تازہ ترین

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    Karachi weather update: rainfall cools city amid h…

    Karachi: Rain accompanied by thunder and strong winds swept across several parts of Karachi on Friday, bringing much-needed relief from the heat as a monsoon weather system moved into the city’s outskirts. Heavy rainfall was reported in suburban areas, including Gulshan-e-Memar, Manghopir, Ahsanabad, and Gulzar-e-Hijri, where strong winds and thunderstorms marked the arrival of the weather system. Meanwhile, light rain and drizzle were recorded in Nazimabad, New Karachi, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Orangi Town, Saddar, Defence, Korangi, and several other neighborhoods. The rainfall significantly lowered temperatures and created pleasant weather conditions across the city. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, dusty winds are also expected in Karachi’s outskirts, while central parts of the city are likely to receive light rain as the weather system continues to move through the region. In response to forecasts of widespread rainfall across Sindh, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah placed provincial authorities on high alert. He directed municipal bodies, the Water Board, and district administrations to remain operational around the clock to respond to any rain-related emergencies. The chief minister instructed authorities to immediately clear stormwater drains and blocked points, deploy dewatering pumps in low-lying areas, and ensure uninterrupted drainage operations. He also ordered the Water Board to clean sewerage lines and arrange backup power for pumping stations. Power utility K-Electric said its emergency teams had been placed on alert following the rainfall. The company advised residents to stay away from electricity poles, meters, overhead cables, and other electrical infrastructure during and after the rain. It also urged the public to avoid using electrical appliances with wet hands and warned against illegal electricity connections, which can pose serious safety risks during wet weather. Authorities have also activated provincial and district-level rain emergency control rooms to address public complaints and coordinate emergency response efforts, while traffic police have been directed to maintain smooth traffic flow on major roads and intersections throughout the city.

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    Trump drops major statement on Iran: what China an…

    Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has said he does not believe that China or Russia are supplying weapons to Iran, citing assurances he received from the leaders of both countries. Speaking to reporters, Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping had assured him that Beijing would not provide weapons to Iran under any circumstances. According to Trump, the Chinese leader also stated that the policy applies to Chinese companies, preventing them from supplying arms to Tehran. Trump said he trusts President Xi’s commitment in the context of U.S.-China relations and believes China is adhering to that position. The U.S. president also said Russian President Vladimir Putin had informed him that Moscow would not sell weapons to Iran. Trump’s remarks come amid continued international attention on Iran’s military capabilities and regional security. However, he did not provide additional details or evidence to support the statements, nor did he elaborate on whether the assurances were part of recent diplomatic discussions. The comments reflect Washington’s ongoing focus on limiting the transfer of advanced military equipment to Iran as regional tensions and global security concerns continue to evolve.

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    Karachi firing over motorcycle dispute leaves one …

    Karachi: A dispute between two groups over a motorcycle collision turned violent in Karachi’s Shireen Jinnah Colony, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to four others. According to police officials, the incident began after a motorcycle accident led to an argument between the sons of Abdul Muqadar and Pir Zaman. Residents of the area intervened and managed to calm the situation, after which both groups returned to their homes. However, the situation escalated shortly afterward when Pir Zaman and his associates allegedly arrived at Abdul Muqadar’s residence and opened fire. A gun battle reportedly followed between the two groups. As a result of the firing, Abdul Muqadar and one of his sons were injured, while his other son, Aamir, died on the spot. Two members of the opposing group, identified as Shahid Zaman and Abu Zar, also sustained injuries. Following the incident, a heavy police contingent reached the scene and shifted the deceased and injured individuals to a hospital. Police officials collected multiple bullet casings from the site and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities are working to determine the exact cause of the dispute and the role of those involved in the exchange of fire. Further legal action will be taken after completion of the investigation.

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    Karachi colleges ban tobacco, vapes and drug use u…

    Karachi: The Directorate of College Education Karachi has imposed a ban on the use of tobacco products and drugs in colleges across the city, aiming to create a healthier and drug-free educational environment. According to an official notification issued by the Directorate, the use of cigarettes, vapes, nicotine pouches, paan, and gutka has been strictly prohibited within college premises. The ban will come into effect immediately, with college principals instructed to ensure compliance and maintain a tobacco-free environment inside their institutions. Authorities have directed college administrations to take necessary steps to prevent students and staff from using prohibited substances on campus. The Directorate of College Education has also contacted deputy commissioners to help control the sale and use of tobacco products and drugs around college areas. The move aims to extend monitoring beyond campuses and reduce access to such substances near educational institutions. Officials said the decision is part of efforts to promote student health and prevent the growing use of harmful substances among young people. College administrations will be responsible for implementing the new restrictions and taking action against violations. The notification comes as health experts continue to highlight the harmful effects of tobacco, nicotine products, and drug use, particularly among youth.

