تازہ ترین

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    Yemen’s Ansarullah movement claims attack on two Saudi oil tankers

    Yemen’s Houthi-aligned Ansarullah movement has claimed responsibility for targeting two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, alleging that the vessels violated a newly declared naval blockade imposed by the group against Saudi Arabia. According to Saudi state media, a Saudi-owned tanker, identified as the Encelia, was struck while transiting the Red Sea, resulting in a fire at the vessel’s bow. Saudi authorities confirmed that the crew managed to contain the fire safely and that no casualties or environmental damage were reported. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and maritime security group Vanguard had earlier reported a missile strike on a tanker approximately 70 nautical miles southwest of Al Shuqaiq, Saudi Arabia. The vessel’s captain reported that the fire was caused by an incoming projectile. The strike follows Ansarullah’s formal declaration of a naval blockade targeting vessels bound for or operating near Saudi ports. An Ansarullah spokesperson stated that the blockade was enacted in direct response to the siege on Yemen, specifically citing the ongoing closure of Sanaa International Airport, and warned that maritime restrictions would match those imposed on Yemeni airspace.

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    Curfew imposed in Khad Kocha sub-tehsil of Mastung district, Balochistan

    The Balochistan Home Department has imposed an indefinite curfew in the Khad Kocha sub-tehsil of Mastung district due to deteriorating law and order conditions. According to Assistant Interior Minister Babar Yousafzai, ordinary citizens are strictly prohibited from leaving their homes for the duration of the curfew. Yousafzai urged residents to comply with administrative directives and warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone violating the curfew restrictions.

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    FBR GST and excise collections rise by Rs 45 billion

    The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) recorded a net increase of 45 billion rupees in revenue generated from Federal Excise Duty (FED) and General Sales Tax (GST) during the 2025-26 fiscal year. According to official sources, total combined collections from FED and GST reached 329 billion rupees for FY2025-26, compared to 284 billion rupees collected during the preceding 2024-25 fiscal year. The overall tax collection figures reflect broader gains, with FBR’s total revenue reaching 357 billion rupees, an increase of 42 billion rupees over the previous year’s total.

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    Oil prices rise further in the global market after US attacks on Iran

    Global crude oil prices have surged following a new wave of US military strikes on Iran and reported attacks on oil tankers in the Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthi forces. Brent crude futures climbed 1.93 dollars, or 2 per cent, to reach 96 dollars per barrel, marking its highest level since 8 June. This follows a previous trading session where Brent closed up by more than 3 dollars at 94.07 dollars per barrel. Concurrently, US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose by 1.44 dollars, or 1.7 per cent, to trade at 88.27 dollars per barrel, extending gains after a nearly 3 per cent increase on Wednesday.

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    Iran warns US: Any aggression will be met with a strong and decisive response

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that any aggression against Iran or its vital infrastructure will trigger a “strong and decisive response”, emphasising that Tehran’s defense doctrine remains grounded in an “eye for an eye” policy. Writing on social media platform X, Araghchi made it clear that Iran will hit back against any strikes on its territory and cautioned that any third parties providing support to such actions will also be viewed as legitimate targets. The warning follows aggressive directives from US President Donald Trump, who ordered US Central Command (CENTCOM) to intensify strikes on Iranian positions and threatened that Iran would pay a steep price as military actions continue. An official from Iran’s Tasnim News Agency reinforced Araghchi’s statement, warning that if US forces target Iranian power plants or bridges, Iran will respond by targeting infrastructure, bridges, and energy assets associated with American interests throughout the region.

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    President orders stronger monsoon preparedness nat…

    President Asif Ali Zardari has directed all federal, provincial, and local authorities to strengthen emergency preparedness and speed up rescue and relief operations as heavy monsoon rains continue to affect several parts of Pakistan. The president issued the instructions as the country enters a critical phase of the monsoon season. Weather experts have warned that continued rainfall could increase the risk of flash floods, river flooding, urban flooding, landslides, cloudbursts, and glacial lake outburst floods in vulnerable regions. Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives and the destruction caused by recent rains, President Zardari extended his condolences to the affected families. He also expressed concern over the damage to homes, roads, public infrastructure, agricultural land, and other property caused by the ongoing severe weather. The president instructed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), district administrations, and other relevant agencies to maintain close coordination throughout the emergency. He said all institutions should work together to ensure a timely and effective response to any weather-related incident. He directed authorities to issue early weather warnings without delay and ensure that information reaches people living in high-risk areas. He stressed that advance warnings can help communities take precautionary measures and reduce the loss of lives and property. President Zardari also ordered continuous monitoring of rainfall, river flows, reservoirs, and water levels, especially in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where heavy rains have increased the possibility of flash floods and landslides. He instructed authorities in downstream districts to complete all necessary preparations for possible flooding. The president further directed emergency agencies to deploy rescue teams, heavy machinery, medical staff, and relief supplies in vulnerable areas before conditions worsen. He also called for special measures to protect tourists, travellers, and local residents in mountainous regions where landslides, flash floods, and glacial lake outburst floods pose serious risks. He emphasised that all government departments must remain on high alert and respond immediately wherever human lives, homes, or critical infrastructure are threatened. He said protecting citizens should remain the highest priority during the ongoing monsoon season. President Zardari also appealed to the public to follow official weather advisories and avoid unnecessary travel to areas facing heavy rainfall or flood warnings. He urged citizens to cooperate with rescue teams and local authorities during emergency operations. The president appreciated the efforts of rescue workers, emergency personnel, volunteers, and officials who continue to assist affected communities despite difficult weather conditions. He also prayed for the safety of people across the country. The ongoing monsoon spell has caused widespread destruction in several provinces. At least 37 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents, while many others have been injured. Heavy rainfall has triggered flash floods and landslides, damaging houses, roads, bridges, crops, livestock, and public infrastructure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Punjab.

