تازہ ترین

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    Tirah displaced families to convene grand jirga ov…

    KHYBER: Representatives of families affected by the situation in Tirah Valley will convene a grand jirga on August 20 at Bara Press Club to discuss their return, financial assistance and a future strategy for pursuing their demands. The gathering is being organised by Tehreek Mutasireen Tirah following a consultative meeting held on Sunday. A 24-member committee, along with elected representatives and a special representative of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chief minister, has been invited to attend the jirga. Participants will review the difficulties faced by Tirah affectees and discuss arrangements for a safe and dignified return to their areas. The provision of financial assistance and other longstanding demands will also be taken up during the meeting. The jirga is expected to determine the group’s next course of action and decide how to press the government to address the concerns of affected families. During the earlier consultation, community leaders, political representatives, traders, doctors and tribal elders called on the government to ensure a secure and dignified return for the affected population and provide immediate financial support. Tehreek Mutasireen Tirah spokesman Sohbat Afridi said the group would pursue its demands through peaceful means, stressing that any future protest strategy would reflect the wishes of the affected residents and the wider community.

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    England stun India with 4-2 Hockey World Cup comeback

    AMSTELVEEN: England produced a stunning second-half comeback to defeat India 4-2 in a thrilling Pool D encounter at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 at the Wagener Stadium on Monday. India appeared to be in control for much of the opening half and went into the interval with a 2-1 advantage. However, England completely changed the momentum after the break, scoring three unanswered goals across the third and fourth quarters to secure a memorable victory. The result extended England’s perfect start to the tournament. They now have two wins from two matches and sit at the top of Pool D, strengthening their position as one of the teams to watch in the competition. For India, the defeat continued a long wait for a World Cup victory against England. Their last win over the English side at the global tournament came back in 1994. India had started their campaign confidently, beating Wales 3-1. Captain Harmanpreet Singh converted two penalty corners, while Sanjay added another goal from a set-piece to give his side an encouraging opening victory. England, meanwhile, began the World Cup with an impressive 4-1 victory over Pakistan before carrying that momentum into Monday’s clash. India remain second in Pool D with three points. Their next match will be a highly anticipated encounter against arch-rivals Pakistan, while England will meet Wales in their next group fixture. India’s hockey team are still searching for a second World Cup title, having last lifted the trophy in 1975. They endured a disappointing campaign in the 2023 edition on home soil, finishing ninth. Elsewhere, France and Malaysia played out an entertaining 3-3 draw in Pool B. France’s Timothée Clement scored late in the final quarter to rescue a point. In the women’s tournament, Argentina defeated Germany 3-2, while the Netherlands beat Australia 4-2.

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    2 students killed in Philippines school shooting, …

    Philippines: Two students were killed in a shooting at a high school in the southern Philippines on Tuesday, with authorities confirming that the suspected shooter was among the dead. The incident occurred at a school affiliated with Ateneo de Zamboanga University in Zamboanga City. Police said a Grade 9 student brought both a pistol and a rifle onto the campus and opened fire inside a classroom. A Grade 10 male student was killed in the attack, while the alleged shooter later took his own life. University President Ernald Andal said the situation had been brought under control and that there were no further deaths or reported injuries. He said the institution’s immediate priority was ensuring the safety of students and staff. Security personnel, including police and soldiers, were deployed around the school as investigators arrived to examine the scene. Students and parents were also seen gathering outside the campus following the incident. The shooting comes less than two months after another deadly attack at a public high school in Tacloban City. In that incident in June, at least three students were killed and around 20 others were injured after two students reportedly opened fire on the school grounds. School shootings are relatively uncommon in the Philippines, where firearm ownership is subject to regulations including background checks and psychological assessments. Authorities, however, continue to face challenges posed by the circulation of illegal weapons. The latest incident also comes less than 10 days after a separate school shooting in Thailand, adding to concerns over violence involving students in the region.