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    Tank terrorist attack: 15 martyred including 14 se…

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: A terrorist attack on a joint police checkpost in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Tank district has resulted in the martyrdom of 15 people, including 14 security personnel, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The military’s media wing said the attack took place early Friday and was carried out by militants identified as Fitna-al-Khawarij, a term used by authorities for members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). ISPR said the attackers attempted to breach the checkpost’s perimeter, but their efforts were swiftly stopped by security forces. The personnel deployed at the post responded with courage and professionalism, engaging the attackers and killing 15 militants. According to the statement, after the failed attempt to enter the checkpost, the attackers rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall. The powerful blast caused severe damage to the infrastructure and resulted in the martyrdom of 15 individuals, including 12 soldiers, two police officers, and a government official from the former forest department. A sanitisation operation is currently underway in the area to locate and eliminate any remaining terrorists. ISPR said security forces and law enforcement agencies will continue counterterrorism operations under the Azm-e-Istehkam strategy to eliminate terrorism from the country. The military’s media wing paid tribute to the sacrifices of security personnel, stating that their sacrifices strengthen Pakistan’s resolve to protect the nation. The attack comes amid increased militant activity in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Security forces have recently conducted operations in Bannu and surrounding areas, where several militants were killed during intelligence-based operations. Authorities say efforts are continuing to dismantle terrorist networks and prevent further attacks against security personnel and civilians.

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    “Forgotten by everyone?” Talha Anjum raises troubling questions over hostages

    Pakistani rapper Talha Anjum has once again highlighted the plight of Pakistani sailors reportedly being held hostage by Somali pirates, saying that the issue has been forgotten by both the media and the public. In an Instagram story shared on Thursday, Anjum criticised the authorities’ response and said the government had failed to protect Pakistani citizens, whether inside the country or abroad. He expressed concern that the families of the affected sailors were still waiting for answers and support. “The media forgot about these families and sadly, so did the people of Pakistan,” Anjum said while calling for urgent action to secure the release of the hostages. The ship was reportedly hijacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia in April, sparking concern and calls for efforts to bring the Pakistani sailors home. Anjum had previously raised his voice on the issue, saying he personally knew one of the crew members and considered him like a brother. At the time, the rapper criticised what he described as a lack of seriousness from authorities and urged officials to take immediate steps for the safe return of the stranded sailors. . Several other Pakistani celebrities, including Mahira Khan, Sabeena Farooq, and Bushra Ansari, have also spoken publicly in support of the affected sailors and their families. The families of the crew members continue to await further developments as calls grow for renewed efforts to secure their safe release.

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    Zohran Mamdani reveals he has been vibing to Shamoon Ismail

    New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was once known as rapper Young Cardamom. He has not left his music roots behind. This week, he revealed that Pakistani rapper Shamoon Ismail is currently on his playlist. Speaking with Rolling Stone, Mamdani was asked what he has been listening to. He named Radio & Weasel, a Ugandan duo that topped charts for years. He also mentioned Shamoon Ismail, saying he has followed the Pakistani rapper for a few years now. Whenever he is feeling reflective, he said, he puts on Kacey Musgraves. It is not clear how Mamdani discovered Ismail’s music. But the choice fits his background. He was born to a Ugandan father and an Indian mother, and raised in New York. His music taste reflects that mix. It also shows his close ties to the South Asian communities he represents. He has not specified which Ismail songs he is playing right now. This also is not the first time he has shown love for South Asian music. After his primary win, he walked off stage to the Bollywood hit “Dhoom Machale.” Fans still remember that moment. Mamdani’s taste is wide ranging. He has also spoken fondly of Taylor Swift, Jay Z, and Kim Petras. He is a fan of Indian American rapper Himanshu Suri, known as Heems. Mamdani has said Heems is part of the reason he entered politics. As for Ismail, his soulful rap style keeps building a strong following. Recent tracks like “used to it,” “Alone Together,” and “VOLUME” have racked up big streaming numbers. The singer recently took some time away from the spotlight. That break reportedly lined up with a major personal milestone, possibly an engagement or a wedding. He resurfaced on New Year’s Eve with a handwritten note to fans. He described the time away simply as a “transition.” Mamdani’s shoutout is likely to boost Ismail’s profile further. This is especially true among fans who enjoy seeing South Asian artists recognized on a global political stage.

