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    Kashmir is Pakistan’s jugular vein: Rana Qasim N…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Chairman of the Parliamentary Kashmir Committee and Federal Minister Rana Qasim Noon has said that Kashmir remains central to Pakistan’s national interests, stressing that the country has already fought wars to defend the region and will continue to stand by the Kashmiri people. Speaking about the current regional situation, Noon alleged that following India’s defeat in last year’s conflict, New Delhi has been attempting to create instability in Balochistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He warned that Pakistan would not allow any external force to undermine its sovereignty or destabilize the country. Noon said Azad Kashmir is an integral part of Pakistan and asserted that no power in the world could separate it from the country. He also criticized attacks and abusive behavior directed at the military, police and other state institutions, saying that such conduct would not be tolerated in any country. The federal minister said the government has previously responded to public demands by providing relief and would continue to address genuine concerns in the future. However, he firmly rejected calls to withdraw the voting rights and political representation of refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir living in Pakistan. According to Noon, removing the political rights of Kashmiri refugees would amount to betraying the sacrifices made by the Kashmiri people over decades. He maintained that refugees from occupied Kashmir must retain their right to vote and participate in the political process. The Kashmir Committee chairman also drew attention to the ongoing situation in Indian-administered Kashmir, alleging that Indian authorities continue to suppress the Kashmiri population. He said several Kashmiri leaders have remained imprisoned for decades, with some spending between 30 and 40 years behind bars. Noon further accused India of altering the demographic landscape of occupied Kashmir by issuing what he described as fraudulent domiciles to Indian citizens and facilitating their settlement in the region. He argued that those advocating the removal of refugees’ voting rights were, knowingly or unknowingly, supporting an agenda that serves India’s interests. He vowed that such efforts would not succeed and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the political and democratic rights of Kashmiri refugees. The minister called for unity on the Kashmir issue and said Pakistan would continue to raise its voice for the rights of the people of Kashmir at national and international forums.

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    Spokane wildfires destroy 700 homes, force 64,000 to flee

    ByJustpaste.in

    SPOKANE: Devastating wildfires sweeping across the outskirts of Spokane, Washington, have destroyed more than 700 buildings, displaced 64,000 residents, and prompted fears that fatalities may be discovered as emergency crews struggle to contain the fast-moving infernos. The cluster of three major wildfires, which erupted over the weekend, has become the highest firefighting priority in the United States, with more than 1,100 firefighters deployed to battle the flames. Despite their efforts, officials confirmed that none of the fires had been contained by Monday. The blazes have scorched over 8,000 acres (3,200 hectares) on the northern edge of Spokane, Washington’s second-largest city, located near the Idaho border. Thick smoke has blanketed the region, reducing visibility and worsening air quality across large parts of the Pacific Northwest. Dramatic aerial footage showed firefighting aircraft repeatedly dropping fire retardant over forests as towering flames raced toward residential neighborhoods. Entire communities have been reduced to ashes, with officials warning that another 400 structures may also have been damaged or destroyed. For many families, the evacuation came with little warning. Among them was Kami Fehlig, who fled her home with her husband, two daughters and family dog after watching flames leap across the Spokane River and race toward their neighborhood. “We knew we had to leave immediately,” she recalled. “We grabbed our wedding album, baby books, pet supplies and whatever we could carry before the power went out.” Hours later, the family learned that their home and surrounding neighborhood had been completely destroyed. Authorities said thousands more residents remain under mandatory evacuation orders as shifting winds continue to threaten additional communities. Emergency officials also warned that the full scale of the disaster may not yet be known. Several people have been reported missing, while search teams have been unable to access some of the hardest-hit areas because of intense fire activity. “There is a high probability that fatalities will be found once crews can safely enter devastated neighborhoods,” incident command spokesperson Benjamin Cossel said. The cause of the fires remains under investigation. The Spokane fires are part of an exceptionally severe wildfire season gripping the Pacific Northwest. Washington alone is battling 15 major wildfires, with more than 250,000 acres already burned. Across the United States, officials have recorded over 44,700 wildfires so far this year, consuming nearly 5.2 million acres, making it one of the worst fire seasons in recent years. Neighboring British Columbia, Canada, is also experiencing intense wildfire activity fueled by record drought conditions and extreme heat. Fire managers hope a brief period of cooler temperatures and lighter winds will help firefighters make progress before another round of scorching weather arrives later this week. Scientists say increasingly frequent and intense wildfire seasons across North America and Europe are being driven by prolonged drought, rising temperatures and other effects linked to human-caused climate change, leaving communities facing ever-growing environmental and economic challenges.

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    Iranian president rejects resignation rumours

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    TEHRAN: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has firmly denied reports claiming he had submitted his resignation, saying he remains fully committed to leading the country despite ongoing regional tensions and recent military escalation involving the United States. Speaking in a televised address, Pezeshkian dismissed speculation about stepping down, stating that he would publicly announce such a decision if it were ever made. He emphasized that he has no intention of resigning and will continue carrying out his responsibilities. The Iranian president also rejected reports suggesting differences with Mojtaba Khamenei and the country’s armed forces. He said the government, military leadership and state institutions were working in close coordination and remained united on national issues. His remarks came after opposition-linked media claimed that he had submitted his resignation several times amid growing political and security challenges. Iranian officials have not confirmed those reports. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between Lebanon and Israel continued as the two sides launched the seventh round of direct negotiations in Rome under United States sponsorship. According to Lebanese media reports, delegations from both countries are discussing the implementation of a US-backed framework agreement reached in June. The agreement outlines a gradual Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory in exchange for the deployment of the Lebanese army and the disarmament of armed groups operating in those areas. The latest negotiations follow six previous rounds of talks aimed at reducing border tensions and advancing the implementation of the agreement. Separately, a report published by The New York Times claimed that Iran and Oman are close to reaching an arrangement to restore normal commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy transit routes. According to the report, the proposed arrangement would establish separate shipping channels for vessels entering and leaving the Gulf. Iranian officials reportedly said the plan would include a service fee to cover environmental protection, maritime security and operational costs, with revenue shared between Iran and Oman.

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    25 US states challenge Trump’s new tariffs in court

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    NEW YORK: A coalition of 25 US states has filed a lawsuit against the administration of President Donald Trump, seeking to block a new round of tariffs imposed on imports from dozens of countries. The legal challenge was submitted to the US Court of International Trade in New York, where the states asked the court to suspend the tariffs, declare them unlawful and order the federal government to refund businesses that have already paid the import duties. The coalition argued that the administration exceeded its legal authority by introducing sweeping tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. According to the lawsuit, the investigations cited by the administration as justification for the tariffs were used as a pretext to impose broad trade restrictions. The disputed tariffs, ranging from 10% to 12.5%, were introduced last month and apply to imports from 60 trading partners, covering a significant share of goods entering the United States. The Trump administration has defended the measures, saying they are intended to address concerns related to forced labour in international supply chains and to protect American trade interests. The White House maintains that the tariffs were imposed within the government’s legal authority and remain an important tool for securing fair trade practices. A White House spokesperson said the administration is using powers granted under US trade law to respond to what it considers unfair policies and practices affecting American commerce. Officials also argued that Section 301 tariffs have previously withstood legal scrutiny and continue to be a lawful instrument of trade policy. The lawsuit follows earlier legal disputes over President Trump’s tariff policies. Previous tariffs introduced under emergency economic powers were struck down by the US Supreme Court earlier this year, prompting the administration to replace them with the current Section 301 measures after a temporary global tariff expired in July. The states involved in the case contend that the latest tariffs are arbitrary and unlawful, arguing that while they support efforts to combat forced labour worldwide, such concerns cannot be used to justify what they describe as an illegal expansion of presidential tariff powers.

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    Pakistan envoy Saadia Altaf Qazi honors Sahara Wel…

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    OSLO: In a heartfelt ceremony marking the end of her diplomatic tenure in Norway, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Norway, Saadia Altaf Qazi presented a certificate of appreciation to Hafiz Muhammad Aslam Haq, chairman of the Sahara Welfare Foundation, in recognition of his longstanding humanitarian services and commitment to social welfare. The ambassador acknowledged Hafiz Aslam Haq’s contributions to supporting underprivileged communities across Pakistan, including assistance for poor families, orphans, widows and victims of devastating floods. She praised the foundation’s welfare initiatives, describing them as a valuable example of community service and compassion that reflects the true spirit of humanity. During the ceremony, Hafiz Aslam Haq paid tribute to Ambassador Saadia Altaf Qazi for her dedicated service to the Pakistani community in Norway and her efforts to strengthen diplomatic, cultural and people-to-people ties between Pakistan and Norway. He commended her leadership throughout her diplomatic assignment and wished her continued success in her future responsibilities. Expressing his gratitude for the recognition, Hafiz Aslam Haq thanked the ambassador for honoring his organization’s humanitarian work. He also extended his best wishes and prayers for her health, prosperity and continued achievements in representing Pakistan abroad. The event came as Ambassador Saadia Altaf Qazi concluded her diplomatic mission in Norway. Following the completion of her tenure, she is departing Oslo to assume her new assignment as Pakistan’s ambassador to Thailand. Her tenure in Norway has been widely recognized for promoting stronger bilateral relations, engaging with the Pakistani diaspora and enhancing cooperation between the two countries. The farewell recognition ceremony served not only as a tribute to humanitarian service but also as a celebration of the enduring partnership between Pakistan and Norway, highlighting the important role played by both diplomats and community leaders in strengthening international goodwill and supporting those most in need.

