تازہ ترین

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    Mayor shot dead inside town hall in Central Mexico

    Valentín Lavín Romero, the mayor of Temoac in the central Mexican state of Morelos, was shot dead on Wednesday inside the municipal government headquarters. The politician, affiliated with the Green Party, an ally of the ruling Morena party, was targeted in broad daylight when armed hitmen entered the town hall before escaping on a motorcycle. The fatal attack came six months after Lavín Romero survived a previous attempt on his life in late January, when gunmen opened fire on his vehicle at a highway petrol station. His assassination marks the 14th murder of a mayor in Mexico since President Claudia Sheinbaum took office in October 2024, highlighting the persistent vulnerability of municipal officials in regions contested by organised crime networks. Prior to his death, Lavín Romero faced intense local scrutiny and threats. In May, a criminal group left a warning banner in the town center accusing him of protecting rival syndicates. He was also under pressure from community activists who demanded investigations into his alleged links to the homicides of two local campaigners. The state prosecutor’s office confirmed that initial forensic investigations are underway at the crime scene, though no suspects or official motives have yet been formally identified. The killing coincides with broader federal anti-corruption drives under Operation Swarm, which targets collusion between municipal administration members and regional cartels across multiple states.

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    Ahad Raza Mir and Yumna Zaidi to star in Hum TV’s Cafe Firaq

    Ahad Raza Mir is all set to return to Hum TV with an exciting new project, and this time he will be sharing the screen with one of Pakistan’s most celebrated actresses, Yumna Zaidi. The highly anticipated drama, titled Cafe Firaq, has already created significant buzz among drama enthusiasts, thanks to its impressive cast and creative team. Ahad Raza Mir has established himself as one of Pakistan’s leading television actors in a relatively short span of time. He made his acting debut with Sammi and quickly gained recognition for his performances in several successful dramas. Over the years, he has built a reputation for portraying diverse characters and delivering memorable performances. He is currently receiving praise for his role as Haroon Malik in Green Entertainment’s drama Aik Mohabbat Aur, where his performance has once again won the appreciation of viewers. For the past few months, there had been widespread speculation about Ahad Raza Mir’s return to Hum TV. Fans had been eagerly waiting for confirmation of his next major television project, and it now appears that the actor has signed one of the channel’s most anticipated upcoming productions. Joining him in Cafe Firaq is award-winning actress Yumna Zaidi, who remains one of the biggest names in the Pakistani entertainment industry. Known for her ability to transform into every character she plays, Yumna has consistently delivered critically acclaimed performances throughout her career. Her versatility and dedication have earned her a loyal fan following both in Pakistan and internationally. The actress was last seen in Qarz-e-Jaan, after which she has stayed away from television screens, making fans even more eager for her next project. Cafe Firaq will mark her much-awaited return to Hum TV, and viewers are particularly excited to see her paired with Ahad Raza Mir for the first time in a major television serial. The upcoming drama is written by renowned novelist and screenwriter Hashim Nadeem, whose scripts have produced several memorable television hits over the years. His projects are known for combining emotional storytelling with compelling characters, making every new announcement from the writer a topic of discussion among drama lovers. Direction for Cafe Firaq will be handled by Ali Hassan, while the production is expected to feature a strong supporting cast alongside its lead stars. According to reports, the casting process has now been finalized, increasing anticipation for the official launch of the drama. The collaboration of Ahad Raza Mir, Yumna Zaidi, Hashim Nadeem, and Ali Hassan has already generated considerable excitement on social media. Fans are looking forward to seeing how the fresh on-screen pairing and the much-talked-about script come together in what is expected to be one of Hum TV’s biggest projects. Although the makers have yet to announce an official premiere date, Cafe Firaq is expected to go on air toward the end of 2026 or in early 2027. Until then, viewers will be eagerly awaiting teasers, first-look posters, and further updates about what promises to be one of the most anticipated Pakistani dramas of the coming television season.

