تازہ ترین

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    153mm rain puts Gujrat on high alert as new drainage interventions help avert major urban flooding

    ByJustpaste.in

    GUJRAT: Torrential monsoon rain measuring 153 millimetres battered Gujrat, triggering a district-wide rain emergency and keeping the civil administration, Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) and other civic departments on high alert. Despite the intense downpour, officials claimed that newly completed drainage interventions and a coordinated emergency response helped prevent widespread urban flooding in the city. Deputy Commissioner Noor-ul-Ain Qureshi remained in the field throughout the operation, inspecting drainage arrangements and monitoring the performance of five newly completed interventions executed by the Irrigation Department under the Punjab Development Programme. The projects, completed in a record five months, were designed to protect Gujrat from sheet flow entering the city from the Bhimber and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) side during heavy monsoon rains. According to the district administration, each of the five newly constructed drains has the capacity to carry 200 cusecs of water, diverting the incoming sheet flow towards Bhinder Nullah and Halsi Nullah. Officials described the projects as a significant step towards improving Gujrat’s flood resilience, saying they played an important role in reducing pressure on the city’s drainage network during the latest spell of heavy rain. Meanwhile, Managing Director WASA Gujrat Kashan Hafeez Butt supervised rain emergency operations across the city, with 20 emergency teams deployed in the agency’s three operational zones. Dewatering sets, suction machines and heavy machinery remained operational throughout the day to remove accumulated rainwater from roads, markets and residential areas. Among the worst-hit locations was Madina Bazaar Staff Gali, where rainwater accumulated to nearly one foot. WASA teams carried out continuous pumping operations before clearing the area. Water also collected at Dhakki Chowk, where approximately six inches of standing water was removed after several hours of drainage work. Officials said traffic on Rehman Shaheed Road, Shadman Colony and other major arteries remained largely uninterrupted due to the timely deployment of emergency teams. Field staff continued monitoring low-lying areas to ensure rainwater did not accumulate again as intermittent showers continued. Residents acknowledged that several streets experienced temporary waterlogging during the peak of the rainfall but said conditions improved as emergency crews reached affected areas. Commuters reported slow-moving traffic in parts of the city during the morning because of reduced visibility and rainwater on roads. The district administration maintained close coordination with WASA, the Irrigation Department, Rescue 1122 and other relevant agencies throughout the operation. Officials said emergency personnel would remain on alert as further monsoon rains are forecast, with machinery stationed at vulnerable locations for immediate deployment if required. Authorities also appealed to residents to cooperate by avoiding the disposal of garbage into storm-water drains, warning that blocked drainage channels significantly reduce the efficiency of the drainage system during heavy rainfall. The latest monsoon spell once again tested Gujrat’s urban drainage infrastructure. However, officials maintained that the combination of newly completed irrigation works, continuous field monitoring by the deputy commissioner and round-the-clock WASA operations enabled the city to withstand the 153mm rainfall without any major disruption to traffic or public life. The district administration said all departments would continue monitoring weather conditions and remain prepared to respond swiftly to any further rain-related emergencies.

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    Benny Blanco gives peek into Selena Gomez’s Italian birthday getaway