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    Justice Babar Sattar told to vacate official house

    Justice Babar Sattar has been directed to vacate his official residence in Islamabad after the cancellation of its government allotment following his transfer to the Peshawar High Court. According to an official notice issued by the Registrar of the Islamabad High Court, Justice Sattar has been given 30 days to hand over the residence. The notice states that the Estate Office cancelled the allotment of the government house on July 3 after his transfer from the Islamabad High Court to the Peshawar High Court. The document explains that the one-month notice period began on July 3, the same day the official accommodation was withdrawn. Justice Sattar has been instructed to vacate the residence within that period in accordance with government rules governing official housing for judges transferred to another high court. The move follows Justice Sattar’s transfer to the Peshawar High Court, where he is expected to perform his judicial duties after leaving the Islamabad High Court. Sources familiar with the matter said that after the transfer, Justice Sattar did not apply for or obtain an official residence in Peshawar. Instead, he reportedly decided to continue staying in the government house allotted to him in Islamabad. The notice highlights that the cancellation of the residence allotment was carried out by the Estate Office, making the continued occupation of the house subject to the expiry of the notice period. The registrar’s office formally communicated the decision to ensure compliance with the applicable administrative procedures. The development comes as part of the routine administrative process that follows the transfer of judges between high courts. Under the existing rules, official accommodation is generally linked to the judge’s place of posting, and transferred judges are required to vacate residences allocated at their previous station once the prescribed notice period expires.

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    Punjab offers Rs100,000 monthly shrimp farming int…

    LAHORE: The Punjab government has launched a paid internship programme in shrimp farming, giving young graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience while earning a monthly stipend of Rs100,000. The initiative, introduced by the Punjab Fisheries Department, is designed to promote aquaculture, create employment opportunities and prepare skilled professionals for Pakistan’s growing shrimp farming industry. The programme is open to graduates in fisheries, zoology, marine sciences, biological sciences and other related fields. Successful applicants will receive hands-on training from experienced professionals throughout the internship. Trainees will learn key aspects of commercial shrimp farming, including hatchery management, pond maintenance, shrimp health monitoring, water quality control, feeding practices and modern aquaculture techniques. The training aims to equip participants with the technical knowledge required to establish careers in the aquaculture sector. Officials said the internship is part of the provincial government’s broader plan to strengthen high-value agriculture by expanding shrimp production and improving export potential. By investing in professional training, the government hopes to build a skilled workforce capable of supporting the rapid growth of Pakistan’s aquaculture industry.

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    Islamabad High Court orders NCCIA officers 

      The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued a detailed written order directing that officers of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) must not be prevented from carrying out their official duties. The court also maintained its earlier stay order restraining the authorities from taking any disciplinary action against the petitioning employees until further proceedings. The written order was issued by Justice Azam Khan following the hearing of a petition filed by the affected officers. The petitioners, who are contractual employees of the NCCIA, have approached the Islamabad High Court seeking regularization of their employment. They argue that they have been serving the organization for an extended period and should be granted permanent status in accordance with the law. According to the court’s written order, counsel representing the NCCIA authorities requested additional time to submit their formal response to the petition. The court noted that the respondents sought an extension to file their reply before the next hearing. However, the petitioners’ legal representatives strongly opposed the request for further delay. They argued that the respondents had already been given several opportunities to submit their response since the first hearing of the case on February 13. Despite multiple chances, the authorities had failed to place their reply on record within the time provided by the court. The petitioners’ counsel further informed the court that at nearly every hearing, the respondents had sought adjournments on one pretext or another. According to the lawyers, these repeated delays were causing irreparable harm to the petitioners, who continued to face uncertainty regarding their employment and professional responsibilities. Taking note of these submissions, the Islamabad High Court granted the NCCIA authorities one final opportunity to submit their written reply. The court directed that the response must be filed before July 30. The written order clearly states that if the respondents fail to submit their reply by the specified deadline, the court will proceed to decide the case on the basis of the available record without granting any further extensions. The court also made important observations regarding the professional role of the petitioning officers. Justice Azam Khan remarked that it would be unfair to prevent such highly educated and experienced individuals from performing their official duties. The written order emphasized that qualified professionals should not be obstructed from carrying out work assigned to them, particularly while legal proceedings remain pending. Furthermore, the court instructed all concerned parties to ensure that the petitioning officers are allowed to perform their duties strictly in accordance with the law. It directed the respondents not to create any obstacles in the officers’ work or interfere with their lawful responsibilities until the matter is finally decided. In addition, the High Court reaffirmed that the interim stay order protecting the petitioners from disciplinary action will remain in force until the next hearing. This provides temporary legal protection to the employees while the court continues to examine the merits of their petition seeking regularization of service. After issuing these directions, the Islamabad High Court adjourned further proceedings in the case until July 30. The next hearing is expected to determine whether the respondents have complied with the court’s instructions and may also shape the future course of the contractual employees’ plea for permanent employment within the NCCIA.