saira peter selected
| |

Saira Peter selected for Sitara-e-Imtiaz for services to music

ByJustpaste.in

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani-British soprano and Sufi opera singer Saira Peter has been selected for the Sitara-e-Imtiaz in recognition of her outstanding contributions to music and performing arts.

President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the list of Pakistan’s Civil Awards for 2026. The names of the individuals selected for the national honours were announced by the government on the occasion of Independence Day.

Saira Peter is among the prominent personalities selected for a national honour for their services in their respective fields.

She is known for blending Western classical opera with South Asian and Sufi musical traditions. Through her work in Sufi opera, she has developed a distinctive artistic identity.

Her performances combine a powerful soprano voice with Pakistani poetry, Sufi thought and elements of Eastern music.

Peter has performed at various national and international platforms. Through her music, she has played a role in introducing Pakistan’s literary and cultural traditions to audiences around the world.

She has also represented Pakistan at several cultural, governmental, diplomatic and international events. She has performed at prestigious venues, including the President House in Islamabad.

Her artistic work focuses on bringing together Eastern musical traditions and cultural heritage with Western classical opera.

Peter has continued to promote Pakistani poetry and the message of Sufism internationally through a contemporary and distinctive musical style.

Her selection for the Sitara-e-Imtiaz is being seen as recognition of her long artistic career and efforts to promote Pakistan’s music, culture and national identity on international platforms.

The honour is also being described as a proud moment for the Pakistani diaspora. It highlights the contributions of Pakistani artists living abroad who continue to promote the country’s cultural heritage, music and performing arts around the world.

Pakistan announces its Civil Awards every year on Independence Day. The formal investiture ceremonies are held at a later date.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Christopher Nolan shares why romantic comedies ‘…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Christopher Nolan has built a career on pushing cinematic boundaries with thought-provoking blockbusters such as Inception, Interstellar, The Dark Knight trilogy and the Oscar-winning Oppenheimer. But despite his success across multiple genres, the acclaimed filmmaker says there is one type of movie he has no desire to direct anytime soon—a romantic comedy.  While promoting his latest epic, The Odyssey, during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Nolan was asked whether fans could ever expect him to make a romantic comedy. Although the question was posed jokingly, the director gave a surprisingly thoughtful answer, admitting that the idea genuinely intimidates him.  “I think doing a rom-com would be incredibly difficult,” Nolan said. “I love watching those movies.” However, he explained that making audiences laugh consistently is one of the toughest challenges in filmmaking, giving immense credit to directors and actors who specialize in comedy.  The two-time Academy Award winner went on to explain why comedy demands a unique level of precision. According to Nolan, filmmakers working in dramatic or suspenseful genres have more room for interpretation if a particular scene doesn’t resonate with viewers. Comedy, on the other hand, leaves little room for error because jokes either land—or they don’t. That pressure, he admitted, is enough to make him “terrified” of attempting the genre himself.  Nolan’s comments have quickly sparked discussion among movie lovers, many of whom praised his honesty. Fans pointed out that although the filmmaker has mastered science fiction, historical drama, superhero films, psychological thrillers and war epics, his willingness to acknowledge the difficulty of comedy reflects his respect for fellow filmmakers.  Interestingly, while Nolan appears reluctant to direct a romantic comedy, he recently revealed that The Odyssey has increased his interest in another genre—horror. The filmmaker said working on the mythological adventure, which features several frightening sequences, has left him eager to explore horror further, provided he finds the right story.  The Odyssey, starring Matt Damon, Tom Holland and Anne Hathaway, marks another ambitious project for Nolan. Shot entirely using IMAX cameras, the film has received praise for its scale, practical effects and emotional storytelling, continuing the director’s tradition of delivering visually spectacular cinematic experiences.  Although fans may never see Christopher Nolan helm a lighthearted romantic comedy, his candid remarks highlight the immense respect he has for the genre. For now, the celebrated filmmaker remains committed to telling bold, ambitious stories—while happily leaving romantic laughs to directors who have mastered the art of comedy. 

  • |

    Brazil recalls ambassador after Milei labels Lula a “thief” at campaign rally

    ByJustpaste.in

    Relations between Brazil and Argentina have taken another sharp turn after Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was indirectly attacked by Argentine President Javier Milei during a political rally in Sao Paulo. Brazil responded by recalling its ambassador from Buenos Aires, calling Milei’s remarks an insult to the country’s leadership, institutions, and democracy. Milei traveled to Brazil over the weekend to support Flavio Bolsonaro, who officially launched his campaign for Brazil’s presidential election scheduled for October. Flavio is the son of former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro and is representing the right wing Liberal Party after his father was barred from seeking office. During his speech, Milei did not mention Lula by name but referred to “the thief” and “the convict,” comments widely understood to be aimed at the Brazilian president. The remarks referenced Lula’s previous imprisonment on corruption charges before those convictions were later overturned, allowing him to return to politics and win the 2022 presidential election. Standing alongside Flavio Bolsonaro, Milei praised the candidate and said he believed he was the only person capable of defeating Lula in the upcoming election. The Argentine president has maintained close political ties with the Bolsonaro family and has openly supported their conservative agenda. Milei also criticized a senior Brazilian Supreme Court judge who oversaw legal proceedings involving Jair Bolsonaro. Without naming Justice Alexandre de Moraes directly, he used insulting language while referring to the judge. Earlier this month, Moraes rejected Milei’s request to visit the former Brazilian president, who is currently under house arrest in Brasilia. Jair Bolsonaro is serving a prison sentence of more than 27 years after being convicted of plotting a coup to remain in power following his defeat in the 2022 election. Because he is no longer eligible to run for public office, he has endorsed his son Flavio as the candidate for his party in this year’s presidential race. Brazilian officials reacted strongly to Milei’s comments. According to diplomatic sources, the statements were viewed as offensive not only to the country’s president but also to its judiciary, democratic institutions, and the Brazilian people. In response, Brazil recalled its ambassador from Argentina in a diplomatic protest, signaling growing frustration with Milei’s repeated criticism of the Brazilian government. President Lula did not directly address Milei’s speech during a public event on Sunday. However, he appeared to respond indirectly by saying that Brazil would not accept interference from outsiders in its internal affairs. His comments were seen as a clear message that foreign leaders should avoid becoming involved in Brazil’s domestic political disputes. The latest exchange has further strained ties between South America’s two largest economies. Despite their political differences, Brazil and Argentina remain each other’s biggest trading partners, making stable diplomatic relations important for regional trade and economic cooperation. With Brazil’s presidential election approaching, political tensions are expected to remain high. Milei’s public support for Flavio Bolsonaro and his criticism of Lula have added an international dimension to the campaign, increasing pressure on relations between the neighboring countries at a time when cooperation remains vital on economic and regional issues.

  • |

    Pakistan secures US $629.5 million in agreements following landmark Pakistan-China Pharmaceutical B2B Conference

    ByJustpaste.in

    Syed Mustafa Kamal, Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination has announced a major breakthrough for Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector following the successful Pakistan-China Pharmaceutical Business-to-Business (B2B) Conference held in Islamabad on 17–18 July. Addressing a press conference, the Minister said the conference marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to transform Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry into a globally competitive sector, attract foreign investment, strengthen local manufacturing, and reduce dependence on imported pharmaceutical products. “The purpose of sharing this success is to present a positive image of Pakistan to our people and the world. While challenges exist, it is equally important to highlight our achievements that restore confidence in Pakistan’s economy and its investment potential,” the Minister said. The two-day conference brought together 240 Chinese delegates representing 140 leading Chinese pharmaceutical companies and 430 Pakistani delegates from 210 local companies, making it one of the largest Pakistan-China engagements ever held exclusively for the pharmaceutical sector. To maximize business outcomes, the Ministry of National Health Services facilitated six weeks of virtual business matchmaking before the conference, ensuring participating companies entered the event with well-developed business discussions rather than first-time introductions. As a result, the conference generated 340 bilateral business meetings, culminating in: 22 commercial agreements worth US$629.5 million 84 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with an estimated value of approximately US$800 million, many of which are expected to mature into formal investment agreements. The signed agreements span six strategic sub-sectors critical to the future of Pakistan’s healthcare industry: Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) – 2 agreements Local Vaccine Production – 8 agreements Clinical Trials – 2 agreements Generic Formulations & Injectables – 2 agreements Medical Devices Manufacturing – 8 agreements The Minister emphasized that the government’s objective extends beyond signing MoUs, focusing instead on legally binding commercial agreements that lead to tangible investments, technology transfer, industrial growth, and employment generation. Highlighting the government’s broader pharmaceutical reforms, the Minister noted that Pakistan has, for the first time, developed and approved a National Local Vaccine Production Policy, creating the policy framework necessary for domestic vaccine manufacturing. Currently, Pakistan administers 13 vaccines under its national immunization programme, all of which are imported. The new policy aims to establish local production capacity, improve health security, and reduce import dependence. The Minister also identified several strategic priorities being pursued jointly with Chinese partners, including: Development of Pakistan’s clinical trials ecosystem; Promotion of Traditional Chinese Medicine and herbal medicines; Local manufacturing and export of medical devices; Establishment of vocational and technical training programmes for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology workforce; and Indigenous production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), as Pakistan currently imports approximately 95% of the raw materials used to manufacture medicines despite producing nearly 85% of its pharmaceutical products locally. The Minister observed that healthcare is a permanent and growing global industry, and with Pakistan’s population exceeding 250 million, strengthening domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing has become both an economic and strategic necessity. He further highlighted the government’s regulatory reforms, particularly within the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), where approximately 85% of regulatory processes have now been digitized. The reforms have substantially reduced processing times, enhanced transparency, minimized human intervention, and improved ease of doing business. As an example, the Minister noted that the registration of medical devices, which previously required years to complete, can now be processed entirely online, with approvals being issued within 20 days, significantly improving investor confidence. The Minister acknowledged the collective efforts of the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing, led by Ambassador Khalil Hashmi, the Ministry of National Health Services, DRAP, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), the Board of Investment (BOI), the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Islamabad Police, law enforcement agencies, and all public officials whose coordinated efforts ensured the successful organization of the conference. He also appreciated the active participation of the Pakistani pharmaceutical industry and Chinese business partners, whose collaboration translated business dialogue into concrete investment commitments. Concluding the press conference, the Minister described the conference as the beginning of a long-term strategic partnership between Pakistan and China in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that the signed agreements are implemented expeditiously and translated into operational projects that strengthen Pakistan’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity, create employment opportunities, increase exports, and contribute to national economic growth.

  • | |

    Jared Leto faces sexual misconduct allegations

    ByJustpaste.in

    American actor and musician Jared Leto is facing new public allegations of sexual misconduct after 10 women came forward in a BBC documentary titled _Jared Leto: Hollywood’s Dark Secret_. The film focuses on claims that span more than a decade, between 2002 and 2016. During that period Leto was in his 30s and 40s. He is now 54. The women allege they encountered Leto when they were teenagers or in their early 20s. Four of the women detail what they describe as criminal sexual conduct. One woman said she was sexually assaulted in a motel bathroom when she was 17. Another said Leto threatened her with sexual assault when she was 19. A third alleged she had sex with Leto in California at age 17. In California the legal age of consent is 18, meaning the act would be classified as statutory rape. She told the BBC that when she raised the issue of age, Leto dismissed it. A fourth woman alleged she was groomed by Leto from age 16, including receiving multiple sexually explicit phone calls in which he suggested they have sex. Beyond those four, four other women told the BBC they received repeated phone calls from Leto that were strange and often sexual in nature while they were still young. They said the calls left them uncomfortable and confused at the time. The BBC said it attempted to verify the accounts. According to the broadcaster, friends and family members of several women confirmed they were told about the encounters with Leto at the time they happened. In some cases the BBC said it had reviewed photographs and messages that supported parts of the women’s statements. The documentary also includes testimony from two men who worked with Leto’s band, Thirty Seconds to Mars, for many years. Both described an uneasy atmosphere among crew members regarding Leto’s interactions with young female fans. They said staff observed Leto inviting teenage girls backstage to his dressing room and to the house where the band was recording. “I think everyone thought the age gap was way too big,” one of them said in the film. Leto did not respond to the BBC’s requests for comment ahead of the documentary’s release. Representatives for the actor have not issued a public statement as of press time. The program also references the broader conversation around Leto online. The BBC reported it had counted more than 120 separate allegations posted online over the years relating to Leto’s behavior toward women, some of them dating back more than a decade. Leto is a well-known Hollywood actor and Academy Award winner. His credits include _Dallas Buyers Club_, for which he won Best Supporting Actor, _Suicide Squad_, and the recent _Masters of the Universe_. He is also the lead singer of the rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars. No criminal charges have been filed in connection with the allegations detailed in the documentary.

  • | |

    Google slapped with $1bn EU fine, holds talks to dodge further penalties

    ByJustpaste.in

    The European Union has fined Google about €890 million, or $1 billion. The fine punishes Google for breaking EU rules meant to control the power of big tech companies. But regulators also hinted that no more fines are coming soon, because Google is making good progress toward following the rules. The fine has two parts. The first part, €460 million, is for Google favoring its own products. When people search for things like shopping, hotels, flights, or sports scores, Google often showed its own results first instead of treating competitors fairly. The second part, €430 million, is about the Google Play app store. Google had stopped app makers from telling users about cheaper deals outside the app store. This is the first time Google has been fined under this specific EU law, called the Digital Markets Act. But counting older cases, Google has now paid six fines for unfair business practices. In total, the company has paid more than €10 billion in EU fines over about twenty years. EU officials said they are just enforcing the law. “Our job is to make sure the rules are followed,” said Teresa Ribera, the EU’s top antitrust official. Another official, Henna Virkkunen, said the goal is fair competition. Google now has 60 days to fix its practices. Google is not happy. A company spokesperson said the changes will hurt features people like, such as quick pricing for hotels and flights. He said the ruling is not really about fair competition, it is making Google’s products worse to please a small number of complainers. Even so, there is good news for Google too. The EU said Google has already started testing new ways of showing search results more fairly. It called this real progress. The EU may also apply the same rules to Google’s AI tools, like AI Overviews. Talks about this are still ongoing. Google’s changes to its app store rules were also seen as a step in the right direction. This fight is happening while tensions rise between the US and EU. The Trump administration says Europe is unfairly targeting American companies and has threatened tariffs in response. Some US lawmakers agree. Google’s fine comes after the EU already fined Apple and Meta last year under the same law. It shows the EU is serious about controlling big tech, even as pressure grows from the US side.

  • | |

    Trump hails Makkah Defence pact, calls it bold ste…

    ByJustpaste.in

    WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has welcomed the newly signed Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, describing the trilateral pact as an important step toward greater regional security. Trump said he was pleased to see the three countries formalise the agreement, arguing that it demonstrated a growing willingness among Middle Eastern and regional states to strengthen their ability to protect themselves. The agreement was signed in Makkah on August 7 during a summit involving Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. It establishes a framework for closer defence cooperation, collective deterrence and enhanced strategic coordination among the three countries. Although the pact has drawn comparisons with NATO, security analysts say it is primarily an institutionalisation of longstanding political and military ties rather than the creation of a new offensive military alliance. The framework is expected to facilitate greater cooperation in areas including intelligence sharing, defence planning, military coordination and strategic consultations. The agreement comes amid an increasingly complex regional security environment marked by conflicts, shifting alliances and emerging military threats. Supporters argue that stronger coordination among the three countries could enhance deterrence and contribute to regional stability. Pakistan brings extensive military and operational experience, while Saudi Arabia offers significant economic and political influence. Türkiye, meanwhile, contributes a developed defence industry, military technology and industrial capabilities. Analysts believe combining these strengths could improve the partners’ collective preparedness. Turkish President Erdogan has also described the agreement as a significant message for global peace. Speaking in an interview with Al Jazeera Arabic, he said the decision to sign the pact in Makkah gave it additional significance, particularly amid tensions between the United States and Iran. Erdogan stressed that Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia sought to position themselves as advocates of peace and said the three countries would continue supporting diplomatic efforts to prevent conflict. Asked whether the agreement was comparable to NATO’s Article 5, Erdogan said its collective defence principle meant the three countries would have the opportunity to respond jointly if any member faced a serious threat. He also revealed that the framework could eventually expand beyond the three founding members. According to Erdogan, the agreement leaves the door open for other countries to join, with Egypt among the potential future participants. The pact is therefore emerging as a significant development in regional security cooperation, while its proponents present it as a defensive mechanism designed to strengthen deterrence and promote stability rather than fuel confrontation.

Leave a Reply

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