تازہ ترین

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    Pakistan face India in must-win World Cup clash

    ByJustpaste.in

    KARACHI: Pakistan’s Hockey World Cup campaign reaches a decisive moment on Wednesday when the Green Shirts face arch-rivals India in a must-win Group D encounter at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen. The match, scheduled for 6pm Pakistan Standard Time, carries enormous significance for Pakistan. After suffering a 4-1 defeat against England and being held to a 3-3 draw by Wales, Pakistan have only one point from two matches. India, meanwhile, have three points after defeating Wales 3-1. The equation is simple for Pakistan: win or exit. India can secure their place in the next stage with a draw, putting additional pressure on Pakistan to produce their first victory of the tournament. England currently lead the group after winning both of their opening matches and have already secured qualification for the top-eight stage. The high-pressure contest is expected to bring out the intensity traditionally associated with one of international hockey’s most closely followed rivalries. Former Pakistan captain and 1984 Los Angeles Olympics gold medallist Nasir Ali believes the psychological battle could be just as important as tactics and fitness. “Both nations feel pressure when they play against each other,” Nasir said, stressing that India’s three-point advantage gives them greater room for error. Pakistan’s opening two matches have produced mixed results. The heavy defeat against England exposed weaknesses in finishing, while the comeback against Wales showed encouraging signs of improvement. However, Pakistan surrendered a lead late in the Wales match and were forced to settle for a draw. Nasir believes missed opportunities could prove costly against India. He pointed to chances wasted against England, including Rana Waheed’s effort that struck the post, and urged the players to be more clinical in front of goal. Despite the results, the former Olympian sees progress in Pakistan’s overall play. He highlighted the team’s improved possession compared with their performances in the Pro League, suggesting that the side is beginning to regain confidence and control. But possession alone will not be enough against India. Pakistan must turn their control into goals while maintaining composure during a fast-paced encounter. “Today’s hockey is very fast,” Nasir said, urging the players to remain accurate and deal with pressure professionally. The tournament’s new top-eight format has added another layer of importance to the group-stage results. The top two teams from each group progress to the next phase, with results against fellow qualifiers carried forward. For Pakistan, however, calculations have little value now. They need a win. With World Cup survival at stake and the India-Pakistan rivalry providing an emotional backdrop, Wednesday’s clash promises to be one of the most eagerly watched matches of Pakistan’s tournament campaign.

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    Pakistan U19 Women’s Tournament set to begin in Karachi

    ByJustpaste.in

    KARACHI: Pakistan’s next generation of women cricketers will get a major opportunity to showcase their talent when the National Women’s U19 Tournament begins in Karachi on Thursday, with 75 players from 24 cities set to compete in a two-format competition. Organised by the Pakistan Cricket Board, the tournament will be held from August 20 to September 4 at the NBP Sports Complex and HPC Oval Ground. Five teams — Conquerors, Challengers, Strikers, Stars and Invincibles — will compete in a double round-robin league. Each side will play eight matches, with the top two teams progressing to the final. The competition will introduce players to both 30-over and Twenty20 cricket. The opening 10 matches will be played over 30 overs, while the remaining 10 league games and the September 4 final will be contested in the T20 format. Fizza Fiaz will captain Challengers, while Samiya Afsar, Ravail Farhan, Komal Khan and Zoofishan Ayyaz will lead Conquerors, Strikers, Stars and Invincibles respectively. The squads arrived in Karachi on August 16 and completed three days of training ahead of the tournament. Several players earned selection through trials conducted by the women’s national selection committee in different parts of the country. Members of Pakistan’s U19 squad that recently featured in a five-match T20 series against South Africa will also take part, giving the tournament an additional competitive edge. Beyond the title, the event is designed as an important pathway for identifying players who could represent Pakistan at upcoming international competitions, including the ACC Women’s U19 Asia Cup and ICC Women’s U19 World Cup. The tournament also carries a financial incentive. The champions will receive Rs1 million, while the runners-up will earn Rs750,000. All league matches are scheduled to begin at 9:30am Pakistan time, giving fans and selectors an early look at some of the country’s emerging women’s cricket talent. National Women’s U19 Tournament 2026-27 – squads Conquerors: Samiya Afsar (captain), Nasreen Ashraf (vice-captain, wk), Abeera Riaz, Areeqa Fatima, Amna Shahnawaz, Eashal Emaan, Eeshal Saif (wk), Hadia Mina, Mah Noor, Malaika Suhani, Maryam Sajjad, Narjis Bibi, Nasreen Ashraf (vice-captain, wk), Noor-e-Sahar, Syeda Batool Fatima, Zainab Irfan Challengers: Fizza Fiaz (captain), Memoona Khalid (vice-captain), Aleena Aslam Shah, Esha Tir Razia, Farya Sadaqat, Huba Nadeem, Laiba Karim, Mahnoor, Mahnoor Zeb, Maryam Ahmed, Pakeeza Shabbir, Sualeha Haroon (wk), Urooj Gul, Zainab Fatima (wk), Zala Ali. Strikers: Ravail Farhan (captain), Ifrah Mehroz (vice-captain), Adieyah Noor, Areeba Noor (wk), Areesha Ansari (wk), Maria, Meerab Shaikh, Minahil binte Nasrullah, Raima Imran, Samia Ashraf, Shahar Bano, Toufeeq Fatima, Ume Mayesha, Zahra Ali, Zainab Khanam Stars: Komal Khan (captain, wk), Aqsa Habib (vice-captain), Afsheen Khan, Alishba Yaseen, Anfal Malik, Barirah Saif, Emaan Afridi (wk), Fizza Ameen, Mehak Arif, Meerab Khan, Nabiha Amir, Qamrosh Farhan, Rozina Akram, Rukhsar Arif, Sawera Ramzan. Invincibles: Zoofishan Ayyaz (captain), Alzoha Hammad (vice-captain), Aashal Saeed (wk), Anaya Khan, Anosha Karim, Asma Bint-e-Azad, Ayesha Imran Riaz, Laraib Nizakat, Lubaba Mahmood, Maha Abbas, Maham Nazakat, Maryam Fatima (wk), Minahil Parvaiz, Quratulain Zehra, Raahima Syed Tournament Schedule (All matches to begin at 9.30am PKT) First leg – 30-over matches 20 August Invincibles v Stars at NBP Sports Complex Challengers v Conquerors at HPC Oval Ground 21 August Strikers v Conquerors at NBP Sports Complex Challengers v Stars at HPC Oval Ground 23 August Invincibles v Strikers at NBP Sports Complex Conquerors v Stars at HPC Oval Ground 24 August Challengers v Strikers at NBP Sports Complex Invincibles v Conquerors at HPC Oval Ground 26 August Stars v Strikers at NBP Sports Complex Invincibles v Challengers at HPC Oval Ground Second leg – 20-over matches 27 August Invincibles v Stars at HPC Oval Ground Challengers v Conquerors at NBP Sports Complex 29 August Strikers v Conquerors at HPC Oval Ground Challengers v Stars at NBP Sports Complex 30 August Invincibles v Strikers at HPC Oval Ground Conquerors v Stars at NBP Sports Complex 1 September Challengers v Strikers at HPC Oval Ground Invincibles v Conquerors at NBP Sports Complex 2 September Stars v Strikers at HPC Oval Ground Invincibles v Challengers at NBP Sports Complex 4 September – Final Top two teams – Venue – TBC

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    Mir Raza murder case raises questions over investi…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The father of young Karachi businessman Mir Raza has raised serious questions over the investigation into his son’s murder. He alleged that the case was being influenced. He claimed that signs of interference by the Sindh government were visible in the investigation. Lawyers protested at the City Court on Tuesday over the failure to arrest the suspects in the case. Mir Raza’s father, Mir Hussain, also spoke during the protest. He questioned the removal of Dr Usama from the case. According to Mir Hussain, Dr Usama was removed so that he would not be able to answer questions about the matter. He also questioned the preparation of the post-mortem report. He asked why the report was allegedly prepared on the basis of photographs. Mir Hussain questioned whether any pressure was involved in the preparation of the report. He demanded that the circumstances surrounding the post-mortem be properly examined. The victim’s father further criticised the police investigation. He said the police’s alleged incompetence in his son’s case was now evident. The protest was held as the suspects in the murder case remained at large. The lawyers demanded progress in the investigation and the arrest of those responsible. Mir Hussain called for transparency in the investigation. He said the family wanted answers regarding every aspect of the case.

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    Pakistan approves 1m tonnes wheat imports

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan’s strategic wheat reserves have fallen to critically low levels, with the stocks held by the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) reportedly almost exhausted. The shortage has emerged despite the International Monetary Fund (IMF) allowing the government to procure wheat. Federal and provincial authorities, however, were unable to secure sufficient quantities, resulting in a sharp decline in PASSCO’s strategic reserves. The situation has raised concerns about maintaining adequate wheat supplies and meeting future requirements. PASSCO plays an important role in maintaining strategic stocks that can be used to support food security during periods of shortage. In response to the declining reserves, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has approved the import of one million tonnes of wheat. The government has also formed a steering committee to oversee the process and ensure that all necessary requirements are completed before the imported wheat is brought into the country. Officials said the import process will be subject to several conditions. These include pre-shipment inspection to verify the quality and quantity of wheat before it leaves the exporting country. Another major condition requires provincial governments to arrange and provide the funds needed to meet their respective wheat requirements. The latest decision comes as authorities seek to strengthen wheat availability and prevent a potential supply gap. The import plan is expected to help rebuild stocks after the depletion of PASSCO’s strategic reserves. The steering committee will monitor the required procedures and coordinate with the relevant federal and provincial authorities. Its role will include ensuring that the conditions attached to the wheat import decision are fulfilled. The development highlights the importance of timely wheat procurement and strategic stock management. Any delay in rebuilding reserves could create additional pressure on the country’s food supply system, particularly if domestic availability remains insufficient.

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    Government will remain responsible for Imran’s h…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has said the government will continue to take responsibility for the health and medical care of PTI founder Imran Khan. Speaking to the media, the minister said the government was already providing the former prime minister with the best available healthcare facilities. He said these facilities were provided without the PTI having to make any formal appeal. Chaudhry said the government was also praying for Imran Khan’s good health. He stressed that the state would continue to fulfil its responsibility regarding his medical treatment. The minister said the government would implement the Supreme Court’s decision regarding Imran Khan in letter and spirit. The Supreme Court has ordered that Imran Khan be shifted to a private hospital for medical treatment. Chaudhry also criticised what he described as the PTI’s changing position on the judiciary. He said it was encouraging to see PTI members praising the courts. However, he questioned the party’s approach to judicial decisions. He said the judiciary was praised when verdicts went in the PTI’s favour, but faced criticism when decisions went against the party. He maintained that Pakistan’s judiciary was independent and was delivering decisions on merit. The federal minister said the courts remained the legal route for obtaining relief and securing release. He noted that people had received relief through judicial decisions in the past. According to Chaudhry, the prime minister could not use executive authority to act against a court order. He said the government was bound to respect and implement judicial decisions. The minister also spoke about ongoing political contacts with the opposition. He said the opposition leaders involved in the process were not members of the PTI. However, they had the confidence of Imran Khan, according to him. Chaudhry said the government had made its position clear. The opposition leadership taking part in talks should have the confidence of the PTI leadership. He said the government did not want a situation in which it was engaged in negotiations while PTI leaders continued issuing statements against the process. The minister welcomed the PTI parliamentary party’s expression of confidence in the opposition leadership involved in the talks. He further said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was expected to respond to the opposition leader’s letter within one or two days. After the response is sent, the venue for a joint meeting will be decided, he added.

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    War leaves Gaza zoo animals malnourished

    ByJustpaste.in

    GAZA/CAIRO: The war in Gaza has taken a heavy toll on animals, with shortages of food, medicine and vaccines leaving many of them weak and malnourished. At a zoo near the Nuseirat refugee camp, visitors found animals showing clear signs of the difficult conditions. A lion remained largely inactive inside its cage, while chimpanzees sat quietly in their enclosure. The zoo is being operated by Mahmoud Gomaa, who has worked to keep the animals alive despite the continuing crisis. He previously ran a zoo in Rafah but was forced to leave the area after Israeli military operations reached the city in 2024. Gomaa said saving the animals became a priority for him during the war. He moved the surviving animals from one location to another before eventually settling in Nuseirat, where he reopened the zoo earlier this year. He said he had faced enormous difficulties in finding food and providing basic care for the animals. Before the war, Gaza had several zoos that housed wild and exotic animals. The conflict, however, has made maintaining such facilities extremely difficult. Veterinarians say the shortage of suitable food has affected the animals’ health. Some zoo owners have been forced to feed animals frozen meat because fresh food is difficult to obtain. The war has also caused direct losses among Gaza’s animals. When Gomaa left Rafah, he said he had to abandon three lions, several crocodiles and African ostriches. When he later returned, he found only the bones of the crocodiles and ostriches. The lions had also disappeared. Animal welfare experts say the impact of war extends beyond food shortages and physical injuries. Continuous explosions, aircraft noise and fighting can cause severe stress among animals. Veterinarian Amir Khalil, who has visited Gaza with the animal welfare organisation Four Paws, said animals can detect sounds and disturbances that humans may not notice. He said the constant conflict creates fear and extreme stress for them. Despite the harsh conditions, the zoo has become a temporary place of relief for some children. Children visiting the facility were able to interact with parrots and smaller monkeys. For many, it offered a rare opportunity to step away from the destruction surrounding them. Residents say children have few places left where they can play. Large parts of Gaza have been reduced to rubble, while many families continue to live in tents. The zoo therefore serves a purpose beyond displaying animals. It provides children with a brief moment of normality amid a devastating humanitarian crisis. Yet keeping the facility operating remains a major challenge. Limited supplies, damaged infrastructure and the continuing conflict threaten both the animals and the people caring for them.

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    FIFA turmoil deepens as senior official Lamour exits

    ByJustpaste.in

    FIFA’s internal tensions have deepened after senior executive Kevin Lamour left the organisation, weeks after publicly criticising President Gianni Infantino’s controversial plan to sell part of the governing body’s commercial rights. FIFA confirmed on Monday that Lamour’s working relationship with the organisation had ended on August 17, bringing an abrupt close to the tenure of a senior official who had once been part of Infantino’s inner circle. “FIFA can confirm that the working relationship between FIFA and Kevin Lamour as FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer has ended,” a FIFA spokesperson said. The organisation thanked Lamour for his service but offered no further explanation. Lamour joined FIFA’s senior leadership team in November 2024. He had previously supported Infantino’s campaign for the FIFA presidency in 2016. His departure comes after he openly attacked a proposal to create a commercial subsidiary worth around $20 billion and sell as much as a 20% stake to private equity investors. The plan was designed to raise an estimated $4.2 billion. Lamour criticised the proposal last month, saying FIFA employees had been “deceived” about the plan and describing it as “the project of one person”. He also questioned whether FIFA’s leadership was putting personal interests ahead of football’s wider interests. The controversy intensified after Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser to Infantino, resigned in protest and described the proposed deal as a bad arrangement for football. Infantino subsequently withdrew the proposal. However, the backlash has continued and has increasingly raised questions about Infantino’s bid for a fourth term as FIFA president. Infantino’s Reelection Faces Growing Opposition Infantino’s reelection, once widely regarded as almost certain, now faces a stronger challenge. UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF have all expressed concerns and recently called for an independent review of Infantino’s conduct. At the same time, several national football associations have questioned whether they should support another term. The Scottish Football Association has already said it will not back Infantino in next year’s election. The dispute has also moved into FIFA’s governance structures. Human rights organisation FairSquare has asked FIFA’s Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee to rule Infantino ineligible for another presidential term, arguing that FIFA’s rules limit presidents to three terms. Infantino, however, has maintained that his initial period in office from 2016 to 2019 should not count because he completed an interrupted mandate following the resignation of former president Sepp Blatter. He was elected in 2016 and subsequently won uncontested elections in 2019 and 2023. FairSquare director Nicholas McGeehan said the organisation’s complaint presented evidence of what he described as a breach of FIFA’s rules. Former FIFA Governance and Review Committee head Miguel Maduro also backed the complaint, arguing that term limits were a central part of reforms introduced to prevent excessive concentration of power. The dispute now places FIFA under increasing scrutiny ahead of next year’s presidential election. While Infantino retains support from the African and South American confederations, opposition from influential football bodies in Europe, Asia and North and Central America could make his path to another term considerably more difficult. With Lamour’s departure adding to the controversy surrounding FIFA’s leadership, pressure on Infantino is likely to remain intense as football’s governing body approaches a crucial election year.

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    PSX sheds over 1,800 points as US-Iran peace deal uncertainty triggers selling

    ByJustpaste.in

    KARACHI: Selling pressure intensified at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Tuesday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index suffering a sharp decline as investors turned cautious amid growing uncertainty surrounding the prospects of a near-term peace agreement between the United States and Iran. By 1:24pm, the benchmark index had dropped 1,806.12 points, or 0.89%, to 178,896.29, compared with the previous close of 180,502.44. The decline reflected widespread profit-taking and fresh selling across several key sectors of the market. The KSE-100 started the session at 180,502.44 and initially moved higher, reaching an intraday peak of 180,602.44. However, the early gains failed to hold as investors began offloading positions, pushing the index steadily lower. During the session, the benchmark touched an intraday low of 178,488.91, highlighting the intensity of selling activity. At one stage, the index was down 1,545.52 points, or 0.86%, at 178,956.92, before losses widened further. Market sentiment was affected by renewed uncertainty over the possibility of a diplomatic breakthrough between Washington and Tehran. Investors remained concerned that prolonged tensions could create additional risks for energy supplies and regional trade, particularly if disruptions affect major oil-producing and transportation routes. The rise in international oil prices added another layer of concern for investors. Higher crude prices can increase Pakistan’s import bill and place additional pressure on external-sector balances, while also raising concerns about inflationary pressures and corporate costs. The selling was not confined to a single segment. Significant weakness was witnessed in automobile assemblers, cement manufacturers, commercial banks, oil and gas exploration companies, oil marketing companies and power generation firms. The broad-based nature of the decline suggested that investors were adopting a cautious stance rather than selectively rotating into individual sectors. Market participants appeared particularly sensitive to developments in global geopolitics and their potential implications for commodity prices and Pakistan’s macroeconomic outlook. Trading activity, meanwhile, remained robust despite the decline in the benchmark. Around 358.21 million shares had changed hands by midday, while the total traded value stood at approximately Rs22.47 billion, indicating considerable participation from investors. The latest decline came after the KSE-100 ended the previous trading session at 180,502.44, leaving the index vulnerable to profit-taking following its recent strong performance. Tuesday’s movement therefore reflected a combination of investor caution, external geopolitical concerns and selling in major market segments. Analysts and market participants are expected to closely monitor developments on the US-Iran front, movements in international crude oil prices and domestic economic indicators for direction in the coming sessions. Any improvement in geopolitical sentiment or a renewed expectation of progress toward a peace agreement could help restore confidence, while further escalation and sustained increases in global oil prices could continue to weigh on equities.

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    Police recover Rs17.5 million silver after Muzaffa…

    ByJustpaste.in

    MUZAFFARGARH: Police have arrested five suspects in connection with a major robbery involving 18 kilograms of silver worth Rs17.5 million. All of the stolen silver has been recovered. Police also seized illegal weapons allegedly used during the robbery. District Police Officer (DPO) Syed Ghazanfar Ali Shah shared the details during a press conference at the district police office. According to the DPO, the robbery took place in the jurisdiction of City Muzaffargarh police station. The incident occurred near Darbar Piran Shah in Mahmood Kot, close to Thermal Road. The complainant was travelling by truck from Pishin towards Multan when six armed men allegedly intercepted the vehicle. The suspects took the silver at gunpoint and fled from the scene. Police registered a case against six unidentified suspects based on the complainant’s statement. Investigators then began tracing the vehicle allegedly used in the crime. Police identified the car and found that it was registered in the name of the brother of one of the suspected main perpetrators. This breakthrough helped investigators move closer to the suspects. After the arrest of the key suspect, police traced other people allegedly involved in the robbery. Police teams conducted raids in different areas as the investigation progressed. Five suspects were eventually arrested. During the operation, police recovered the entire 18 kilograms of stolen silver. The recovered silver was valued at Rs17.5 million. Illegal weapons allegedly used in the robbery were also seized from the suspects. DPO Ghazanfar Ali Shah said the case was solved through professional investigation and the use of modern information technology. He praised the police team of City Muzaffargarh for its efforts. The team worked under the supervision of SDPO City Circle Muhammad Zafar Wattoo. The DPO also appreciated the role of the Special Branch Muzaffargarh and Crime Control Department (CCD) officials. He said their assistance was important in tracing the suspects and recovering the stolen property. Police officials said further investigation into the case is continuing. The DPO announced that the police personnel involved in solving the case would receive cash rewards and certificates of appreciation.

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    Zoya Akhtar explains Katrina’s ZNMD kiss with Hrithik

    ByJustpaste.in

    Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar has revealed why Katrina Kaif agreed to an unexpected kissing scene with Hrithik Roshan in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. Speaking at the Monsoon Film Festival on Monday, Akhtar recalled her experience of working with Katrina on the 2011 film. She said Katrina had never performed a kissing scene before. According to Akhtar, Katrina understood that the scene was important to the story. After reading the script, she agreed to film the moment because she recognised its importance to her character. The director explained that Katrina’s character, Laila, was portrayed as someone who lived in the moment and acted on her instincts. Akhtar said the kiss was important because audiences needed to see Laila make a completely spontaneous decision. The moment was designed to reveal another side of her personality. She compared the scene to a fairy-tale moment. In her interpretation, Hrithik Roshan’s character Arjun was like Sleeping Beauty, while Laila played the role of the prince who wakes him up. Akhtar said the scene was not included simply as a romantic moment. It was intended to strengthen Laila’s character and underline the emotional transformation taking place between the characters. The scene later became one of the most discussed moments from the popular film. During the conversation, Akhtar also addressed reports about a possible sequel to Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. She confirmed that work on a follow-up is underway but said several details are still uncertain. The filmmaker indicated that the team is considering whether the story can successfully revisit the characters at their current stage of life. Released in 2011, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara starred Katrina Kaif, Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, Abhay Deol and Kalki Koechlin. The film followed three friends who reunited for a road trip in Spain. It became widely popular for its themes of friendship, adventure, relationships and living life to the fullest. The movie was also a commercial success. It reportedly earned around ₹153 crore worldwide against a production budget estimated at between ₹45 crore and ₹55 crore.