تازہ ترین

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    Ben and Casey Affleck mourn loss of mother Chris A…

    Ben Affleck and Casey Affleck are mourning the loss of their beloved mother, Chris Anne Affleck, who has died at the age of 83 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. The heartbreaking news comes just weeks after she proudly attended her grandson’s graduation, a family milestone that now carries even greater emotional significance. Chris Anne Affleck was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December 2025 and had been undergoing treatment in the months leading up to her death. Despite her illness, family members say she remained strong, determined, and deeply involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Her passing marks the end of a remarkable life that left a lasting impact on both her family and the community around her. Reports indicate that she died peacefully surrounded by loved ones. (people.com⁠) Chris Anne was much more than the mother of two Academy Award-winning actors. A former school teacher and community advocate, she devoted much of her life to education and helping others. Those who knew her described her as compassionate, intelligent, and fiercely supportive of her family. Long before Ben and Casey became Hollywood stars, she encouraged their creativity and nurtured their interest in acting and storytelling. Following the announcement of her death, Casey Affleck shared an emotional tribute honoring his mother’s strength and kindness. He reflected on the profound influence she had on his life and credited her with teaching him resilience, empathy, and the value of hard work. Family friends say both Casey and Ben remained close to their mother throughout her illness and made every effort to spend time with her during her final months. (people.com⁠) One of the final public moments Chris Anne shared with her family was attending her grandson’s graduation earlier this summer. Loved ones say she was determined to be there despite her health challenges and took great pride in celebrating the achievement. The occasion has now become a cherished memory for the Affleck family, symbolizing her unwavering devotion to those she loved. Fans from around the world have expressed condolences to Ben and Casey Affleck, recognizing the close bond the brothers shared with their mother. Social media has been filled with messages celebrating Chris Anne’s life and offering support during the difficult time. While Ben and Casey Affleck have spent decades in the public eye, both have often spoken about the important role their mother played in shaping their values and careers. Her encouragement, guidance, and unconditional love helped lay the foundation for their success. As the family grieves this significant loss, they are remembering Chris Anne Affleck not only as a devoted mother and grandmother but also as a woman whose kindness, strength, and generosity touched countless lives. Her legacy will continue through the family she loved so deeply and the many people she inspired throughout her 83 years. (people.com⁠)

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    BLACKPINK’s Jennie breaks the internet yet again…

    BLACKPINK’s Jennie has once again captured the internet’s attention, proving why she remains one of K-pop’s biggest global stars. The singer and rapper is making headlines following the release of her latest music project, which has sparked an overwhelming response from fans across social media. Within hours of its debut, clips from the release spread rapidly online, with supporters praising Jennie’s powerful vocals, confident performance, and striking visual style. (rollingstone.com⁠) The latest release marks another milestone in Jennie’s flourishing solo career. After a string of successful singles and collaborations, the BLACKPINK member continues to expand her artistic identity while balancing group activities and individual projects. Fans have described the new track as bold, energetic, and refreshingly different, with many saying it showcases another side of Jennie’s musical abilities. Social media platforms were flooded with reactions shortly after the song dropped. Hashtags related to Jennie quickly began trending worldwide as fans shared music videos, performance clips, and their favorite lyrics. Many praised the production quality, stylish visuals, and the singer’s charismatic stage presence, while others predicted that the track would become one of the biggest K-pop releases of the year. (billboard.com⁠) Jennie’s influence extends far beyond music. Over the years, she has become a global fashion icon, regularly collaborating with luxury brands and appearing at major fashion events around the world. Every new project she releases attracts attention not only for the music itself but also for her signature style, which often inspires fashion trends among fans. Her latest comeback is no exception, with viewers already discussing her outfits, makeup, and overall concept. The success of the release also highlights Jennie’s growing presence as a solo artist. While BLACKPINK remains one of the world’s most successful girl groups, each member has increasingly explored individual creative projects. Jennie has consistently demonstrated her versatility by experimenting with different musical styles while maintaining the confidence and charisma that first made her famous. Industry analysts note that Jennie’s solo achievements continue to strengthen her international profile. Her music regularly attracts millions of streams within hours, while her videos generate enormous engagement across digital platforms. This latest release appears to be following the same path, earning widespread praise from both fans and critics for its polished production and memorable performance. (NME.com⁠) As excitement continues to grow, many fans are eagerly awaiting live performances and additional promotions for the new song. The release has also fueled speculation about future solo activities and potential BLACKPINK projects, keeping the global fanbase buzzing with anticipation. With yet another successful music drop, Jennie has reaffirmed her status as one of the most influential figures in modern pop music. Her ability to dominate conversations online, set trends, and deliver memorable performances continues to demonstrate why she remains a standout star in the ever-evolving world of K-pop.

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    Iran unleashes drone barrage on US bases

    The conflict between Iran and the United States intensified on Friday as Iranian military officials claimed to have carried out drone attacks on several military facilities used by US forces in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan. The developments came after fresh US airstrikes on Iranian targets, signalling another major escalation in the months-long regional confrontation. According to Iranian military statements, “Arash” attack drones targeted US military warehouses and troop positions at Camp Udairi, Camp Doha and Camp Arifjan in Kuwait. Iranian officials said the attacks focused on weapons storage sites, military equipment and logistical facilities. They warned that further military action would continue if attacks against Iran persisted. Iran also claimed responsibility for drone strikes on Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain and Al-Azraq Air Base in Jordan. Iranian state media reported that fuel storage areas, aircraft hangars, maintenance facilities and accommodation used by US personnel were among the intended targets. However, there was no immediate confirmation from the United States, Bahrain, Jordan or Kuwait regarding the reported attacks. Officials in those countries also did not immediately report casualties or significant damage. Meanwhile, US forces reportedly carried out fresh airstrikes on an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval headquarters in the northern Iranian town of Zibakenar. Iranian authorities said the facility was hit but added that initial assessments showed no casualties. In Iraq, several explosions were reported near Erbil International Airport, where US-led coalition forces are stationed. Witnesses reported hearing air defence systems in operation while drones were seen flying over the area. Smoke was later observed rising near the airport complex. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that any country assisting the United States in military operations against Iran would be held responsible under international law. He said Tehran reserved the right to respond with measures permitted under self-defence. Araghchi also criticised Washington over comments suggesting frozen Iranian assets could be used to compensate for damage caused to commercial shipping. He warned that confiscating another country’s assets would create a dangerous international precedent and undermine global financial stability. The military escalation has also affected global energy markets. Concerns over security in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea have sharply reduced tanker traffic through key shipping routes. Shipping data indicated that only one oil tanker crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, the lowest daily figure in more than two months. The situation worsened after attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea increased fears of further disruption to global energy supplies. Rising tensions pushed international oil prices above $100 per barrel, raising fresh concerns about inflation and the global economy. US President Donald Trump warned that Iran and the Iran-backed Houthi movement would face severe military consequences if attacks on commercial shipping continued. He said Washington was prepared to respond forcefully to any further threats against regional security and international maritime trade.

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    Aamer Raza named Pakistan’s Strategic Commander

    Lieutenant General Syed Aamer Raza, HI(M), SBt, has been promoted to the rank of four-star general and appointed as the Commander of the National Strategic Command, marking a significant milestone in his military career. The appointment places one of the Pakistan Army’s most experienced senior officers at the helm of the country’s strategic command structure. General Aamer Raza has built a distinguished career through a series of key command, operational and administrative appointments. Before his promotion, he was serving as the Chief of the General Staff (CGS) at the General Headquarters (GHQ), one of the Pakistan Army’s most influential positions. As CGS, he oversaw operational planning, intelligence coordination and strategic military affairs, making the role central to the Army’s command structure. Military observers view his promotion as recognition of his extensive professional experience and leadership. His tenure as Chief of the General Staff provided him with broad exposure to strategic planning, operational decision-making and national security matters, qualities considered essential for leading the National Strategic Command. General Aamer Raza also possesses significant expertise in defence technology and military procurement. He previously served as Director General Weapons and Equipment, where he supervised the acquisition, maintenance and development of military hardware. In addition, he served as Chairman of Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT), one of Pakistan’s leading defence production organisations, where he played a role in strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing and modernisation efforts. Commissioned into the Armoured Corps, General Aamer Raza has held numerous command, staff and instructional appointments throughout his career. His service includes leadership roles at various operational formations as well as senior positions within military institutions, giving him extensive experience in both field operations and strategic planning. Defence analysts believe his combination of operational leadership, technical expertise and institutional experience makes him well suited for his new responsibilities. The National Strategic Command is expected to play a key role in coordinating Pakistan’s strategic capabilities, strengthening national security planning and overseeing matters related to strategic deterrence.