    ByJustpaste.in

    Benny Blanco is letting fans in on how he celebrated Selena Gomez’s birthday abroad. The 38-year-old music producer posted a TikTok video on Wednesday. The clip captured the couple’s time in Italy for Gomez’s 34th birthday, and instead of a big party, the two chose something more hands-on. They spent the day taking a cooking class together. The video showed them rolling out fresh pasta from scratch. They also prepared eggplant parmesan and a few other classic Italian dishes. At one point, the couple paused to toast with glasses of wine, adding a festive touch to the lesson. Blanco could not hide his excitement after tasting their eggplant parmesan. He told Gomez it was the best thing he had eaten in Italy so far. Gomez smiled and gave the credit right back to him, saying he was the one who made it. The clip also gave fans a glimpse of the Italian countryside surrounding them. Rolling hills and scenic views played in the background as the two enjoyed their day away from the spotlight. Toward the end of the video, Gomez was shown relaxing after the cooking session wrapped up. Blanco used the quiet moment to wish her a happy birthday on camera and told her that he loved her, capping off the sweet tribute. The couple’s Italian trip included more than just the cooking class. The night before, on July 21, they had dinner at Trattoria della Santa in Bologna. Married since September 2025, the pair have continued to share glimpses of their relationship, but this getaway felt especially personal. The restaurant’s owner, Riccardo Lelli, spoke about hosting the couple. He described them as absolutely amazing guests, and said that both Gomez and Blanco were kind and friendly throughout their visit. Lelli also noted that the couple made a point of thanking the staff. He said they appreciated both the food and the overall service during their meal. Fans have responded warmly to the birthday video, praising the couple for choosing a simple, meaningful way to celebrate rather than a lavish party. Many called the moment refreshing, especially given how public the couple’s relationship often is. For Gomez, turning 34 in Italy alongside her husband seems to have offered exactly the kind of low-key, joyful celebration she wanted.

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    Angelina Jolie reacts as Vivienne files to remove …

    ByJustpaste.in

    Angelina Jolie is reportedly staying calm and prioritising her family’s well-being after her youngest daughter, Vivienne, filed legal documents to remove Brad Pitt’s surname from her name. According to recent reports, the actress and filmmaker has chosen to focus on helping her children move forward rather than dwelling on the highly publicised family disputes that followed her separation from Pitt. Those close to Jolie say her primary concern has always been creating a peaceful environment where her children can heal from the challenges they have faced over the years. A person familiar with the situation claimed that Jolie is not driven by anger or resentment. Instead, she wants her family to find peace and continue rebuilding their lives. The insider also suggested that the public is unaware of many details surrounding the family’s private struggles, adding that the children’s decision to remain silent about personal matters reflects their maturity and dignity. The latest development comes after Vivienne filed a petition in the Los Angeles Superior Court requesting that her legal name be changed from Vivienne Marcheline Jolie-Pitt to Vivienne Marcheline Jolie. Court records reportedly describe the reason for the request simply as “personal.” A hearing regarding the petition has been scheduled for November. Vivienne’s middle name, Marcheline, is a tribute to Angelina Jolie’s late mother, Marcheline Bertrand. Bertrand died in 2007 after battling ovarian and breast cancer and has often been remembered by Jolie in interviews and public appearances as one of the most influential figures in her life. Although the legal filing has attracted widespread attention, it is not the first indication that Vivienne has chosen to use the Jolie surname professionally. In 2024, she was credited as Vivienne Jolie in the Playbill for the Broadway production The Outsiders. Vivienne worked alongside her mother on the award-winning musical, which marked another step in her growing involvement in the entertainment industry. Vivienne is not the only one of the former couple’s children to distance herself from the Pitt surname. Her sister Shiloh legally removed “Pitt” from her name after turning 18 in 2024. Meanwhile, Zahara has publicly introduced herself using the surname Jolie, and Maddox has also been identified by the Jolie surname on several occasions. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, once regarded as one of Hollywood’s most famous couples, have remained involved in a lengthy legal and personal dispute since their separation in 2016. Their divorce proceedings and disagreements over custody and shared assets have frequently made headlines, while both stars have largely avoided discussing private family matters in detail. The former couple share six children. They adopted Maddox, Pax, and Zahara before welcoming three biological children together: Shiloh and twins Knox and Vivienne. Despite the ongoing legal matters surrounding the family, recent reports suggest Angelina Jolie’s attention remains firmly on supporting her children and helping them move forward with stability and privacy. As Vivienne’s name change petition awaits its court hearing, the family continues to navigate life away from the spotlight while keeping personal matters largely out of public discussion.

