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Congolese health officials intercept river boat to test 300 passengers following suspected Ebola death

ByJustpaste.in

Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have intercepted a river boat carrying more than 300 passengers near Kinshasa to perform emergency screening following the death of a passenger suspected of having contracted Ebola.

The vessel was stopped in Maluku, located approximately 65 kilometres upstream from the capital, where public health teams deployed a mobile laboratory to conduct clinical evaluations and temperature checks on all individuals aboard.

Medical personnel collected blood samples from four passengers exhibiting feverish symptoms, with laboratory results expected to confirm whether the virus is present.

The precautionary intervention follows the death of a 32-year-old man who travelled on the boat and later tested positive for suspected symptoms of the disease.

Health officials face conflicting accounts regarding the origin of the vessel and where the deceased passenger boarded, as discrepancy remains between regional health directors regarding whether the trip originated in Mongala province or in Kisangani, the capital of Tshopo province, where an active Ebola outbreak is ongoing.

In response to the broader regional health emergency, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention announced plans to expand the administration of vaccines and antiviral treatments, including remdesivir, across affected provinces to contain further transmission.

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    Tiny kurtas and Y2K trends dominate summer fashion

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    Pakistani fashion influencers are embracing a fresh wave of nostalgic style this summer, with Y2K-inspired outfits, tiny kurtas, polka dots and fusion dressing emerging as some of the season’s biggest trends. Rather than recreating early-2000s fashion exactly as it was, creators are blending vintage influences with contemporary styling, giving classic pieces a modern update. Across Instagram, influencers are moving away from heavily embellished looks in favour of versatile wardrobe staples that can be styled for both casual and dressy occasions. The result is a mix of timeless silhouettes, tailored basics and playful colours that reflect nostalgia while remaining practical for everyday wear. One of the standout trends making a strong comeback is the tiny kurta. Popular during the late 1990s and early 2000s, the short kurta has returned with a modern twist. Fashion creators are pairing it with straight-leg jeans, tailored trousers, capri pants and flowing skirts, creating looks that combine traditional Eastern wear with contemporary styling. The trend has reminded many fashion enthusiasts of classic Bollywood wardrobes from the early 2000s while fitting naturally into today’s minimalist aesthetic. Instead of heavily embroidered designs, influencers are opting for clean cuts and understated styling that allow the silhouette to take centre stage. Another pattern enjoying renewed popularity is the polka dot. After several seasons dominated by florals and abstract prints, the timeless motif has returned on dresses, matching co-ord sets and separates. The classic print offers a vintage-inspired feel without appearing outdated, proving that certain fashion elements continue to return in new forms. Summer wardrobes are also embracing a colour palette inspired by Y2K fashion. Shades such as butter yellow, cherry red, chocolate brown, powder blue and soft pink are appearing frequently across influencer feeds, bringing warmth and nostalgia to seasonal outfits. Accessories like headbands and capri trousers have also quietly re-entered fashion conversations, although in more refined ways than their original early-2000s versions. While nostalgic pieces are attracting attention, wardrobe basics remain equally important this season. Oversized button-down shirts, classic waistcoats, relaxed tailoring and crisp white shirts have become essential styling pieces. Influencers are layering these staples over denim or pairing them with tailored trousers to create polished everyday looks. Perhaps the defining feature of this summer’s fashion movement is fusion dressing. Rather than separating Eastern and Western clothing, creators are combining them effortlessly. Tiny kurtas are styled with denim, waistcoats are worn with skirts, blazers are layered over traditional separates, while shalwars are paired with fitted tank tops and contemporary accessories. Instead of chasing fast-changing microtrends, many Pakistani influencers appear to be focusing on clothing that offers longevity and versatility. By blending nostalgic Y2K influences with classic tailoring and traditional silhouettes, they are creating wardrobes that feel both fashionable and wearable, making this summer less about dramatic statements and more about timeless personal style.

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    Trump warns Iran backers of economic punishment

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    US President Donald Trump has warned that countries providing an economic “lifeline” to Iran could face financial penalties as Washington steps up pressure on Tehran. Trump has also announced what he described as an “economic D-Day” against Iran as part of his broader campaign to weaken the country’s economy and force changes in its policies. The latest threat reflects Trump’s continued reliance on US economic power as a key foreign policy tool. His administration has increasingly used tariffs, sanctions and other financial measures to pressure countries and governments that Washington believes support US rivals or undermine its strategic objectives. Analysts, however, question whether the strategy can deliver the same results against Iran as it has in cases where the United States enjoys greater cooperation from other major economies. Iran maintains important economic ties with China and Russia, two countries that have strong reasons to resist US pressure. Russia already faces extensive American sanctions and has significantly reduced its dependence on the US-led global financial system. As a result, additional US economic pressure may have a limited impact on Moscow’s willingness to maintain trade and other economic relations with Tehran. China could present an even greater challenge for Washington. Beijing has repeatedly shown that it is prepared to resist or work around US sanctions when its own economic and strategic interests are at stake. China remains one of Iran’s most important trading partners, particularly in the energy sector, making Beijing a key factor in any US effort to isolate Tehran economically. Paul Musgrave, an associate professor of government at Georgetown University in Qatar, told Arab media that Trump would face significant difficulties in making his pressure campaign fully effective. Musgrave said Trump was attempting to impose a coordinated sanctions regime largely through unilateral US pressure, even though such efforts have traditionally depended on cooperation from multiple countries. He noted that an effective international campaign would require support from major powers, including China and Russia, as well as cooperation among the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. Trump said in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Tuesday that his campaign against Iran would become one of the most devastating economic operations ever directed against a country. The statement signals a major escalation in Washington’s economic pressure on Tehran. Trump’s administration appears determined to use America’s financial influence, access to global markets and trade relationships to make it increasingly difficult for Iran to maintain its international economic ties. However, experts warn that the strategy could also create significant economic consequences beyond Iran. If Washington threatens countries that continue trading with Tehran, those governments could face a difficult choice between maintaining their economic interests and avoiding US penalties. The effectiveness of Trump’s strategy will largely depend on whether Washington can convince major trading partners to cooperate. China and Russia are likely to remain the biggest obstacles, particularly if they view continued economic engagement with Iran as important to their own strategic interests. The latest move also comes after a series of contentious trade battles during Trump’s second presidential term, highlighting his continued preference for economic pressure as a means of pursuing foreign policy goals. Whether the approach can isolate Iran without triggering further tensions with major global powers remains uncertain.

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    Pakistani journalist Murtaza Ali Shah assaulted du…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistani journalist Murtaza Ali Shah was assaulted and injured while covering a protest march in central London. According to reports, Shah was attacked while reporting on a march organised by supporters of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which began at Hyde Park and proceeded towards the Pakistan High Commission. A large number of British Kashmiris gathered at Hyde Park before the march to express concern over the deteriorating situation in Azad Kashmir. Protesters called for an end to violence, the restoration of fundamental rights, and the resumption of dialogue. Eyewitnesses and videos showed that Shah came under attack as the march approached the Pakistan High Commission. While reporting from the scene, he was allegedly kicked and punched from both the front and behind by at least three individuals. A crowd quickly surrounded the journalist, escalating tensions until Metropolitan Police officers, protest organisers, and other participants intervened to prevent the situation from worsening. Police later escorted Shah away from the crowd and ensured his safety. According to reports, when Shah returned to the Pakistan High Commission to continue his reporting, members of the same group allegedly attempted to harass him again.

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    Trump hails Makkah Defence pact, calls it bold ste…

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    WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has welcomed the newly signed Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, describing the trilateral pact as an important step toward greater regional security. Trump said he was pleased to see the three countries formalise the agreement, arguing that it demonstrated a growing willingness among Middle Eastern and regional states to strengthen their ability to protect themselves. The agreement was signed in Makkah on August 7 during a summit involving Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. It establishes a framework for closer defence cooperation, collective deterrence and enhanced strategic coordination among the three countries. Although the pact has drawn comparisons with NATO, security analysts say it is primarily an institutionalisation of longstanding political and military ties rather than the creation of a new offensive military alliance. The framework is expected to facilitate greater cooperation in areas including intelligence sharing, defence planning, military coordination and strategic consultations. The agreement comes amid an increasingly complex regional security environment marked by conflicts, shifting alliances and emerging military threats. Supporters argue that stronger coordination among the three countries could enhance deterrence and contribute to regional stability. Pakistan brings extensive military and operational experience, while Saudi Arabia offers significant economic and political influence. Türkiye, meanwhile, contributes a developed defence industry, military technology and industrial capabilities. Analysts believe combining these strengths could improve the partners’ collective preparedness. Turkish President Erdogan has also described the agreement as a significant message for global peace. Speaking in an interview with Al Jazeera Arabic, he said the decision to sign the pact in Makkah gave it additional significance, particularly amid tensions between the United States and Iran. Erdogan stressed that Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia sought to position themselves as advocates of peace and said the three countries would continue supporting diplomatic efforts to prevent conflict. Asked whether the agreement was comparable to NATO’s Article 5, Erdogan said its collective defence principle meant the three countries would have the opportunity to respond jointly if any member faced a serious threat. He also revealed that the framework could eventually expand beyond the three founding members. According to Erdogan, the agreement leaves the door open for other countries to join, with Egypt among the potential future participants. The pact is therefore emerging as a significant development in regional security cooperation, while its proponents present it as a defensive mechanism designed to strengthen deterrence and promote stability rather than fuel confrontation.

