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South African court pauses impeachment proceedings against Cyril Ramaphosa

ByJustpaste.in

South Africa’s Western Cape High Court has granted President Cyril Ramaphosa a temporary order halting parliamentary impeachment proceedings against him. The interdict pauses the work of a parliamentary impeachment committee until the court reviews a November 2022 panel report in September, which concluded that Ramaphosa “may have committed” serious violations regarding the Phala Phala farm scandal.

The controversy stems from a 2020 break-in at Ramaphosa’s luxury farmhouse in Limpopo, where $580,000 in undeclared foreign currency hidden inside a sofa was stolen. While a former spy chief alleged the stolen sum reached $4 million and accused the president of concealing the robbery from tax and police authorities, Ramaphosa has maintained his innocence, stating the cash came from a legitimate sale of 20 buffaloes.

Although the ruling African National Congress (ANC) initially quashed impeachment efforts in Parliament in 2022 and prosecutors dropped criminal charges in 2024, a Constitutional Court ruling in May 2026 reinstated the impeachment process. Ramaphosa welcomed Friday’s court decision, affirming his respect for judicial independence while awaiting the full review hearing in September.

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    Shaheen Afridi pulls out of LPL 2026

    ByJustpaste.in

    COLOMBO: Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has reportedly withdrawn from the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026, bringing an early end to a turbulent campaign that was overshadowed by an administrative mix-up and below-par performances. According to media reports, the 26-year-old informed his franchise, Kandy Royals, that he was leaving the tournament for personal reasons. Neither Afridi nor the franchise has disclosed further details, while Kandy Royals are yet to announce a replacement. Afridi’s departure comes just days after he was at the centre of an unusual selection controversy. Reports claimed he had initially been listed as the team’s Impact Player for a match against Colombo Capitals, but was unable to feature after an administrative error left his name off the official team sheet. The mistake reportedly occurred after Kandy Royals elected to bat first, with team officials later informing Afridi that an analyst had accidentally omitted his name from the final squad submitted before the match. The incident prompted the Pakistan pacer to raise the issue with an official from the tournament’s Anti-Corruption Unit, after which the matter was referred to the match referee for review. Franchise officials and tournament organisers later apologised to Afridi for the error. Reports suggested the left-arm fast bowler had briefly considered leaving the competition immediately after the incident but decided to stay with the squad following the apology. Despite remaining in the tournament, Afridi struggled to make his usual impact with the ball. He claimed seven wickets in six matches, averaging 32.00, while conceding runs at an economy rate of 10.18, figures well below the standards expected from one of Pakistan’s premier fast bowlers. Meanwhile, the LPL continues to see changes in team combinations, with two more Pakistani cricketers joining the competition as replacement signings. Young batter Khawaja Nafay has been drafted by Jaffna Kings to replace Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran, while experienced all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed has signed with Dambulla Sixers as a replacement for Afghanistan fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi. Shaheen’s reported withdrawal marks another twist in an eventful LPL campaign and is likely to spark further discussion about player management and tournament administration as the competition heads toward its decisive stages.

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    PAAM finalizes policy draft for independent altern…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Lahore: An important consultative meeting of the Core Committee of the Pakistan Association of Alternative Medicine (PAAM) was held, in which the “Policy Draft and Working Paper” was finalized to make the country’s alternative medicine sector namely Homeopathy, Herbal, and Unani economically self-reliant and to transform it into an international industry. During this meeting, PAAM Core Committee members Dr. Tariq Mahmood Chaudhry and former Director of Homeopathy at the Punjab Health Department, Dr. Jamil Akhtar Ghauri, met with PAAM President Kashif Aslam Malik and held deep consultations on the framework of the proposed federal ministry. According to the text of the policy draft, more than 80 percent of the world’s population relies on alternative and natural methods of treatment. China earns an annual export profit of 60 billion dollars from this sector, and India earns over 5 billion dollars in valuable foreign exchange. In contrast, despite having abundant natural resources and hundreds of thousands of qualified doctors, Pakistan accounts for less than 0.5 percent of the global market due to the lack of an independent federal ministry. The working paper prepared by PAAM highlights that establishing an autonomous federal ministry could be the fastest way to pull Pakistan out of its economic crisis and boost exports. The PAAM leadership has presented three-year economic targets to the government and parliament, setting the export target at 200 million dollars for the first year, 500 million dollars for the second year, and aiming to exceed 1.5 billion dollars in the third year through international trade agreements and Business-to-Business (B2B) partnerships. Another key feature of this policy draft is that commercial herb farming will be initiated nationwide under the new ministry, directly benefiting the rural economy and local farmers. Furthermore, this initiative aims to eliminate Pakistan’s reliance on expensive imported raw materials for the allopathic industry, making the country truly economically independent. During the meeting, the PAAM leadership emphasized that the alternative medicine sector is facing a severe crisis due to the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan’s (DRAP) hyper-focus on allopathic brands and bureaucratic red tape. They noted that introducing a one-window operation under an autonomous ministry would ensure medicine quality complies with World Health Organization (WHO) and International Herb Pharmacopeia standards, while also reducing public healthcare expenditures at the government level by up to 50 percent through the provision of affordable alternative medicines. Following the completion of the policy draft, PAAM has demanded a joint emergency meeting of the Senate and National Assembly Standing Committees on Health and Commerce, the formation of a dedicated task force, and a special export package for alternative medicine manufacturers. The Chairman and Core Committee of PAAM reaffirmed their commitment to presenting this policy paper to the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Federal Cabinet very soon to make the country self-sufficient on both economic and medical fronts.