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    British home secretary faces heavy criticism over attempt to deport grooming gang leader to Pakistan

    British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is facing sharp backlash over the government’s attempt to forcibly deport Shabbir Ahmed, a convicted child sex offender and leader of a grooming gang, to Pakistan. The controversy has sparked a diplomatic row between the United Kingdom and Pakistan, with the British government threatening sanctions against Pakistan if it refuses to accept Ahmed. Ahmed, who was convicted of child sexual exploitation in 2012, was recently released from prison. However, attempts to remove him face significant legal hurdles under the Immigration Act 1971. Under this legislation, Commonwealth citizens who moved to the UK before 1973 and have resided there for at least five years are protected from deportation. Having arrived in the UK during the late 1960s, Ahmed remains shielded by these statutory protections. Members of the British Pakistani community have expressed strong opposition to Mahmood’s approach, alleging that the Home Office is pushing the measure to appease far-right political factions

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    Tomato prices reach Rs 500 per kg in Karachi

    Tomato prices in Karachi have surged further, reaching between 450 and 500 rupees per kilogram despite the arrival of shipments imported from Iran. According to media reports, local merchants are offering tomatoes sourced from Iran and Quetta within the 450 to 500 rupees per kilogram range, which translates to roughly 110 to 125 rupees per pound. Consumers have received little financial relief from the imported supplies, with vendors selling under-ripe or smaller-sized tomatoes for 400 rupees per kilogram.

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    High-level flooding hits head Qadirabad in the Chenab River

    Following flooding at Head Marala and Khanki, a high-level flood has also occurred at Head Qadirabad in the Chenab River. According to the Flood Forecasting Division in Lahore, the water inflow at Head Qadirabad has risen to 236,000 cusecs. Meanwhile, Head Balloki on the Ravi River is experiencing moderate flooding as water flow has increased to 73,635 cusecs. Low-level flooding continues at Nowshera along the Kabul River, as well as at Kalabagh and Chashma Barrage on the Indus River. In Balochistan’s Sibi Division, high-level flooding was recorded at Hedgogi in the Lehri River, with water flow reaching 95,913 cusecs. The flood situation escalated after India released a large volume of water towards Pakistan following heavy rainfall in occupied Kashmir. The water release has created a risk of major flooding, prompting authorities to issue a high alert for regions including Sialkot and Wazirabad. In a related incident, rescue officials successfully saved five individuals who became stranded in the Chenab River in Sialkot. The workers were returning from work when their boat broke down mid-transit.

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    Salman Khan backs students’ protest, calls for education reforms

    Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has voiced his support for students protesting over the alleged paper leak controversy, praising their peaceful movement while expressing concern over the violence that followed. In a statement shared on X, the actor said it was heartbreaking to see a demonstration that began peacefully take a violent turn. He extended his sympathies to the students and families who suffered during the unrest, saying his thoughts were with everyone affected. Calling the paper leak issue a serious concern, Salman said he was encouraged to see students across the country standing together to demand a fair and transparent education system. He also appreciated the support shown by parents, describing their solidarity as an important part of the movement. The actor commended the students for their determination and commitment, saying their actions reflected a genuine desire to study, build successful futures, and contribute to the nation’s progress through education. According to Salman, the movement was driven by young people who believe in merit and equal opportunities. He said their discipline, courage, and dedication deserved recognition, adding that their efforts demonstrated the importance of protecting the integrity of the education system. He further stated that the students had conducted their protest peacefully and with a clear purpose before the situation escalated. Stressing the value of education, Salman said the passion shown by the protesters was inspiring and reflected the aspirations of a generation determined to create positive change. Expressing confidence in the country’s youth, the actor said he believes they have the potential to shape a brighter future. He noted that students who work hard and remain committed to learning will play a vital role in national development and help build a stronger society. Salman also urged that the issue should not be turned into a political debate. He maintained that the matter primarily concerns students and the education system, and therefore deserves attention without unnecessary political influence. He credited the students for bringing attention to the issue through their collective efforts, saying they should receive recognition for raising their voices in support of educational fairness. The actor also expressed hope that the government would respond positively to the concerns raised by students and take meaningful steps to strengthen the education system. He said reforms aimed at improving transparency and preventing similar incidents in the future would benefit both students and the country as a whole. Salman’s remarks have attracted widespread attention online, with many social media users discussing his support for the student movement. His statement has added a prominent celebrity voice to the ongoing conversation surrounding education reforms and accountability in the wake of the paper leak controversy.