تازہ ترین

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    Gold prices hold steady at Rs461,936 per Tola

    KARACHI: Gold prices in Pakistan remained unchanged on Tuesday, with the price of one tola of 24-karat gold holding at Rs461,936, according to the latest rates released by the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA). The local bullion market remained relatively calm after gold recorded a notable increase in the previous trading session. On Monday, the price of gold had risen by Rs2,000 per tola, bringing it to Rs461,936. The price of 10 grams of 24-karat gold also remained unchanged at Rs396,035 on Tuesday. In the international market, gold prices showed little movement, with the benchmark rate standing at $4,395 per ounce, including a $20 premium. The stability in global bullion prices contributed to the lack of significant movement in domestic gold rates. Market participants continue to closely monitor international developments, particularly movements in the US dollar, expectations surrounding global interest rates and geopolitical developments, all of which can influence demand for the precious metal. Meanwhile, silver prices moved in the opposite direction in the domestic market. The price of silver declined by Rs43 per tola, settling at Rs6,986 per tola.

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    Pakistan reports major gas discovery in Sarani block

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has recorded a significant milestone in its hydrocarbon exploration sector with the discovery of high-quality gas from an exploration well in Sindh, marking the country’s first reported hydrocarbon find from the Jurassic-era Chiltan Formation of the Lower Indus Basin. Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) announced that its exploration well Dolphin, drilled in the company-operated Sarani Block in District Sujawal, Sindh, has encountered a potentially commercially important gas accumulation. The company described the discovery as unique and strategically significant for Pakistan’s future exploration activities. According to PPL, the discovery confirms the existence of an active petroleum system in an area that had previously presented considerable exploration challenges. The find is particularly important because it demonstrates the hydrocarbon potential of the Jurassic-age Chiltan Formation, opening up new possibilities for further exploration in the region. The company said the Dolphin well has provided valuable geological evidence that could help redefine exploration prospects in the onshore swampy areas of the Lower Indus Basin, as well as their possible extensions into shallow marine zones. The discovery is being viewed as an important development for Pakistan, which continues to face a growing gap between domestic energy demand and local oil and gas production. New indigenous gas reserves could help reduce reliance on imported energy resources, although the commercial scale and recoverable reserves associated with the discovery would depend on further evaluation and development work. PPL’s latest find also highlights the potential of relatively underexplored geological formations in the country. The identification of hydrocarbons in the Chiltan Formation could encourage exploration companies to reassess nearby acreage and investigate similar geological structures. The Dolphin discovery is therefore significant not only because of the gas encountered but also because it may establish a new exploration play in the Lower Indus Basin. Further appraisal and technical studies will be required to determine the size, quality, production potential and commercial viability of the discovery. Industry experts have long emphasized the need for increased domestic exploration to strengthen Pakistan’s energy security. Successful discoveries such as Dolphin could support that objective by expanding the country’s indigenous resource base and creating opportunities for additional exploration and investment. PPL said the discovery has effectively opened a new exploration frontier, particularly in the swampy onshore terrain and potentially adjoining shallow marine areas. The company is expected to undertake further technical assessment to establish the full potential of the newly identified gas-bearing formation.

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    Dar highlights growing momentum in Pakistan-Russia…

    ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has welcomed what he described as positive progress in relations between Pakistan and Russia. Dar made the remarks during a meeting with Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert Khorev in Islamabad on Tuesday. According to the Foreign Office, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and regional developments. Dar stressed the importance of maintaining the current momentum and expanding cooperation between the two countries. The foreign minister called for greater collaboration in key areas. He also emphasised the need for regular high-level engagement to further strengthen ties between Islamabad and Moscow. Dar said Pakistan remained committed to resolving regional disputes through dialogue and diplomatic efforts. He maintained that negotiations were the most effective way to address differences and promote peace and stability in the region. The meeting comes as Pakistan and Russia continue efforts to broaden their relationship beyond traditional areas of cooperation. Economic engagement has emerged as an important part of the bilateral relationship. Earlier this year, Energy Minister Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari said Pakistan and Russia had agreed to work towards an Economic Cooperation Programme extending until 2030. The programme is expected to provide a framework for expanding economic engagement and strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Officials have also been working to improve people-to-people contacts. A recently signed readmission agreement is expected to contribute to smoother visa arrangements and facilitate greater interaction between citizens of the two countries. Pakistan’s engagement with Russia is also taking place against the backdrop of wider regional changes. Islamabad has repeatedly emphasised the importance of diplomatic engagement and cooperation for addressing regional challenges. Dar’s latest meeting with the Russian ambassador reflects Pakistan’s efforts to maintain regular high-level contacts with Moscow and explore opportunities for deeper bilateral cooperation.