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    Shadab Khan sees bowling boost ahead of Champions Cup final

    MULTAN: Pakistan Greens captain Shadab Khan believes his bowling is steadily improving as his unbeaten side prepares to face Pakistan Gold in the final of the National Champions Cup 2026. Greens have enjoyed an impressive run through the tournament, winning all three of their matches under Shadab’s leadership. Their consistent performances have also been powered by a strong batting display from Fakhar Zaman, who has emerged as one of the competition’s standout performers. Fakhar has scored two successive centuries and currently leads the tournament’s run-scoring charts with 238 runs at an outstanding average of 119. Shadab praised his team’s overall approach, saying the players had adapted well to local conditions and successfully carried forward the work completed during the recent National Cricket Academy (NCA) white-ball camp. “Our attitude in the field has been really good,” Shadab told the Pakistan Cricket Board’s digital platform. He said the squad contained several players familiar with the conditions and credited the entire team for building on their preparations at the NCA. “The whole team has put in a great effort and for me they all stand out,” the all-rounder added. Despite Greens’ unbeaten record, Shadab is not taking Gold lightly. He warned that their opponents’ route to the final made them particularly dangerous, with Gold securing qualification after taking advantage of a narrow opportunity. “We will try to keep things simple in tomorrow’s final while also knowing that a team like Gold that got into the final through a small opportunity can be dangerous,” he said. The final will provide another important test for Shadab, who is looking to make a bigger contribution with both bat and ball. He has so far taken two wickets in three matches, while his batting scores have included an unbeaten 34, 61 and seven. Shadab said he was encouraged by the gradual improvement in his bowling and remained focused on contributing whenever his team needed him. “I feel my bowling is also improving gradually, and with the bat I try to stand up whenever the team needs me,” he said. With Fakhar in outstanding form and Greens carrying an unbeaten record, Shadab’s side will enter the final with confidence. However, the captain knows Gold can upset the odds if his players lose focus in the decisive contest.

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    Pakistan rejects Indian claims, calls allegations …

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has rejected allegations by Indian Home Minister Amit Shah linking Islamabad to the arrest of alleged terror suspects in India, describing the accusations as part of a politically motivated campaign against Pakistan. Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said the allegations were baseless and appeared aimed at shifting attention away from India’s own internal security challenges. He accused New Delhi of using anti-Pakistan rhetoric for domestic political purposes. The remarks followed claims by Shah that Indian security agencies had detained more than 200 suspected militants allegedly connected to Pakistan during a nationwide crackdown across 14 states on August 12. Shah said the suspects were linked to what he described as the Shahzad Bhatti Network and alleged that the arrests had prevented planned attacks. Rejecting the claims, Andrabi said Pakistan had repeatedly faced accusations that he described as part of an ongoing campaign to portray Islamabad as responsible for security problems inside India. The spokesperson also levelled counter-allegations against New Delhi, accusing India of suppressing minorities and dissent at home while allegedly supporting terrorism and destabilising activities abroad. He maintained that such accusations could not divert international attention from what Pakistan considers India’s involvement in terrorism and subversive activities. Andrabi referred to Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav, who was convicted by a Pakistani military court and remains in Pakistani custody, as evidence of Islamabad’s longstanding allegations of Indian involvement in activities against Pakistan. Pakistan called on the international community to reject what it termed unfounded allegations and to hold India accountable for what Islamabad describes as state-sponsored terrorism and destabilising activities in the region. Moreover, Pakistan has strongly rejected what it described as India’s attempt to reshape the history of the 2025 military confrontation through a recently produced documentary on “Operation Sindoor,” calling the production a highly dramatized and factually distorted portrayal of events. In a statement, Pakistan said the documentary relied on selectively edited interviews, emotional narration and cinematic reconstructions to present a version of the conflict designed primarily for domestic political consumption. It argued that the production failed to provide an objective account of the military engagements and instead sought to portray a disputed outcome as an unequivocal Indian victory. Pakistan also questioned the documentary’s chronology surrounding the Pahalgam incident of April 22, 2025. It said India had subsequently claimed that the alleged perpetrators of the incident were identified and eliminated on July 28, nearly three months after Operation Sindoor. Islamabad argued that this timeline raised questions about India’s assertion that the May 7 operation was specifically intended to punish those responsible for the Pahalgam attack. The statement further rejected India’s claim of “100 percent mission success,” maintaining that Pakistani forces had effectively responded to the Indian offensive during what Pakistan refers to as Marka-e-Haq. Islamabad claimed that eight Indian military aircraft were shot down during the confrontation and said Pakistan later launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, targeting military installations with precision-guided rockets and missiles, precision air-launched munitions, loitering munitions and artillery. Pakistan said the documentary itself contained admissions that undermined its portrayal of decisive Indian dominance. According to Islamabad, references by Indian military officials to Pakistani missile and drone activity, prolonged engagements along the Line of Control and the activation of Indian air-defence systems demonstrated that the confrontation involved significant military exchanges on both sides. The Pakistani statement also challenged New Delhi’s account of how hostilities ended. It noted that the documentary acknowledged communication between the two countries’ Directors General of Military Operations and an agreed cessation of military activity. Islamabad said this account was inconsistent with portraying the conclusion of the conflict as an unconditional Indian military victory, particularly given the role of international diplomatic engagement in facilitating the ceasefire. Pakistan further accused the documentary of presenting contradictory explanations for India’s approach to escalation. While the production reportedly emphasised surprise attacks, precision strikes and escalation dominance, it simultaneously portrayed India as deliberately restricting the scope of the conflict and offering Pakistan an opportunity to withdraw. Islamabad described the documentary as an attempt to create a politically convenient narrative rather than an impartial military assessment. It maintained that cinematic reconstructions and official claims could not alter the chronology of events, the military engagements or the losses suffered during the confrontation. Pakistan said it had no need to construct an alternative narrative around Marka-e-Haq, arguing that battlefield developments, diplomatic interactions and subsequent statements by Indian officials provided sufficient material for assessing the conflict. Reaffirming its stated commitment to regional peace and stability, Pakistan said its armed forces remained prepared to protect the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It warned that any future military escalation would receive a strong response, while asserting that no subsequent narrative or media production could change the actual course of events on the battlefield.

