directs mdcat delay
| |

PM directs MDCAT delay, admission test rescheduled…

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) has postponed the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2026 on the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, giving thousands of aspiring medical students additional time before the nationwide examination.

According to an official statement issued by the PM&DC, the entrance test, originally scheduled for August 16, will now be held on September 20, 2026.

The council said the decision was made to ensure the examination is conducted in a more organized, secure, transparent, and candidate-friendly manner. Officials emphasized that the revised schedule is intended to improve overall arrangements while maintaining the integrity of the admission process.

PM&DC clarified that, apart from the change in the examination date, all previously announced terms, conditions, and examination arrangements will remain unchanged. Any further revisions, if required, will be communicated through a separate official notification.

The council has advised candidates, parents, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to regularly monitor its official website and communication channels for updated information, instructions, and announcements related to the examination.

Expressing regret over any inconvenience caused by the postponement, PM&DC thanked students and stakeholders for their patience and cooperation.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Iran war spreads beyond Gulf, raising regional ten…

    WASHINGTON: The conflict involving Iran widened significantly over the weekend, spilling into the Red Sea and the Caspian Sea despite a temporary halt in direct US military strikes, raising fresh concerns over regional stability and global energy security. The United States military confirmed that its naval blockade against Iran remains in place but offered no explanation for suspending a series of nightly airstrikes that had continued for nearly two weeks. A senior official in President Donald Trump’s administration said Washington still preferred a diplomatic solution, while warning that Iran would face serious consequences if negotiations failed. According to US media reports, President Trump has decided to pause plans for intensified military action after advisers expressed concerns about the risks of expanding the conflict, including pressure on US weapons stockpiles, potential strain on relations with Gulf allies and disruptions to global energy markets. While the Gulf region remained relatively calm, tensions escalated elsewhere. Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi Aramco oil facilities in Jizan and Yanbu along the Red Sea coast. Videos circulating online showed smoke rising near the Jizan refinery, one of Saudi Arabia’s major oil-processing sites, while Saudi air defences reportedly intercepted additional missiles aimed at Yanbu. The attacks have heightened fears that the conflict could spread further across key international shipping routes, particularly after earlier disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the escalation, Houthi officials said they were not seeking to block the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, another vital maritime corridor for global trade. Meanwhile, Iran accused Ukraine of attacking one of its commercial vessels in the Caspian Sea, claiming the strike killed one sailor and injured another. Tehran summoned Ukraine’s senior diplomat to lodge a formal protest, describing the alleged attack as a hostile act. The accusation came shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia had been providing Iran with satellite intelligence to assist its military operations in the region. In Yemen, fighting also intensified as forces aligned with the internationally recognised government launched airstrikes on Houthi positions in Marib and Al-Jawf provinces. Military officials reported troop movements on both sides, raising concerns that the country’s fragile ceasefire has effectively collapsed after years of relative calm. Analysts warn that the expanding conflict now threatens to destabilise multiple regions simultaneously, with growing risks to international shipping, oil supplies and broader Middle East security.

  • |

    Asma Abbas faces criticism over boutique promotion outfit

    Veteran Pakistani actress Asma Abbas has found herself at the center of social media discussion after a promotional video for her clothing boutique drew criticism over her fashion choice. Known for her successful acting career, Asma Abbas has long been admired for her versatility and ability to portray a wide range of characters on television. Beyond acting, she has also explored singing and fashion design, keeping herself actively involved in creative pursuits throughout her career. In recent years, she has turned her attention to designing clothing and has been promoting her boutique through social media. In a recently shared promotional video, Asma Abbas appeared wearing a striped co-ord outfit from her own fashion collection while introducing designs available at her boutique. Although the video was intended to highlight her latest clothing line, much of the online conversation quickly shifted toward her personal styling instead of the collection itself. The outfit sparked a wave of mixed reactions across social media platforms. While some viewers appreciated her confidence and willingness to wear her own creations, many others expressed disappointment with the overall look. Several users commented that they did not find the design appealing, while others suggested the outfit did not suit her personality or appearance. Among the many comments circulating online, one user remarked that the outfit looked like something from a second-hand clothing market. Another suggested that people should dress in a way that complements their age and personality. A different commenter criticized the look by saying it did not present the actress in the best possible way. As is often the case with celebrity fashion, opinions remained divided. Supporters argued that fashion is subjective and that every designer has a unique creative vision. They also pointed out that public figures frequently face harsh criticism regardless of what they wear, especially on social media where opinions spread rapidly. Celebrity outfits have increasingly become a topic of discussion online, with fans and critics alike closely examining every public appearance. While some fashion choices receive widespread praise, others can quickly become the subject of debate, generating thousands of comments and reactions. Despite the criticism, Asma Abbas has not publicly responded to the comments surrounding her outfit. She continues to remain active on social media, where she regularly shares updates about her professional projects, television appearances, and fashion venture. Over the years, Asma Abbas has earned respect for her contributions to Pakistan’s entertainment industry and has built a loyal fan base through memorable performances in numerous television dramas. Her decision to expand into fashion reflects her passion for creativity beyond acting. The latest online debate once again highlights how celebrity fashion choices often become a talking point on social media, with audiences offering both praise and criticism. Whether admired or questioned, such moments continue to generate engagement and keep public figures in the spotlight.