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    Javed Sheikh says he refused fee for Om Shanti Om

    ByJustpaste.in

    Veteran Pakistani actor Javed Sheikh has revealed that he initially refused to take any remuneration for his role in the hit 2007 Bollywood film Om Shanti Om, stating that sharing the screen with Indian megastar Shah Rukh Khan was an honor in itself. ​Speaking in an interview with Vasay Chaudhry, the veteran actor reminisced about playing the role of Rajesh Kapoor—Shah Rukh Khan’s on-screen father in the Farah Khan directorial—and reflected on the immense warmth and respect he experienced during the film’s production. ​Recalling the financial negotiations prior to filming, Sheikh shared that when the production manager approached him to finalize his contract and discuss his fee, he immediately declined monetary compensation. He emphasized that being chosen out of countless actors across India to portray Shah Rukh Khan’s father felt like a massive privilege that transcended money: ​”Farah Khan wanted me to play Shah Rukh’s father and they started discussing my fee. I said, ‘Money? I won’t take it.’ They said that was impossible. I told them it was such a big honour that, out of everyone in India, they had chosen a Pakistani actor to play Shah Rukh Khan’s father. Money wasn’t important.” ​When the production team insisted that working without pay violated contract guidelines, Sheikh jokingly proposed accepting a symbolic fee of just one rupee. However, both director Farah Khan and Shah Rukh Khan rejected the gesture, insisting on compensating him generously to honor his professional standing. Sheikh praised Shah Rukh Khan for his exceptional hospitality and care on set, describing their working relationship during the shoot as superb. ​Reflecting on his journey in the entertainment industry, Sheikh spoke candidly about his early career struggles. He disclosed that despite his deep passion for acting—which often involved running from school to Radio Pakistan—his father remained strict and skeptical. After his debut film Dhamaka (1974) failed at the box office, his career faced significant setbacks, leaving him devastated when industry insiders initially labeled him a “flop actor.” ​Five years later, his fortunes took a dramatic turn with the hit television drama Ankahi, which earned immense popularity across both Pakistan and India, effectively cementing his star status. Sheikh concluded by highlighting the mindset that guided his decade-long career: focusing entirely on self-improvement rather than competition, envy, or status. ​With a career spanning over four decades, Javed Sheikh continues to remain a vital force across Pakistani media, recently appearing in prominent projects including Delhi Gate, Aag Lagey Basti Mein, and the drama series Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum.

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    Kashmir Exploitation Day, Pakistan’s leaders uni…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan observed Kashmir Exploitation Day on Wednesday with political leaders across party lines renewing their support for the people of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, while condemning India’s constitutional changes of August 5, 2019, as unlawful and contrary to international law and United Nations resolutions. Messages of solidarity were issued by senior government officials, provincial leaders, parliamentarians and political parties, all reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. Rallies, public gatherings and awareness events were also held in different parts of the country to mark the occasion. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan would continue extending its political, diplomatic and moral support to the Kashmiri people until they were able to exercise their internationally recognised right to self-determination. He described India’s unilateral decisions of August 5, 2019, as illegal and urged New Delhi to reverse all measures that altered the disputed territory’s constitutional status. Pakistan’s Foreign Office Pakistan’s Foreign Office also reaffirmed the country’s unwavering support for Kashmiris, paying tribute to what it described as their courage, resilience and sacrifices. A spokesperson said Pakistan would continue highlighting the Kashmir issue at regional and international forums and called on the global community to uphold international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz paid tribute to the families of those who lost their lives during the Kashmir conflict and appealed to the United Nations and international human rights organisations to take notice of alleged human rights violations in the region. She said August 5, 2019, represented an attack on the identity and rights of the Kashmiri people and maintained that Pakistan would continue raising its voice on their behalf. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also termed India’s constitutional changes a violation of UN Security Council resolutions. He urged the international community to play an effective role in ensuring the protection of human rights in Indian-administered Kashmir. Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani strongly criticised India’s actions, saying attempts to alter the demographic composition of the disputed territory and undermine the identity of the Kashmiri people were unacceptable. He stressed that the Kashmir dispute should be resolved in accordance with the aspirations of its people and relevant UN resolutions. Governor Faisal Karim Kundi In Peshawar, a solidarity rally led by Governor Faisal Karim Kundi marched from the Civil Secretariat to the Governor House. Government employees, civil society representatives and citizens participated in the event, carrying Pakistani and Kashmiri flags while expressing support for the Kashmiri cause. Addressing participants, Kundi said Pakistan would continue standing with Kashmiris and expressed confidence that the people of the region would eventually determine their own future according to their wishes. Sindh Interior and Law Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar Sindh Interior and Law Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar said force and restrictions could not suppress the desire for freedom among Kashmiris. He alleged that India had violated international law and reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with the people of Kashmir. Sindh Assembly Speaker Awais Qadir Shah Sindh Assembly Speaker Awais Qadir Shah also urged the United Nations to play a more active role, saying Kashmiris had been facing serious human rights challenges for several years. Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman said the Kashmiri freedom movement would continue until the dispute was resolved in line with United Nations resolutions. He described the revocation of Kashmir’s special constitutional status as a challenge to international law and the UN system. Senator Sherry Rehman Senator Sherry Rehman praised the determination and resilience of the Kashmiri people, saying their struggle had continued despite years of political uncertainty. She maintained that India’s constitutional changes were aimed at ending the region’s special status. Federal Minister Amir Muqam At a separate rally in Islamabad, Federal Minister Amir Muqam said Pakistan marks August 5 every year to express solidarity with Kashmiris and condemn India’s actions. He alleged that demographic changes were being introduced in the disputed territory through settlement policies. PPP Parliamentarians Secretary General Nayyar Bukhari Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians Secretary General Nayyar Bukhari said the revocation of Kashmir’s special status had failed to weaken the freedom movement. He warned that policies pursued by the Indian government could further undermine regional peace and stability. The observance of Kashmir Exploitation Day concluded with renewed calls from Pakistan’s political leadership for greater international engagement on the Kashmir dispute. Leaders urged the United Nations and the global community to work towards a peaceful resolution of the issue in accordance with international law and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

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    Pakistan defeat South Korea 3-1 in second hockey Test

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan continued their impressive run in the four-match hockey Test series by defeating South Korea 3-1 in the second encounter, securing a commanding 2-0 lead in the series. The home side delivered another disciplined performance, building on the momentum from their opening victory to outclass the visitors with clinical finishing and solid defensive play. Pakistan’s star performer was Abubakar, who struck twice to put his team in control, while Abdul Rehman added the third goal to seal another convincing victory. South Korea managed to score once, but failed to recover as Pakistan maintained control throughout the contest. The victory follows Pakistan’s 3-1 triumph in the opening Test, giving the Green Shirts consecutive wins and putting them in a strong position ahead of the remaining two matches of the series. The ongoing series also marks a significant moment for Pakistan hockey, with international hockey returning to the country after nearly two decades. South Korea’s visit has been welcomed by fans and officials alike, who see it as a positive step toward reviving international hockey in Pakistan. Pakistan displayed greater composure in midfield, created more scoring opportunities and converted their chances effectively. The team’s attacking intent, coupled with an organized defensive structure, limited South Korea’s ability to mount a comeback despite their lone goal. The performances of Abubakar and Abdul Rehman have been particularly encouraging, highlighting the emergence of young talent capable of strengthening Pakistan’s hockey squad in future international competitions. With a 2-0 advantage, Pakistan will now look to complete the series in dominant fashion when the two teams meet in the remaining fixtures. Team management is expected to maintain the winning combination while continuing to build confidence and consistency ahead of upcoming international tournaments. The back-to-back victories have generated renewed optimism among hockey supporters, who hope the successful hosting of the Test series and Pakistan’s strong performances will contribute to the revival of the country’s proud hockey tradition and encourage more international teams to tour Pakistan in the future.

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    Trump drops major statement on Iran: what China an…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has said he does not believe that China or Russia are supplying weapons to Iran, citing assurances he received from the leaders of both countries. Speaking to reporters, Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping had assured him that Beijing would not provide weapons to Iran under any circumstances. According to Trump, the Chinese leader also stated that the policy applies to Chinese companies, preventing them from supplying arms to Tehran. Trump said he trusts President Xi’s commitment in the context of U.S.-China relations and believes China is adhering to that position. The U.S. president also said Russian President Vladimir Putin had informed him that Moscow would not sell weapons to Iran. Trump’s remarks come amid continued international attention on Iran’s military capabilities and regional security. However, he did not provide additional details or evidence to support the statements, nor did he elaborate on whether the assurances were part of recent diplomatic discussions. The comments reflect Washington’s ongoing focus on limiting the transfer of advanced military equipment to Iran as regional tensions and global security concerns continue to evolve.

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