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    Iran claims strike on Amazon data center in Bahrai…

    TEHRAN/MANAMA: Iran has claimed that it targeted an Amazon data center in Bahrain in what it described as part of its ongoing retaliatory campaign against the United States, marking a dramatic new allegation that could further heighten tensions across the Middle East. According to Iranian state media, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the operation targeted an Amazon facility that it alleged was providing information and technological support to the US military. Iranian officials claimed the installation was successfully struck and destroyed during the operation. However, the statement was not accompanied by any evidence, satellite imagery, or operational details to substantiate the claim. As of Friday, no independent organization had verified that an attack had taken place or confirmed any damage to the reported facility. Neither Amazon, the Bahraini government, nor US officials had issued an official response by the time of publication. There has also been no confirmation from independent monitoring groups regarding the alleged strike or its potential impact. The claim comes amid rapidly escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, with both sides exchanging accusations over recent military operations in the region. Tehran has repeatedly warned that any military bases or strategic facilities used by Washington for operations against Iran would be considered legitimate targets for retaliation. Iranian officials reiterated that stance following the latest announcement, saying that infrastructure allegedly supporting US military activities could face further attacks if hostilities continue. Security analysts say the claim is particularly significant because it involves a major global technology company rather than a conventional military installation. If independently verified, it would represent one of the first publicly acknowledged cases in which Iran has declared a large international technology facility as the target of a military operation. Experts also cautioned that the absence of independent verification makes it impossible to determine whether the reported strike occurred or whether the alleged target sustained any damage. They noted that governments involved in conflicts often release competing narratives, making external confirmation essential before drawing conclusions. The latest claim underscores the growing overlap between military conflict and critical digital infrastructure, raising fresh concerns about the security of data centers and technology assets in regions experiencing geopolitical instability. For now, the reported attack remains an unverified Iranian claim, with the international community awaiting official responses and independent assessments to establish what, if anything, occurred on the ground.

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    Dar urges SCO action against Afghan terrorism

    Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has called on member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to strengthen regional cooperation against terrorism, saying lasting peace and economic development cannot be achieved unless militant groups operating from Afghan territory are effectively eliminated. Addressing the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers’ meeting, Dar said Pakistan remains committed to regional peace and wants to see Afghanistan emerge as a peaceful, stable, regionally connected and economically prosperous country. He said a secure Afghanistan would benefit not only Pakistan but all SCO member states and the wider region. The foreign minister described terrorism originating from Afghan territory as one of the most serious security challenges facing Pakistan. He said militant organisations continue to use Afghan soil for recruitment, training and planning attacks, creating persistent threats to regional stability. Dar said Pakistan has suffered heavily from terrorism in recent years. According to him, more than 560 Pakistanis have lost their lives in over 2,000 terrorist incidents since the beginning of this year. He added that investigations into several attacks had also identified the involvement of Afghan nationals. He urged the SCO to play a more active role in addressing the security situation and called on the Afghan authorities to honour their international commitments against terrorism. He stressed that no country’s territory should be allowed to serve as a base for militant activities targeting neighbouring states. Speaking about the SCO, Dar said the organisation has developed into one of the region’s most important platforms for cooperation over the past 25 years. He noted that it now promotes collaboration not only in security but also in trade, economic development, connectivity, culture and regional stability. Looking ahead, Dar said the organisation should place greater emphasis on digital development, technological cooperation, innovation and energy security to meet future regional challenges and promote sustainable economic growth among member states. Turning to the Middle East, Dar reiterated Pakistan’s position that dialogue, diplomacy and mutual respect remain the only effective means of resolving international disputes. He said peaceful negotiations are essential for achieving lasting regional peace and preventing further conflict. He also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran. Dar said Pakistan played an important role in encouraging direct engagement between the two countries, leading to the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding earlier this year. He described the agreement as a significant diplomatic achievement and encouraged the international community to build on the progress made through continued negotiations. On the sidelines of the SCO meeting, Dar held separate meetings with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing regional cooperation and expanding collaboration through multilateral organisations. During his meeting with Wang Yi, both leaders reviewed Pakistan-China relations and exchanged views on regional developments. The Chinese foreign minister appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote regional peace and extended best wishes for Pakistan’s upcoming chairmanship of the SCO for 2026-27.

