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    White House considers removing top DC prosecutor over dropped monument case

    US President Donald Trump is contemplating the dismissal of Jeanine Pirro from her position as US Attorney for the District of Columbia following her department’s move to abandon the criminal prosecution related to damage at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The decision by federal prosecutors to drop charges against former Olympian David Hearn came after evidence revealed the peeling liner stemmed from a rushed, substandard renovation rather than criminal intent. Trump reportedly felt caught unawares by the court submission, publicly rebuking Pirro for backing down under judicial pressure and claiming she buckled during proceedings. In defence of her office’s actions, Pirro explained that crucial documentation regarding the botched installation was withheld by the Department of the Interior until after the original indictment had been filed. Conversely, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum disputed this account, continuing to insist that intentional destruction caused the damage. Formal dismissal of the charges against Hearn remains pending before the court.

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    Romanian forces execute controlled detonation on Danube to safeguard nuclear energy supply

    Romanian naval forces detonated 180 kilogrammes of explosives to clear a massive rock obstruction in the drought-stricken Danube River, attempting to channel essential cooling water towards the country’s sole remaining functional nuclear reactor at Cernavoda. The blast was designed to clear the riverbed and facilitate the construction of a temporary dam to boost water volume heading to the facility. The intervention follows Romania’s declaration of a nationwide state of emergency for August after record-low water levels forced one reactor to shut down entirely. Romanian Defence Minister Radu Miruta defended the costs of the operation, emphasising that maintaining operational capacity at the facility even for a few additional days far outweighs the financial expenditure. Regional energy strains are mounting simultaneously in neighbouring Hungary, where severe water depletion at the Paks nuclear power station has drastically cut output. Prime Minister Peter Magyar warned that a complete plant shutdown could occur next week without weather relief, urging regional coordination and energy restraint to avoid a wider crisis as low rainfall continues across Eastern Europe.

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    45,000 attend arbaeen procession in Dearborn

    More than 45,000 mourners gathered in Dearborn, Michigan, for a major procession marking Arbaeen, the 40th day of mourning following the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions at the Battle of Karbala. The large gathering brought together members of the Shia Muslim community from Dearborn and other parts of Michigan, with participants filling the city’s streets to pay tribute to Imam Hussain (RA) and remember the sacrifices made at Karbala. During the procession, mourners recited elegies and took part in traditional mourning rituals, expressing grief and devotion while commemorating the events of Karbala. The gathering also served as an opportunity for participants to reflect on the values associated with Imam Hussain (RA), including justice, courage, sacrifice, and standing against oppression. The procession featured a strong display of religious devotion as thousands of participants marched through the streets in an atmosphere of mourning and remembrance. Families and community members joined the event, making it a significant religious gathering for the local Muslim population. Organizers described the event as the largest Arbaeen gathering of its kind in the history of the United States. They said the growing number of participants demonstrates the increasing scale of the annual commemoration and the strong connection of the community with the religious and historical significance of Karbala. The turnout also marked a notable increase compared with last year’s event. Around 40,000 people reportedly attended the Arbaeen procession in Dearborn in the previous year, while this year’s gathering attracted more than 45,000 participants. Arbaeen holds deep religious importance for Shia Muslims worldwide. It marks the completion of 40 days of mourning for Imam Hussain (RA), who was martyred alongside members of his family and companions at Karbala in 680 AD. Millions of people participate in Arbaeen commemorations across different countries, with the annual pilgrimage in Iraq drawing one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. The Dearborn procession has become an important annual event for the city’s Shia Muslim community, allowing participants to come together to remember the tragedy of Karbala and honor the legacy of Imam Hussain (RA).

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    Police martyrs are nation’s true heroes: Mohsin …

    Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has paid tribute to the police personnel who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, saying their courage and sacrifices represent a proud and unforgettable chapter in Pakistan’s national history. In a statement, the interior minister described the martyrs of the police force as the nation’s true heroes, saying the people of Pakistan will always remember their services and sacrifices. He highlighted the crucial role police officers and personnel have played in maintaining peace and protecting citizens across the country. Naqvi said the police force has shown remarkable courage and determination in the fight against terrorism and crime. He praised the officers and जवान who continue to perform their duties under challenging and dangerous circumstances to protect lives and maintain law and order. The interior minister added that the sacrifices of police martyrs have made a lasting contribution to the country’s peace, security and stability. He said the nation remains deeply grateful to the brave officers and personnel who gave their lives while serving the country. Mohsin Naqvi further said Pakistanis salute the courage and dedication of the police martyrs and their families, whose sacrifices continue to inspire the nation. He stressed that the services of those who laid down their lives for peace and security will remain a source of pride for the country.

