8216i will not
| |

‘I will not apologize’: Maulana Fazlur…

ByJustpaste.in

A political controversy surrounding Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has intensified after the veteran politician refused to apologize for remarks he made earlier this month regarding security issues and the role of state institutions. The comments have drawn criticism from government officials and prompted legal proceedings.

Addressing lawyers affiliated with his party on Sunday, Maulana Fazlur Rehman stated that he would not withdraw or apologize for his remarks. Instead, he argued that those who, in his view, launched a propaganda campaign against him should offer an apology.

The controversy stems from a speech delivered during a party rally in Kasur, where the JUI-F leader spoke about the deteriorating security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. During the address, he questioned calls for political workers to take up arms against militant groups, saying he would not form a private force or militia.

In the same speech, Maulana Fazlur Rehman also criticized the involvement of individuals in politics while serving in uniform, suggesting that anyone wishing to participate in politics should first leave official service and contest elections as civilians. The remarks quickly became the subject of nationwide political debate.

The speech also led to legal action. On July 15, a local court in Gujranwala issued a notice to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in response to a petition filed over the remarks. The court has sought a reply from the agency by August 17 as the matter proceeds through legal channels.

Senior members of the federal government strongly criticized the JUI-F chief’s comments. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said linking the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces to their salaries was unfair and disrespectful to military personnel, particularly the families of fallen soldiers. He maintained that while political leaders have the right to criticize policies or procedures, they should avoid statements that undermine the sacrifices of security forces.

The controversy has sparked wider debate across Pakistan’s political landscape, with supporters arguing that Maulana Fazlur Rehman was expressing a political opinion on national security, while critics believe his remarks crossed acceptable boundaries.

As political reactions continue, the legal process is expected to determine whether any further action will be taken. The issue remains a prominent topic in national politics, highlighting ongoing tensions between opposition leaders and the government over security, governance, and political accountability.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Trump rebukes CNN reporter over aide question

    ByJustpaste.in

    The White House has criticised CNN reporter Kristen Holmes after she questioned US President Donald Trump about his relationship with executive assistant Natalie Harp. The confrontation took place during an Oval Office event on Monday honouring 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams, who recently rescued a child from dangerous ocean swells off California. Holmes asked Trump about remarks made by Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff, who had recently referred to Harp during a campaign speech. The question drew a sharp response from the White House, which accused the reporter of using an event honouring a young hero to raise an unrelated political issue. Trump also confronted Holmes when she later asked a question about North Korea. He called her “very disrespectful” and told her to remain quiet, accusing her of being “fake news.” The White House’s Rapid Response team separately criticised Holmes on social media, describing her question as inappropriate and directing strong personal remarks at the journalist. CNN strongly defended Holmes and condemned the White House’s response. The network said the attacks were inappropriate and “beneath the office” of the presidency. It also said it stood firmly behind its reporter. The dispute comes amid increased public attention surrounding Harp, a former television news personality who has become a prominent member of Trump’s staff. She is frequently seen accompanying the president and has gained attention for regularly providing him with printed information, earning her the nickname “human printer.” Harp was also reportedly among a small group of aides present during a secret Air Force One aircraft change in July, prompting speculation and discussion online. Ossoff recently criticised Trump over his focus on a planned $400 million White House ballroom and his association with Harp. Trump dismissed the senator’s remarks and attacked him personally while defending the ballroom project. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung also criticised Ossoff, calling him a political loser. The latest clash adds to growing tensions between the Trump administration and journalists, particularly female reporters who have faced public criticism from the president and his allies.

  • |

    ICC unveils July’s top cricket stars

    ByJustpaste.in

    The International Cricket Council has announced the nominees for the Men’s Player of the Month award for July 2026. West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves, England captain Harry Brook and Bangladesh opener Tanzid Hasan have been shortlisted for the award. All three players produced strong performances for their teams during the month. However, they made their mark in different formats and under different circumstances. Greaves was one of the standout all-rounders in Test cricket. He impressed during West Indies’ series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The right-handed batter made a major contribution against Sri Lanka. He scored 180 runs in the opening Test. West Indies eventually won the two-match series 1-0. The second Test ended in a draw. Greaves then carried his form into the series against Pakistan. The two-Test series ended in a 1-1 draw. He delivered an excellent performance with the ball in the opening Test. He claimed five wickets for 27 runs in the first innings. His overall figures for July were equally impressive. Greaves scored 215 runs in two Tests. He finished with a batting average of 71.66. He also took eight wickets. His bowling average was an outstanding 10.25. His ability to contribute in both departments made him a key player for West Indies. Brook earned his nomination after producing an exceptional performance in the T20I series against India. The England captain had a difficult ODI campaign. He scored only 31 runs across three matches. He quickly turned things around in the T20I format. Brook scored 229 runs in five matches. He averaged an impressive 114.50. His strike rate was even more remarkable. He scored at 214.01. His performances helped England and earned him the Player of the Series award. Bangladesh opener Tanzid Hasan is the third player on the shortlist. The left-handed batter was in excellent form during Bangladesh’s white-ball tour of Zimbabwe. He finished as the leading run-scorer across the ODI and T20I series. Tanzid scored 159 runs in three ODIs. He averaged 53.00. He also maintained a strike rate of 89.83. His form continued in the T20I series. Tanzid added another 140 runs in the T20Is. He averaged 70.00 and struck at 127.27. He finished the entire white-ball tour as the highest run-scorer. The three nominees have entered the award race with impressive records. Greaves’ nomination is based on his strong all-round performances in Test cricket. Brook’s case is built around his remarkable T20I form against India. Tanzid has been recognised for his consistency across both ODI and T20I cricket. The final award will recognise the player who made the biggest impact during July.