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    CM Murad decides to transform Sindh PPP Unit into private limited company

    ByJustpaste.in

    KARACHI : Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has decided to restructure the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Unit into a private limited company to build a more autonomous, commercially agile and investment-oriented PPP ecosystem for the next phase of development in the province. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by the chief minister at the CM House on Wednesday. The meeting was attended by Special Assistant to the CM on Investment Syed Qasim Naveed, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Principal Secretary to CM Agha Wasif, Planning and Development Board Chairman Najam Shah, Finance Secretary Fayaz Jatoi, Transport Secretary Asad Zamin and other senior officials. The chief minister was informed that Sindh’s PPP programme has emerged as Pakistan’s leading sub-national PPP initiative, with a growing portfolio of projects in roads and bridges, transport, economic zones, information technology, energy, water, livestock, education, health and environmental sectors. The programme has received international recognition at platforms including the UNECE PPP Forum and The Asset Infrastructure Awards. Sindh’s PPP programme was also ranked sixth in Asia by The Economist in 2018. The PPP Unit has additionally provided technical and legal support to other provinces for strengthening their PPP frameworks and project structuring. The meeting noted that the Unit’s transition into a private limited company would enable it to promote and facilitate PPP projects more effectively, assist procuring agencies, strengthen departmental PPP nodes, formulate and implement policies and guidelines, build capacity and monitor portfolio performance. The chief minister directed that the proposed institutional transformation be pursued to remove operational bottlenecks, retain specialised professionals and ensure continuity in PPP project development and implementation. He emphasised the need for a strong institutional structure capable of providing timely technical, financial and legal support to departments and implementing agencies. Mr Shah was informed that the existing PPP Unit faced challenges in retaining skilled staff because of limited competitive compensation and incentives. The absence of dedicated project implementation units and project directors in certain departments was also affecting the pace and quality of project delivery. The proposed PPP Private Limited Company will have greater commercial flexibility to undertake strategic activities, make equity investments where required, mobilise capital through financial instruments and support project financing. It will also be able to develop diversified revenue streams beyond government funding, subject to the approval and oversight of its board. The chief minister underscored that the company must operate with robust governance, transparent performance review mechanisms and clear statutory oversight. He directed that the new structure should strengthen PPP nodes in provincial departments, empower competent officers and ensure that projects are processed efficiently without compromising accountability. The meeting concluded that the restructuring would help improve administrative efficiency, facilitate innovative financing, enhance investor confidence and accelerate the delivery of development projects. The chief minister said the objective was to establish a capable, sustainable and responsive PPP institution that could contribute meaningfully to Sindh’s progress and prosperity.

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    Jennifer Garner recalls paparazzi chaos that impacted her children

    ByJustpaste.in

    Jennifer Garner has reflected on the overwhelming media attention her family faced during her marriage to Ben Affleck, revealing how relentless paparazzi coverage disrupted her children’s daily lives and created safety concerns for those around them. Speaking during a recent podcast appearance, the actress shared that photographers frequently followed the family wherever they went, often putting both the public and her loved ones at risk. She described situations in which multiple vehicles chased after her car, creating dangerous traffic conditions as photographers attempted to capture exclusive images. According to Garner, the constant pursuit extended beyond busy streets and public spaces. She recalled that photographers would drive onto private property and ignore normal traffic rules, turning ordinary errands into stressful experiences. The actress said the level of attention surrounding her family had become excessive and difficult to manage. Garner explained that the intense media presence eventually began affecting her children’s activities. She revealed that one of her children had to temporarily stop attending soccer practice because the large number of photographers and vehicles arriving at the venue created a disruption for everyone involved. The situation became so overwhelming that those responsible for organizing the activity reportedly requested that the family avoid attending for a period of time, as the attention was impacting other children and families as well. The actress said the issue went far beyond celebrity life, emphasizing that innocent children often bore the consequences of aggressive paparazzi behavior. She described the environment as one in which photographers were willing to go to great lengths to capture images of her family, regardless of the impact on others. Garner also spoke about the emotional challenges she faced as a mother while raising her children under constant public scrutiny. She explained that photographers frequently waited outside her home, making even routine tasks difficult. Taking a sick child to a doctor’s appointment or leaving the house for everyday responsibilities often became stressful because cameras and vehicles were already waiting nearby. She further recalled incidents in which young children leaving preschool were caught in the middle of the chaos created by photographers trying to reach either her or Affleck. Garner said such moments highlighted how the pursuit of celebrity photographs could place children in uncomfortable and potentially unsafe situations. Reflecting on those years, Garner suggested that the culture surrounding celebrity photography had become excessive, with the privacy and well-being of children often overlooked in the race for exclusive images. She stressed that young family members should never have to experience such pressure simply because of their parents’ public profiles. Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck married in 2005 after several years together. The couple announced their separation in 2015, and their divorce was finalized in 2018. Despite ending their marriage, they have continued to co-parent their three children: Violet, 20, Seraphina, 16, and Samuel, 13. In recent years, both Garner and Affleck have spoken publicly about prioritizing their children’s well-being and maintaining a supportive co-parenting relationship. Garner’s latest comments offer a rare glimpse into the difficulties her family faced during the height of media attention, while reinforcing her belief that children deserve privacy and protection regardless of their parents’ celebrity status.

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    SEF, Sindh Boy Scouts launch initiative to expand scouting across Foundation-assisted schools*

    ByJustpaste.in

    KARACHI: The Sindh Education Foundation (SEF), Government of Sindh has initiated a collaboration with the Sindh Boy Scouts Association by holding a Group Scout Leadership Seminar aimed at promoting leadership, discipline and community service among students enrolled in Foundation Assisted Schools. The seminar, held at the Sindh Boy Scouts Association headquarters in Karachi, brought together representatives from 32 Foundation Assisted Schools, including head teachers, faculty members and students. The event was attended by SEF Managing Director Gahanwer Ali Laghari, Deputy Managing Director Shahpara Rizvi, Regional Head Karachi Ashfaque Hussain Meerani, senior directors, assistant directors and other officials. The Sindh Boy Scouts Association was represented by Provincial Scout Secretary Syed Akhter Meer, and other office-bearers. Addressing the seminar, Provincial Scout Secretary Syed Akhter Meer welcomed the participation of SEF schools and said introducing students to the history and values of scouting would encourage them to become part of a global movement focused on leadership, character building and service. He also recalled the support extended to the scouting movement by the late Prof Dr Anita Ghulam Ali during her tenure at SEF, saying it was encouraging to witness the Foundation continuing the same commitment under the leadership of Managing Director Gahanwer Ali Laghari. Participants were also briefed on the history of the scouting movement in Sindh, its achievements and future roadmap through a presentation highlighting the organisation’s contribution to youth development. Former senior bureaucrat Ghulam Ali Pasha said leadership and discipline could not be developed through classroom education alone, stressing that scouting provides young people with practical exposure to teamwork, responsibility and community service. He described such initiatives as essential for preparing students to become confident and responsible leaders. Speaking on the occasion, SEF Managing Director Gahanwer Ali Laghari said the Foundation’s mandate extended beyond improving access to education and academic outcomes. “Alongside quality education, we want our students to develop leadership, discipline and a sense of responsibility. Through scouting, they will have an opportunity to become part of an international movement that promotes these values,” he said. Laghari announced that SEF and the Sindh Boy Scouts Association would jointly organise a series of scouting activities across Foundation Assisted Schools throughout the province. He said the initiative had been launched with schools in Karachi and would gradually be expanded to all SEF-supported schools. “Our objective is to engage the entire network of Foundation Assisted Schools, and we are hopeful that within the next one-and-a-half years, scouting activities will be introduced across the province,” he added. The initiative is expected to provide students with greater opportunities for leadership development, teamwork and community engagement alongside their academic education.