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    Roma Michael confirms marriage to actor Shaan Baig

    Pakistani actress and model Roma Michael has married fellow actor Shaan Baig, with the couple announcing the happy news through their official social media accounts. Their surprise announcement quickly became a talking point among fans and members of the entertainment industry, who flooded social media with congratulatory messages. The news first came to light when Shaan Baig shared a photo with Roma Michael on his Instagram account. The picture featured a “Wifey” sticker, leaving little doubt about the couple’s marital status. Shortly afterward, Roma Michael reposted the same image to her Instagram Story, confirming that the two had officially tied the knot. As the announcement spread across social media, fans, fellow actors, and industry colleagues extended their heartfelt wishes to the newlyweds. Roma also shared several congratulatory messages on her Instagram Stories, thanking well-wishers for their love and support. Following the announcement, Shaan Baig released a detailed statement addressing questions regarding his previous marriage. He explained that his earlier marriage had ended some time ago through an out-of-court mutual settlement and that both he and his former spouse had already moved forward with their respective lives. In his message, Shaan requested fans and the media to avoid unnecessary speculation, comparisons, or rumors about his personal life. He emphasized the importance of respecting everyone’s privacy, including that of his former wife, as he begins a new chapter with Roma Michael. The actor also shared that he is stepping into this new phase of life with hope, gratitude, and happiness. He expressed his excitement about building a future with Roma while continuing to fulfill his responsibilities as a father. According to Shaan, maintaining a balance between his family commitments and his professional career remains one of his top priorities. The couple has not revealed further details about their wedding ceremony, including when or where the marriage took place. However, their social media announcement was enough to delight their followers, many of whom described the news as a pleasant surprise. Shaan Baig has earned recognition in Pakistan’s entertainment industry through his performances in television dramas and films. He has also expanded his career internationally and was recently seen as part of the second season of the Hollywood series Delhi Boys, further strengthening his profile among international audiences. Roma Michael, meanwhile, has built a successful career as both a model and actress. She has represented Pakistan at international beauty pageants, including Miss Charm in 2023 and Miss Grand in 2024. In addition to her achievements in modeling, she has appeared in several television dramas, earning appreciation for her on-screen performances and steadily growing fan base. The marriage of Roma Michael and Shaan Baig has been warmly welcomed by their supporters, who continue to celebrate the couple’s new beginning. As they embark on married life together, fans have expressed their best wishes for a happy, successful, and fulfilling future for the newlyweds.

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    Salman Khan urges students to stay calm amid NEET protest

    Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has shared an important message amid the ongoing student protests over the alleged NEET examination paper leak, urging students to remain calm and reassuring them that the matter is receiving attention at the highest level. In a statement posted on his Instagram account, the actor addressed students participating in demonstrations related to the controversy surrounding the national medical entrance examination. He emphasized that the education and safety of young people should remain the country’s top priority. Salman Khan encouraged students not to let the situation create additional stress for themselves or their families. According to the actor, students should avoid unnecessary anxiety and trust that the authorities will investigate the matter thoroughly. He also referred to the Prime Minister’s public remarks on the issue, saying that he believes strict action will be taken against anyone found responsible for the alleged examination paper leak. Salman expressed confidence that those involved would be held accountable through the legal process. The actor appealed to students to return home and focus on their well-being while allowing the authorities to complete their investigation. He said that students should prioritize their health and avoid placing further emotional strain on their parents during this difficult period. In the same message, Salman Khan also addressed education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has reportedly been observing a hunger strike for nearly 25 days. Speaking directly to Wangchuk, Salman requested that he end his fast, saying that enough time had passed and that continuing the hunger strike could put his health at serious risk. While acknowledging Wangchuk’s commitment to raising awareness through peaceful protest, the actor suggested that preserving his health was equally important. Salman added that if public demonstrations become necessary again in the future, Wangchuk could always continue his activism. However, he said he did not believe there was a need to prolong the hunger strike at the present moment In a light-hearted remark, the Bollywood star even offered to send food from his own home if Wangchuk agreed to end his fast, a gesture that quickly drew attention across social media. This was Salman Khan’s second public appeal on the issue within 24 hours. Earlier, he had also expressed concern over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process and stressed the importance of protecting students’ interests while ensuring that the investigation proceeds fairly and transparently. The NEET controversy has triggered widespread demonstrations in different parts of India, with students demanding a transparent inquiry into the alleged paper leak. Protesters have called for accountability, stricter measures against those responsible, and reforms aimed at safeguarding the credibility of the country’s examination system. The alleged paper leak has sparked a broader debate about the integrity of competitive examinations, with students and education advocates urging authorities to strengthen security measures and restore confidence in the examination process. As the investigation continues, the issue remains one of the most closely watched education-related developments in India, with thousands of students hoping for a fair resolution and stronger safeguards for future examinations.

