pakistan end year
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Pakistan end 16 year World Cup winless run, beat Japan 4 3

ByJustpaste.in

 

Amstelveen / Islamabad: Pakistan ended a 16 year wait for a victory in the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup with a thrilling 4 3 win over Japan in the 9th to 16th place classification match at the Wagener Stadium, giving the Green Shirts a much needed boost after a disappointing campaign in the main round.

Pakistan made a difficult start as Japan scored twice in the opening quarter through Hyota Yamada and Kaito Tanaka. The Green Shirts, however, refused to give up and gradually fought their way back into the match.

Rana Waheed Ashraf pulled one goal back in the second quarter to reduce Japan’s lead to 2 1 before the interval. Pakistan then produced a remarkable comeback in the third quarter, with Ashraf scoring again before Muhammad Hammadudin put the Green Shirts ahead.

Japan quickly responded through Koji Yamasaki to make it 3 3, setting up a tense finish. Pakistan eventually regained the lead through Hannan Shahid, who scored in the 40th minute. Neither side could score again and Pakistan held on for a memorable 4 3 victory.

The victory was Pakistan’s first in the Hockey World Cup since the 2010 tournament, when the team defeated Spain 2 1. Pakistan missed the 2014 World Cup and remained without a win in the 2018 edition, making the latest victory an important moment for the country’s struggling national sport.

The result also comes at a time when the Pakistan Hockey Federation is seeking to rebuild the sport under the leadership of its ad hoc president, Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani.

Wani deserves credit for putting greater emphasis on rebuilding hockey from the grassroots as well as improving the federation’s working structure. Under his leadership, the PHF announced plans to bring around 60,000 to 70,000 youngsters into hockey through cooperation with provincial education boards, with free hockey kits planned for schools and colleges at under 14 and under 16 levels.

Wani has also pushed for administrative and professional reforms within the federation. The PHF announced separate Governance Management and Professional Development Committees, bringing together experts in areas including financial management, resource mobilisation, sports development, coaching, sports medicine and the experience of former Olympians.

His efforts have focused not only on the senior national team but also on expanding hockey beyond traditional centres. Wani has stressed the importance of regions including Gilgit Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, Balochistan and Sindh and has spoken about developing the game at schools, colleges and universities.

The latest victory therefore provides an encouraging result for the rebuilding process, although much more work remains before Pakistan can return to the top level of international hockey.

Pakistan had already been eliminated from the title race after losing to England and India and drawing 3 3 with Wales in the opening phase. The team consequently entered the classification round for positions 9 to 16.

Despite failing to reach the knockout stage, the fighting spirit shown against Japan will give the players confidence as they continue their World Cup campaign.

For a country that has won the Hockey World Cup four times, the 16 year wait for another World Cup victory has been a painful reminder of the decline of Pakistan hockey. The win over Japan does not solve the problems facing the sport, but it provides a welcome sign that the national team can still fight back when under pressure.

The real challenge now is to turn this victory into the beginning of a sustained revival. With stronger grassroots programmes, better administration, improved training facilities and continued support for players, Pakistan will hope to rebuild its position among the leading hockey nations of the world.

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    PML-N takes early lead in AJK Polls