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    Vijay demands complete abolition of NEET, backs student protests

    ByJustpaste.in

    Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and actor-turned-politician Vijay has voiced strong opposition to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), calling for the examination system to be abolished entirely while expressing support for students protesting in New Delhi. In a statement shared on social media on Wednesday, the 52-year-old leader reiterated that his party has consistently opposed NEET and believes the entrance exam has placed an unfair burden on students and their families across the country. Vijay stated that his party’s position on the issue remains firm and uncompromising. According to him, the current examination system has caused significant stress for aspiring medical students, many of whom face intense pressure while preparing for the highly competitive test. He argued that the impact extends beyond students themselves, affecting parents and families who invest considerable time, effort and resources into the preparation process. The actor-turned-politician also rejected what he described as political opportunism surrounding the issue. He said his party would not make unrealistic promises or use the NEET debate merely to gain electoral support, insisting that meaningful and lasting reforms are needed instead of temporary political statements. Vijay further argued that the long-term solution lies in returning education to the State List, allowing individual state governments to exercise greater control over educational policies and admission procedures. He maintained that such a move would enable states to develop systems that better reflect local educational needs and priorities. Acknowledging that constitutional or legal challenges could delay such a change, Vijay proposed an interim alternative. He suggested creating a Special Concurrent List that would provide state governments with expanded authority over education until broader constitutional reforms become possible. Under this proposed arrangement, states would receive greater powers to regulate all aspects of education, including medical education and admissions. Vijay said empowering state governments in this manner would help address concerns surrounding NEET while ensuring that educational policies are better aligned with regional requirements. His remarks come as discussions over the future of NEET continue to generate debate in several parts of India. Supporters of the examination argue that it establishes a uniform standard for admissions to medical colleges across the country. Critics, however, contend that it disadvantages students from different educational backgrounds and places excessive pressure on candidates preparing for a single nationwide examination. The issue has remained particularly sensitive in Tamil Nadu, where opposition to NEET has been a significant political and public concern for several years. Various political parties and student groups in the state have repeatedly called for exemptions or the complete withdrawal of the examination system, arguing that it affects equal access to medical education. By once again reaffirming his opposition to NEET and advocating greater autonomy for state governments in educational matters, Vijay has added his voice to the ongoing national debate over the future of medical admissions and the balance of powers between the Centre and the states.

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    PMD issues high flood alert as Head Marala records over 205,000 cusecs inflow

    ByJustpaste.in

    SIALKOT: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a High Flood Level Advisory for the River Chenab, warning that high water flows are expected to persist over the next 6 to 8 hours before gradually receding as rainfall over the upper catchments continues to decrease. According to the latest flood monitoring data, Head Marala has reached a high flood level, with water inflow recorded at 205,488 cusecs and outflow at 187,388 cusecs, indicating sustained high water levels in the Chenab River system. The Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) said the high flood situation has been caused by heavy rainfall across the upper Chenab catchment, as observed through hydro-meteorological data and the Sialkot weather radar. Although rainfall has now weakened across the major sub-catchments, river flows are expected to remain high for the next several hours before gradually declining. The advisory states that the River Chenab at Marala will likely remain at High Flood Level for the next 6 to 8 hours, provided current rainfall trends continue. It further warns that Khanki and Qadirabad are expected to reach High Flood Level within the next 10 to 12 hours. Besides the Chenab, the Jammu Tawi River is currently experiencing a medium-level flood, with a recorded inflow of 11,868 cusecs, while the Manawar Tawi is flowing at a low flood level, carrying 8,123 cusecs of water. The PMD has cautioned that residents living in riverine (Kacha) areas adjacent to the Chenab may face hazardous conditions and should avoid unnecessary movement near riverbanks and flood-prone locations until water levels begin to recede. The advisory also warns that standing crops, fodder fields and livestock in low-lying floodplain areas remain vulnerable to inundation. Low-lying roads, river crossings, embankment approaches and transport routes close to the river may also experience localized disruptions due to the elevated water levels. The Flood Forecasting Division said it will continue to closely monitor hydro-meteorological conditions, river flows and weather radar observations, issuing further updates if the situation changes. Meanwhile, provincial and district administrations, irrigation departments and other concerned agencies have been urged to maintain enhanced monitoring of river conditions and remain fully prepared for any emergency. The PMD noted that decisions regarding rescue, relief and emergency response will be taken by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and the respective district administrations. Authorities have advised residents, particularly those living in riverine and low-lying areas, to stay alert, follow official instructions and avoid unnecessary travel near flood-affected locations until the situation improves.

