تازہ ترین

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    La Liga chief urges FIFA president Infantino to step down

    MADRID: La Liga President Javier Tebas has called on FIFA President Gianni Infantino to step down, accusing world football’s governing body of damaging the sport through controversial decisions and expanding its control over the global football calendar. In an interview with an Italian newspaper, Tebas said he believed Infantino’s leadership had reached its limit and claimed FIFA’s current direction was harming domestic football competitions around the world. The Spanish league chief argued that FIFA was placing too much emphasis on the FIFA World Cup while ignoring the importance of national leagues, which he said provide the foundation of professional football and support thousands of jobs. Tebas criticised proposals to further expand the World Cup, including discussions about increasing the tournament to 64 teams. He said such plans would place unnecessary pressure on players and weaken domestic competitions. He also questioned FIFA’s decision to introduce mandatory hydration breaks during World Cup matches regardless of weather conditions. According to Tebas, the policy was not always necessary and appeared to benefit commercial broadcasting rather than player welfare. The La Liga president also criticised the unusually long half-time show during the World Cup final, saying football should not be altered to accommodate entertainment and commercial interests. Tebas further referred to the controversy surrounding United States forward Folarin Balogun, whose suspension was lifted before a knockout match. He suggested the incident raised serious concerns about FIFA’s decision-making process and governance. He claimed many people within international football privately disagreed with FIFA’s leadership but were unwilling to speak publicly because of the organisation’s political structure. Tebas maintained that football’s future depends on protecting domestic leagues, reducing the growing number of international matches and ensuring that decisions are made in the best interests of the sport rather than commercial considerations

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    Sindh solar project to benefit 275,000 families

    Karachi: Sindh Senior Minister for Information, Transport, and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon has announced that the Sindh government’s Rs18.2 billion Solar Home System Project will provide clean and affordable energy to 275,000 deserving families across the province. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Memon said the initiative, launched under the guidance of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, is a major step toward expanding access to renewable energy, particularly for low-income households and remote communities. According to the minister, the project will benefit 132,000 off-grid families living in areas without access to the national electricity network, while 143,000 on-grid families facing electricity-related challenges will also receive solar home systems. Each beneficiary family will be provided with a 180-watt solar panel, batteries, a central control unit, a charge controller, mobile charging facility, electric fans, and LED lights. The comprehensive package is designed to meet basic household energy needs while reducing dependence on conventional electricity sources. Sharjeel Memon said the project is progressing rapidly, with more than 15,000 solar home system kits already distributed across various districts of Sindh. He added that the government aims to complete the distribution to all 275,000 eligible families by June 2027. The senior minister described the initiative as more than just an electricity project, saying it represents a significant welfare program aimed at improving the quality of life for economically disadvantaged families. He noted that access to reliable and clean energy would help reduce household expenses, improve living standards, and support sustainable development across the province. The Sindh government views the solar project as an important investment in renewable energy and social welfare, aligning with broader efforts to promote clean energy solutions and provide long-term relief to vulnerable communities.

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    How long will monsoon rains continue in Lahore?

    Lahore: Intermittent monsoon rains continued across Lahore after resuming late Monday night, bringing much-needed relief from intense heat and humidity. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast that the wet spell will continue throughout the day, with additional rainfall expected across Lahore and other parts of Punjab over the next 24 hours. According to the Met Office, Lahore’s minimum temperature is expected to remain around 27°C, while the maximum temperature may reach 32°C. Cloudy conditions and intermittent showers are likely to persist, contributing to cooler weather across the city. The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert to district administrations across the province, directing officials to remain on high alert and take precautionary measures to minimize the risk of rain-related incidents, urban flooding, and water accumulation. Meanwhile, WASA Lahore has deployed emergency teams to ensure the timely drainage of rainwater from roads and low-lying areas. Managing Director Ghufran Ahmed, along with other officials, is personally monitoring the city’s drainage operations to prevent disruptions caused by heavy rainfall. Rainfall data recorded across Lahore showed varying intensities in different localities. Nishtar Town received the highest rainfall at 42.2 mm, followed by Lahore Airport with 30 mm. Other recorded rainfall included 20.6 mm in Johar Town, 12.6 mm at Upper Mall, 6.8 mm in Kahna, 3.4 mm on Defence Road, and 2.2 mm at the WASA Head Office in Gulberg. Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious during heavy rain, avoid unnecessary travel in waterlogged areas, and stay updated through official weather advisories. With more rainfall expected over the coming hours, emergency response teams remain on standby to address any weather-related emergencies. The ongoing monsoon spell is expected to continue improving weather conditions while increasing the possibility of localized flooding in low-lying areas if heavy showers persist.