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    Shakira and Burna Boy’s Dae Dae breaks streaming records

    Shakira and Burna Boy’s global hit Dae Dae is enjoying unprecedented success after the pair delivered a show-stopping performance during the first-ever halftime show at the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. The landmark performance, held during the tournament’s championship match on July 19, attracted millions of viewers from around the world and immediately translated into a major increase in streaming numbers across leading music platforms. The historic halftime show marked a new chapter for the FIFA World Cup, introducing an entertainment format that has long been associated with other major sporting events. According to the latest streaming figures, Dae Dae recorded the highest single-day streaming total of its career following the performance. On July 20, the song received approximately 2.2 million official on-demand streams in the United States, setting a new personal record for the collaboration. The impressive total represented a 65 percent increase compared to the day before the World Cup final. It also reflected an 84 percent rise over the day following the tournament’s opening ceremony, highlighting the enormous impact of the halftime performance on the song’s popularity. Music industry experts have long observed that performances during globally watched sporting events often lead to significant increases in streaming, digital downloads, and chart rankings. With hundreds of millions of football fans tuning in to watch the World Cup final, the halftime show provided an ideal platform for artists to introduce their music to new audiences while reconnecting with existing fans. The success of Dae Dae extended beyond streaming platforms. The track also climbed into the Top 20 of Spotify and Apple Music’s real-time charts, further demonstrating its growing international appeal. The song quickly became one of the most talked-about musical moments of the tournament, with fans continuing to stream it in the days following the final. The World Cup halftime show also benefited several other artists. Justin Bieber’s Everything Hallelujah experienced a remarkable boost, with official U.S. streams increasing by 161 percent to around 268,000. Meanwhile, global K-pop sensation BTS saw renewed interest in its hit song Dynamite, which recorded a 74 percent increase in streaming, reaching approximately 312,000 official plays in the United States. Despite those strong gains, Dae Dae emerged as the tournament’s biggest musical success story. Its continued rise across multiple streaming services reflected the widespread attention generated by Shakira and Burna Boy’s energetic live performance, which received praise from fans on social media. The song’s commercial momentum also translated into chart success. Dae Dae climbed to a new career-high position on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching No. 42. Although it narrowly missed breaking into the Top 40, the latest ranking marked another major achievement for the track and highlighted its growing popularity in the competitive U.S. music market. Meanwhile, the World Cup also helped revive interest in older songs linked to the tournament. British rock band Oasis saw its iconic anthem Wonderwall enjoy renewed popularity after becoming closely associated with England’s World Cup journey, proving once again that football’s biggest stage can influence music trends as much as sporting history.

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    LESCO on high alert; urges public to follow electrical safety measures during monsoon

    Lahore: Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Muhammad Ramzan Butt, has expressed deep sorrow over recent electricity-related incidents and reaffirmed that the protection of human life remains the company’s highest priority. He extended heartfelt condolences to the families affected by these unfortunate incidents and urged the public to strictly observe electrical safety precautions during the ongoing monsoon season. According to the LESCO spokesperson, a tragic incident occurred in the Islampura area where a citizen lost his life after receiving an electric shock near a streetlight pole during rainfall. Preliminary investigations revealed that an illegal electricity connection had been obtained through a damaged PVC service cable, allowing leakage current to energize the streetlight pole and resulting in the fatal accident. In another incident reported in the Sitara Colony Sub-Division, electricity was found leaking into a shop’s metal shed. Upon receiving the complaint, LESCO immediately shut down the relevant feeder and dispatched emergency teams to the site. Inspection confirmed that LESCO’s distribution system and service wires were in proper condition, while the leakage originated from the consumer’s own service wire joint, which had come into contact with the metal shed. The fault was promptly rectified, and the area was declared safe. In light of the ongoing monsoon rains across Lahore and other parts of the LESCO region, the company’s field staff, Power Distribution Control (PDC), Control Room, and operational officers have been placed on high alert under the directions of CEO Engineer Muhammad Ramzan Butt. LESCO is continuously monitoring the power distribution network to ensure the earliest possible restoration of electricity wherever weather-related faults occur. The spokesperson added that once weather conditions permit, LESCO teams immediately begin repair work while strictly following all safety protocols. Recently, after an 11kV feeder near Qaid-e-Azam Industrial Area, Kacha Jail Road was affected due to adverse weather conditions, emergency teams swiftly reached the site, isolated the feeder for safety, and initiated restoration work. Senior officers remained present in the field to supervise operations and ensure that power supply was restored to consumers in the shortest possible time. CEO Engineer Muhammad Ramzan Butt has directed all field personnel to perform their duties using complete personal protective equipment (PPE) and in accordance with established safety procedures. He also appealed to citizens to avoid illegal electricity connections, unsafe wiring, and substandard electrical installations, particularly during the rainy season. The public is strongly advised to stay away from electric poles, streetlights, broken or hanging wires, metal sheds, and other electrical installations during rainfall or in waterlogged areas. In case of any emergency or electricity-related hazard, citizens should immediately contact their nearest LESCO office or call the LESCO Helpline 118. LESCO remains fully committed to ensuring public safety and maintaining a reliable power supply throughout the monsoon season through timely response, continuous monitoring, and coordinated field operations.

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    KP launches digital transformation policy & roadmap 2030 to accelerate e-governance

    PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Suhail Afridi has officially launched the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Digital Transformation Policy and Roadmap 2030, describing it as a landmark initiative aimed at establishing transparent governance, improving public service delivery, and building a sustainable digital economy across the province. Speaking at the launch ceremony at the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar, the chief minister said the policy is among Pakistan’s most comprehensive digital transformation frameworks and provides a long term roadmap for modernising governance through innovation, technology, and digital reforms. He said the provincial government is committed to implementing the vision of “Digital Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” and praised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa IT Board and other stakeholders for preparing the roadmap through extensive consultations, international best practices, and future-oriented planning. The Digital Transformation Policy and Roadmap 2030 is built on five strategic pillars, nine core objectives, 32 thematic domains, and 915 strategic interventions. It includes clear implementation timelines, institutional responsibilities, and a comprehensive monitoring framework to ensure effective and sustainable execution. The chief minister said the introduction of paperless governance and digital reforms would significantly improve transparency, accountability, efficiency, and service delivery. He added that reducing human intervention in administrative processes would strengthen merit, transparency, and accountability. Under the roadmap, public services will be digitised in phases and made citizen centric, enabling people to access government services and information through a single digital platform. The initiative is also expected to reduce unnecessary visits to government offices, particularly benefiting residents of remote areas. Highlighting the importance of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, Afridi said the government would equip more than 100,000 young people with AI and advanced digital skills, creating new opportunities in employment, freelancing, entrepreneurship, and investment while strengthening the provincial economy. He added that digitisation would not only improve governance but also reduce government expenditure, ensure more efficient use of public resources, minimise paper consumption, and contribute to environmental protection through greener administrative practices. Referring to the province’s fiscal performance, the chief minister said the government collected Rs150 billion in revenue during the previous fiscal year against a target of Rs129 billion, without imposing any new taxes. For the current fiscal year, the revenue target has been set at Rs180 billion, with expectations of reaching Rs200 billion through improved governance and financial management. During a detailed briefing, officials informed participants that the policy also includes measures to promote green ICT procurement, environmentally sustainable digital infrastructure, carbon footprint reduction, and the establishment of a carbon credit registry to support Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s transition towards a modern and environmentally responsible digital economy. In line with the policy’s digital-first approach, the roadmap has not been issued as a printed publication. Instead, all policy documents have been made available through a QR code, demonstrating the government’s commitment to digital accessibility and paperless governance.

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    Four Palestinians killed in Israeli raid on West B…

    JERUSALEM: At least four Palestinians were killed and four others wounded after Israeli forces, accompanied by Israeli settlers, launched a raid on a town in the occupied West Bank on Friday, according to Palestinian health officials and local sources. The latest violence took place in the town of Tell, located southwest of Nablus in the northern occupied West Bank, where tensions have continued to escalate amid repeated military operations and attacks by Israeli settlers. The Palestinian Ministry of Health confirmed in a statement that the death toll from the incident had risen to four. It added that four more Palestinians were injured during the assault, with three of the wounded reported to be in critical condition and receiving emergency medical treatment. According to local residents and security sources, Israeli settlers entered the town before Israeli troops moved in, triggering panic among residents. Witnesses said the attackers targeted several residential neighborhoods and opened direct fire at two Palestinian homes. Residents described scenes of chaos as families rushed to take shelter while ambulances struggled to reach the wounded. Emergency crews and local volunteers evacuated the injured under difficult conditions as sporadic gunfire continued in parts of the town. The incident marks another deadly episode in the occupied West Bank, where confrontations between Israeli forces, settlers and Palestinians have intensified in recent months. Rights groups and humanitarian organizations have repeatedly expressed concern over the growing number of civilian casualties and attacks on residential areas. The Palestinian Ministry of Health condemned the killings and called on the international community to take immediate steps to protect civilians in the occupied territories. Palestinian officials have also urged international organizations to investigate the latest incident and hold those responsible accountable. Israeli authorities had not immediately issued a detailed statement regarding the operation or responded to the allegations made by Palestinian officials at the time of reporting. The occupied West Bank has witnessed a sharp rise in violence alongside the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with frequent Israeli military raids, armed confrontations and settler attacks contributing to worsening security conditions across the territory. Friday’s deadly raid in Tell adds to growing international concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territories, as calls for restraint and renewed diplomatic efforts continue to mount. With casualties increasing and tensions showing little sign of easing, fears remain that violence could spread further across the region in the coming days.

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    Lt Gen Amir Raza promoted to four-star general

    The government has promoted Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Amir Raza to the rank of four-star general and appointed him as Commander of the National Strategic Command. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the promotion and new appointment, congratulating General Amir Raza, Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Sitara-i-Basalat, on taking up the senior military position. The prime minister also extended his best wishes to General Amir Raza and expressed confidence in his ability to carry out the important responsibilities associated with his new role. The promotion marks a significant step in General Amir Raza’s military career and places him in charge of a key strategic command. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wished him success in fulfilling his duties and serving the country in his new capacity.

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    Secret Service probes alleged leak of JD Vance tra…

    WASHINGTON: A member of US Vice President JD Vance’s security detail is under investigation over allegations that sensitive information related to the vice president’s travel arrangements was leaked to the media, raising concerns about security protocols surrounding one of the country’s highest-ranking officials. The US Secret Service confirmed on Friday that an administrative investigation is underway into the conduct of an officer assigned to Vance’s protective unit. Officials said the inquiry could potentially lead to a criminal investigation depending on the findings. Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said the agency takes any breach of operational security seriously and would not tolerate actions that could compromise the safety of protected government officials. “The Secret Service maintains strict standards regarding operational and informational security,” Guglielmi said in a statement. “Any violation of those standards is thoroughly reviewed and investigated.” The controversy emerged after a US media outlet published a report claiming that Vance had made several unusual requests involving his security team and travel arrangements. The report cited unnamed sources who alleged that some members of the vice president’s protective detail had expressed frustration over certain personal travel-related requests. One of the claims attracting significant attention involved an alleged proposal to use Marine Two, the official helicopter designated for the vice president, to transport Vance’s son to a secure golf course for golf lessons. According to the report, discussions about using the government aircraft for the trip were considered but never materialized. The proposed flight was ultimately canceled due to severe weather conditions, including thunderstorms that made flying unsafe. While the report has fueled debate in Washington, no evidence has been publicly presented showing that any rules were broken regarding the proposed transportation arrangements. The focus of the investigation currently remains on how details of the vice president’s security operations allegedly reached the media. The Office of the Vice President has not issued a detailed response to the report, and Vance’s team has so far declined to comment publicly on the allegations. Political analysts say the case highlights two sensitive issues often facing senior government officials: the appropriate use of official resources and the protection of confidential security information. Security experts warn that unauthorized disclosures about the travel plans or protective measures of top government leaders can create significant risks, even when the information appears routine. As investigators continue reviewing the matter, attention remains fixed on whether the alleged leak violated federal regulations and what consequences could follow if wrongdoing is confirmed. The findings could have broader implications for security procedures protecting senior US officials.