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    NAB recovers record Rs5.4 trillion in six months

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    The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has announced record recoveries worth Rs5.414 trillion during the first six months of 2026, describing it as the highest six-month recovery in the institution’s history. According to an official statement, the bureau recovered Rs2.452 trillion during the second quarter alone, significantly increasing the overall recovery figure for the first half of the year. Among regional offices, NAB Sukkur recorded the highest overall recoveries. Meanwhile, NAB Balochistan reclaimed 209,544 acres of forest and state land valued at Rs604.64 billion, including areas linked to Hingol National Park and land belonging to the Gwadar Industrial Estate Development Authority (GIEDA). In Karachi, the anti-corruption watchdog recovered 11,422 acres of illegally allotted government land and disputed housing society leases worth Rs467.11 billion. The Lahore bureau reclaimed 1,909 acres of state and PCBL land valued at Rs288.29 billion, while the Islamabad/Rawalpindi office recovered 810 acres of CDA amenity plots in various housing societies, with an estimated value of Rs66.63 billion. NAB also reported progress in housing and financial fraud cases. The bureau said more than 24,365 victims received compensation through the return of recovered money and assets worth Rs42.303 billion. The accountability body said the recoveries reflect its continued efforts to retrieve public assets, restore illegally occupied state land, and provide financial relief to citizens affected by fraud and corruption

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    Hezbollah signals major u-turn, seeks talks with S…

    ByJustpaste.in

    BEIRUT/DAMASCUS: In what analysts are describing as a significant policy shift, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem has expressed readiness to meet Syria’s new leadership, signaling a potential reset in relations after years of political uncertainty following the fall of former president Bashar al-Assad. Speaking during a televised address, Qassem said Hezbollah seeks “positive, brotherly and cooperative” ties with Syria and has no objection to holding an official meeting with the country’s current leadership if both sides consider the timing appropriate. He added that there were no barriers to public engagement once mutual conditions were met. The remarks mark the first time Hezbollah’s chief has openly endorsed the possibility of direct contact with Syria’s post-Assad leadership, a move that could reshape political dynamics across the region. For years, Hezbollah played a key role in supporting Assad’s government during Syria’s prolonged civil war. Throughout the conflict, Syrian territory served as a vital corridor for the movement of weapons and logistical supplies from Iran to Lebanon, making Damascus a strategic partner for the Iran-backed Lebanese group. However, the regional landscape changed dramatically after Syria’s new government assumed power in December 2024. The political transition created uncertainty over the future of relations between Damascus and Hezbollah, with observers questioning whether the alliance forged during the civil war would survive under the country’s new leadership. Political analysts believe Qassem’s latest comments indicate Hezbollah is adapting to the changing realities of the Middle East. By signaling openness to dialogue, the group appears to be seeking a pragmatic relationship with Syria’s new rulers while protecting its broader regional interests. Experts say any formal meeting between Hezbollah and Syrian officials would carry implications extending beyond the two neighbors. Such engagement could influence Iran’s regional strategy, Lebanon’s internal political landscape, and the broader balance of power in the Middle East. While no timetable for talks has been announced, Qassem’s statement is widely viewed as an important diplomatic opening, suggesting that former rivals and long-time allies alike are reassessing their positions as the region enters a new political era.

