Jungkook returned Felix’s glasses after viral concert moment

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan is in good health, adding that details of his medical condition will eventually be made public. Speaking during a session of the National Assembly, Asif said Imran’s sister had met him and could explain the former prime minister’s current health condition. He said Imran’s eye problem had gradually improved. However, he added that Imran was experiencing a minor blood pressure issue and was being given medication for it. Asif said it was inappropriate to turn Imran’s health into a political issue or give the matter a political colour. Referring to his own experience in prison, the defence minister said he had once been told that he required surgery for a hernia while he was incarcerated. He claimed that Imran had demanded a video at the time to verify whether the surgery was actually taking place. Asif said he still had that video. He added that Imran’s medical report should be reviewed by everyone concerned. “I say on oath that there is no serious issue with Imran Khan,” he said. The defence minister also referred to former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, saying he had undergone two surgeries around two months ago. Despite this, Asif said, discussions about Sharif’s platelet count still continued. Asif accused Imran of previously mocking Nawaz Sharif’s health problems, particularly his platelet count. He said there were hundreds of videos showing Imran making remarks about the issue. He further claimed that Imran had also mocked illnesses during rallies held in the United States, arguing that he had failed to recognise at the time that illness was a genuine matter. The defence minister also recalled the imprisonment of political leaders in the past. He said opposition leaders had been jailed while their colleagues continued attending parliamentary sessions without making threats or linking government business to their release.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has accused political opponents of “stealing” votes in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, urging the state to decide whether the national interest or the interests of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) should take priority. Addressing a PPP workers’ convention in Muzaffarabad, Bilawal claimed that voters in Mirpur and Kotli had been denied their electoral rights and questioned whether the developments surrounding the AJK elections could genuinely be described as democracy. Bilawal thanked the people of Mirpur, saying they had supported the PPP through their votes. However, he alleged that decisions by state institutions appeared to be favouring the PML-N, warning that such a situation would ultimately hurt Kashmir, Pakistan and ordinary citizens. “National interest must come first,” Bilawal said, according to his party’s account of the speech. He maintained that the PPP would stand with the state of Pakistan when it comes to national interests, but not when, in his view, those interests were being confused with the interests of a political party. He also criticised what he described as restrictions on political activity and internet connectivity, saying such measures could undermine the democratic character of AJK. Bilawal argued that shutting down internet services would create an impression inconsistent with the idea of an “Azad Kashmir”. His remarks came after the first phase of the AJK elections in the Mirpur division was marked by clashes, violence and allegations of electoral manipulation. Polling was held across 13 constituencies in Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber, with rival PPP and PML-N supporters accusing each other of irregularities. The election environment also turned violent in Kotli, where one person was killed and others were injured during clashes. The PPP alleged rigging and ballot stuffing in several constituencies, while the wider electoral process remained under scrutiny. Bilawal questioned how attacks could occur at multiple polling stations despite extensive security arrangements. He alleged that the elections were being conducted in phases in a manner that could facilitate manipulation. The PPP chairman further vowed to pursue what he called the rights of party workers and said his party would not accept the denial of its supporters’ mandate. With more phases of polling still to come, demands for free, fair and transparent elections are likely to remain at the centre of political debate in AJK. Bilawal said the PPP’s reconciliation-based political approach should be considered to protect democratic institutions and what he described as the broader Kashmir cause.

The government has introduced a four-year Hajj policy covering arrangements from 2027 to 2030. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf presented the policy on Wednesday. He described it as a major step toward improving and modernising Hajj arrangements in Pakistan. Speaking at a briefing, the minister said this was the first time the government had introduced a four-year Hajj policy. He said the initiative would provide a long-term framework for organising the pilgrimage. Yousaf said the policy had been prepared under the guidance of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. It focuses on technology, transparency and improved services for pilgrims. According to the minister, the new framework aims to bring Pakistan’s Hajj arrangements closer to international standards. It will also introduce several new facilities for pilgrims. For the first time, applicants will have access to a registration and waiting-list system. The government expects the system to make the process more organised and transparent. The minister said the government and private Hajj schemes would retain their existing quota division. Sixty per cent of the quota will remain with the government scheme, while private operators will receive 40 per cent. The Ministry of Religious Affairs will continue to oversee and regulate Hajj arrangements. It will also monitor the performance of private Hajj companies. Under the new policy, applicants will be able to enter the pilgrims’ list after paying 10 per cent of the required amount. The government has also planned greater transparency in procurement. Purchases made in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will be carried out through transparent procedures. Yousaf said any money remaining after meeting the required expenses would be returned to the pilgrims. The measure is aimed at improving financial transparency and protecting the interests of Hajj applicants. The government also plans to change the way private Hajj companies are monitored. Their registration and oversight will not depend only on the quota allocated to them. Instead, their performance will be an important factor in determining their registration and continued participation in the Hajj programme. A digital complaint-resolution system is also being introduced. Pilgrims will be able to submit complaints and seek quick action through the new system. An appeal mechanism will also be established. This will provide pilgrims with another channel to challenge decisions or seek resolution of their complaints. The minister said the government would also improve training programmes for Hajj pilgrims. The aim is to prepare pilgrims more effectively before their departure for Saudi Arabia. The Hajj Muhafiz Scheme will continue under the new policy. The government considers the scheme an important part of its arrangements for pilgrims. Yousaf said the new policy had been developed in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The framework is intended to improve coordination and service delivery during the pilgrimage. The minister said the government’s objective was not limited to managing logistical arrangements. It also wanted to ensure that Pakistani pilgrims received a dignified and comfortable Hajj experience. The estimated cost of the government Hajj package is expected to remain between Rs1.2 million and Rs1.3 million. However, the final cost may depend on various arrangements and expenses associated with the pilgrimage. Yousaf also clarified that any increase or decrease in Pakistan’s Hajj quota would require a decision from the federal cabinet. He said Pakistan had received recognition and awards for its Hajj arrangements in the past. The government now wants to further improve the system through long-term planning and greater use of technology. The four-year policy is expected to provide greater continuity in Hajj preparations. Officials believe the long-term framework will also make planning easier for both the government and pilgrims.

Pakistan has assumed the presidency of the United Nations Conference on Disarmament (CD), taking a leading role in international discussions on arms control and global security. Additional Secretary for Arms Control and Disarmament Tahir Hussain Andrabi is representing Pakistan and will preside over the conference’s meetings during the presidency. Pakistan holds the final presidency of the CD’s 2026 session. It will therefore oversee the conclusion of the conference’s proceedings for the year and guide work on its annual report and the related resolution for the UN General Assembly’s First Committee. As part of the opening activities, Ambassador Andrabi chaired a meeting with former presidents of the conference for the 2026 session. He also held consultations with representatives of different regional groups. The Conference on Disarmament, headquartered at the United Nations Office in Geneva, is the principal multilateral forum for negotiating international disarmament and arms-control agreements. The forum has 65 member states, including countries that possess nuclear weapons. Its discussions cover some of the most sensitive issues affecting international peace and security. Key areas on its agenda include preventing a nuclear arms race, reducing the risk of nuclear war and stopping the weaponisation of outer space. The conference and its predecessor bodies have played a significant role in developing major international security agreements. These include the Biological Weapons Convention, Chemical Weapons Convention and Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Pakistan’s presidency comes at a time when nuclear risks, arms competition and emerging security challenges remain major concerns for the international community. The Foreign Office said Pakistan’s leadership of the conference reflects international confidence in its diplomatic role and its continued engagement in multilateral arms-control efforts.