India reclaim No. 1 spot in T20I rankings after Zimbabwe series win

LONDON:  Senator Lt Gen (R) Abdul Qayyum (HI(M)), President of the Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Society, called for greater respect for international law, dialogue under the umbrella of the United Nations and enhanced cooperation among Muslim countries to address global security challenges, while Forum for International Relations Development (FIRD) Chairman Toaha Qureshi reaffirmed support for Pakistan’s armed forces, saying they remained the country’s defenders and that the Field Marshal had enhanced Pakistan’s reputation on the global stage. Addressing the Second International Conference on Global Peace, organised by FIRD in London, Senator Abdul Qayyum said lasting peace could only be achieved through diplomacy and adherence to international law. “Respect for international law and pursuing dialogue as a strategy for peace under the umbrella of the United Nations can help resolve even the most complex global challenges. Destructive wars can only lead to catastrophic consequences and bring suffering to humanity as a whole,” he said. During his address, the senator argued that the post-Cold War unipolar world had witnessed repeated violations of international law and human rights, weakening the effectiveness of institutions such as the United Nations and the International Court of Justice. Discussing global security, he said colonialism had evolved into neo-colonialism in the modern era and referred to the establishment of US military bases around the world. He also cited recent developments in the Middle East, saying they had highlighted the importance of national self-reliance in defence and strategic planning. Senator Abdul Qayyum said vulnerable states increasingly needed to strengthen their own defence capabilities while developing strategic partnerships through mutual defence agreements. Referring to recent tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States, he said the evolving regional security environment had prompted Gulf countries to reassess their strategic priorities and seek greater autonomy. He said Pakistan, with its strategic geographical location and strong defence capability, could play a constructive role in promoting closer cooperation among Muslim-majority countries. He added that greater unity among Muslim states, beyond sectarian divisions, could strengthen regional stability and collective security. The senator warned that unilateral actions and disregard for international law risked pushing the world towards another major global conflict. Referring to former US President Richard Nixon’s geopolitical doctrine, he said pragmatic diplomacy, a balance of power and economic stability remained essential foundations for international peace. Addressing interfaith harmony, Senator Abdul Qayyum said dialogue and mutual respect remained essential to strengthening relations between different faith communities. He expressed concern over the rise of Islamophobia and called for greater engagement, education and cooperation to counter prejudice and promote peaceful coexistence. Speaking at the conference, FIRD Chairman Toaha Qureshi said Pakistan’s armed forces were the guardians of the country’s sovereignty and deserved the nation’s continued support. “Pakistan’s armed forces are the protectors of the country. We need strong armed forces, and it is necessary that we continue to support this institution,” he said. Qureshi added that Pakistan’s Field Marshal had earned the country greater international recognition and enhanced its standing through his leadership. The conference also heard from educationist and businessman Mian Muhammad Jehangir, who stressed the importance of meaningful education in shaping future generations and driving national development. He said Pakistan’s youth possessed immense talent and potential, adding that investment in quality education, skills development and character-building was essential for the country’s progress. He praised the achievements, resilience and capabilities of Pakistan’s young people, expressing confidence that they would play a pivotal role in building a stronger, more prosperous and globally competitive nation.

In late July, Meghan’s lifestyle range, As Ever, launched a new blackberry spread alongside a softly lit video of her picking the fruit. A month later, she and Prince Harry announced plans to return and live in the UK, just as blackberry season winds down. Whether another such video follows remains unclear, especially since experts say the couple’s wider brand is now at a turning point. Since their departure from royal duties in 2020, most of the Sussexes’ California-based ventures, from streaming deals to fragrance lines, have struggled to draw large audiences. Experts say it’s genuinely unclear what direction they’ll take next. Their UK return has surprised many, and although they will not resume royal duties, questions remain about what comes instead. Oxford marketing professor Andrew Stephen says the couple excelled early at capturing attention and monetising it, but have struggled to turn that into a lasting brand identity. He describes their current portfolio as fragmented, spanning social impact, entertainment and lifestyle, making it hard to define exactly what their brand represents. Their $100 million Netflix deal and $25 million Spotify agreement, both signed in 2020, have delivered underwhelming results by most measures. The Netflix arrangement produced just five shows over five years before being replaced with a lower-commitment, first-look agreement last year. Spotify, meanwhile, parted ways with the couple back in 2023. Branding expert Susan Fournier warns that the couple’s repeated pivots, from royal insiders to critics to media producers to lifestyle influencers, carry real risk. She argues that once a brand shifts direction dramatically, reversing course becomes difficult, and a UK return could look like yet another turn rather than a resolution. Stephen suggests the solution lies in building a focused, coherent set of ventures and credible causes, rather than continuing to diversify. One possibility involves Meghan returning to acting, with reports suggesting talks over a role in Netflix’s “The Gentlemen.” Her lifestyle brand, As Ever, is also expected to continue regardless of the move. A potential relocation to the Cotswolds has also sparked interest, with stylist Laura Stoloff suggesting genuine synergy between Meghan’s brand and English country life. Still, Stephen cautions that a new postcode alone won’t reposition a brand, only consistent action will.