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    Pakistan boxer mysteriously disappears in Glasgow before flight home

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    GLASGOW: A mystery has emerged following the conclusion of the Commonwealth Games after Pakistani boxer Qudrat Ullah reportedly disappeared from Glasgow just hours before the national squad was scheduled to fly back to Pakistan, prompting an investigation by the Pakistan Boxing Federation. According to federation sources, Qudrat Ullah failed to rejoin his teammates ahead of the team’s departure from Scotland. The boxer is believed to have gone missing approximately six hours before the group’s scheduled return flight, raising concerns among officials accompanying the contingent. The team had been instructed to assemble in the hotel lobby at 9 a.m. before leaving for the airport. However, when officials went to Qudrat Ullah’s room to escort him, they found it empty. Sources said he had last been seen in his room around 2 a.m., but by morning there was no sign of him. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance have deepened the mystery because his passport and return airline ticket were reportedly still in the custody of the team manager. Officials have not explained how the boxer could have left without the travel documents required for his scheduled journey home. The Pakistan Boxing Federation has confirmed that the athlete is missing and said the matter is under investigation. Federation officials are coordinating with relevant authorities to determine his whereabouts and establish the sequence of events leading to his disappearance. No official statement has yet been issued regarding whether local Scottish authorities have launched a formal search or whether there is any indication of foul play. Federation officials have urged caution, saying further details will be shared once the inquiry progresses. The incident has revived memories of a similar episode during the 2022 Commonwealth Games in England, when two Pakistani boxers reportedly separated from the national team and failed to return with the delegation. That case sparked debate over athlete monitoring during international competitions and the challenges sports federations face in ensuring team discipline while abroad. Qudrat Ullah’s unexplained disappearance is likely to draw renewed scrutiny of travel protocols for national teams representing Pakistan at major sporting events. As officials continue their investigation, questions remain over what happened in the final hours before the squad’s departure and when the missing boxer will be located.

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    Subway launches legal action after Multan staff as…

    ByJustpaste.in

    MULTAN: Subway Pakistan has initiated legal proceedings after one of its employees was allegedly assaulted by a customer at its Multan outlet, an incident that has sparked widespread outrage on social media. The altercation, captured on the restaurant’s CCTV cameras, quickly went viral online, prompting strong reactions from the public and renewed calls for better protection of frontline service workers. The employee, identified as Fazil, said the incident occurred while he was performing his duties and enforcing the restaurant’s policy prohibiting customers from consuming food purchased from outside the outlet. According to Fazil, a group of customers entered the restaurant carrying samosas. After an initial request from another staff member was reportedly ignored, he approached the group himself and politely explained the restaurant’s policy. He said he respectfully asked the customers to finish their food quickly to avoid disturbing others and to comply with the outlet’s operating procedures. Fazil alleged that the situation escalated unexpectedly when one of the customers, identified as Asad Khan, slapped him without warning. He claimed that even after stepping away to avoid further confrontation, the accused followed him and assaulted him again. The employee further alleged that he was grabbed by the neck, dragged across the restaurant and physically attacked by three individuals for several minutes. He said he sustained multiple blows to his face, back and other parts of his body despite offering no resistance. In an official statement, Subway Pakistan strongly condemned the incident, saying the safety, dignity and well-being of its employees remain a top priority. The company confirmed that it has referred the matter to the relevant legal authorities and is pursuing legal action against those allegedly involved. Subway also reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for both employees and customers at all its outlets.

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    CJP unveils nationwide women facilitation centres

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    Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi has announced that Women Facilitation Centres will be established in courts across the country to make the justice system more accessible, supportive and efficient for women. The announcement was made during a meeting with representatives of the Sindh High Court Bar Association and the Karachi Bar Association at the Supreme Court’s Karachi Registry. The meeting focused on improving facilities for women litigants and addressing challenges faced by female lawyers in the legal profession. During the discussion, the chief justice said the proposed centres are part of broader judicial reforms aimed at creating a more welcoming and convenient environment for women seeking legal assistance. He stressed that women should have easier access to courts and receive the support needed to pursue their cases without unnecessary difficulties. Justice Yahya Afridi said the Women Facilitation Centres would provide a wide range of services under one roof. In addition to offering legal guidance, the centres would include mediation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) facilities to help settle suitable cases quickly and reduce the burden on courts. He added that the centres would also provide psychological counselling and connect women with relevant government departments and support organisations whenever required. The initiative is intended to ensure that women receive both legal and social assistance throughout the judicial process. The chief justice informed the delegation that the judiciary has already selected the three best designs for the proposed centres. These model designs will be shared with all high courts to ensure a uniform system is introduced across Pakistan. The representatives of women lawyers welcomed the initiative and thanked the chief justice for giving priority to the needs of female litigants. They also highlighted several issues affecting women in the legal profession, including workplace challenges and barriers to equal opportunities within the justice system. Justice Afridi assured the delegation that the concerns raised during the meeting would be addressed on a priority basis. He said the judiciary would work closely with the relevant high courts and other institutions to develop practical solutions and improve facilities for women across the country’s judicial system.