira Inam Khan took a stronger position, describing the PIMS incident as more than an unfortunate accident. In a social media post, she attributed the tragedy to what she called criminal negligence and mismanagement. Meanwhile, Sabeena Farooq expressed concern about the infants affected by the incident and sought information about their condition through social media. Actors Ahsan Khan and Nadia Afghan also shared a video showing a grieving mother carrying her child. They urged the authorities to ensure that the remains of the baby were handed over to the family. The reactions from the entertainment industry reflect wider public anger following the tragedy. Social media users have raised questions about hospital safety protocols, emergency preparedness, staffing and the ability of public healthcare facilities to respond effectively during crises. PIMS is one of the country’s major government-run healthcare institutions and serves a large number of patients from Islamabad and surrounding areas. Like several public hospitals, it operates under significant pressure because of high patient numbers and limited resources. The fire has therefore renewed calls for a comprehensive review of safety arrangements at public hospitals, including emergency exits, fire prevention systems, medical equipment and response procedures. Celebrities and members of the public are now demanding that the investigation into the incident be transparent and that responsibility be determined on the basis of evidence.

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    Ishaq Dar reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to Com…

    LONDON: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the Commonwealth during a meeting with Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey at Marlborough House in London on Wednesday. As a founding member of the Commonwealth, Senator Dar reiterated Pakistan’s support for the Secretary-General’s vision to strengthen the organisation and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to advancing the Commonwealth’s agenda on youth empowerment, climate resilience and sustainable economic development. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasised the importance of promoting intra-Commonwealth trade through institutionalised cooperation between banking sectors, saying stronger financial connectivity would help unlock greater economic opportunities for member states. Highlighting Pakistan’s expertise in climate change mitigation and disaster management, Senator Dar said Commonwealth countries could benefit from Pakistan’s experience in responding to natural disasters. He renewed Pakistan’s offer to host the proposed Commonwealth Disaster Resilience Hub at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in Islamabad. Secretary-General Botchwey welcomed Pakistan’s offer and said the Commonwealth Secretariat looked forward to working closely with Islamabad to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience across member states. The two leaders also agreed to expand cooperation on youth development under Pakistan’s co-chairmanship of the Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting (CYMM). They underscored the importance of creating greater opportunities for young people through enhanced Commonwealth programmes and initiatives. During the meeting, Senator Dar briefed the Secretary-General on recent developments in the Middle East, including Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in helping broker peace between the United States and Iran. Secretary-General Botchwey congratulated Pakistan, particularly Senator Dar, for his sustained diplomatic engagement and mediation efforts between the United States and Iran. She thanked him for helping avert a potentially destructive conflict and for making a significant contribution to regional peace and stability. The meeting reflected Pakistan’s continued commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation through the Commonwealth while promoting dialogue, disaster resilience, youth development and international peace.

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    ‘Give me my baby back’: Mother’s desperate P…

    A devastating fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad has claimed the lives of 15 children, turning a routine morning at the capital’s major public hospital into a scene of panic, grief and anguish. The fire broke out early Wednesday in the Mother and Child Health Ward, where critically ill newborns were receiving treatment. Thick smoke rapidly filled parts of the ward, leaving families and hospital staff struggling to reach the affected area. The tragedy has raised serious questions about fire safety, emergency response, hospital security and the availability of adequate facilities for vulnerable newborns. Among the grieving parents was a mother who could not hold back her anguish after losing her infant. “Give me my child back,” she cried, as families gathered outside the hospital waiting for information about their children. Witnesses described a chaotic situation inside the hospital, with heavy smoke making it difficult to move through the affected area. Some patients and attendants reportedly attempted to escape through windows after finding access points blocked. A witness said the fire spread rapidly and that babies as young as a day old were present in the ward. Another witness claimed rescue personnel took considerable time to reach the affected section, while hospital security allegedly restricted the movement of people trying to leave. However, Islamabad’s senior administration gave a different account of the emergency response. Officials said the emergency call was received shortly before 7am and that rescue and police teams reached the hospital promptly. The fire was subsequently brought under control. The exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. PIMS officials said the preliminary cause of the fire appeared to be an electrical fault involving an air conditioner. Authorities are expected to examine the equipment, wiring, hospital safety systems and emergency procedures to determine how the fire started and why it spread so quickly. The deaths have caused widespread grief across the country. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed sorrow over the loss of the infants and called for a detailed examination of the circumstances that led to the tragedy. The prime minister directed that those responsible for any negligence be identified and that strict action be taken on the basis of the investigation. The incident has also brought renewed attention to safety standards at public hospitals. PIMS is one of Islamabad’s largest healthcare institutions and caters to a large number of patients from the capital and surrounding areas. Families and witnesses have raised questions about the availability of emergency exits, fire-fighting equipment, evacuation procedures and the preparedness of hospital staff to deal with fires in specialised wards. The presence of newborns in critical care areas makes emergency preparedness particularly important. Infants requiring intensive medical support cannot be evacuated in the same manner as ordinary patients, increasing the need for specialised fire-safety plans and trained personnel. The tragedy has also sparked anger over whether existing safety warnings and shortcomings at public hospitals were adequately addressed before the incident. For the bereaved families, however, the immediate concern is the loss of their children. Parents gathered outside PIMS in distress as they waited for confirmation and the return of their babies. The fire is among the most serious recent incidents involving a public healthcare facility in Pakistan and has intensified calls for stronger enforcement of fire-safety regulations in hospitals and other major public buildings.

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    PTI must apologise to Fazl, says Kundi

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has urged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to apologise for its past statements and criticism directed at Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. Speaking to journalists in Nowshera, Kundi said PTI’s current political position appeared different from its earlier stance towards Fazlur Rehman. He said the party should acknowledge its previous remarks and offer an apology. The governor also criticised PTI’s approach towards the judiciary, saying the party had celebrated certain court decisions in the past but later faced adverse verdicts from the same judicial system. Kundi said PTI supporters had previously distributed sweets when courts issued decisions they considered favourable. However, he noted that subsequent decisions by courts resulted in PTI founder Imran Khan being sent to jail. He argued that political parties should maintain a consistent position on state institutions and should not support institutions only when their decisions favour them. Turning to the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kundi strongly criticised the provincial government and accused it of failing to address the province’s major governance and security challenges. He alleged that political activities and what he described as political drama surrounding Adiala Jail and D-Chowk had continued for years, while the province faced serious issues related to law and order. The governor claimed that the security situation had deteriorated and alleged that the province was being left vulnerable to militants. He said restoring peace and ensuring effective governance should be the government’s primary responsibilities. Kundi also pointed to what he described as a significant change in PTI’s political relationships. He said the party now regarded Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Mahmood Khan Achakzai as important political allies or figures, despite its previous criticism of them. He said the change in political positioning made it even more important for PTI to address its past statements against Fazlur Rehman. The governor’s comments come amid continued political disagreements between the federal and provincial governments, with security, governance and political alliances remaining major areas of contention.

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    Shoaib Akhtar calls for transparent probe into PIMS tragedy

    ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan Test cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has expressed deep shock and grief over the deaths of 15 newborn babies in the tragic fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. In a statement shared on social media platform X, Akhtar described the incident as an extremely painful and heartbreaking tragedy. He said the loss of newborn children was devastating and called for a strict and transparent investigation into the incident. Akhtar stressed that those responsible for any negligence or failure should be identified through the investigation. He said accountability was necessary to ensure that such a tragic incident does not happen again. The former cricketer also expressed solidarity with the parents and families who lost their newborn children in the fire. “I share the grief of all the parents and families who have lost their newborn children in such a painful manner,” Akhtar said, while praying that Allah Almighty grant them patience and strength to endure the loss. The PIMS fire has sparked widespread grief and anger across Pakistan, with citizens, political figures and public personalities demanding a thorough investigation and accountability. The incident has also raised questions about safety arrangements, emergency response systems and the overall preparedness of major public hospitals to deal with emergencies.

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    Maryam orders fire safety checks at Rawalpindi hos…

    RAWALPINDI: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered authorities to ensure complete fire safety arrangements at all government hospitals in Rawalpindi. The chief minister has also sought a detailed report from Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir about the safety arrangements at government hospitals across the city. The directive comes amid growing concerns over fire safety at healthcare facilities following the deadly fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir said authorities would ensure the installation of proper fire safety systems in all government hospitals. He said work had already started on the installation of fire hydrants at hospitals. The facilities will also be checked to ensure that emergency arrangements are functional and accessible. On the deputy commissioner’s instructions, the Additional Deputy Commissioner visited government hospitals along with Rescue teams. The teams inspected the hospitals and reviewed their existing fire safety arrangements. They also examined the facilities required to respond to an emergency. Officials are focusing on three key areas. These include fire alarms, fire hydrants and emergency exits. The administration has been directed to ensure that fire alarms are operational and that hydrants are available at appropriate locations. Emergency exits are also being checked to ensure that patients, attendants and hospital staff can leave buildings quickly during an emergency. The deputy commissioner said the safety of patients was the administration’s top priority. He warned that no negligence would be tolerated in implementing fire safety measures. The inspection campaign is aimed at identifying weaknesses before they lead to a major incident. Authorities are also expected to take corrective measures wherever deficiencies are found. Government hospitals handle large numbers of patients every day. Many patients are also critically ill and cannot be moved quickly during an emergency. Officials therefore consider functional fire prevention and evacuation systems essential for protecting patients and medical staff.

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    Toxic faces disappointing reactions from audiences nationwide

    Yash and Kiara Advani’s much-awaited film Toxic has officially arrived in cinemas, but its opening-day response from audiences has been far from the excitement that surrounded the project before its release. The film hit theatres on August 26, marking Yash’s return to the big screen after a four-year gap following the success of the K.G.F franchise. With a star-studded cast featuring Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Tara Sutaria and Huma Qureshi, Toxic had generated considerable anticipation among fans. The film has been directed by Geetu Mohandas and revolves around a powerful mafia group, promising an intense and visually striking cinematic experience. However, after watching the film on its first day, several moviegoers took to social media to share their disappointment. While expectations were high because of Yash’s popularity and the film’s ambitious scale, a section of viewers felt that the final product failed to live up to the hype. One viewer described Toxic as a “huge disappointment,” criticizing its storytelling, pacing and overall execution. According to the audience member, the film felt boring and failed to make an impact despite the expectations surrounding it. The viewer rated the movie 2 out of 5 and suggested that much more was expected from a project featuring such a major star. Another viewer was even more critical of the film, calling it a major disappointment and describing the experience as extremely frustrating. The reaction also focused on the film’s lengthy runtime and Yash’s portrayal, with the viewer questioning why a major star’s comeback had been presented in such a manner. The negative reactions have particularly focused on the contrast between the film’s massive pre-release buzz and the experience some audiences reported after watching it. Yash’s return had been eagerly awaited since his last appearance in K.G.F: Chapter 2, and fans had expected Toxic to deliver another memorable performance from the actor. Instead, some viewers have described the comeback as loud but lacking substance. For them, the film’s scale, star power and promotional build-up were not enough to compensate for what they considered weak storytelling and execution. The reactions have also sparked discussions about whether Toxic was able to make effective use of its impressive ensemble cast. With actors such as Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Tara Sutaria and Huma Qureshi sharing the screen with Yash, expectations were naturally high. However, early audience feedback suggests that some viewers felt the characters and performances did not make the desired impact. Despite the criticism, the film’s opening-day response on social media represents only the initial reaction, and its overall reception could change as more audiences watch it in the coming days. Box-office performance, word of mouth and reviews from a wider section of viewers will ultimately determine how Toxic fares during its theatrical run. For now, however, the film appears to have left a section of moviegoers underwhelmed, particularly those who had been waiting years to see Yash make his return to the big screen. With such high expectations attached to the project, Toxic now faces the challenge of convincing audiences that the film has more to offer beyond its star power and grand presentation.

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    Dolly Parton’s cause of death revealed after brief cancer battle

    Dolly Parton’s death has left fans, fellow musicians and the entertainment industry mourning the loss of one of country music’s most beloved and influential figures. The legendary singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist died on Tuesday, August 25, in Nashville at the age of 80. Parton’s family initially announced her death without revealing the cause. Her representatives and an estate spokesperson have now confirmed that the music icon died following a brief battle with cancer. The specific type of cancer was not disclosed. According to the statement, Parton passed away peacefully at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, surrounded by members of her family and loved ones. Her representatives described her final battle as brave and reflected on the extraordinary impact she made throughout her decades-long career. The statement also highlighted Parton’s lifelong commitment to helping others. Beyond her achievements in music and entertainment, she became widely respected for her generosity and philanthropic work. Her representatives pointed to her Imagination Library, a nonprofit program that has distributed hundreds of millions of books to children. Parton’s charitable legacy also extended to medical research. In April 2020, during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, she donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center after learning from a doctor friend that researchers needed additional funding for coronavirus studies. The contribution helped establish the Dolly Parton COVID-19 Research Fund, which provided early financial support for research that contributed to the development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Her representatives described her generosity and compassion as central to the legacy she leaves behind. From encouraging children to read to supporting scientific research, Parton consistently used her success to make a difference in the lives of others. Dolly Parton’s death announcement The initial announcement of Parton’s death came through her official Instagram account. Her nephew and longtime head of security, Bryan Seaver, shared the heartbreaking news on behalf of the Parton and Owens families. Seaver described Parton as his aunt and recalled the difficult responsibility of announcing her passing. He revealed that Parton had asked him years earlier to make such an announcement when the time came. Seaver had worked as Parton’s head of security for more than two decades, following in the footsteps of his father, Larry. While acknowledging the sadness surrounding her death, he emphasized the pride and honor he felt in being part of her life and protecting her for so many years. Dolly Parton’s remarkable career Born on January 19, 1946, Parton grew up in a large family in Tennessee and developed a passion for music at a young age. She began performing on local radio and television programs as a child before building a professional career that would eventually make her one of the most recognizable figures in country music. Parton released her debut studio album, Hello, I’m Dolly, in 1967. Over the following decades, she achieved enormous success as a singer and songwriter, earning 11 Grammy Awards and producing numerous enduring hits. Her career eventually expanded beyond music into acting, television, business and philanthropy. Parton was also known for maintaining a deeply private personal life despite her immense fame. She married Carl Thomas Dean on May 30, 1966, and remained with him for nearly six decades until his death in March 2025. The couple did not have children together. With her death, the entertainment world has lost an extraordinary performer whose influence extended far beyond the stage. Her music, generosity and commitment to helping others have secured a lasting legacy that is expected to continue inspiring generations.