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    Babar Azam’s England Test return in doubt after hand injury

    LEEDS: Pakistan captain Babar Azam’s participation in the opening Test against England has become uncertain after the star batter suffered a blow to his hand during a practice match against the PCC Select XI. Babar was batting on five in the 39th over when a delivery from fast bowler Manny Lumsden struck his hand. The right-hander immediately appeared uncomfortable and received treatment from the team’s medical staff before retiring hurt. The Pakistan Cricket Board later advised Babar to rest as a precaution, but a final decision on his availability for the first Test has not yet been made. The development comes at a crucial moment for Pakistan, with the three-match Test series against England scheduled to begin on Wednesday at Headingley. Babar had returned as Pakistan’s Test captain earlier this year and was selected to lead the side throughout the England tour. Babar’s possible absence would be a significant concern for Pakistan, particularly given his importance in the middle order and his leadership role. The team management is expected to take no risks with the experienced batter and will assess his condition before confirming the playing XI. Babar briefly took part in a training session at Headingley on Monday, offering some encouragement to Pakistan. However, his availability is expected to be assessed again after Tuesday’s practice session, when the medical team should have a clearer picture of his recovery. Meanwhile, Shan Masood has also resumed training in Leeds and could feature in the opening Test. Shan had been sidelined after fracturing a finger while batting during the first Test against the West Indies in Tarouba. Despite the injury, he returned to the crease in the second innings but was unable to bat in his regular position. Subsequent scans confirmed the fracture, ruling him out of the second Test. Pakistan will hope both senior batters are fit as they prepare for a demanding series in England. The first Test is scheduled for August 19-23 at Headingley, followed by matches at Lord’s and Edgbaston. With the opener only days away, Babar’s fitness has emerged as one of the biggest talking points around Pakistan’s preparations. The team will await medical clearance before deciding whether its captain is ready to take the field. Pakistan squad Babar Azam (c), Aamir Jamal, Ali Usman, Abdullah Shafique, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel* (subject to fitness), Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.

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    Salma Hayek embraces grandmotherhood, shares 1st l…

    Hollywood star Salma Hayek has stepped into a new chapter of her life as a grandmother and has given fans a heartwarming first glimpse of her newborn grandson. The 59-year-old Oscar-nominated actress shared an emotional video on Instagram on Sunday, August 16, showing herself lovingly holding the baby and speaking to him in Spanish. Hayek revealed that the baby, born to her stepson François Pinault Jr. and his wife Lara Cosima Henckel von Donnersmarck, has been named François. However, the actress said she plans to affectionately call him “Panchito,” a nickname that she says the newborn already seems to enjoy. “We are blessed to welcome the fourth living generation of Francois,” Hayek wrote alongside the video, expressing her joy over the newest addition to the family. Hayek shares her 18-year-old daughter Valentina with her husband, François-Henri Pinault. She is also stepmother to Pinault’s three other children, Mathilde, François and Augustin. Although Hayek only recently made her grandmotherhood public, reports indicate that the baby was born in July. The new parents recently marked their first month as a family, sharing photographs of their baby boy, including sweet moments with Hayek. The Desperado and Frida star’s latest post has since drawn warm reactions from fans, who celebrated the actress’s joyful new role and the growing Pinault family.

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    Kendall Jenner fuels romance buzz after Hawaii getaway

    Kendall Jenner has given her fans a glimpse into her recent Hawaiian getaway with a new photo dump shared on social media. The 818 Tequila founder, who has reportedly been romantically linked to actor Jacob Elordi since earlier this year, treated her 277 million Instagram followers to a collection of candid and scenic moments from her trip to Honopū Beach on the rugged Nā Pali Coast of Kauaʻi, Hawaii. The carousel opened with a striking black-and-white photograph of Kendall smiling widely as she put on her sunglasses. The model appeared relaxed and carefree in the candid moment while holding a glass of wine in one hand. Kendall then gave her followers a look at what she has been reading during her vacation. Among the images was a copy of Frank O’Hara’s poetry collection Meditations in an Emergency, offering fans a small glimpse into her current literary interests. Several other pictures focused on the breathtaking scenery surrounding Honopū Beach, a remote location known for its dramatic cliffs, lush landscape and secluded atmosphere. The beach is also famously associated with the nickname “Valley of Lost Souls,” adding to the mysterious appeal of the destination. The model also included a sweet picture featuring her beloved dog. In the sun-soaked photograph, Kendall could be seen sharing a kiss with her pet while relaxing outdoors in a large open field. While the photo dump largely focused on nature, relaxation and personal moments, one detail in Kendall’s post quickly caught the attention of her fans. In the caption accompanying the carousel, she described herself as a “lucky lady,” prompting followers to speculate about the meaning behind the simple but suggestive statement. Kendall did not include Jacob Elordi in the collection, despite the pair’s reported relationship continuing to attract considerable public interest. The Wuthering Heights actor has remained largely absent from her recent social media updates, allowing Kendall to keep the focus on her own vacation experiences. However, fans were quick to interpret her cheerful caption as a possible hint about her personal life. Her apparent happiness, combined with the romantic setting of the getaway, fueled further curiosity about her relationship with Elordi. The new photo dump also reflects Kendall’s tendency to share carefully selected glimpses of her private life rather than offering fans a complete look into her relationships. From scenic destinations and books to candid photographs with her dog, the latest carousel presented a relaxed and personal side of the model. For now, Kendall has not publicly explained whether her “lucky lady” comment was connected to her reported romance with Elordi. Nevertheless, the caption was enough to spark plenty of excitement among her followers, who continue to closely follow every update from the model’s personal life. With its combination of stunning Hawaiian scenery, intimate snapshots and a playful caption, Kendall’s latest post has once again given fans plenty to talk about.

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    Joe Marler defends Prince Harry after backlash ove…

    Former rugby star Joe Marler has spoken out about the criticism surrounding Prince Harry’s recent podcast appearance, revealing that he was initially nervous about interviewing the Duke of Sussex because of the divided public opinion surrounding him. Prince Harry appeared on the Joe Marler Will See You Now podcast last month during a visit to the UK. His relaxed and cheerful appearance attracted attention, with some observers suggesting that viewers were seeing a more familiar side of the Duke. The interview also sparked criticism over certain moments, including Harry reportedly introducing himself as the “Prince of England.” Questions were also raised about the protocols surrounding his and Meghan Markle’s public appearances. Speaking to The Mirror, Marler said he had expected the interview to attract backlash but explained that meeting Harry in person quickly changed his perspective. He said he was already supportive of the Duke but became even more convinced after seeing how casually Harry interacted with the podcast team. Marler recalled that Harry entered the room without any ceremony, greeted everyone warmly and hugged him and co-host Jake. According to the former rugby player, the atmosphere quickly became relaxed, making it feel like they were simply talking to an ordinary person. Marler said he was prepared for criticism over the interview but did not want the possibility of backlash to prevent them from being genuine during their conversation. His latest comments further underline his support for Harry despite the continued controversy surrounding the Duke. Moreover, Prince Harry is once again facing sharp criticism from royal commentators. The backlash follows his defeat in a High Court privacy case against Associated Newspapers on July 7. Royal broadcaster Neil Sean weighed in on the mounting pressure surrounding the Duke of Sussex. He suggested much of the current turmoil is self-inflicted, pointing out that Harry has effectively made his struggles public for the world to see. Sean went further, describing Harry as someone visibly on edge right now. He questioned whether the prince’s current mindset appeared healthy given everything unfolding around him. According to Sean, the court defeat has left Harry navigating a genuinely difficult situation largely on his own. He suggested the fallout from the case has affected Harry far more deeply than he’d likely admit publicly. Sean noted that this marks unfamiliar territory for Harry, who has typically had support systems, like a private secretary, to help manage this kind of crisis. He said the experience of realising not everything he touches turns out successfully has clearly been difficult for him to process. Beyond the reputational damage, financial concerns are also mounting. Commentator Mark Dolan did not hold back, describing the situation as a full-blown financial disaster for the prince. Dolan estimated Harry could be facing costs anywhere between $10 million and $20 million as a result of the case. He said even a conservative estimate of $10 million would essentially wipe out all the money Harry earned from his memoir, “Spare.” Dolan raised pointed questions about whether Harry actually has the funds to cover those costs. He also wondered how Meghan Markle might be reacting to the situation, and what Harry’s next move could realistically look like. According to Dolan, the scale of the financial fallout makes this a defining moment for Harry, describing it as an existential crisis for the prince. With both reputational and financial pressures mounting simultaneously, commentators suggest this latest setback could prove especially difficult for Harry to recover from.

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    Zendaya’s wedding dress gets mysterious hint from Law Roach

    Zendaya’s secret wedding dress has received another intriguing hint, this time from her longtime stylist Law Roach, who has remained tight-lipped about the highly anticipated gown. During a recent interview with Ziwe Fumudoh, Roach was asked about Zendaya’s wedding dress and the online speculation surrounding what the actress may have worn for her reported wedding to Tom Holland. Fumudoh reminded Roach that he had previously appeared on television and claimed Zendaya’s real wedding dress was far better than the artificial intelligence-generated images that had circulated online. When asked to describe the mysterious gown, the stylist kept his answer short and playful. “Better than AI,” he said. The three-word response has only added to the curiosity surrounding Zendaya’s bridal look, which has been kept away from the public eye. Fans have been flooded with AI-generated images claiming to show what the actress might have worn, but Roach has repeatedly insisted that those images do not reflect the actual dress. During an appearance on Good Morning America in June 2026, Roach was asked about the viral AI-created wedding gown. He was quick to dismiss the design, saying it was not good enough and confidently assuring viewers that Zendaya’s real dress was much better. When host Lara Spencer asked whether the final gown looked anything like the AI-generated version, Roach gave a firm response and rejected the comparison. His comments are consistent with what he revealed about Zendaya and Holland’s approach to their relationship more than a year earlier. In a May 2025 interview, Roach explained that the couple had always valued their privacy and were unlikely to make their wedding a major public event. According to the stylist, Zendaya and Holland wanted to keep the occasion intimate and protected from excessive media attention. He also suggested that fans should not expect an elaborate magazine feature or widely circulated photographs from the ceremony. Roach explained that Zendaya’s wedding dress could ultimately become something very few people outside the wedding would ever see, making the gown even more mysterious. What sparked Zendaya and Tom Holland’s marriage rumours? Zendaya and Tom Holland have been romantically linked since 2017, when their relationship first became a major subject of public interest. Although the pair have generally avoided discussing their romance in detail, their appearances together and occasional public moments have continued to fuel interest. The couple reportedly became engaged during the 2024 holiday season, further intensifying speculation about when they might officially tie the knot. In March 2026, wedding rumours reached another level when Law Roach appeared at the SAG Awards and made comments that appeared to suggest Zendaya and Holland had already exchanged vows. While neither star has publicly shared extensive details about a ceremony, Roach’s remarks gave fans a significant reason to believe that the wedding may have already taken place. For now, Zendaya’s wedding dress remains one of the biggest mysteries surrounding the couple. With Roach continuing to insist that the real gown is “better than AI,” fans may have to wait much longer before seeing the look for themselves.