  • | |

    Philippines school shooting livestreamed by studen…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ZAMBOANGA, Philippines: A school in the southern Philippines was plunged into panic on Tuesday after a Grade 9 student opened fire inside classrooms, killing a fellow student before taking his own life, authorities said. The attack was reportedly livestreamed through a body-worn camera, adding a disturbing dimension to an incident that has renewed concerns over school safety in the country. The shooting occurred at a school attached to the privately run Ateneo de Zamboanga University in Zamboanga city. According to a preliminary police report, the student entered the campus carrying a pistol and a rifle before firing inside two classrooms. Zamboanga Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso said authorities confirmed that the attack had been livestreamed. Reuters said it verified footage showing the shooter entering one classroom and opening fire before switching weapons and moving to another classroom. Police identified the victim as a male Grade 10 student. The gunman, who was a Grade 9 student, later died by suicide. Two other people were wounded, while several students suffered injuries as they attempted to flee the building during the chaos. Classes were subsequently suspended. The motive behind the attack remained unclear. Officials said one of the weapons was a .40-caliber pistol issued by the Bureau of Customs to the shooter’s father, who is a customs official and has since been relieved of his post. A second firearm recovered from the scene was reportedly a licensed weapon belonging to the father. The incident prompted an immediate response from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who ordered law enforcement agencies to investigate the shooting and examine measures to prevent violence in schools. “Our schools are where we entrust our children to learn, to grow and to dream about the lives ahead of them,” Marcos said, stressing that schools should be among the safest places in the country. The school occupies an approximately eight-hectare site and includes facilities for grade school and junior high school students. Videos verified by Reuters showed students rushing from the campus as gunshots could be heard in the background. Tuesday’s attack comes less than two months after another school shooting in the Philippines. In June, at least three students were killed and about 20 others injured when two students opened fire at a public high school in Tacloban City. School shootings remain relatively uncommon in the Philippines, which has regulations covering firearm ownership, including background checks and psychological evaluations. However, officials continue to face challenges from the circulation of illegal firearms. The Zamboanga shooting also came less than 10 days after a student shooting rampage at a school near Bangkok, highlighting growing regional concerns over violence involving young people and the urgent need for stronger safeguards in educational institutions.

  • |

    Alliance Française de Lahore exhibits ‘What…

    ByJustpaste.in

    LAHORE — The gallery at Alliance Française de Lahore opened its doors to art enthusiasts on August 10, 2026. The exhibition presented “What’s Remains”  curated by Anne Sophie Français. The evening paired thought-provoking artworks installations with a lively Kathak dance showcase. The multidisciplinary art offered attendees a rich space and human experience. The art exhibition was curated as a inquiry into what lingers after a place is traversed or a voice is silenced. “What’s Remains“ features new works by three emerging Pakistani visual artists: Rabya Khalid, Sarim Syed and Yumna Salman. They worked across diverse mediums ranging from cyanotypes and charcoal drawings to intricate textile sculptures. Rabya Khalid anchors her compositions in rich cyanotype blues overlaid with soft pastels and color pencils. Rabya focuses on urban architectural features. Water towers, elevated rooftops and quiet watchtowers dominate her skyline studies. Her works cast functional city infrastructure as silent or watchful witnesses to human activity. Sarim Syed utilized delicate charcoal rendering. Sarim creates dreamlike, atmospheric landscapes that occupy the boundary between remembering and forgetting. Her works evoke the lingering sensation of places once inhabited, capturing moments suspended between presence and absence. Yumna Salman brings a tactile, social critique to the gallery space. Yumna knots loose threads onto rigid metal wire mesh. Her labor-intensive textile installations reinterpret traditional weaving techniques to question inherited social norms, gender roles and collective memory. She turned each deliberate knot into an act of quiet resistance. Following the gallery preview, the evening changed into a vibrant 7:30 PM Kathak performance. The performance featured dedicated dance students. They celebrated an intensive month of rhythm, classical movement and expressive storytelling. The fluid footwork and rhythmic precision of the dancers created a unified dialogue with the silent, lingering themes of the surrounding artwork. Alliance Française de Lahore continues to act as an essential platform for emerging talent. The institution provides artists a non-commercial environment to showcase work, inspire public dialogue and strengthen cultural ties between Pakistani and Francophone creative communities. “What’s Remains” invites viewers to engage with stories that endure through art, memory and movement.