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    Mir Raza’s exhumation set for Saturday

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    The exhumation of Karachi youth Mir Raza will be conducted on Saturday to determine the cause of his death after authorities reinstated the previous medical board for his second post-mortem examination. Police and other relevant authorities have been directed to make arrangements for the exhumation. The post-mortem is scheduled to begin at 11am on Saturday. The medical board, which had earlier been reduced to five members, has now been restored to its previous eight-member composition. According to the notification, Dr Samia Syed will serve as the board’s convener. Dow University Professor Dr Naseem Ahmed will perform duties as a pathologist, while Dr Farah Wasim has been included as a forensic expert. CPLC officer Amir Hassan Khan will serve as a forensic identification expert. Dr Kamran, Dr Sri Chand and Dr Daniyal Mirza will also continue as members of the board. The decision came after Mir Raza’s father, Mir Hussain, expressed serious reservations over changes to the medical board. The exhumation had initially been scheduled for Friday but was postponed following the dispute over the board’s composition. Mir Hussain had said he would not allow the exhumation until the previous medical board was restored. His lawyer, Jibran Nasir, also rejected the newly formed board and sent notices to the police and health secretary. He alleged that political interference was affecting the case. Nasir demanded that the exhumation and post-mortem be conducted by the same eight-member board that had originally been constituted by the Karachi police surgeon on court orders. Case background Mir Raza Ali Khan went missing from the Pakistan Employees Housing Society (PECHS) area on July 28. His body was recovered from Gulistan-e-Johar two days later. According to police, Raza had left home at around 4:09am in an online taxi. His body was later found in a severely damaged condition, with a gunshot wound to his chest. Police said all of Raza’s social media accounts had been shut down a day before his body was recovered. Investigators have sought his phone records and information about people who had been in contact with him from the relevant telecommunications company. The driver of the online taxi Raza had used has also been questioned. According to his statement, he dropped Raza at his destination in Gulistan-e-Johar. Raza’s father previously said his son was due to marry on August 30 at Bait-ul-Mukarram Mosque in Gulshan-e-Iqbal. He said Raza had been extremely happy about starting a new chapter of his life.

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    Citizen named Quaid-e-Azam told to appear before N…

    ByJustpaste.in

    PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court has directed a citizen named Quaid-e-Azam to appear before the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) Board after his Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) was blocked. The matter came before the court after the citizen challenged the blocking of his CNIC through a petition. A division bench comprising Justice Waqar Ahmed and Justice Inamullah Khan heard the case. During the proceedings, the petitioner’s lawyer told the court that his client was a businessman. He said the citizen’s CNIC had been blocked and requested the court to intervene in the matter. The lawyer sought relief against the action taken against his client. He maintained that the blocking of the identity card had affected the citizen and required judicial consideration. A NADRA representative also appeared before the court. The Director Legal of NADRA informed the bench that the CNIC had not been blocked without reason. He said the authority had found the petitioner’s identity record suspicious. According to NADRA, the issue required further verification of the citizen’s record and identity documents. After hearing both sides, the court did not immediately order the restoration of the CNIC. Instead, the bench directed the petitioner to appear before the NADRA Board. The court’s direction means that the petitioner will have an opportunity to present his position before the relevant authority. NADRA will then examine the matter in accordance with its verification process. The case highlights the importance of accurate identity records and the procedures followed when questions arise over a citizen’s documentation. The court’s order also provides a formal channel for the petitioner to address the concerns raised by NADRA

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