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    West Indies post 344 as Sajid Khan shines, Pakistan face must-win Test

    PORT OF SPAIN: Pakistan’s hopes of leveling the two-match Test series remain alive after restricting the West Indies to 344 all out on the opening innings of the second Test, thanks largely to an impressive four-wicket haul from off-spinner Sajid Khan. After winning the toss at Port of Spain, West Indies captain Roston Chase opted to bat first, a decision that paid dividends as his side produced several valuable partnerships to build a competitive first-innings total. Middle-order batter Justin Greaves led the resistance with a composed 73, while captain Chase contributed a determined 70 to anchor the innings. Opener Brandon King added 46, with Shai Hope making 29 and Amir Jangoo chipping in with 26. Pakistan’s bowlers, however, fought back effectively after the hosts appeared set for an even bigger total. Sajid Khan emerged as the standout performer, using sharp turn and disciplined lines to finish with four wickets and halt West Indies’ progress at crucial moments. Fast bowlers Obaid Shah, Mohammad Ali and Ali Usman also made significant contributions, claiming two wickets each to ensure the home side was bowled out for 344. Speaking at the toss, Pakistan captain Babar Azam revealed that he would also have chosen to bat first had he won the toss. He expressed confidence in his squad, saying the team was determined to play positive cricket and bounce back strongly after losing the opening Test. On the other hand, Roston Chase said his team wanted to turn its home ground into a fortress and therefore retained the same playing XI for the crucial encounter. The second Test carries enormous significance for Pakistan, who trail 1-0 in the two-match series. A victory is essential to square the series, while another defeat would hand the West Indies an emphatic series triumph. With the hosts setting a challenging target of 344 in the first innings, all eyes are now on Pakistan’s batting lineup. The visitors will need a disciplined and resilient performance to seize control of the contest and keep their hopes of salvaging the series alive.

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    President Zardari hails Police martyrs’ sacr…

    ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has paid glowing tribute to Pakistan’s police martyrs, describing their courage, unwavering commitment and ultimate sacrifices as a source of immense pride for the nation. In his message on Police Martyrs’ Day, the president praised law enforcement personnel for standing on the front lines against terrorism and organized crime, saying their bravery has played a vital role in safeguarding the country’s peace and stability. President Zardari said the sacrifices made by police officers in the fight against terrorists and their foreign-backed supporters would always be remembered. He noted that countless officers had laid down their lives while protecting citizens, defending the rule of law and ensuring national security. Highlighting the force’s professional achievements, the president said police departments across Pakistan had successfully disrupted terrorist plots and dismantled criminal networks through intelligence-based operations, dedication and professional expertise. He added that their services continue to strengthen public confidence in the country’s security institutions. The president reserved special praise for the police forces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, acknowledging their exceptional courage in confronting terrorism under extremely challenging conditions. He said officers in both provinces have consistently demonstrated resilience and extraordinary commitment despite facing significant risks. President Zardari also expressed solidarity with the families of fallen police personnel, saying the nation salutes their patience, perseverance and strength. He stressed that supporting the families of police martyrs is a shared responsibility of both the state and society, adding that their welfare and well-being must remain a national priority. Emphasizing the need for stronger law enforcement institutions, the president said the government would continue efforts to modernize the police through improved training, advanced technology and better operational resources. He noted that equipping officers with modern tools and professional skills is essential for effectively responding to evolving security challenges. The message comes as Pakistan continues to face security threats in several regions, where police personnel remain actively engaged in counterterrorism operations alongside other security agencies. The president said the bravery and sacrifices of police officers serve as a lasting reminder of their dedication to protecting the nation. Police Martyrs’ Day is observed across Pakistan each year to honor officers who lost their lives in the line of duty and to recognize the invaluable contributions of law enforcement personnel in maintaining peace, public safety and the rule of law.

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    Israel won’t leave Gaza until Hamas disarms, Pea…

    JERUSALEM: Israeli forces will not withdraw from the Gaza Strip until Hamas is fully disarmed, according to Nikolay Mladenov, following high-level talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The remarks came after a meeting in West Jerusalem between Mladenov, who heads the US-backed Board of Peace, and Netanyahu, where the two sides discussed the future of Gaza, regional security and the implementation of a proposed peace framework. According to a statement issued by the Board of Peace, reports suggesting that Israel had agreed to withdraw from Gaza before Hamas is disarmed are inaccurate. The organization stressed that the Israeli military’s withdrawal would only take place once Hamas had surrendered all of its weapons, including both light and heavy arms, and dismantled its network of underground tunnels. “The objective is clear and leaves no room for ambiguity,” the Board of Peace said in a statement shared on social media. It added that the long-term goal is the complete removal of weapons from the Gaza Strip and the transition toward civilian governance capable of maintaining stability and security. The meeting also highlighted concerns raised by Israeli political leaders regarding the peace initiative recently announced by the US president. While details of the proposal have not been fully disclosed, Israeli officials reportedly voiced reservations about aspects of the plan during discussions with Mladenov. Meanwhile, Hamas rejected the latest position, insisting that implementation of any agreement would remain impossible unless Israel fulfills its own obligations under the proposed framework. The group argued that both parties must comply with agreed commitments for any lasting ceasefire or political settlement to succeed. According to a news agency report citing two people familiar with the discussions, Mladenov also urged Netanyahu to halt Israeli military operations in Gaza, emphasizing the importance of reducing violence and creating conditions for diplomatic progress. Despite a ceasefire announced in October 2025, Israeli military operations in Gaza have continued, with both sides accusing each other of violating understandings reached under previous agreements. The continued fighting has complicated international efforts to revive negotiations and address the humanitarian situation in the territory. The latest statements underscore the deep divisions that continue to hinder peace efforts, with disarmament, security guarantees and governance remaining among the most contentious issues in negotiations over Gaza’s future.

  • Rana Sanaullah predicts PML-N victory in AJK polls

    Adviser to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Political Affairs, Senator Rana Sanaullah, has said that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari knows very well that the elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) were conducted in a free and fair manner. Rana Sanaullah expressed confidence that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) would perform strongly in the next phase of the AJK elections. He predicted that his party could win seven out of the 10 seats being contested in the upcoming stage. The PML-N leader also criticised the PPP’s election campaign, claiming that the party had entered the second phase of the electoral process while continuing what he described as a propaganda campaign. He expressed hope that after the completion of the third phase, the PPP would accept the election results. Rana Sanaullah attributed the PML-N’s electoral support in AJK to the development work carried out by the party’s government in Punjab. He said voters in AJK had taken note of Punjab’s progress and consequently supported the PML-N. He further stated that the PML-N does not intend to form a coalition government in AJK and instead aims to establish its own government. His remarks indicate that the party expects to secure enough seats to govern independently after the completion of all phases of the elections. Addressing the issue of creating new provinces, Rana Sanaullah rejected reports that the PML-N had reached a clear or formal position on the matter. He said no party meeting had taken place where members adopted a definitive stance on the creation of new provinces, adding that the issue does not currently form part of the party’s agenda. The senator also defended Pakistan’s parliamentary democratic system and the Constitution of 1973, arguing that neither suffers from any fundamental structural flaw. According to him, the same constitutional framework has kept the country united for nearly five decades despite political crises, military coups and periods of authoritarian rule. Rana Sanaullah maintained that the real problem lies not in the system itself but in the failure of political actors and institutions to follow the Constitution sincerely and consistently. He argued that if the country adheres to the constitutional framework and respects democratic principles, the existing system can effectively deliver results. He further said that repeatedly violating constitutional principles and keeping the democratic system under unnecessary pressure prevents it from functioning properly. Rana Sanaullah expressed confidence that the parliamentary system and the 1973 Constitution have demonstrated their resilience over the past half-century and can continue to serve the country successfully in the future if all stakeholders implement them in letter and spirit.

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    Pakistan’s Nasir Iqbal reaches International Squash final

    KARACHI: Pakistan’s Nasir Iqbal delivered a commanding performance to secure a place in the final of the PN Fleet Club Open International Squash Championship, keeping the country’s title hopes alive with a convincing straight-games victory in the semi-finals. Competing at the Pakistan Navy Roshan Khan-Jahangir Khan Squash Complex, Nasir outclassed Egypt’s Yase Al Shafe in an impressive display that lasted just 24 minutes. The Pakistani star dominated throughout the contest, winning 11-5, 11-7 and 11-5 to book his spot in Tuesday’s final. Nasir looked in complete control from the opening game, combining aggressive shot-making with precise movement around the court. His clinical performance left his Egyptian opponent with little opportunity to recover, underlining the form that has made him one of Pakistan’s standout performers in the tournament. The victory has raised hopes of another international title for Pakistan, with Nasir now just one win away from lifting the prestigious trophy. In the other semi-final, Pakistan’s Asim Khan saw his campaign come to an end after suffering a 3-1 defeat against Egypt’s Salman Khalil. Despite a determined effort, Asim was unable to overcome the Egyptian player, who advanced to set up a final showdown with Nasir Iqbal. The championship, organized by the Sindh Squash Association, has attracted top international players and carries a prize purse of $41,000, making it one of the region’s significant squash events. The final is scheduled to be played on Tuesday at 4:00 pm, where Nasir will aim to cap his outstanding run with the championship title. His impressive form throughout the tournament has generated excitement among Pakistani squash fans, who are hoping to see another memorable triumph on home soil. With confidence high and momentum firmly on his side, Nasir Iqbal now stands on the brink of adding another major international achievement to Pakistan’s rich squash legacy.

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    Drone attack near Moscow kills 5, injures 6

    A drone attack in the Moscow region has killed at least five people and left six others critically injured, according to Russian news agencies. The attack reportedly struck an area near the Russian capital, causing a fire inside a warehouse. The blaze added to the damage caused by the drone strike and prompted emergency responders to move quickly to the scene. Rescue workers and medical teams are assisting those affected by the incident, while the injured victims have been taken for medical treatment. Officials have described the condition of six injured people as critical, raising concerns that the death toll could increase in the coming hours. Authorities are assessing the extent of the damage and continuing emergency operations at the site. The exact circumstances surrounding the drone attack, including the origin of the drones and the intended target, have not yet been fully established. The incident comes amid heightened security concerns in and around Moscow, where drone attacks have periodically targeted the Russian capital and surrounding areas. Such incidents have prompted authorities to strengthen air-defence measures and increase security around key infrastructure and industrial facilities. Russian officials are expected to provide further details as emergency teams complete their work and investigators examine the scene. The latest attack has once again highlighted the growing security challenges posed by drone warfare and its potential impact on civilian areas and critical facilities.