  • |

    Ranbir Kapoor hits back at online critics of ‘Ramayana’ VFX

    Ranbir Kapoor has pushed back against online criticism surrounding the visual effects of his upcoming film “Ramayana”. The debate picked up after fans shared mixed reactions to the film’s teaser and trailer. The actor addressed the backlash directly, pointing out how much long-term effort goes into creating high-quality CGI. He explained that artists and filmmakers had dedicated years to perfecting the film’s visuals. Kapoor noted a growing trend where online users have suddenly positioned themselves as CGI experts. He said this shift has become especially common over the past few years. He added that rising public interest in visual effects has been fuelled largely by the growing presence of artificial intelligence. According to Kapoor, most viewers don’t realise how much detailed planning goes into achieving realistic visuals. He explained that many assume complex VFX work is simply generated through AI shortcuts. In reality, he said, countless hours go into work that artists spend years perfecting. Kapoor also credited director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra for their deep involvement throughout the VFX process. He said the team worked meticulously on details like colour grading and visual composition to shape the final experience. Tiwari previously revealed that certain VFX sequences alone took nearly three years to complete. The team continued refining smaller details even as the film approached its release. Producer Namit Malhotra also weighed in on the online criticism, urging audiences to reserve judgment until they see the film in theatres. He recalled how reactions shifted dramatically after showing an earlier teaser on a large IMAX screen in 3D. According to Malhotra, viewers who initially criticised certain elements changed their opinions entirely once they experienced it properly. He explained that watching VFX on a mobile phone or through poor internet doesn’t reflect the intended cinematic experience. He said the team has spent years and invested millions of dollars specifically to craft a big-screen spectacle worth the wait. Malhotra expressed confidence that the finished product will address much of the current criticism. “Ramayana” is scheduled to release in theatres on November 8, 2026, with Kapoor starring as Lord Ram. The film continues to generate anticipation as the team pushes toward delivering a large-scale visual experience for audiences.

  • |

    Mohammad Amir questions Babar Azam’s Test captaincy return

    LAHORE: Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has questioned the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to reappoint Babar Azam as the national Test captain, saying the star batter should have been allowed to focus entirely on his batting rather than taking on the added responsibility of leadership. Babar recently returned as Pakistan’s Test skipper after replacing Shan Masood, whose tenure ended after 16 matches, during which Pakistan recorded four wins and suffered 12 defeats. The appointment marks Babar’s second stint as Test captain, having previously led the national side from 2020 to 2023. The PCB’s decision has generated considerable discussion among former players and cricket analysts, with opinions divided over whether the move will strengthen the team’s performance. Speaking during an interview with Wisden, Amir said he was not convinced that handing the captaincy back to Babar was the right decision, especially at a time when the batter had only recently regained his form after a prolonged lean patch. According to Amir, Babar’s improved performances with the bat should have been the team’s primary priority, rather than placing additional expectations on him through captaincy. “He has only just started performing well again after a long period. He’s finally looking in good rhythm,” Amir said, suggesting that leadership duties could once again distract him from maintaining consistency with the bat. The former left-arm pacer also highlighted the intense scrutiny faced by Pakistan’s captains, noting that media attention and public expectations make the role particularly demanding. He argued that every decision taken by the captain is closely examined, creating constant pressure both on and off the field. In his view, such an environment could affect a player’s confidence and performance if they are already carrying the responsibility of being the team’s leading batter. Amir, who represented Pakistan in 36 Tests, 61 One-Day Internationals and 62 T20 Internationals, described Babar as the country’s finest batter and said his greatest contribution comes through scoring runs. “I believe Babar should have played as a player with a free mind and less pressure because he is the best player Pakistan has right now,” he said. While stressing that his remarks reflected his personal opinion, Amir concluded that reappointing Babar as Test captain was not the ideal solution for Pakistan cricket. He added that protecting the team’s premier batter from additional pressure would have been a better long-term strategy as Pakistan looks to rebuild its Test fortunes.