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    Punjab considers three-day Basant Festival in Lahore for March 2027

    By Muhammad Hussain LAHORE: The Punjab government has proposed holding a three-day Basant festival in Lahore on March 12, 13 and 14, 2027, with preparations reportedly beginning at the administrative level. The proposed dates for the traditional kite-flying festival will be submitted to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for approval. The final decision on the dates and arrangements for Basant 2027 will be taken by the chief minister. Administrative preparations for holding the three-day festival have also been initiated, while relevant authorities are working on arrangements for the event. The proposal is aimed at holding Basant in Lahore over three consecutive days, subject to final approval from the Punjab chief minister.

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    Son-in-Law kills wife, in-laws in Lahore’s Chuhng, later dies by suicide

    By Muhammad Hussain LAHORE: A man allegedly shot dead his wife, mother-in-law, father-in-law and brother-in-law before taking his own life in the Barkat Colony area of Chuhng, Lahore, on Tuesday morning. According to police, the incident occurred at around 5:45am when children had arrived at the house to read the Holy Quran. The suspect, identified as Imran Shaukat, reached his in-laws’ house armed with a pistol and a rifle and opened fire. Police said Imran’s wife, Samia Bibi, father-in-law Ali Khan, brother-in-law Zeeshan Khan and mother-in-law Shamaila Bibi were killed in the firing. According to initial details, Samia sustained gunshot wounds to the head, Ali Khan was shot in the chest and Zeeshan Khan was hit in the back. Shamaila Bibi also died after being caught in the firing. Police said the suspect had married Samia around six months ago. After the marriage, she had been living with her parents. The suspect allegedly wanted her to return and live with her. Relatives of the victims said Imran’s brother, Rizwan, is a police employee. They claimed that a case had also been registered against him at Chuhng Police Station a few months ago, but he was released after a few days. Police have launched an investigation into the incident, while further details regarding the motive behind the killings are being ascertained.

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    Paris Jackson reveals intense treatment during sobriety journey

    Paris Jackson has opened up about her difficult road to sobriety, revealing that she underwent intensive electroconvulsive therapy after coming dangerously close to attempting to take her own life. The 28-year-old singer, who is the daughter of late pop legend Michael Jackson, recently reflected on her struggles and recovery while speaking on Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast. Paris revealed that she has now been sober for six years, but reaching that milestone involved confronting some of the darkest moments of her life. She recalled a period when she came “very, very close” to attempting suicide and eventually received electroconvulsive therapy as part of her treatment. According to Paris, she underwent nine sessions within three weeks. Describing how close she was to making an attempt, she said she was only “centimeters away” from doing so. The singer also provided a detailed account of what the treatment involved. While electroconvulsive therapy can have a frightening reputation, Paris explained that modern procedures are carried out under general anesthesia, meaning patients are unconscious during the treatment. She recalled having to prepare for the procedure by replacing the metal jewelry from her facial piercings with plastic earrings. After arriving at the hospital, she said she changed into a hospital gown before being given anesthesia. Paris explained that she was then secured in place and given a bite guard before the electrical stimulation was administered. Although the treatment was performed while she was unconscious, she said the experience still came with difficult physical effects afterward. The singer described experiencing what she called “gnarly side effects” and recalled feeling sharp pains after waking up from the sessions. Despite the challenges she endured, Paris has continued moving forward with her recovery and has now maintained six years of sobriety. Her willingness to discuss such a painful period has given fans a more personal look at the struggles behind her journey. Paris has previously spoken about her experiences with addiction, emotional struggles and recovery. Her latest comments further highlight the seriousness of the crisis she experienced and the extensive treatment she received while working toward a healthier life. By openly discussing her past, Paris is shedding light on the realities of recovery and the different forms of professional support people may receive during severe mental health crises. Her six-year sobriety milestone represents a significant achievement after what she described as an extremely difficult chapter in her life.