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    How Gen Z turned India’s NEET protests into a vi…

    NEW DELHI: What began as a protest over alleged exam paper leaks in India has evolved into something far bigger—and far more digital. Instead of relying solely on slogans and marches, Generation Z is using memes, Instagram Reels, viral trends, and pop culture references to transform street demonstrations into a social media movement. The demonstrations, centered around alleged irregularities in the NEET medical entrance examination and concerns over transparency in recruitment and education, have continued for weeks at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, where students are demanding accountability and reforms. At the heart of the campaign is the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), a youth-led movement that initially emerged after a sarcastic remark reportedly linked to India’s Chief Justice. What started as an online response quickly expanded into a broader campaign highlighting alleged examination leaks, recruitment irregularities, and calls for reforms in India’s education system. Protesters are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s examination process, arguing that repeated controversies have undermined students’ trust in competitive exams. Memes Become a Powerful Protest Tool Unlike traditional demonstrations, Gen Z participants are blending activism with internet culture. Viral memes, trending audio clips, and humorous videos have become powerful tools for spreading their message beyond protest sites. Rather than using conventional political messaging, young creators are adapting popular online formats to explain their frustrations in a way that resonates with millions of social media users. The strategy has helped the movement gain significant attention on platforms such as Instagram, where short-form videos often reach audiences much larger than traditional news coverage. ‘Get Ready With Me’—For a Protest One of the movement’s most recognizable trends is the adaptation of the viral “Get Ready With Me” (GRWM) format. Normally associated with makeup tutorials or fashion content, the videos now begin with captions such as, “Get ready with me to join the NEET paper leak protest.” Instead of cosmetics, creators show themselves preparing protest placards, packing water bottles, carrying first-aid kits, and heading to demonstration sites with friends. The creative twist has struck a chord with young viewers, turning ordinary protest preparations into relatable and widely shared content. Romance Trend Gets a Political Twist Another viral internet format, “Who Said I Love You First?”, has also been reimagined. Typically featuring playful romantic questions between couples, protesters have replaced the dialogue with sarcastic exchanges about exam leaks, government policies, and student frustrations. The humorous approach allows serious concerns to be communicated through entertaining content, making the videos highly shareable while keeping attention focused on the movement’s demands. Real Life Meets ‘Subway Surfers’ Perhaps the most eye-catching trend compares protesters running from police with the popular mobile game Subway Surfers. Several Instagram Reels feature demonstrators moving through streets while the game’s iconic background music plays, creating a humorous parallel between the game’s endless chase sequences and real-life protest scenes. For many young Indians who grew up playing the game, the comparison instantly resonated, helping the videos spread rapidly across social media. Digital Activism Enters a New Era Analysts say the movement highlights a broader shift in youth activism, where online engagement is becoming as influential as demonstrations on the ground. Memes, viral challenges, and short videos are no longer just entertainment—they have become tools for mobilizing support, shaping public conversations, and amplifying calls for change. Whether these creative online campaigns translate into policy reforms remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: Gen Z has rewritten the rules of modern protest, proving that in the age of social media, a viral meme can sometimes carry as much impact as a protest banner.

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    Former PCB CEO Wasim Khan appointed FIBA Executive Director

    LAUSANNE: Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Executive Wasim Khan has taken a major step in his international sports administration career after being appointed Executive Director of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). FIBA confirmed that Khan has already joined its headquarters and will officially assume his new role in January 2027. In his position, he will oversee operations across 44 national basketball federations in the region, helping shape the sport’s strategic development, governance, and growth initiatives. Khan is widely regarded as one of the most experienced sports administrators to emerge from Pakistan. During his tenure as PCB Chief Executive, he played a key role in implementing governance reforms, strengthening domestic cricket structures, and supporting the return of international cricket to Pakistan. Following his time at the PCB, Khan joined the International Cricket Council (ICC) as General Manager – Cricket, where he contributed to the global development of the game. Earlier this year, he announced his decision to step down from that position, paving the way for a new chapter in his career. His appointment to FIBA marks a significant crossover from cricket to basketball, reflecting the growing demand for experienced sports executives capable of leading international organizations beyond a single sport. Sports analysts believe Khan’s leadership experience, strategic planning skills, and track record in sports governance make him well-positioned to contribute to FIBA’s long-term objectives, particularly in strengthening basketball development across member federations. The appointment is also being viewed as another milestone for Pakistani professionals in global sports administration, highlighting the increasing recognition of their expertise on the international stage. With his official tenure beginning in January 2027, Wasim Khan is expected to play a central role in advancing basketball programs, enhancing collaboration among national federations, and supporting FIBA’s efforts to expand the sport’s reach across the region.

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    PSX extends decline as KSE-100 drops over 1,260 po…

    The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) remained under pressure on Friday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index extending its recent losing streak during the morning trading session as investor sentiment stayed weak. By the time trading was suspended for the routine Friday prayer break, the KSE-100 Index had fallen 1,264.14 points, or 0.74%, to 170,475.30. The market opened in negative territory and continued to fluctuate throughout the session. The index reached an intraday high of 171,208.55 before declining to a low of 169,512.88, reflecting persistent selling pressure across the market. Trading activity remained moderate, with more than 114 million shares changing hands during the morning session. The total value of traded shares stood at approximately Rs7.83 billion before the temporary suspension. Market participants said investors remained cautious as profit-taking continued in several heavyweight stocks. The absence of strong buying interest also contributed to the downward trend, keeping the benchmark index below its previous closing level. The market moved within a wide range of nearly 1,700 points during the session, highlighting continued volatility as investors assessed economic conditions and overall market sentiment. Analysts said investors are closely monitoring developments that could influence market direction, including corporate earnings, economic indicators and broader financial conditions. They added that confidence has remained subdued in recent sessions, resulting in increased selling activity. Trading is expected to resume after the Friday prayer break, with investors watching for signs of a recovery. Market experts believe the direction of the afternoon session will determine whether the benchmark index can recover some of its losses or end the week on another negative note.

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    PM Shehbaz accuses India of backing terrorism, urg…

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday accused India of playing a direct role in terrorism inside Pakistan and urged Afghanistan’s interim government to prevent militant groups from using its territory to launch attacks across the border. Addressing participants at the Balochistan National Workshop, the prime minister said Pakistan had successfully eliminated terrorism by 2018, but claimed that violence later resurfaced as part of what he described as a “well-organized conspiracy.” “India’s role in terrorism inside Pakistan is evident,” Shehbaz said, adding that the country had paid an enormous price in the fight against militancy, with more than 90,000 Pakistanis losing their lives over the years. Referring to the recent killing of a session judge in Mastung, the prime minister described the incident as another reminder of the continuing terrorist threat facing the country. He stressed that defeating terrorism requires a united national response involving state institutions and the public. Shehbaz also called on Afghanistan’s interim authorities to ensure that Afghan soil is not used by militant groups to carry out attacks against Pakistan. While emphasizing the importance of good relations between the two neighboring countries, he expressed regret that the Afghan administration had failed to stop terrorist elements operating from its territory. The prime minister said Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for regional peace had received international recognition, adding that the country’s recent achievements had unsettled its adversaries. He praised Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for their diplomatic initiatives aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s regional and international engagement. Turning to development, Shehbaz highlighted the strategic importance of Balochistan, describing it as Pakistan’s largest province by area and the smallest by population. He said the people of Balochistan had always played a vital role in strengthening the federation and assured them that their sacrifices would never be forgotten. He also announced that construction work on the dual carriageway linking Karachi and Chaman was progressing, calling it a major infrastructure project expected to improve connectivity and economic activity in the province. Discussing the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, the prime minister said Punjab had made significant contributions for Balochistan while the other provinces had also extended full support. He pledged to correct past shortcomings and ensure every province receives its constitutional share of national resources. Responding to questions from workshop participants, Shehbaz said Pakistan’s future prosperity depends on the collective efforts of all four provinces, expressing confidence that the country is ready to embark on a new phase of national development while continuing its fight against terrorism.