  • |

    Just minutes of intense exercise may offer greater health benefits

      A new study by American scientists has revealed that just a few minutes of extremely intense exercise may provide greater health benefits than spending hours doing light or moderate physical activity. The study examined how different levels of exercise affect proteins and biological processes in the human body. Researchers found that short bursts of high-intensity exercise produced significantly greater changes in health-related proteins in the blood compared with cycling at a normal pace. As part of the research, participants performed intense cycling on an exercise bike in 30-second bursts. Each high-speed cycling session was followed by a four-minute recovery period. Researchers observed positive changes in 714 proteins associated with health and bodily functions after the intense exercise. In comparison, cycling at a normal pace affected only seven proteins highlighting the potentially powerful biological response triggered by short periods of vigorous physical activity. One of the most interesting findings involved a molecule known as Lac-Phe, which has been linked to appetite regulation and metabolism. According to the researchers, intense exercise increases levels of Lac-Phe in the body. The molecule may help regulate hunger and appears to influence fat metabolism. The researchers also found that intense physical activity activated more than 1,600 genes in fat cells, potentially increasing the body’s ability to burn or process fat. These findings suggest that high-intensity exercise may trigger a much broader metabolic response than previously understood. To further examine the possible long-term health implications, the scientists analyzed data from more than 53,000 people. Their analysis showed that several of the proteins activated by intense exercise were associated with a lower risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity. The researchers also found connections between these biological changes and processes related to aging. This suggests that intense physical activity may potentially help slow some of the biological effects associated with aging, although further research is needed to fully understand these relationships. Dr. Paul Cohen, the lead researcher of the study, said the findings were particularly interesting because they demonstrated how the body can produce a powerful positive response after only a few minutes of intense exercise. He noted that the discovery could be particularly useful for people with busy lifestyles who struggle to find enough time for lengthy workouts. Instead of spending several hours exercising, short periods of high-intensity activity may provide substantial biological benefits. The findings add to growing scientific evidence that the intensity of exercise may be just as important as its duration. While regular physical activity remains essential for maintaining overall health, the study suggests that brief periods of vigorous exercise could be an efficient way to stimulate important metabolic and cardiovascular responses. However, intense exercise is not necessarily suitable for everyone. People who are new to exercise or have existing health concerns should consider their fitness level and consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning high-intensity workouts. Overall, the study offers an encouraging message for people who find it difficult to dedicate long hours to exercise. A carefully structured routine involving short bursts of intense activity may potentially produce significant health benefits, making exercise more practical for people with demanding daily schedules.

  • | |

    Paris Jackson reveals what Michael Jackson was rea…

    Paris Jackson is giving fans a rare look at the private relationship she shared with her late father, Michael Jackson. During a recent appearance on Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy podcast, the singer and actress opened up about growing up as the daughter of one of the most famous entertainers in the world. While much of her childhood was surrounded by intense public attention, Paris said her experience with her father was far more personal and ordinary behind closed doors. (Page Six⁠) Paris described Michael as a “funny guy” and recalled having a particularly close bond with him. She has also previously called her father her “best friend,” emphasizing that their relationship was deeply personal rather than simply a connection between a famous musician and his daughter. (E! Online⁠) Her comments offer a different perspective on the man the world knew as the King of Pop. For Paris, Michael was first and foremost her dad. Growing up, however, came with unusual rules. Paris and her brothers, Prince and Bigi, were raised with a strong emphasis on education, chores and discipline. Fun activities were often treated as rewards after they completed their responsibilities. Despite living at Neverland Ranch, Paris said the famous amusement attractions were not simply there for her and her siblings to enjoy whenever they wanted. (Page Six⁠) The family also took unusual measures to protect the children’s privacy. Paris and her brothers sometimes wore masks when they went out in public with their father. She explained that the masks allowed them to experience everyday activities without being immediately recognized as Michael Jackson’s children. (Page Six⁠) That secrecy was important because Paris did not initially understand just how enormous her father’s fame was. As a child, the world she knew was centered around her family, making Michael’s superstar status seem normal. Michael died in June 2009 when Paris was only 11. His death dramatically changed her life, and she has spoken openly about how difficult the years afterward became. Still, she has continued to protect the private memories she shares with her father. Earlier this year, Paris explained that she no longer feels obligated to publicly discuss her relationship with Michael or post tributes for the world to see. She said their bond is personal and does not belong to anyone else. (E! Online⁠) Her latest revelations reinforce that message. Behind the headlines, enormous fame and public scrutiny, Paris remembers Michael simply as her father — a funny man, a strict parent and, most importantly, her best friend.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *