تازہ ترین

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    He trusted his friend for a job—Then woke up mis…

    A shocking alleged organ trafficking case has emerged from Pattoki, where a man claims he was lured by a close friend with the promise of a job, only to wake up without one of his kidneys. Police have registered a case and launched a search for the suspect as the investigation continues. According to police, the victim, identified as Rehmat, a resident of Pattoki, was allegedly approached by his friend Raza on June 26 with an offer of employment. Trusting the promise of work, Rehmat reportedly accompanied Raza, unaware of what police say happened next. Investigators allege that the suspect took Rehmat to Rawalpindi, where he was given a drink believed to have been laced with intoxicating substances. Police say the victim lost consciousness after consuming the beverage. When he regained consciousness, he allegedly discovered that one of his kidneys had been surgically removed. Authorities further allege that the kidney was illegally sold as part of an organ trafficking operation. However, police have not yet released details regarding where the procedure was carried out or whether additional suspects were involved. Investigators are examining all possible links to determine if the case is connected to a larger criminal network. According to police records, a kidnapping case regarding Rehmat’s disappearance had already been registered on July 12 after his brother-in-law filed a complaint. The victim later returned home on his own and narrated the alleged incident to his family, prompting investigators to expand the scope of the inquiry. Police have confirmed that the primary suspect, Raza, remains at large. Search operations are underway to locate and arrest him. Authorities are also collecting medical evidence and recording witness statements to verify the victim’s claims and strengthen the investigation. Illegal organ trafficking remains a serious criminal offense in Pakistan and poses significant risks to victims, many of whom are targeted through deception, financial desperation, or false promises of employment. Law enforcement agencies continue to urge the public to remain cautious of suspicious job offers and to immediately report any unusual activities to the authorities. As the investigation progresses, police say further legal action will depend on the evidence gathered. Officials have urged the public to avoid speculation and allow investigators to complete their work. More details are expected to emerge as the case develops and authorities continue their efforts to apprehend the suspect.

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    Why Kajal Aggarwal chose South Cinema over Bollywo…

    Actor Kajal Aggarwal has opened up about why she chose to focus more on South Indian cinema than Bollywood during her two-decade-long career. In a recent interview, the actress said the decision was driven by the quality of roles and the professionalism she experienced in the South Indian film industry. Born into a Punjabi family in Amritsar, the 41-year-old actress has successfully balanced careers in both Hindi and South Indian cinema. However, she revealed that she received stronger scripts and more meaningful characters in Telugu and Tamil films, making it easier for her to prioritize projects in the South. Kajal explained that she never wanted to accept average or uninspiring roles simply to remain active in Bollywood.Instead, she chose films that challenged her as an actor and allowed her to grow professionally. According to her, South Indian filmmakers consistently offered better opportunities that matched her expectations and career goals. Speaking about the differences between the two industries, Kajal highlighted professionalism and punctuality as one of South cinema’s biggest strengths. She said film sets in the South operate according to strict schedules, with cast and crew respecting call times and production timelines. In contrast, she noted that delays are common in Bollywood, where work often does not begin on time. Kajal admitted that she is accustomed to disciplined work environments and prefers productions that value time management. She suggested that Bollywood could benefit from adopting the same level of punctuality practiced in the South Indian film industry. The actress also reflected on her experience working alongside Bollywood superstar Salman Khan in the film Sikandar. Kajal revealed that she was excited to share the screen with the actor because he had been her childhood crush. However, she humorously recalled that Salman was the co-star who made her wait the longest on set. She said that while waiting for filming to begin, she often spent time exercising in the gym available on the set. Kajal added that her habit of arriving on time comes from years of working in South cinema, where schedules are generally followed more strictly. Kajal Aggarwal made her acting debut in the 2004 Hindi film Kyun…! Ho Gaya Na before rising to fame in Telugu and Tamil cinema. Over the years, she has become one of the industry’s most successful and highest-paid actresses. She is next set to appear in The India Story, directed by Chetan DK and co-starring Shreyas Talpade.

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    ‘I will not apologize’: Maulana Fazlur…

    A political controversy surrounding Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has intensified after the veteran politician refused to apologize for remarks he made earlier this month regarding security issues and the role of state institutions. The comments have drawn criticism from government officials and prompted legal proceedings. Addressing lawyers affiliated with his party on Sunday, Maulana Fazlur Rehman stated that he would not withdraw or apologize for his remarks. Instead, he argued that those who, in his view, launched a propaganda campaign against him should offer an apology. The controversy stems from a speech delivered during a party rally in Kasur, where the JUI-F leader spoke about the deteriorating security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. During the address, he questioned calls for political workers to take up arms against militant groups, saying he would not form a private force or militia. In the same speech, Maulana Fazlur Rehman also criticized the involvement of individuals in politics while serving in uniform, suggesting that anyone wishing to participate in politics should first leave official service and contest elections as civilians. The remarks quickly became the subject of nationwide political debate. The speech also led to legal action. On July 15, a local court in Gujranwala issued a notice to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in response to a petition filed over the remarks. The court has sought a reply from the agency by August 17 as the matter proceeds through legal channels. Senior members of the federal government strongly criticized the JUI-F chief’s comments. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said linking the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces to their salaries was unfair and disrespectful to military personnel, particularly the families of fallen soldiers. He maintained that while political leaders have the right to criticize policies or procedures, they should avoid statements that undermine the sacrifices of security forces. The controversy has sparked wider debate across Pakistan’s political landscape, with supporters arguing that Maulana Fazlur Rehman was expressing a political opinion on national security, while critics believe his remarks crossed acceptable boundaries. As political reactions continue, the legal process is expected to determine whether any further action will be taken. The issue remains a prominent topic in national politics, highlighting ongoing tensions between opposition leaders and the government over security, governance, and political accountability.

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    Inside the ‘House of Secrets’: How Britain sec…

    A newly opened museum in North London is shedding light on one of Britain’s most remarkable intelligence operations of the Second World War. Known as the Trent Park House of Secrets, the site reveals how British intelligence secretly monitored conversations between captured German generals and senior military officers, gathering information that proved invaluable to the Allied war effort. Located in Enfield, North London, Trent Park was originally a luxurious country estate owned by British politician Philip Sassoon during the 1920s and 1930s. The mansion was famous for hosting lavish gatherings attended by influential figures, including politicians, artists, writers, and members of the British royal family. Guests reportedly included Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, and Wallis Simpson. However, the estate took on a dramatically different role after the outbreak of World War II. British authorities transformed the elegant residence into a highly secret intelligence facility where captured German military leaders were housed under comfortable conditions. The relaxed atmosphere encouraged prisoners to speak freely, unaware that nearly every conversation was being secretly monitored. Hidden listening devices were installed throughout the mansion, while intelligence officers worked from concealed rooms in the basement, recording and analyzing discussions between German officers. The operation enabled Britain to collect valuable military intelligence without relying on interrogation or coercion. Historians believe the conversations captured at Trent Park provided critical insights into German military strategy, battlefield developments, and even the internal thinking of senior Nazi commanders. Some recorded discussions also revealed information about war crimes and the treatment of prisoners, offering important historical evidence after the war. The foundation responsible for restoring the estate says Trent Park deserves recognition alongside Bletchley Park, Britain’s famous codebreaking center, because both sites played crucial roles in Allied intelligence operations. While Bletchley Park focused on decrypting enemy communications, Trent Park relied on covert surveillance and psychological techniques to obtain sensitive information directly from high-ranking prisoners. The newly opened museum allows visitors to explore restored rooms, historical exhibits, and the basement areas where surveillance equipment was once operated. Through interactive displays and archival material, guests can learn how one seemingly peaceful country house became the center of a sophisticated intelligence mission that remained largely unknown for decades. Today, the Trent Park House of Secrets stands as a powerful reminder of the creativity and innovation behind Britain’s wartime intelligence network. By preserving this remarkable chapter of history, the museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to understand how hidden conversations inside one mansion helped shape the outcome of World War II.

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    Pakistan requests $10bn US foreign exchange stabil…

    Pakistan has requested a $10 billion foreign exchange stabilization facility from the United States in an effort to strengthen its economy and improve its external financial position. The proposed facility is expected to help increase the country’s foreign exchange reserves, ease pressure on the Pakistani rupee, and reduce dependence on emergency financial assistance from international lenders. According to reports, the Pakistani government has submitted a formal proposal to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent seeking a five-year bilateral Exchange Stabilization Support Facility. If approved, the financial arrangement could provide Pakistan with greater economic stability at a time when the country continues to face external financing challenges. The proposed fund is designed to support Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves, which remain under pressure despite recent improvements in the country’s economic outlook. Stronger reserves would help stabilize the rupee, improve investor confidence, and provide the government with greater flexibility in managing external debt repayments. The request comes after Pakistan’s reported diplomatic efforts during the Iran conflict. According to the report, Islamabad played a facilitating role in communication between Tehran and Washington. The diplomatic engagement is believed to have enhanced Pakistan’s strategic importance and may have contributed to closer economic discussions with the United States. If Washington approves the request, Pakistan could reduce its dependence on short-term financial support from multilateral institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The facility would also help the country better manage future external financing needs while maintaining stability in the foreign exchange market. Pakistan is currently implementing wide-ranging economic reforms under the IMF’s $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF). The programme requires the government to increase tax revenues, reduce public spending, improve fiscal discipline, and introduce structural reforms aimed at strengthening the economy. The country narrowly avoided a sovereign default in 2023 after securing a $3 billion IMF emergency programme. That support was later followed by the approval of the larger $7 billion EFF programme. Although the reforms have improved economic indicators, Pakistan still relies heavily on external borrowing, financial assistance from friendly countries, and the rollover of existing loans to meet its financing requirements. Economic experts believe that a US-backed stabilization facility would provide a significant boost to Pakistan’s financial position. It could strengthen foreign exchange reserves, support currency stability, improve investor confidence, and reduce the need for repeated emergency borrowing.

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    Cabinet clears Rs1.8bn bureaucrats’ allowanc…

    The federal cabinet has approved a new Rs1.8 billion special allowance for senior bureaucrats despite continuing austerity measures and limiting the salary increase for government employees to 7% in the 2026-27 federal budget. The decision was taken during the cabinet meeting that approved the federal budget in June. The new benefit is the second special allowance granted to top civil servants in the past four years. It comes at a time when the government is urging public institutions to reduce spending and maintain fiscal discipline. The newly approved incentive has been named the All Pakistan Services Provincial Governments’ Cadre Posts’ Parity Allowance. It will be effective from July 1, 2026. The approved allocation of Rs1.8 billion indicates that the allowance could be close to 100% of an officer’s basic salary, although the government has yet to announce the final rate and eligibility criteria. Officials have not publicly explained why the allowance was introduced or whether any formal study was conducted before approving it. Government departments also did not clarify the exact structure of the benefit. According to officials familiar with the matter, the allowance is intended to reduce differences in salaries and benefits between officers serving in the federal government and those working in provincial governments. Authorities believe many senior officers prefer provincial postings because they receive better financial incentives and additional privileges. The government also wants to encourage members of the Pakistan Administrative Service and the Police Service of Pakistan to continue serving in federal institutions by offering competitive compensation. However, the decision has drawn criticism from observers who argue that the move increases inequality within the public sector. While senior bureaucrats continue to receive additional financial benefits, the majority of government employees have received only a modest salary increase despite rising inflation and increasing living costs. Analysts believe the decision could encourage other civil service groups to demand similar allowances, putting additional pressure on the government’s finances and complicating future pay reforms. The cabinet also approved a major revision to the 150% executive allowance introduced in 2022. Instead of calculating the allowance on the 2017 basic pay scale, it will now be based on officers’ current basic salary as of June 30, 2026. This change will substantially increase payments for officers serving in grades 17 to 22 across key federal institutions. At the same meeting, the government extended austerity measures for another fiscal year. The restrictions include a ban on purchasing new vehicles and non-essential equipment, creating new posts, unnecessary foreign visits, and other non-priority expenditures. Government meetings and official events will continue to follow a simple catering policy.

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    US Court blocks Trump plan to end immigrant work permits

    BOSTON: A US federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from enforcing a policy that would have revoked work permits for thousands of immigrants and asylum seekers across the United States. The ruling allows affected individuals to continue working legally while the legal challenge against the policy proceeds in federal court. The decision was issued by US District Judge Nathaniel Gorton in Boston after immigrant rights organizations and labor unions filed a lawsuit challenging the administration’s immigration measures. The judge ruled that the policy should not take effect until the court fully reviews its legality. The disputed policy was introduced as part of the Trump administration’s broader immigration agenda following legislation passed by Congress in 2025. The law imposed new fees on asylum applications and introduced stricter rules governing employment authorization for people protected under Temporary Protected Status (TPS). If implemented, the new policy would have affected tens of thousands of immigrants who are legally living in the United States under humanitarian protections. Many of them were at risk of losing their legal right to work, making it difficult to support themselves and their families. Among those expected to be affected are TPS holders from El Salvador, Sudan, and Ukraine, many of whom have lived and worked in the United States for years. The policy was scheduled to come into effect this week before the federal court stepped in to halt its enforcement. The lawsuit argued that the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) acted unlawfully by implementing the new restrictions without following the proper legal process. The plaintiffs said the policy would cause severe financial hardship for thousands of families and disrupt businesses that rely on legally authorized immigrant workers. Judge Gorton’s order temporarily prevents federal authorities from cancelling work permits while the case remains under judicial review. The ruling does not permanently strike down the policy but ensures that existing work authorizations remain valid until the court reaches a final decision. The Trump administration has consistently pursued tougher immigration policies, including efforts to end Temporary Protected Status for people from several countries. Officials argue that TPS was intended as a temporary humanitarian measure and should not become a permanent immigration pathway. Earlier this year, the US Supreme Court allowed the administration to move forward with ending TPS protections for certain groups of Haitian and Syrian immigrants. However, the latest ruling prevents another major immigration measure from taking immediate effect. Immigrant advocacy groups welcomed the court’s decision, saying it protects vulnerable workers from losing their jobs and income while the legal dispute continues. They argued that the ruling provides temporary relief to thousands of families facing uncertainty over their future.

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    Trump reportedly eyes Infantino for UN Secretary-General

    US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering FIFA President Gianni Infantino for the post of United Nations secretary-general, according to media reports. The reported move comes shortly after the successful conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which ended on July 19. Reports suggest Trump believes Infantino has gained international recognition for his leadership of world football and his ability to bring countries together through sport. The US president is said to view the FIFA chief as a respected global figure capable of promoting dialogue and cooperation among nations. Trump and Infantino developed a closer working relationship during preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Throughout the tournament, the FIFA president maintained regular contact with US officials and played a key role in coordinating one of the world’s biggest sporting events. Media reports claim Trump was impressed by Infantino’s management of the tournament and believes his international experience could make him a suitable candidate to lead the United Nations. However, neither the White House nor FIFA has officially confirmed the reports. There has also been no indication that Infantino has accepted or is interested in seeking the UN’s top position. It remains unclear whether the matter has been formally discussed between the two sides. The process of selecting the next UN secretary-general is highly competitive. Any candidate must first receive the support of the 15-member United Nations Security Council. The five permanent members of the council each hold veto power, meaning a single objection can block a nomination. The successful candidate must then be approved by the UN General Assembly. The reported development comes as the United Nations prepares for a leadership transition later this year. Current Secretary-General António Guterres is scheduled to leave office at the end of December after completing his second term. Political analysts say the position traditionally goes to experienced diplomats or senior political leaders with broad international support. If Infantino’s name is formally proposed, it would represent an unusual choice because of his background in global sports administration rather than diplomacy.

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    Iran warns US of retaliation if nuclear sites are …

    TEHRAN: Iran has issued a fresh and stern warning to the United States, declaring that any military strike on its nuclear facilities would trigger a direct response against American interests and those of its allies across the Middle East, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. The warning came on Tuesday from Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, the country’s top joint military command, amid growing tensions following recent statements by US President Donald Trump. In an official statement, the military command said that any attack targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure would not remain limited in scope and would instead lead to a dangerous expansion of conflict throughout the region. Iranian commanders stressed that the United States and its regional allies would bear the consequences of such military action, warning that their strategic interests could become legitimate targets if Iranian nuclear sites were attacked. The latest warning follows remarks by President Trump, who recently threatened military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities, particularly the underground nuclear complex near Natanz. Trump claimed that an attack on the site could happen soon and asserted that Iran would be unable to stop it. His comments have further heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, which have remained locked in a prolonged confrontation over Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security issues. While Iranian officials insist their nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes, Western governments have repeatedly expressed concerns over Tehran’s uranium enrichment programme, leading to years of sanctions and diplomatic disputes. Security analysts believe that any direct strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities could dramatically escalate instability across the Middle East, potentially drawing multiple regional actors into a broader conflict and disrupting global energy markets. The latest exchange of threats underscores the fragile security situation in the region, with the international community closely monitoring developments amid growing fears that miscalculation by either side could spark a larger military confrontation.

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    Pakistan, Qatar push US-Iran 10-day ceasefire plan

    WASHINGTON/DOHA: Pakistan, Qatar and Egypt have stepped up diplomatic efforts to prevent a wider conflict in the Middle East by proposing a 10-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran, according to a report by US news outlet Axios. However, neither side has yet agreed to the proposal as military tensions continue to escalate. The report said regional mediators are working behind the scenes to create space for diplomacy after days of intense hostilities between Washington and Tehran. The proposed ceasefire aims to temporarily halt military operations, restore maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and open the door for renewed negotiations. According to sources familiar with the mediation efforts, the proposal has been shared with both governments, but officials in Washington and Tehran have so far withheld their approval. Diplomats say both countries appear determined to strengthen their military positions before considering any pause in fighting. The report added that US President Donald Trump is weighing two key options. The first is to endorse a limited 10-day ceasefire that could reduce regional tensions and revive diplomatic talks. The second involves expanding military operations alongside Israel in an effort to increase pressure on Iran and force concessions over security and nuclear issues. US officials quoted in the report said no final decision has been made, adding that developments over the coming days are expected to determine Washington’s next move. Despite several days of military operations, the report noted that the United States and Israel have not succeeded in eliminating Iran’s influence over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supplies passes. Analysts warn that any prolonged disruption in the waterway could have serious consequences for global energy markets. The report also highlighted growing domestic pressure on the Trump administration as rising fuel prices in the United States fuel public concern over the economic cost of continued military action. Diplomatic momentum reportedly suffered a setback after two American soldiers were killed in an Iranian missile attack in Jordan over the weekend. Following the incident, Washington is said to have adopted a tougher stance while continuing diplomatic contacts. A senior US official confirmed that backchannel discussions remain active but stressed that the United States intends to respond to the deaths of its troops. The official added that military operations could continue for as long as President Trump considers necessary. Regional sources nevertheless expressed cautious optimism, saying negotiations remain the best path forward, as neither Washington nor Tehran is believed to be in a position to impose a lasting solution through military means alone.