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    Eman Fatima gets emotional discussing divorce controversy

    ByJustpaste.in

    Content creator Eman Fatima has emotionally opened up regarding her ongoing divorce controversy with her estranged husband, prominent Pakistani YouTuber and vlogger Rajab Butt, sharing the intense emotional toll, public scrutiny, and personal heartbreaks that have accompanied their high-profile split. ​The public breakdown of their marriage captured widespread attention after legal divorce notices were issued, transforming a once-private marital dispute into a heavily debated online saga. Addressing her followers in an emotional video statement, Eman broke down while expressing her pain over how the fallout has affected both her and their infant son, Kivan. ​Responding to criticism accusing her of leveraging public sympathy and playing the “woman’s card” to sway opinion, Eman firmly rejected the claims, emphasizing that her primary motivation in speaking out has been to defend her character and safeguard her child’s future. She shared the immense difficulty of navigating pregnancy, health struggles, and legal complications largely in isolation, expressing deep regret over how private vulnerabilities were broadcast to digital audiences for content and engagement. ​”No woman marries expecting it to end in public humiliation or divorce, especially when a child is involved. To be accused of playing cards or seeking clout while simply trying to protect my dignity and my son is heartbreaking. I stayed silent through so much, but when false narratives threaten your integrity, you have no choice but to speak up. All I wanted was respect and a stable home for my child.” ​Eman also reflected on the breakdown of trust within the relationship, addressing allegations of infidelity and persistent domestic friction with in-laws that plagued their brief time together. She lamented that despite making compromises and forgiving past mistakes, the lack of private resolution and mutual respect ultimately made sustaining the marriage impossible. ​The emotional statement has reignited intense debate across social media, drawing widespread sympathy from fans and digital creators who condemned the trend of turning personal family tragedies into public online fodder. Many users voiced support for Eman, urging both parties to handle their remaining legal matters privately for the well-being of their young son. ​As the couple moves toward formal legal closure, Eman’s candid response highlights the dark side of influencer culture, where private grief and familial breakdown are increasingly exposed to the unforgiving spotlight of public judgment.

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    Momina Iqbal, Hamza Habib’s sweet exchange wins hearts

    ByJustpaste.in

    Popular Pakistani actress Momina Iqbal and her husband, businessman Hamza Habib, have taken social media by storm after sharing a series of intimate, romantic moments on Instagram, setting major couple goals for fans across digital platforms. ​The visual collage, circulating across entertainment news portals, captures the newly married couple sharing candid affection during a night out. In one snapshot, Momina is seen posing for a chic mirror selfie in a vibrant green ensemble, proudly showcasing her diamond wedding ring. Another emotional snippet captures Hamza gently leaning in to kiss his wife, while a third image shows the duo sitting close together, laughing and enjoying a relaxed evening. ​What truly captivated netizens, however, was the sweet public exchange in the post’s captions. Uploading a clip set to a romantic track, Momina tagged her husband (@humza.mh) alongside an infinity symbol, writing: “My husband dedicated this song to me.” Replying in the comments section with equal devotion, Hamza wrote: “Even I’ve dedicated my life to you my Begum,” accompanied by heart emojis. ​The heart-melting exchange comes shortly after the couple officially tied the knot in a series of intimate and traditional wedding functions, including a Dua-e-Khair, Mayoun, Mehndi, and Baraat. The couple’s journey to matrimony garnered widespread media attention and public support after Hamza stood firmly beside Momina through high-profile legal controversies, publicly defending her honor and confirming their marriage before the court and media. ​”Looking at how he stood by her through every storm and how openly he cherishes her now, they truly define what real partnership and love look like in the public eye.” ​Fans and fellow industry celebrities have flooded comment sections with red heart emojis and warm prayers for the newlyweds. Netizens praised Hamza’s unhesitating, vocal expression of love, with many calling their endearing bond a refreshing example of modern romance in the showbiz world. ​As Momina continues to balance her thriving drama career with her new phase of married life, her candid social media updates with Hamza remain a top favorite among fans following Pakistani entertainment news.