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    Kristen Stewart’s video misused to spread false claims about Robert Pattinson reunion

    A clip of Kristen Stewart is making rounds online. It comes with a caption falsely claiming she wants to rekindle things with ex-boyfriend Robert Pattinson. The caption even suggests she would leave her spouse to make that happen. The video itself is from an old interview. In it, Stewart discusses something entirely unrelated to Pattinson. She talks about the value of public embarrassment. She says she considers herself lucky to have had moments of falling flat on her face publicly. A healthy dose of humiliation, she adds, keeps a person grounded. Despite this, the clip was recirculated with a fabricated caption. It claims Stewart broke down in tears, confessing that cheating on Pattinson remains her biggest regret. The caption alleges she still thinks about him. It even claims she’d divorce her husband for one more chance at being with him. The claim falls apart quickly. For starters, Stewart is not married to a husband at all. She came out publicly as gay in February 2017. In April 2025, she married screenwriter Dylan Meyer. The two have since spoken openly about their relationship. Recent interviews show Stewart in a happy place, both personally and professionally. She has collaborated with Meyer on creative projects, while continuing to focus on her work behind the camera as a director. Friends close to the couple have described their marriage as steady, with both partners actively supporting one another’s careers. The misleading video appears to be piggybacking on an old, real story from Stewart’s past. Back in 2012, she publicly apologized after being caught in an affair with Rupert Sanders. Sanders directed her in Snow White and the Huntsman. At the time, Stewart was still in a relationship with Pattinson. She addressed the situation publicly and expressed sincere regret. That moment became widely publicized and has followed her in tabloid coverage for years since. Nothing in her recent interviews or public statements supports the idea that she wants to reunite with Pattinson. There is also no indication of her considering ending her marriage over it. The viral claim appears to be a case of an old clip stripped of context, then paired with an entirely invented narrative to drive engagement. Such recycled clips are a common tactic online, where old footage is repurposed with misleading captions to spark outrage or attract clicks, often at the expense of the public figure’s actual words and intent.

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    Two children killed, mother injured as dilapidated…

    A tragic incident occurred in Chak 33 SP, a village in Pakistan’s Pakpattan district, where the roof of an old and dilapidated house collapsed during heavy rainfall, claiming the lives of two young children and leaving their mother seriously injured. The heartbreaking accident has once again highlighted the dangers posed by weak and poorly maintained structures, particularly during the monsoon season when continuous rain often weakens aging buildings. According to rescue officials, the incident took place while rain was falling in the area. The roof of the deteriorating house suddenly gave way, trapping members of the family beneath the debris. Neighbors rushed to the scene immediately after hearing the loud crash and attempted to help the victims before emergency rescue teams arrived. Rescue personnel quickly launched an operation to remove the debris and recover those trapped inside the collapsed house. After an intensive rescue effort, two children were pulled from the rubble but were found to have died from their injuries. Their mother, who was also trapped under the collapsed roof, was rescued alive but sustained serious injuries. Rescue sources confirmed that the bodies of the deceased children and the injured woman were shifted to a nearby hospital. Medical teams provided emergency treatment to the injured mother, while the children’s bodies were handed over for the necessary legal and medical procedures before being released to the family for burial. The tragic deaths have left the local community in deep shock and mourning. Residents gathered at the site to assist rescue workers and expressed grief over the heartbreaking loss of two innocent lives. Many locals also voiced concerns about the condition of old houses in the area, noting that numerous families continue to live in unsafe structures because they cannot afford repairs or reconstruction. Heavy monsoon rains frequently expose the vulnerability of aging homes across many parts of Pakistan. Weak roofs and deteriorating walls become increasingly unstable after prolonged rainfall, increasing the risk of collapse. Such incidents often result in injuries, fatalities, and significant property damage, particularly in rural areas where many houses are built with older construction materials and receive little maintenance. Authorities have repeatedly advised residents living in damaged or structurally weak buildings to take precautionary measures during periods of heavy rainfall. However, financial constraints often prevent families from repairing or rebuilding their homes, leaving them exposed to life-threatening risks whenever severe weather strikes. Disaster management experts stress the importance of inspecting old buildings before and during the monsoon season. Timely repairs, stronger construction standards, and public awareness campaigns can help reduce the likelihood of similar tragedies. Local administrations are also encouraged to identify vulnerable structures and provide assistance to families living in hazardous conditions. The incident in Chak 33 SP serves as another painful reminder of the devastating consequences that aging infrastructure and extreme weather can have on vulnerable communities. As the injured mother continues to receive medical treatment, the family and the entire village are grieving the loss of the two children whose lives were cut short in the tragic roof collapse. The unfortunate event underscores the urgent need for improved housing safety measures and greater support for families residing in unsafe homes, particularly during Pakistan’s annual monsoon season.

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    Senate health subcommittee discusses A-Level, FSc …

    Pakistan’s Senate Health Subcommittee held an important meeting to discuss concerns surrounding the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), the country’s medical education policies, and the increasing number of students pursuing medical education abroad. The session was chaired by Senator Samina Zehri, the convener of the subcommittee, and attended by Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, Senator Anusha Rahman, Senator Shahzaib, and officials from the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC). During the meeting, Senator Samina Zehri highlighted the significant differences between Pakistan’s FSc (Faculty of Science) education system and the internationally recognized A-Level qualification. She remarked that Pakistan’s education system is well known for its challenges and that the disparity between the two academic streams should not be overlooked when formulating admission policies for medical colleges. Responding to these concerns, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal stated that the MDCAT examination is designed in a way that does not favor either A-Level or FSc students. He explained that the test includes questions that can be answered by candidates from both educational backgrounds, ensuring fairness in the admission process. According to the minister, the examination aims to assess students’ knowledge and aptitude rather than the curriculum they have studied. Mustafa Kamal further suggested that a detailed analysis should be conducted to determine how students from different educational backgrounds perform in the MDCAT. He pointed out that approximately 95,000 students had passed the examination and proposed collecting data from the past five years to determine how many successful candidates came from A-Level and FSc backgrounds. Such data, he said, would provide evidence-based insights for future policy decisions. The minister also assured members of the committee that the details of the assessment committee responsible for the MDCAT would be submitted within 24 hours. In response, Senator Anusha Rahman stated that the Senate committee was currently assisting the ministry in reviewing the admission process and therefore required complete information about the committee members involved in preparing and evaluating the examination. Following the discussion, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal formally assured the committee that all requested information regarding the assessment committee would be provided within the promised timeframe. During the meeting, Senator Anusha Rahman also called for a review of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council’s (PMDC) current policies. She emphasized the need to reassess regulations to ensure they effectively address the concerns of students and maintain the credibility of Pakistan’s medical education system. Senator Shahzaib raised another important issue regarding Pakistani students who intend to pursue higher medical education abroad. He questioned why graduates of Pakistani universities who plan to enroll in medical institutions overseas are still required to take the MDCAT. Referring to a recently issued advertisement, he noted that the existing policy appears to require these students to pass the admission test even if they have no intention of studying medicine within Pakistan. In response, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal acknowledged the concern and assured the committee that the policy would be reviewed. Senator Anusha Rahman added that while reviewing the policy, authorities should also ensure that students planning to study abroad avoid enrolling in institutions that have been identified as “red-flag” universities or those lacking proper accreditation. The Chairman of the PMDC Reforms Committee informed the meeting that students intending to study medicine overseas are required to register with the PMDC before leaving the country. This registration process, he explained, helps the regulatory body monitor students and maintain standards for foreign medical qualifications. Highlighting another major concern, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal stated that around 40,000 Pakistani students travel abroad each year for medical education, taking an estimated US$800 million out of the country. He stressed that this represents a significant financial outflow and underlined the importance of strengthening Pakistan’s own medical education system. However, Senator Anusha Rahman offered a different perspective, arguing that many of these students eventually return to Pakistan after completing their education and contribute to the country’s economy through their professional earnings. She suggested that while the government should improve local opportunities, it should also recognize the long-term benefits that internationally educated professionals can bring back to Pakistan.

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    Petrol pump owners announce nationwide strike over…

    The All Pakistan Petrol Pumps Owners Association (APPPOA) has announced a nationwide strike beginning Wednesday night after negotiations with the government over the proposed daily petroleum pricing mechanism ended without an agreement. The decision was announced following talks between representatives of the association and a government delegation led by Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik. The discussions focused on the government’s plan to introduce daily fuel price adjustments, but both sides failed to reach a consensus. Speaking after the meeting, APPPOA leaders said the proposed pricing system was unacceptable and would seriously affect the financial stability of petrol pump owners across the country. They argued that the new mechanism would create uncertainty for businesses already operating on narrow profit margins. Association officials said nearly 15,000 petrol pumps across Pakistan are expected to remain closed if the strike goes ahead, warning that the shutdown could disrupt fuel supplies nationwide. Vice Chairman Nauman Ali Butt said petrol dealers wanted petroleum prices to continue being revised on a monthly basis rather than daily. He also pointed out that dealers’ commissions had not been increased for the past three years despite rising operating costs. APPPOA Chairman Humayun Khan said petrol pump owners were already facing financial pressure due to regulatory requirements, policies of oil marketing companies and increasing business expenses. He argued that daily price revisions would benefit oil marketing companies while placing additional risks on retail dealers. According to the association, frequent price changes could create confusion in the market and make inventory management more difficult for petrol pump operators. The association also criticised the government for introducing the policy without consulting key stakeholders. It urged authorities to suspend the daily pricing mechanism, increase dealers’ commissions and involve petrol pump owners in future policy decisions. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) said it would hold a meeting of its executive committee on Wednesday to decide whether it would also join the nationwide strike. PPDA representatives acknowledged that discussions with government officials and the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) had taken place. They said OGRA officials sought additional time to review the concerns raised by dealers before making further recommendations to the government. The government maintains that the new pricing mechanism is intended to improve transparency and ensure domestic fuel prices reflect changes in international oil markets more quickly. Under the proposed system, petroleum prices would be updated daily using a rolling average of global market prices.

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    Rahul Gandhi detained during protest outside PM Modi’s residence

    Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi was detained by Delhi Police on Tuesday while leading a protest march towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official residence in New Delhi. His detention came as opposition parties intensified their campaign over the government’s handling of student protests and alleged examination irregularities. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav were also taken into custody during the demonstration. The opposition leaders were demanding Prime Minister Modi’s resignation following the police crackdown on students protesting for education reforms. Before his detention, Rahul Gandhi accused the government of refusing to take responsibility for the crisis. He said the administration was avoiding accountability and was unwilling to hold a parliamentary debate on the issue. He also alleged that the future of India’s youth had been damaged due to repeated failures in the education system. Videos from the protest showed Gandhi resisting detention as police officers attempted to remove him from the protest site. Reports said he suffered minor injuries during the scuffle with security personnel. The protest followed large-scale demonstrations in New Delhi a day earlier. Thousands of students and activists gathered to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and called for major reforms to India’s examination system. The protests were organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), a movement that has gained massive popularity through social media since its launch earlier this year. The group says it will continue nationwide demonstrations until its demands are accepted. Police used tear gas and batons to stop protesters from marching towards parliament on Monday. Violent clashes broke out between demonstrators and security forces. Authorities said more than 170 people were injured during the unrest, including over 100 police personnel. Dozens of protesters also sustained injuries. Police accused some protesters of violent behaviour during the clashes. Protest organisers strongly rejected the allegations. They claimed security forces used excessive force against peaceful demonstrators and injured hundreds of students. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke urged supporters not to lose hope despite the crackdown. He said the movement would continue peacefully and would not end until the education minister stepped down and meaningful reforms were introduced. Many protesters remained at the Jantar Mantar protest site on Tuesday. They pledged to continue demonstrations until the government addressed their concerns. The issue also disrupted parliament. Opposition lawmakers demanded an immediate discussion on the police action against students, forcing the proceedings to be temporarily adjourned.

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    Pakistan High Commissioner presents credentials documents at Lancaster House

    Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Tipu Usman, on Tuesday presented the working copies of his Letter of Appointment to Scott Furssedonn-Wood, Vice-Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps, during a meeting at Lancaster House. During the meeting, the High Commissioner conveyed the best wishes of Pakistan’s leadership and people to the leadership and people of the United Kingdom. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with his UK counterparts to further strengthen the longstanding bilateral relationship between the two countries. The presentation of the working copies marks an important diplomatic step before the formal presentation of credentials to His Majesty King Charles III, enabling the High Commissioner to commence his official diplomatic responsibilities in the United Kingdom. Pakistan and the United Kingdom share longstanding ties across trade, investment, security, education and people-to-people links, with both sides expressing their commitment to further enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

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    Trump vows heavy strikes on Iran’s Pickaxe M…