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    Yungblud refuses to let injury stop his performances

    Yungblud is refusing to let a painful leg injury keep him away from the stage, even after suffering an accident just hours before one of his recent performances. The 29-year-old English musician revealed that he injured his leg in a dirt bike accident only two hours before taking the stage at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota on August 9. Despite the injury, the singer decided to continue with the scheduled performance and appeared in front of thousands of fans. According to footage shared by a fan on TikTok, Yungblud addressed the crowd and admitted that his injury would affect the way he performed. He jokingly told concertgoers that he would not be able to move around or dance as energetically as he normally does because of the condition of his leg. However, the musician made it clear that the injury would not prevent him from doing what he loves. Rather than cancelling the show, he pushed through the pain and completed his performance for fans attending the motorcycle rally. Yungblud later gave an update to fans who were unable to attend the South Dakota concert. On August 17, the singer shared several photographs on Instagram showing his injured and bandaged leg, along with a crutch that he has been using while recovering. Alongside the pictures, he reassured fans that although his leg was in bad shape, he was still determined to continue performing. He also confirmed that he would be heading to Europe for upcoming shows in Portugal and Belgium, promising fans that the performances would still be full of energy. His update quickly attracted a wave of supportive messages from followers. Many fans praised the singer for refusing to let the injury stop him from appearing on stage, while others encouraged him to take some time to rest and properly recover. Some followers also used humor to lighten the situation. One fan praised him for continuing to show up despite the injury, while another jokingly referenced the phrase “break a leg,” suggesting that he had taken the expression a little too literally. Others were more concerned about his health and urged him to be careful and look after himself during his recovery. The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally performance marked the conclusion of the American leg of Yungblud’s Idols World Tour. Despite his unexpected injury, the singer appears determined to keep the tour moving forward, with European performances now on his schedule. Yungblud’s decision to perform just hours after the accident has further highlighted his commitment to his fans and his determination to remain on the road, even when faced with an unexpected setback.

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    Rajab Butt’s emotional fan encounter triggers online trolling

    Rajab Butt is among Pakistan’s most popular and widely discussed YouTubers, with a massive fan base that closely follows his personal and professional life. Known for sharing updates about his family, lifestyle and daily activities, Rajab has built a strong connection with his viewers over the years. His followers are often referred to as the “Rajab Family,” and the YouTuber has previously spoken about how emotionally attached many of his fans are to him. However, a recent video involving one of his female fans has taken social media by storm and sparked a wave of mixed reactions online. The video shows a female fan meeting Rajab Butt in person. According to the footage circulating on social media, the moment she saw the YouTuber, she became overwhelmed with emotion and suddenly burst into tears. She appeared visibly emotional while standing in front of Rajab, who remained there as she struggled to contain her feelings. The unexpected reaction quickly attracted attention after the video began spreading across social media platforms. While some viewers appeared surprised by the intensity of the fan’s emotions, others turned the incident into a subject of criticism and trolling. Several social media users questioned why the fan became so emotional after meeting Rajab. Some found the scene uncomfortable to watch, while others accused the entire interaction of being staged for attention and views. A few commenters also suggested that the reaction appeared exaggerated and described the video as scripted. One social media user expressed embarrassment over the scene, while another criticized the fan’s reaction and claimed that the moment seemed deliberately created for the camera. Another commenter simply dismissed the incident as unnecessary, reflecting the growing criticism surrounding the viral clip. The reactions have highlighted the complicated relationship between online personalities and their followers. For influencers with millions of viewers, fan encounters can sometimes become highly emotional moments, particularly when followers have spent years watching their content and developing a personal connection with the creator. At the same time, viral moments involving public figures often attract criticism, especially when viewers believe that a reaction may have been exaggerated or staged. In Rajab’s case, the fan’s emotional response has quickly become a topic of discussion, with social media users divided over whether it was a genuine display of admiration or simply another viral moment. Rajab Butt has not publicly clarified whether the interaction was spontaneous or planned. For now, the video continues to circulate online, while users remain divided between those who understand the fan’s emotional reaction and those who believe the entire scene was unnecessary or scripted. The incident once again demonstrates how closely Rajab’s fans follow him and how even a brief interaction can quickly become a major talking point across social media.

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    Trump rebukes CNN reporter over aide question

    The White House has criticised CNN reporter Kristen Holmes after she questioned US President Donald Trump about his relationship with executive assistant Natalie Harp. The confrontation took place during an Oval Office event on Monday honouring 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams, who recently rescued a child from dangerous ocean swells off California. Holmes asked Trump about remarks made by Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff, who had recently referred to Harp during a campaign speech. The question drew a sharp response from the White House, which accused the reporter of using an event honouring a young hero to raise an unrelated political issue. Trump also confronted Holmes when she later asked a question about North Korea. He called her “very disrespectful” and told her to remain quiet, accusing her of being “fake news.” The White House’s Rapid Response team separately criticised Holmes on social media, describing her question as inappropriate and directing strong personal remarks at the journalist. CNN strongly defended Holmes and condemned the White House’s response. The network said the attacks were inappropriate and “beneath the office” of the presidency. It also said it stood firmly behind its reporter. The dispute comes amid increased public attention surrounding Harp, a former television news personality who has become a prominent member of Trump’s staff. She is frequently seen accompanying the president and has gained attention for regularly providing him with printed information, earning her the nickname “human printer.” Harp was also reportedly among a small group of aides present during a secret Air Force One aircraft change in July, prompting speculation and discussion online. Ossoff recently criticised Trump over his focus on a planned $400 million White House ballroom and his association with Harp. Trump dismissed the senator’s remarks and attacked him personally while defending the ballroom project. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung also criticised Ossoff, calling him a political loser. The latest clash adds to growing tensions between the Trump administration and journalists, particularly female reporters who have faced public criticism from the president and his allies.

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    Witney Carson reveals third pregnancy before DWTS return

    Witney Carson is preparing to take on a new season of Dancing With the Stars while also embracing an exciting new chapter in her personal life. The professional dancer has revealed that she is expecting her third child with her husband, Carson McAllister, surprising fans with the announcement just weeks before the new season begins. On Monday, August 17, Carson shared the joyful news on Instagram, revealing that she and McAllister had been keeping the pregnancy private for some time. The couple appeared alongside their two children in a family video as they announced that another baby is on the way. “We’ve been keeping a secret… a new addition to the McAllister gang coming soon! We are so grateful and overjoyed to be growing our family,” Carson wrote in the caption. She also added the words “Baby number 3 loading” over the black-and-white video, giving followers a glimpse into the family’s happiness. The pregnancy announcement came alongside another major update about Carson’s professional career. Rather than stepping away from the dance floor, the 32-year-old star has confirmed that she plans to compete in the upcoming 35th season of Dancing With the Stars. This time, Carson will have a new celebrity partner by her side. She is set to compete with Guillermo Rodriguez, best known for his appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. The pair will take part in the latest season of the popular dance competition as Carson prepares to balance the demands of the show with her pregnancy. Carson and McAllister are already parents to two sons, Leo, who is five, and Jet, who is three. The arrival of their third child will make the family of four a family of five, adding another milestone to their growing family story. While many fans may have expected the pregnancy to affect Carson’s plans for the upcoming competition, the dancer has made it clear that she is determined to participate as long as her health and the baby’s well-being allow it. Speaking about her plans, Carson explained that she intends to compete on Dancing With the Stars provided that the pregnancy continues to progress safely and she feels well enough to perform. Her decision means viewers could see her navigating rehearsals and live performances while expecting her third child. Carson previously celebrated a major career achievement after winning season 34 of Dancing With the Stars alongside Robert Irwin. Her return for another season therefore comes with considerable excitement, especially now that she has revealed the personal news she had been keeping private. The dancer has not yet shared her due date or provided further details about the pregnancy. However, her announcement has already generated a wave of excitement among fans, who have congratulated her and McAllister on their growing family. With a new celebrity partnership and a baby on the way, Carson is entering the 35th season of Dancing With the Stars with plenty to look forward to. Her ability to combine her professional commitments with this important personal milestone is expected to make her journey one of the most closely followed stories of the upcoming season.