    ByJustpaste.in

    Polling in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections ended on Monday after a day marked by political tensions, allegations of rigging and several security-related incidents across Mirpur Division. Voting began at 8am and continued until 6pm after authorities extended polling hours by one hour. The first phase covered 13 constituencies in Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber districts. The election saw a close contest between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan Peoples Party. The Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party also remained in the race in several constituencies. The most serious incident was reported in LA-9 Kotli-II, where PPP worker Mukhtar Younus was killed and two people, including his father, were injured in a firing incident. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari blamed PML-N candidate Sardar Umair Naeem for the incident. He alleged that Younus was killed in firing linked to the PML-N candidate and questioned why authorities had not acted earlier against alleged threats. Bilawal said a video had reportedly surfaced two days before the incident showing Naeem and his associates allegedly firing weapons in public. He argued that timely action could have prevented the loss of life. PPP AJK Election Cell in-charge Sardar Abdul Shakoor demanded immediate arrests and called for stronger measures to protect voters and political workers. The PML-N rejected the PPP’s version of events. The party claimed that Younus had also been involved in its election campaign activities. The incident came against the backdrop of earlier violence in Kotli. A PML-N activist was killed and two others were injured in a firing incident on July 10 while they were returning from an election campaign. Polling disrupted at several stations Voting was also suspended for the remainder of the day at three polling stations in Kotli and two in Bhimber following election-related incidents. Officials said the possibility of re-polling would depend on whether the number of votes affected could change the final result. In Bhimber’s Samahni tehsil, supporters of IPP candidate Ali Shan Soni allegedly took ballot boxes away from a polling station. Videos showing the alleged incident also circulated online. Mirpur Commissioner Raja Tahir Mumtaz said a ballot box was later set on fire at another polling station. Police detained around 30 people in connection with the incident. The PPP and PML-N exchanged allegations of electoral interference in several constituencies. The PPP accused PML-N supporters of attempting to influence polling in LA-12 Kotli-V. It alleged that PML-N candidate Raja Riasat Khan entered polling stations with armed men. The party also raised objections over alleged interference at polling stations in LA-8 Kotli-I and called on the Election Commission to investigate. The PPP further complained that slow mobile phone services were affecting communication for voters, journalists and emergency responders. PML-N, PPP trade rigging allegations The PML-N also raised allegations of pre-poll and polling-day irregularities. PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah alleged interference in LA-10 Kotli-III and claimed that PPP AJK President Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin was involved in alleged manipulation of the electoral process. He demanded an investigation and said his party would not accept the constituency’s results until the allegations were examined. The Election Commission separately confirmed that two presiding officers in Kotli had been arrested and suspended after reportedly failing to reach their assigned polling stations. According to officials, the presiding officers had collected election material but went to a private residence instead of reporting to their designated polling stations. An FIR was registered in connection with the matter, while replacement presiding officers were appointed and the election material was taken into official custody. PPP leader Nadeem Afzal Chan rejected the PML-N’s allegations and instead accused the federal government of influencing the elections. He claimed that government resources and development announcements were being used during the election period. He called for the federal administration to stay away from the electoral process and urged all parties to allow voters to make their choice freely. Security tightened across Mirpur Division Authorities deployed a large security force to maintain order during polling. A total of 288 candidates contested the 13 constituencies. The Election Commission established 2,316 polling stations, including 1,241 classified as highly sensitive and 724 as sensitive. More than 18,500 police and other law-enforcement personnel were deployed under a three-tier security arrangement. Police formed the first security layer, while Rangers and the Federal Constabulary formed the second. The Pakistan Army provided the third layer and remained prepared to respond to emergencies. Around 2,100 army personnel were also deployed, while Quick Response Force teams remained on standby. AJK Inspector General of Police retired Captain Liaquat Ali Malik said the election remained largely peaceful despite a few incidents. He described minor arguments and scuffles as common during closely contested elections but warned that anyone attempting to disrupt polling would face legal action regardless of political affiliation. The AJK chief election commissioner had also warned before polling that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to interfere with the electoral process. Preliminary results show close race Unofficial results indicated a competitive contest between the PML-N and PPP. The PML-N was leading in LA-1 Dadyal with 8,271 votes and was also ahead in LA-7 Bhimber with 14,560 votes. The party was also leading in LA-5 Bhimber with 2,545 votes in the preliminary figures available at the time. The PPP was leading in LA-2 Mirpur with 3,103 votes. The results remained preliminary and unofficial, with counting and compilation continuing after polling ended. The first phase is part of a three-stage election schedule adopted due to security concerns. The second phase is scheduled for August 2 and will cover nine constituencies of Muzaffarabad Division and 12 refugee constituencies. The third phase will be held on August 10 in 11 constituencies of Poonch Division. Bilawal and Nawaz clash over election campaign The AJK election has also become a political contest between senior leaders of the PPP and PML-N. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif both participated in election campaigning before polling. Nawaz criticised the PPP’s political record in Sindh during a campaign rally

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    Ariana Grande sues hackers over unreleased music

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    Ariana Grande has taken legal action against those responsible for years of music leaks, filing a lawsuit against two unidentified individuals she alleges hacked into the private digital accounts of photographers and producers within her inner circle and walked away with hundreds of unreleased songs, behind-the-scenes photographs, and private video and audio recordings from her creative process. The complaint, filed on Monday, July 27, paints a picture of sustained and deliberate theft that stretches back years. According to the filing, the stolen material was never intended for public consumption and was subsequently sold on the dark web, turning the private moments of Grande’s creative life into a commodity traded without her knowledge or consent. The scale of what was taken is considerable. “In 2023 alone, 45 unreleased songs belonging to Ms. Grande were hacked, stolen, and leaked by Defendants,” the complaint alleged. “Since her music debut in 2011, hundreds of similar leaks have taken place.” The cumulative picture that emerges is of an artist who has spent over a decade watching work she had not chosen to release being stripped from her and shared with the world on someone else’s timeline. Grande is also asking the court to assist in identifying the individuals behind the alleged cyberattacks, suggesting that the full extent of who is responsible remains under investigation. A source close to the singer framed the lawsuit in terms that extended beyond her own situation. “The lawsuit is intended to serve as a deterrent against future acts of this nature, not only targeting Ariana, but also the many artists who have faced similar invasions of their privacy and theft of their creative work,” the source told People magazine. “Artists deserve the right to control how and when their art is shared with the world. The unlawful theft and distribution of creative work undermines that right and should not be tolerated.” The lawsuit carries a particular irony given what Grande herself said publicly years before it became reality. While promoting Eternal Sunshine on the Zach Sang Show, she had reacted to the viral leak of Fantasize with a warning that now sounds entirely prophetic. “We were, before I left for Wicked, a few studio sessions that I did which are all over TikTok, thank you so much, I’ll see you in jail. Literally,” she had said. She described the leaked material as having been written for a separate television project and was unambiguous about her feelings toward those responsible. “These pirates, crooks, illegal!” she said. For Grande, the filing of this lawsuit is a statement that the theft of an artist’s creative work is not a victimless act. It is an invasion, and she intends to hold those responsible accountable for it.

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    Maulana Tariq Jamil’s yoga video sparks mixed reactions online

    ByJustpaste.in

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    PML-N can end AJK’s deprivations: Marryium Auran…

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    Kate Middleton reportedly steps in amid alleged royal will dispute

    ByJustpaste.in

    Kate Middleton is reportedly refusing to remain on the sidelines as tensions surrounding the British Royal Family continue to attract attention. New claims suggest that the Princess of Wales has become involved in an alleged dispute over King Charles’ financial arrangements and the future inheritance of Prince William. According to reports circulating about the royal family, King Charles has allegedly made changes to his will that could leave William without the fortune he was reportedly expected to inherit. The claims come at a time when tensions between the monarch and his eldest son are said to be heightened by disagreements over several family matters, including Prince Harry’s expected return to the United Kingdom. Sources cited in the reports claim that Charles’ decision was influenced partly by what has been described as William’s strong-willed personality. Royal biographer Hugo Vickers has previously characterized the future king as someone who believes he knows what is best, a description that has been used in discussions about the alleged differences between father and son. One particularly dramatic claim suggests that William has been removed from Charles’ will, with the fortune allegedly being redirected toward Prince Harry. The reported inheritance has been estimated at around $2 billion, although there has been no official confirmation from Buckingham Palace or the royal family regarding the contents of the King’s will. The alleged disagreement has also been linked to tensions between Kate and Queen Camilla. According to the reports, William and Kate were involved in an awkward moment at a recent royal event after they allegedly passed Camilla without performing the expected curtsy. The incident reportedly fueled speculation about disagreements behind closed doors. Claims surrounding the alleged inheritance dispute further suggest that Kate has sought legal advice from palace lawyers. The Princess of Wales is reportedly taking the matter seriously and is said to be seeking clarification over any financial arrangements that could affect her husband and their family. However, the claims remain unverified, and there has been no public statement from the Palace confirming that William has been removed from Charles’ will or that Harry has been named as the recipient of a multibillion-dollar inheritance. The alleged dispute comes as attention also turns toward Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The couple are reportedly expected to return to the UK with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, before the end of August. Harry’s potential return with his family could place renewed attention on the complicated relationships within the royal household. His relationship with William has remained strained since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped away from royal duties and relocated to the United States. With Harry potentially returning to Britain alongside Meghan and their children, speculation surrounding the brothers, their wives and the wider royal family is likely to continue. For now, however, the claims about Charles’ alleged will remain unconfirmed, leaving questions over whether there is any truth behind the reported financial dispute.

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    Makkah Defence pact aims at regional security not …

    ByJustpaste.in

    Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has said the recently signed defense agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey is designed to strengthen regional cooperation and security rather than target Iran. Speaking in Ankara, Fidan said the agreement follows the principle of collective defense reflected in Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), under which an attack on one member is treated as an attack on all. He explained that the new framework will include a ministerial committee and a general secretariat modeled partly on NATO’s structure. The secretariat is expected to be based in Saudi Arabia. Fidan also indicated that Egypt could potentially join the arrangement once outstanding technical matters are resolved, suggesting that the emerging security framework could expand beyond the three founding countries. The Turkish foreign minister stressed that the agreement should not be viewed as an alliance directed against any particular country. Instead, he described it as a mechanism intended to promote cooperation, strengthen defense capabilities and contribute to peace and stability across the region. The agreement, signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey in Makkah, has attracted considerable attention across the Muslim world amid growing regional security concerns. Several Islamic countries and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation have welcomed the initiative. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has also said the agreement could enhance regional security while encouraging greater cooperation in the defense industry. The development marks another step in the long-standing strategic relations among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey and could potentially reshape security cooperation in the wider Middle East and South Asian region.

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