    President Donald Trump said Monday that US forces will hit the Pickaxe Mountain area, located near Iran’s already heavily damaged Natanz uranium enrichment facility, very heavily in the near future. Trump had threatened the site last week, saying the United States was going to take out Pickaxe Mountain, a heavily fortified location tied to Iran’s nuclear program that contains two deeply buried tunnel complexes. He also said Tuesday that Tehran wanted to meet desperately, adding that Washington has no interest until Iran shows readiness to engage in a meaningful way. Facing mounting political pressure at home over rising gasoline prices since the war began, and with Iran having effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, Trump defended the latest strikes as a response to the deaths of American service members killed in recent Iranian attacks. He wrote on social media Monday that Iran will pay many times over every time it kills an American soldier, saying he had passed the directive to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs Chairman Daniel Caine and every military leader. The broader conflict has killed thousands of civilians, most of them in Iran and Lebanon, where Israeli forces have occupied part of the country following attacks by Hezbollah fighters who said they acted in solidarity with Tehran. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met Trump at the White House Tuesday, thanking him for what he called a historic achievement in signing a Lebanon Israel framework agreement. Aoun said he had looked forward to the visit for a long time and that the region is due for stability and security. Trump said he would speak with Hezbollah if Aoun wanted him to, noting he has already communicated with the group through intermediaries in June and secured a pledge that it would not attack Israel, a first for any US president given Hezbollah’s designation as a terrorist organization. Trump also addressed threats from Yemen’s Houthi movement to block Red Sea shipping, saying the United States would take care of business if the group follows through on a naval blockade. Two oil tankers carrying Saudi crude toward Asia reversed course in the Red Sea Tuesday after Houthi threats, diverting toward the Suez Canal, though Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea port of Yanbu continued operating normally. The Houthis said Monday they were imposing an immediate maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, citing what they called an unjust and oppressive siege imposed on Yemen for nearly 12 years. The Saudi led coalition in Yemen said it would respond with force and began protective measures for ships transiting the Bab el Mandeb Strait, a critical route for Saudi oil exports following the effective closure of Hormuz. Yemen’s defence minister said separately that the government’s army stood ready to end what he called the Houthi coup, while clashes between government forces and Houthi fighters have resumed in parts of the country. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said two oil tankers exploded after attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz via an unsafe route, a claim that followed a similar Sunday statement describing an accident involving two vessels in the same area, though it remains unclear whether the incidents were connected. A separate vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile off Oman’s coast near the strait, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency. Inside Iran, explosions were reported in Tabriz, Chabahar, Konarak, Bandar Mahshahr and Bandar Imam Khomeini, with one person killed and several wounded southwest of Tabriz, state media reported. Iran’s Guards said they targeted US aircraft at Jordan’s Aqaba airport with ballistic missiles, along with military assets at Kuwait’s Al Adiri camp and Ali Al Salem Air Base, and additional positions in Syria. Air raid sirens sounded repeatedly in Bahrain throughout Monday, and Kuwait’s army said early Tuesday that its air defenses had again intercepted Iranian drones. Kuwait also said Iran struck its power and desalination infrastructure for a fourth consecutive day, sparking fires at several critical facilities that authorities have since extinguished while damage assessments and repairs continue. The United Arab Emirates condemned Iranian strikes on Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan as a flagrant violation of sovereignty and pledged full solidarity with the three nations. A separate vessel was struck by an unknown projectile off the UAE coast near Dibba, damaging its steering gear, though all crew members remained safe. Iranian state media quoted a military source as saying the Strait of Hormuz will stay closed as long as US strikes continue, with the source describing the waterway as fully under Iranian military control. Iran’s Guards also claimed a strike on central data infrastructure belonging to Amazon in Bahrain, a claim that could not be independently verified. Amid the widening conflict, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations called Tuesday for maximum restraint and an immediate halt to hostilities between Washington and Tehran, warning that continued fighting undermines mediation efforts and diminishes prospects for a peaceful resolution. A senior Iranian official said Tehran had received a proposal from mediators for a ten day ceasefire aimed at salvaging the interim agreement reached in June, though no further details were provided. Pakistani officials said Iran’s interior minister had asked Islamabad to resume its mediation role, and he later traveled to Pakistan for additional talks, continuing a diplomatic effort that Pakistan and Qatar have led since the earlier memorandum of understanding was signed. Separately, Britain’s new government faces pressure from Washington to maintain American access to strategic military bases including RAF Fairford and the Diego Garcia base on Chagos Island, according to a British newspaper report, with Trump said to be pressing new Prime Minister Andy Burnham on the issue shortly after Burnham took office this week.