  • | |

    Pakistan, US discuss bilateral cooperation and reg…

    ByJustpaste.in

      Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi held a meeting with US Chargé d’Affaires to Pakistan Natalie Baker in Islamabad, where the two sides discussed regional developments, security matters and ways to strengthen cooperation between Pakistan and the United States. The meeting focused on the overall situation in the region, with particular attention given to peace and stability. Both sides exchanged views on ongoing regional developments and discussed the importance of maintaining cooperation to address emerging security challenges. According to the details of the meeting, Pakistan and the United States also discussed their bilateral relationship and explored opportunities to expand cooperation across different areas. The two sides expressed interest in strengthening existing mechanisms of collaboration and developing further partnerships in areas of mutual interest. Law-enforcement cooperation was also an important part of the discussion. Naqvi and Baker exchanged views on joint programmes and training opportunities involving police officers from both countries. Such initiatives were discussed as a means of improving professional capabilities, sharing expertise and strengthening coordination between law-enforcement institutions. The officials also discussed the need for greater cooperation against organised crime, drug trafficking and human smuggling. Both sides agreed to enhance collaboration in these areas, recognising that such crimes often operate across national borders and require coordinated efforts between countries. The discussion highlighted the importance of information sharing, professional training and institutional cooperation in tackling transnational criminal networks. Strengthening law-enforcement coordination could help both countries improve their ability to respond to security threats and combat criminal activities that affect communities in Pakistan and beyond. During the meeting, US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker also praised Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for what she described as his positive diplomatic role in promoting peace and stability in the region. Her remarks came amid broader discussions on regional security and the importance of diplomatic engagement in addressing tensions and maintaining stability. The appreciation reflected the US side’s recognition of Pakistan’s role in contributing to regional peace efforts. The meeting between Naqvi and Baker comes as Pakistan and the United States continue to engage on a range of security and bilateral matters. Cooperation between the two countries has traditionally included areas such as counterterrorism, law enforcement, border security and efforts to combat transnational crime. The latest discussions indicate an effort to further strengthen practical cooperation, particularly in areas directly linked to public security and law enforcement. The proposed police training and exchange programmes could provide opportunities for officers from both countries to learn from each other’s experiences and improve their professional skills. Meanwhile, increased coordination against organised crime, drugs and human trafficking could contribute to more effective efforts against criminal networks. The meeting also underscored the broader importance of the Pakistan-US relationship at a time when regional developments continue to influence security and diplomatic priorities. Both countries have an interest in maintaining communication and cooperation on issues that affect regional peace and stability. Overall, the talks reflected a focus on strengthening bilateral ties through practical cooperation, particularly in law enforcement and security. The agreement to enhance joint efforts against organised crime, drug trafficking and human smuggling, along with discussions on police training programmes, demonstrates the two sides’ shared interest in addressing common challenges. The meeting also provided an opportunity for both officials to reaffirm the importance of continued engagement between Pakistan and the United States on regional peace, stability and security.

  • |

    Real Madrid hails FIFA U-turn on World Cup investor plan

    ByJustpaste.in

    Spanish giants Real Madrid have welcomed FIFA’s decision to abandon a controversial plan that would have opened the door to private investment in the World Cup. FIFA president Gianni Infantino was forced into an embarrassing reversal on Friday. The climbdown came after strong pushback from European football’s governing body UEFA, along with several other confederations who had raised objections to the proposal. In an official statement, Real Madrid called the decision good news for football, its institutions, and the millions of fans who follow the sport worldwide. The club specifically thanked UEFA, along with various confederations and federations, for standing firm and responsibly opposing the project. According to the statement, this collective show of unity and sense of duty helped protect the game at a crucial moment. Notably, Real Madrid was once a founding member of the failed European Super League breakaway project, a venture that had strained its relationship with UEFA for years. However, the two parties reached an agreement back in February 2026, aimed at benefiting European club football and putting past tensions to rest. The controversy at the centre of this latest episode began on Tuesday. FIFA had revealed plans to set up a commercial subsidiary responsible for running its biggest events, including the World Cup and Club World Cup. This subsidiary was designed to be open to private investment, something Infantino claimed could generate as much as $4.2 billion for the organisation. UEFA led the charge against the proposal from the very beginning. The organisation made clear it would boycott all FIFA competitions if the plan went ahead. It also stated openly that it had lost confidence in Infantino’s leadership, adding to the mounting pressure the FIFA chief has faced in recent days. Given Real Madrid’s past history with breakaway football projects, their public support for UEFA in this instance carries added weight. It signals a continued effort by the club to align itself with the sport’s traditional governing structures, rather than commercial ventures that risk disrupting football’s existing institutions. For now, the scrapped plan appears to have averted a serious rift within global football’s governing bodies. Still, with UEFA having openly questioned Infantino’s leadership, uncertainty may continue to surround his position at FIFA in the coming months, even as this particular controversy comes to a close.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *