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ITF Masters World Championship, Aisam-ul-Haq and Aqeel Khan reach semifinals

ByJustpaste.in

Pakistan’s veteran tennis stars Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan produced a dramatic comeback to reach the men’s 45+ doubles semifinals at the ITF Masters World Championship.

The Pakistani pair defeated Spain’s Francisco Xavier Martinez Vina and Pedro Nieto Oriana in a thrilling quarterfinal that went down to a deciding match tiebreak.

After losing the opening set 6-7, Aisam and Aqeel refused to let the match slip away. They raised their intensity in the second set, saving two match points before forcing the contest into a tiebreak.

The Pakistanis held their nerve when it mattered most, winning the second-set tiebreak 7-6 to level the contest and set up a decisive match tiebreak.

They then produced their best tennis of the match, racing to a commanding 10-2 victory in the deciding breaker to complete an impressive turnaround.

The result sends the experienced Pakistani duo into the semifinals, where they will face a Ukrainian pair for a place in the final.

The success also adds to an already impressive campaign for both players. Aisam and Aqeel have reached the semifinals in mixed doubles as well, although they are competing with different partners.

Aqeel has advanced alongside Germany’s Eline Aranas Roth, while Aisam has reached the mixed doubles semifinals with Austria’s Nina Hermann.

For Aisam, the tournament continues to underline his remarkable longevity in international tennis. The former Pakistan Davis Cup star remains a major presence in the Masters circuit, while Aqeel’s performances have further strengthened Pakistan’s challenge in Lisbon.

Their latest comeback will give the pair considerable confidence heading into the semifinals. After surviving two match points and overturning a first-set defeat, Aisam and Aqeel now stand just one victory away from reaching the championship final.

Pakistan will be hoping the experienced duo can carry their momentum into the next round and add another major achievement to their impressive Masters campaign.

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    Federal Cabinet Interference in CCI matters violat…

    ByJustpaste.in

      Islamabad: The federal cabinet has no constitutional authority to decide matters reserved for the Council of Common Interests, a Senate sub committee has declared, warning that continued cabinet interference in electricity, petroleum, gas, railways, ports and regulatory bodies is damaging provincial rights and weakening constitutional protection for smaller provinces. The Senate Sub Committee on Devolution, chaired by Senator Barrister Zamir Hussain Ghumro, directed that matters falling under the CCI must not be taken to the federal cabinet. The committee said the Prime Minister should place such issues before the CCI and call its meetings frequently. According to the committee, Article 154 of the Constitution gives the CCI responsibility over subjects listed in Part II of the Federal Legislative List. The committee argued that these powers belong to the CCI rather than the federal cabinet. It said this constitutional arrangement was created to protect provinces from decisions dominated by the federal government. The committee particularly highlighted the position of smaller provinces. It noted that Punjab has 141 seats in the National Assembly while the other three provinces together have 122 seats. According to the committee, putting important provincial matters under the CCI provides protection against decisions based only on the strength of the majority in the National Assembly. The committee said the CCI should be reconstituted in a way that ensures equality among provinces. It also called for more frequent CCI meetings so important disputes between the federation and provinces are not left unresolved. The committee said the prices of electricity, petroleum, gas and medicines should be supervised and controlled through the CCI rather than the federal cabinet. It argued that federal executive authority must operate within the Constitution and that Article 154 gives the CCI authority over relevant subjects. The committee also said major national organisations and sectors connected with Part II of the Federal Legislative List should come under the CCI. These include Railways, Petroleum, Electricity, Ports and several regulatory bodies. The committee specifically named OGRA, NEPRA, PEMRA and PTA among institutions whose matters, in its view, should fall under the CCI framework. It said Planning and Development authorities and other bodies working in fields covered by Part II should also operate under CCI authority instead of federal cabinet control. The committee strongly objected to federal cabinet involvement in these areas. It said interference by the federal cabinet in CCI subjects was contrary to Article 97 read with Article 154 of the Constitution. One of the most serious issues discussed was the planned privatization of electricity distribution companies. The committee stated that the privatization of companies including IESCO, FESCO, LESCO, GESCO, SEPCO and HESCO cannot proceed without CCI approval from the Power Division or Privatization Commission. It argued that taking such decisions without the CCI would violate Articles 154 and 157 of the Constitution. The committee directed that the privatization of electricity distribution companies must be placed before the CCI. It also referred to the Supreme Court judgement in the Mian Nawaz Sharif case and said the CCI should be involved before such major decisions are taken. The committee rejected the federal government’s reliance on the Gadoon Amazai ruling regarding CCI meetings. It said Parliament had already addressed the issue of meeting frequency by requiring the CCI to meet at least once every three months or earlier when urgent matters arise. The committee therefore called on the Prime Minister to convene CCI meetings regularly. According to members, failure to use the CCI weakens the constitutional voice of provinces and allows issues affecting the entire federation to be decided through the federal cabinet. The panel also questioned several ministries, divisions and state owned bodies dealing with subjects it believes belong either to the provinces or the CCI. It said federal structures created around provincial or CCI subjects should be devolved or closed where required, without harming employees. Among the institutions and sectors the committee mentioned included Water Resources, Railways, Industries, Statistics, Petroleum, Inter-Provincial Coordination, Planning and Development and WAPDA. The committee also referred to regulatory bodies and other organisations whose functions, it said, should be examined according to the constitutional division of powers. Members said the purpose of the CCI was not simply to hold occasional meetings. They described it as a constitutional mechanism designed to allow the federation and provinces to jointly decide major national matters. The committee warned that bypassing the CCI could create mistrust between the provinces and the federal government. It said smaller provinces need the CCI to ensure they have a meaningful voice in decisions involving national resources, energy, infrastructure and regulation. The committee directed the federal government to amend its Rules of Business within 15 days so that matters falling under the CCI are handled according to the Constitution. It asked the government to submit a report explaining the changes made. The message from the committee was clear. Major decisions involving electricity, petroleum, gas, railways, ports, regulators and other CCI subjects should not be decided by the federal cabinet alone. The committee wants these matters taken back to the Council of Common Interests, with the Prime Minister required to use the constitutional forum regularly to protect provincial rights and build agreement between the federation and all four provinces.

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    Minal Khan and Ahsan enjoy Disneyland Paris trip with son

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    Pakistani actors Minal Khan and Ahsan Mohsin Ikram continue to give fans a glimpse into their beautiful family life as they enjoy a memorable summer vacation across Europe. The celebrity couple, who have both made their mark in the Pakistani entertainment industry, have been spending quality time together with their young son, Hassan. Their European getaway has turned into a special family adventure, with the couple sharing glimpses of their travels and precious moments with their fans along the way. Minal Khan is widely recognised for her performances in several popular Pakistani dramas. She has appeared in successful serials including Jalan, Nand, Hassad and Ishq Hua, among others. While Minal continued her acting career after marriage, Ahsan Mohsin Ikram gradually stepped away from the entertainment industry and turned his attention towards his business ventures. The couple tied the knot and later welcomed their son, Hassan, who has become an important part of their lives. Since becoming parents, Minal and Ahsan have often offered fans sweet glimpses of their family moments, with their little boy frequently stealing the spotlight. This summer, the family decided to embark on an extended trip to Europe. Minal and Ahsan travelled with their son as well as Ahsan’s father, Mohsin Ikram. During their journey, they explored several destinations and documented different moments from their travels. The family has already enjoyed time in Amsterdam and Germany and has now arrived in Paris, where they are making the most of their vacation. Their latest outing was particularly special as they took Hassan to the famous Disneyland Paris. The family appeared to have a wonderful time at the theme park, enjoying various attractions and rides together. For Minal and Ahsan, the outing was not only about exploring one of Paris’ most popular destinations but also about creating lasting childhood memories for their son. Minal looked stylish yet effortless for the family day out. She opted for a simple white tank top paired with a black skirt, creating a comfortable and chic vacation look. Ahsan, meanwhile, chose a black dress shirt with shorts for the outing. Their son Hassan looked equally adorable in a white T-shirt paired with denim. The little boy appeared to enjoy the magical atmosphere of Disneyland Paris as the family spent time exploring the park and experiencing its attractions. The Disneyland visit added another memorable chapter to the family’s European adventure. From exploring different cities to spending relaxed moments together, Minal and Ahsan’s vacation appears to be filled with family bonding and special experiences. Fans have been enjoying the couple’s travel updates, particularly the heartwarming glimpses featuring Hassan. Their latest Disneyland outing once again highlighted the joy they share as a family while travelling through Europe together. As their Paris stay continues, fans will undoubtedly be looking forward to seeing more moments from Minal, Ahsan and little Hassan’s European journey.

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    London motorway chaos: M25 closed after major industrial fire near St Albans

    ByJustpaste.in

    A major industrial fire near London has forced the closure of the M25 in both directions, triggering widespread traffic disruption and fears of possible explosions. The blaze broke out at a commercial premises in Ventura Park, near St Albans, shortly after 9.20am on Tuesday. Huge plumes of thick smoke could be seen rising over the motorway as firefighters rushed to contain the fire. The M25 has been closed between Junction 21A and Junction 22, with motorists warned to avoid the area and use alternative routes. Emergency services took the decision to close the motorway amid concerns over smoke, falling debris and the potential for secondary explosions from the industrial site. Multiple fire appliances have been deployed to tackle the blaze, while police officers are also at the scene managing the emergency and surrounding traffic. National Highways has warned motorists to expect significant delays and congestion, urging drivers to allow extra time for their journeys or avoid the affected area altogether. The incident has caused major disruption on one of London’s key orbital routes, with congestion building on surrounding roads as traffic is diverted away from the closed section. Residents close to the fire have been advised to keep windows and doors closed because of the heavy smoke. The fire is also close to a railway line, with Network Rail representatives liaising with firefighters as emergency services assess the situation. The cause of the fire has not yet been established. Emergency crews remain at the scene and the M25 will stay closed while firefighters work to bring the blaze under control and authorities determine when it is safe to reopen the motorway. Motorists are being urged not to travel towards the affected section and to follow official traffic and emergency-service instructions. The incident remains ongoing.

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    Pro-Palestine activists call for Spider-Man film boycott

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pro-Palestinian campaigners in Lebanon, Jordan and other parts of the Arab world have urged audiences to boycott Spider-Man: Brand New Day, citing producer Avi Arad’s public support for Israel. The boycott campaign is focused on Arad’s political views and background rather than the film’s storyline, cast or other members of its production team. The Campaign to Boycott Supporters of Israel in Lebanon called on audiences to avoid purchasing tickets for the film. The group argued that spending money on a production associated with individuals who openly support Israel could contribute to what it described as cultural normalisation. The campaign also urged cinemas and audiences to reject paid screenings of the movie as part of broader efforts to oppose Israeli policies. A similar call was issued in Jordan by the Taharrak anti-normalisation movement. The group urged the public to boycott the film and called on cinemas to remove it from their screening schedules. The campaign also appealed to the Jordanian Artists Syndicate, cinema operators and other relevant organisations to take a position against the movie’s screening. Activists and social media personalities in other Arab countries have subsequently amplified the boycott calls. Spider-Man: Brand New Day stars Tom Holland as Peter Parker and is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. Marvel lists Arad among the film’s producers, alongside Kevin Feige, Amy Pascal and Rachel O’Connor. Arad, a former Marvel Studios chief, holds both Israeli and US citizenship. He served in the Israeli military from 1965 to 1968 and was involved in the 1967 Six-Day War. Campaigners have also pointed to comments Arad made in 2024 while criticising then-US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Schumer had described Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as an obstacle to peace and called for new elections in Israel. In a letter published by entertainment outlet TheWrap, Arad rejected Schumer’s position and argued that US politicians should not seek to influence Israel’s electoral process. He also referred to his military service and opposed Schumer’s position regarding a ceasefire. Pro-Palestinian campaigners say Arad’s statements reflect his political support for Israel and argue that audiences should avoid financially supporting productions linked to him. The impact of the boycott campaign on the film’s commercial performance remains uncertain. Despite the calls for a boycott, the movie continued to screen in Lebanon, where a representative of the Grand Cinemas chain said shortly after its release that audience demand remained strong.

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    Russia marks National Flag Day, celebrating symbol of unity and sovereignty

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    Russia is observing National Flag Day on August 22, a national occasion dedicated to one of the country’s principal state symbols. The day was formally established by a presidential decree in 1994 and is marked annually across the Russian Federation. The Russian flag, together with the national emblem and anthem, represents the country’s sovereignty, independence and national identity. Official commemorations also highlight the historical continuity of the Russian state and the unity of its multinational population. The tricolour has a history stretching back more than three centuries. Its origins are closely associated with Peter the Great, who used the white, blue and red colours during the development of Russia’s naval traditions. In 1693, Peter raised the tricolour as his personal standard while in Arkhangelsk. Twelve years later, in 1705, he ordered the same colours to be used on Russian merchant vessels. Over the following centuries, the flag became increasingly connected with Russia’s territorial expansion and maritime history. Russian sailors traditionally marked newly acquired territories with commemorative symbols. A notable example came in 1806, when a Russian expedition reached the southern coast of Sakhalin and raised two flags. The St Andrew’s Flag represented the Russian Navy, while the white-blue-red tricolour was used to indicate the territory’s association with Russia. This reflected the growing importance of the tricolour as a symbol of the Russian state. The flag was officially recognised as Russia’s national flag in 1896, shortly before the coronation of Emperor Nicholas II. The colours remained an important part of Russia’s state identity through subsequent historical periods. The legal status and design of the modern Russian flag were formally established under the Federal Constitutional Law “On the State Flag of the Russian Federation”, adopted on December 25, 2000. Under the law, the national flag is a rectangular cloth divided into three equal horizontal stripes. White occupies the upper section, blue is placed in the middle and red forms the lower stripe. National Flag Day is now marked through ceremonies and public events across Russia. Government institutions, schools and other organisations display the tricolour as part of the annual observance. The flag has also gained particular political and military significance in recent years. Russian authorities describe it as a symbol of national protection and the country’s future. In areas under Russian control during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russian servicemen have raised the tricolour over settlements that Moscow describes as having been “liberated.” Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly linked the national flag with the country’s historical identity and national unity. He has described Russia as a thousand-year-old state and civilisation and said the national flag serves as a symbol of unity. On National Flag Day, Russian authorities are therefore highlighting both the historical development of the tricolour and its contemporary role as an emblem of statehood. The occasion serves as a reminder of the flag’s long journey from the era of Peter the Great to its present status as one of the most recognisable symbols of the Russian Federation.

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    Dar, Jordan FM discuss West Bank crisis and Palest…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held talks with his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi in Amman on Wednesday, where both leaders reviewed the worsening situation in the occupied West Bank and reaffirmed their support for the Palestinian cause. The meeting took place on the sidelines of a ministerial conference focused on developing a coordinated stance on the situation in occupied Jerusalem. During the discussions, the two foreign ministers exchanged views on recent regional developments, with particular attention to escalating tensions in the Palestinian territories. Dar praised Jordan’s longstanding role in protecting the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and acknowledged Amman’s continued support for the Palestinian people. Both sides also expressed satisfaction over the growing momentum in Pakistan-Jordan relations and pledged to further expand cooperation in political, economic, defence, education, cultural and people-to-people exchanges. The two leaders also discussed broader regional issues, including recent developments involving the United States and Iran. They stressed that dialogue and diplomacy remain essential for reducing tensions and maintaining regional peace and stability. Both ministers agreed to continue close coordination at bilateral and multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), to address regional challenges and promote peaceful solutions. During his visit, Dar also met Somalia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdisalam Abdi Ali. The two leaders reviewed longstanding bilateral relations and explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation in politics, trade, defence, education and capacity-building. They also reaffirmed their commitment to working closely on issues of mutual interest at international forums. Dar is attending the ministerial meeting in Jordan to join foreign ministers from Arab League member states and several Islamic countries in formulating a unified response to developments in occupied Jerusalem. Pakistan is expected to reiterate its consistent support for the Palestinian people and call for the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

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