تازہ ترین

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    CNN report says Pentagon delayed reporting US troop injuries during Iran conflict

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Pentagon has been criticised for delaying the public release of information about US military casualties during the ongoing conflict with Iran, with a CNN report claiming that injury figures have often been disclosed days or even weeks after incidents occurred. According to the report, US Central Command initially provided regular updates on troop injuries during the early stages of the conflict but has since stopped routinely announcing non fatal casualties. As a result, the Defence Casualty Analysis System has become the main official source for casualty information, although its updates have reportedly lagged behind events. A Pentagon official told CNN that documenting military injuries can take several days or even weeks because cases must go through medical evaluations and administrative reviews before being entered into official records. The official maintained that the casualty database is updated regularly despite the delays. The report said that since the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding in mid June, the database initially recorded one new military death and 14 wounded personnel. The fatality was identified as Navy Commander Gabriel Edwards, a helicopter pilot who was lost at sea in the Arabian Sea on July 1. CNN reported that casualty figures appeared to be added in batches rather than immediately after incidents. One injured Air Force member was reportedly listed in a July 13 update, while another update on July 17 included 10 wounded soldiers and three injured sailors. After CNN published its report, the casualty database was updated again on July 20 with four additional military deaths and 20 more wounded service members. Despite those updates, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the official database still did not fully reflect the total number of injuries. In a statement posted on social media, he said nearly 100 US service members had been injured since July 7, adding that most suffered minor concussions. Parnell defended the Pentagon’s approach to releasing casualty information, arguing that providing immediate details about non fatal injuries could give valuable information to adversaries and potentially place more military personnel at risk. He also said the Pentagon and US Central Command have continued providing regular updates on military operations against Iran. According to Parnell, public statements by President Donald Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth have also kept the public informed about the objectives and progress of the campaign. The report also highlighted several recent attacks involving US forces in the region. An Iranian missile strike on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan reportedly killed two American service members and left another missing. In a separate incident in northern Iraq, another US soldier died during the controlled destruction of a downed Iranian drone. US Central Command confirmed that one service member was injured during the Iraq operation. It also said four personnel who were treated in hospitals in Jordan following the airbase attack had been discharged after receiving medical care. Officials added that several other military personnel suffered minor injuries but were able to return to duty after medical evaluation. The latest report has renewed questions about the speed and transparency of casualty reporting during military operations, with critics arguing that delayed disclosures make it more difficult for the public to understand the human cost of the conflict.

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    Field Marshal Asim Munir,  Iranian Momeni hold ke…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Tuesday to discuss regional security and bilateral cooperation. The meeting focused on issues of mutual interest, including regional security, defence cooperation and effective border management between Pakistan and Iran. Both sides exchanged views on the evolving regional security environment and stressed the importance of maintaining close coordination to address common security challenges and strengthen bilateral relations. The Iranian interior minister appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in promoting regional peace and stability. He acknowledged the country’s role in encouraging dialogue, reducing tensions and supporting peaceful solutions to regional disputes. The two sides also underscored the importance of continued cooperation to improve border security and strengthen mechanisms aimed at preventing cross-border threats while promoting stability in the region. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to enhancing cooperation and maintaining regular coordination in support of regional peace, security and mutual prosperity.

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    Pakistani climbers reopen historic Hindu Kush pass after 27 years

    ByJustpaste.in

    CHITRAL: A team of Pakistani mountaineers has successfully crossed the historic Phargam An Pass in the Hindu Kush mountain range for the first time in 27 years, marking a major achievement for the country’s mountaineering community. The expedition successfully reached the 5,100-metre-high Phargam An Pass, completing a challenging journey through one of the most remote and difficult mountain routes in northern Pakistan. The expedition also made history as female climbers reached the summit for the first time, highlighting the growing participation of women in Pakistan’s adventure and mountaineering sector. The mission was organised in Upper Chitral with the support of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority. During the expedition, the team also discovered the memorial of Austrian mountaineer George Kronberger, who lost his life in the area in 1975. Despite facing dangerous glaciers, steep snow-covered slopes, rocky terrain and the constant threat of avalanches, the team completed the expedition safely. Expedition guide Zamrud Khan said the route to Phargam An Pass has changed significantly over the years due to the effects of climate change, making the journey more challenging than in the past. Three sisters from Chitral—Mehrosh Akhtar, Ismail Roz and Madhu Shala Akhtar—took part in the historic expedition, setting a new milestone for women in Pakistani mountaineering. Other members of the expedition included Kamran Khan, Samar Khan, Nauman Khan, Noorul Rahman, Zohaib Khan, Umar Khattab Sherani, Sohniya Babar, Amina Shabbir and Madiha Syed. The successful expedition is being seen as an important milestone for adventure tourism and mountaineering in Pakistan, while showcasing the country’s growing potential as a destination for high-altitude exploration.

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    Muttahida Madaris Council distances itself from Ma…

    ByJustpaste.in

      The United Madaris Council has clarified that the recent statement made by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman reflects only the political position of his party and should not be regarded as the stance of the council. In an official statement, the United Madaris Council emphasized that Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s remarks represent his personal and political viewpoint as the leader of his political party. The council stressed that it does not endorse or represent the views expressed in his statement and should not be associated with them. Council spokesperson Mir Asif Akbar Qadri stated that the United Madaris Council does not speak on behalf of any political party and remains an independent platform representing religious seminaries. He reiterated that the council’s primary focus is on educational, religious, and social matters concerning madaris rather than political affairs. The spokesperson further said that the sacrifices made by the martyrs and veterans of the Pakistan Armed Forces are a source of national pride and respect. He described the country’s martyrs and decorated military personnel as national heroes whose courage and dedication have played a vital role in safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty and security. Mir Asif Akbar Qadri added that any negative narrative against the sacrifices of the martyrs is unacceptable. He stressed that honoring those who laid down their lives in defense of the country is a collective national responsibility and that their services should always be acknowledged with dignity and respect. The United Madaris Council also rejected any attempts to associate religious seminaries, mosques, scholars, or students with activities that are considered anti-state. According to the spokesperson, madaris and religious institutions have no connection with actions that undermine the interests of the state or threaten national stability. He explained that religious seminaries across Pakistan are dedicated to providing Islamic education, promoting moral values, and serving society through peaceful means. The council believes that these institutions play an important role in educating students, strengthening ethical values, and fostering religious harmony. The spokesperson also expressed concern over the use of the names of madaris, mosques, religious scholars, and students in political campaigns or partisan debates. He stated that involving religious institutions in political controversies is unfair and creates unnecessary misunderstandings about their role in society. According to the council, religious seminaries should not be drawn into political disputes, as doing so can damage their reputation and distract them from their educational and religious responsibilities. The organization urged all political stakeholders to avoid using the names of religious institutions to advance political narratives. The statement reaffirmed that the United Madaris Council remains committed to promoting peace, unity, religious education, and national harmony. It also reiterated its support for the rule of law, constitutional values, and the stability of Pakistan. The council concluded by emphasizing that while individuals and political parties are free to express their own opinions, those views should not be attributed to religious institutions or the United Madaris Council unless officially endorsed. It called for responsible public discourse and urged all segments of society to work together for national unity, mutual respect, and the country’s continued peace and progress.

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    Noreen Gulwani’s bold take on love, respect and freedom

    ByJustpaste.in

    Actor Noreen Gulwani has spoken about financial independence, relationships and personal growth, saying respect and understanding should remain the foundation between men and women. In a recent interview, Gulwani said women should not become overconfident or self-centred after becoming financially independent. She explained that some women may develop such attitudes after experiencing years of social restrictions. She said earning money should bring confidence but should not lead to arrogance. According to her, everyone should remain open to advice and criticism regardless of their financial status. Gulwani also said men have an equal responsibility in building respectful relationships. She added that women want to be treated with kindness and dignity rather than feeling controlled or restricted. Talking about marriage, the actor said she has not rushed into the decision because she is waiting for the right partner. She said she meets people and tries to understand their thoughts and personalities before considering marriage. Gulwani encouraged young people to see their twenties as a time for exploring their identity and discovering their goals. She said society often creates pressure to complete education, get a job, marry and have children quickly, but people should also focus on understanding themselves. She shared that her priorities have changed over time. The actor said she now dreams of living closer to nature and raising children away from the pressures of city life and excessive screen use. Discussing her career journey, Gulwani revealed that she initially studied journalism and broadcasting abroad. However, she later realised that the field did not match her personality and decided to focus on writing and acting. She described theatre as her biggest artistic passion. According to Gulwani, stage acting requires more energy, creativity and quick decision-making compared with television performances. She recalled that live theatre often requires actors to handle unexpected situations immediately because there is no chance to stop and repeat a scene. Speaking about social media controversies, Gulwani said she avoids unnecessary public debates. She believes that not every statement requires a response and prefers to maintain a neutral approach. Commenting on singer Falak Shabir’s views about women’s clothing, she said she did not agree with his opinion but did not think responding publicly would change the situation. She added that everyone should have the freedom to make personal choices.

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    Meloni demands probe into Bologna death after violent clashes

    ByJustpaste.in

    Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called for a thorough investigation into the death of a man during a police operation in Bologna, while strongly condemning violent protests that left dozens of police officers injured. The incident occurred in the Pilastro area of Bologna, where police were called to respond to reports of an aggressive man damaging a vehicle. The man, identified as Moroccan-born Abderrahim Fakir, died following the confrontation with police. Meloni said all facts surrounding the incident must be established through a transparent investigation. She stressed that the truth should be determined without bias and that responsibility should be identified based on evidence. The situation later escalated when protesters gathered in Bologna and clashes broke out with police. Demonstrators threw firecrackers, bottles and chairs at law enforcement personnel, prompting police to use tear gas and water cannons to control the crowd. Police officials said 56 officers were injured during the violent demonstrations. Meloni condemned the attacks on security personnel, saying violence could not be justified under any circumstances. Authorities have launched an investigation into the man’s death. Bologna police said body-camera footage from the officers involved would be handed over to investigators as part of the inquiry. According to initial reports, officers attempted to calm Fakir before using pepper spray and restraining him while trying to place him under arrest after he allegedly became aggressive. The incident has triggered political debate across Italy, with opposition parties demanding accountability and government supporters defending the actions of police officers. Meloni accused some protesters of using the incident as an excuse to create unrest rather than seeking justice. She said those responsible for attacking police and damaging public property were pursuing confrontation instead of the truth.

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    Academy mafia behind MDCAT controversy, minister t…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad: Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal on Tuesday blamed an organised academy mafia for creating controversy over MDCAT, while a Senate panel questioned why thousands of students were being pushed towards expensive coaching centres for medical college admission. During a heated meeting at Parliament House, Senator Anusha Rahman said private medical colleges in Pakistan were ripping off students by charging around Rs18 lakh every year. She compared these charges with medical education in China, where Pakistani students told her they were paying around Rs5 lakh a year and nearly Rs50 lakh for their complete medical degree. Anusha Rahman said she asked a Chinese provincial governor how they provided medical education at such a low cost. She said the governor replied, “We do not penalise the future.” The meeting of the Senate Health Committee Sub Committee was chaired by Senator Anusha Rahman. Senators Agha Shahzaib Durrani and Samina Mumtaz Zehri also attended. Senator Zehri joined the meeting online. Committee members expressed anger over the federal health minister’s late arrival. Senator Agha Shahzaib Durrani said the meeting had already been rescheduled three times at the minister’s request. Anusha Rahman warned that another meeting would be called the next day if the minister failed to attend. After joining the meeting, Mustafa Kamal said the MDCAT system could be improved but claimed that, in his view, the current system was perfect. He said coordinated text messages were being sent to senators to pressure them and delay the medical admission test. “Do not become emotional over these messages. This is the season of messages and there is a mafia behind them,” the minister told the committee. He also claimed that students sometimes demanded delays by citing floods and other emergencies as reasons. The minister said students from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa sometimes called for postponement even before floods reached Balochistan. He said some students later claimed that their books had been washed away in floods. Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri rejected the idea that all complaints were organised. She said the committee was receiving around 50 messages from students every day and asked why their problems had not been addressed. She also raised concerns that FSc, A Level and MDCAT examination dates were overlapping. The minister said the MDCAT would be held around three weeks after the final board examination. He said the last board examination was expected to end on July 20 and MDCAT would be conducted three weeks later. The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council told the committee that around 135,000 students would appear in MDCAT. The test will be conducted in 36 cities, including 35 cities in Pakistan and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. PMDC officials said medical colleges previously conducted separate entry tests, but the system was later changed to a national MDCAT. They said several problems had been reported in earlier years, especially regarding examination papers. To solve these problems, PMDC formed committees and prepared a nationally uniform syllabus. Officials said the syllabus was displayed on different public platforms and around 1,000 people submitted complaints. Anusha Rahman told PMDC officials that students had suffered because of weaknesses in the system. She said FSc students complained that they were asked questions linked to the A Level system, while A Level students were forced to study FSc books. She questioned why students were going to private academies and paying up to Rs1 lakh for MDCAT preparation. “Every year, academies make huge profits from these tests,” she said. She added that students were placed under heavy pressure to complete MDCAT preparation within three months. Senator Agha Shahzaib Durrani said the FSc system mainly focused on detailed knowledge, while the A Level system gave greater importance to analysis and reasoning. PMDC officials said MDCAT had been designed around common learning points included in both systems. They said the aim was to provide a fair test for FSc and A Level students. The health minister agreed to review the issue and asked the committee to send students with genuine complaints directly to the ministry and PMDC. He said officials would sit with the students, listen to their concerns and try to solve their problems. The committee also raised serious concerns about fees charged by private medical colleges. Members said many seats remained vacant because deserving students could not afford the fees. They said Pakistani students were choosing foreign universities because medical education abroad was cheaper. The committee called for a review of the fee structure of private medical colleges to make medical education more affordable. Senator Agha Shahzaib Durrani proposed giving 40 percent weight to MDCAT, 50 percent to academic results and 10 percent to interviews during medical college admissions. PMDC officials warned that reducing MDCAT marks could weaken the importance and credibility of the national test. The committee also recommended conducting MDCAT twice a year so students could get another chance instead of losing a complete academic year. Members appreciated some reforms introduced by PMDC but asked the council to improve public awareness. They recommended issuing brochures and running information campaigns about foreign medical colleges that are not recognised in Pakistan. The committee said students must be warned before spending money on institutions whose medical degrees will not be accepted by Pakistani authorities. It also recommended providing more house job and professional training opportunities to Pakistani medical graduates returning from foreign countries. The minister directed officials to provide complete MDCAT data from the last five years. The information will include the total number of students who appeared in the test and a comparison of FSc and A Level candidates. Committee members also sought details about the members of the MDCAT assessment committee. The health minister promised to provide those details within 24 hours. The committee decided to continue discussions on MDCAT, medical college fees and admission policies in its next meeting.

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    Shakira calls Mr Beast an inspiration during World Cup final meeting

    ByJustpaste.in

    Shakira and MrBeast shared a warm, viral moment during FIFA World Cup final, and the internet can not stop talking about it. A clip from the encounter shows the Colombian singer wrapping the YouTube star in a hug and telling him how much she admires his work. “Listen, I am such a fan of yours because of what you do for others,” she told him. “I wish there were more people like you in the world.” MrBeast, clearly touched by the compliment, responded warmly. “Thank you,” he said. “It is crazy coming from you. I am a fan of yours.” The clip quickly made its way across social media, with fans praising the mutual admiration between two of the world’s biggest names in their respective fields. MrBeast, whose real name is James Stephen “Jimmy” Donaldson, has built a reputation not just as a content creator but as one of the most recognizable philanthropists on the internet. His YouTube channel remains the most-subscribed in the world, boasting over 507 million subscribers and racking up tens of billions of views. Much of his content revolves around elaborate challenges and massive giveaways, with many videos centered on helping people in need, funding medical treatments, rebuilding homes, or handing out life-changing sums of money to strangers. That reputation appears to be exactly what caught Shakira’s attention. The Grammy-winning singer has long been vocal about humanitarian causes herself, running her own foundation focused on children’s education and welfare, so her praise for MrBeast’s charitable streak carries extra weight coming from someone with a similar mission. The World Cup final, already one of the most watched sporting events throughout the world, became the unlikely backdrop for this crossover moment between music and internet culture. Neither Shakira nor MrBeast has commented further on the meeting beyond what was captured on camera, but the short exchange was enough to send fans into a frenzy. Social media users flooded the comments section with reactions, many calling it a “wholesome” and “unexpected” pairing, while others pointed out how rare it is to see two figures from such different worlds express genuine admiration for one another in such a public setting. For now, the video continues to circulate, adding yet another memorable sideline moment to a World Cup final already packed with headlines both on and off the pitch.

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    Nationwide petrol pump shutdown announced

    ByJustpaste.in

    The All Pakistan Petrol Pumps Association has announced a nationwide shutdown of petrol stations from tonight after negotiations with the government failed to resolve the dispute over daily changes in petroleum prices. Association General Secretary Nauman Butt said talks between the Petroleum Minister and petrol pump owners ended without reaching any agreement. He said the association raised concerns over the government’s decision to revise petroleum product prices on a daily basis. However, the discussions did not produce a solution acceptable to both sides. The association has now decided to close petrol pumps across the country as a protest against the unresolved issue. The shutdown announcement has raised concerns about possible disruptions in fuel supply and difficulties for consumers if the strike continues. Further developments are expected as the government and petrol pump representatives may hold additional talks to resolve the matter and restore normal fuel services. The government had earlier decided to introduce a daily petroleum pricing mechanism in view of the deteriorating regional security situation. Under the new policy, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) will announce petroleum prices on a daily basis without requiring approval from the prime minister or the federal government. However, fuel prices announced on Fridays will remain unchanged on Saturdays and Sundays. The All Pakistan Petrol Pumps Association (APPPA) has rejected the petroleum price deregulation policy and urged the government to reconsider its decision. Association Chairman Nauman Ali Butt said the burden created by the new pricing system should not be placed on petrol pump owners. He stressed that all stakeholders should be consulted before finalising fuel prices with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). Butt added that nearly 15,000 petrol pump owners across Pakistan have expressed serious concerns over the new policy and called on the government to address their reservations before implementing the system.

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    Kaylee Hottle, Godzilla vs. Kong Star, dies in car accident at 18

    ByJustpaste.in

    Kaylee Hottle, the young deaf actress who won hearts as Jia in the MonsterVerse films, has died following a car accident in Maryland. She was 18. The news was confirmed by her father, Joshua Hottle, who shared the heartbreaking update through a nearly 23-minute Facebook livestream, communicating entirely in American Sign Language. In the video, he said he was preparing to take a flight he never wanted to take, as he traveled from Texas to Maryland after learning of the crash. According to reports, Joshua was first informed of the accident before later being told that his daughter’s heart had stopped on the way to the hospital. The crash reportedly occurred in Frederick, Maryland, though full details surrounding the incident have not yet been made public. Hottle came from a multi-generational deaf family and was fluent in American Sign Language from an early age. Her journey into acting began years before her breakout role, starting with a commercial appearance as a child. That early exposure eventually led to her being discovered for the MonsterVerse franchise, where she portrayed Jia, a young deaf character who forms a powerful bond with Kong through sign language. She first appeared in the role in 2021’s Godzilla vs. Kong and returned for the 2024 sequel, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, which earned her a nomination at the Saturn Awards for Best Performance by a Younger Actor. Hottle’s portrayal was widely praised within the deaf community for offering genuine, heartfelt representation rarely seen in major blockbuster films. Many pointed to her performance as a rare instance where a deaf character’s story felt authentic rather than symbolic, largely because Hottle herself lived that experience. The Texas School for the Deaf, where Hottle was a senior, paid tribute to her on social media, expressing profound sadness over the loss of one of their students and extending condolences to her family, friends, and classmates. Tributes have continued to pour in from fans and industry figures alike, many expressing shock over the sudden loss of such a young talent whose work resonated far beyond the screen. Several supporters have highlighted how her role in the Godzilla franchise helped bring meaningful visibility to deaf audiences worldwide. As details of the accident remain limited, fans and well-wishers continue to remember Hottle for the warmth and authenticity she brought to her most memorable role.