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Swiss government rejects proposed constitutional ban on non-UN sanctions ahead of neutrality vote

ByJustpaste.in

The Swiss government has formally rejected a popular initiative seeking to enshrine a rigid, absolute definition of neutrality into the country’s constitution, warning the move would cripple national security and diplomatic flexibility.

The constitutional referendum, scheduled for 27 September, was triggered after right-wing campaign groups backed by the Swiss People’s Party gathered over 100,000 signatures. Proponents argue Bern’s historical stance has been diluted by adopting European Union sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine and deepening training ties with NATO.

If passed, the amendment would constitutionally mandate that Swiss neutrality remain perpetual and armed, while explicitly barring non-UN sanctions and foreign military alliances.

Launching the official counter-campaign on Tuesday, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis insisted the nation’s neutrality remains intact without need for restrictive legal amendments.

“Switzerland has been and is neutral, and it will remain neutral,” Cassis said in a statement, adding that the proposal would severely hinder security cooperation with international partners prior to an actual crisis.

Current polling indicates low public support for the initiative, with a Tamedia survey showing 54 per cent of voters opposed compared to 34 per cent in favour.

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    Saboor Aly’s daughter Serena Ali begins her school journey

    ByJustpaste.in

    Saboor Aly has reached another memorable milestone in her journey as a mother. The Pakistani actress, who has built a successful career through her talent and dedication, is now celebrating an important moment in the life of her young daughter, Serena Ali. Saboor is married to fellow actor Ali Ansari, and the couple welcomed their first child, a baby girl named Serena Ali, more than a year ago. Since becoming parents, the couple have largely kept their daughter away from the public eye. Saboor has been particularly careful about protecting Serena’s privacy and has avoided showing her face on social media. However, the actress recently gave fans a glimpse into a special new chapter in her daughter’s life. Serena is now all set to begin her school journey, and Saboor shared pictures from the little girl’s first day. While the actress continued to maintain her daughter’s privacy, the photographs gave followers a glimpse of the emotional occasion. Starting school is a major milestone for any child, and Saboor appeared to be marking the moment with pride and affection. Like many parents, she seems excited to watch her daughter take her first steps into a new environment and begin learning outside the home. However, the announcement quickly sparked a debate among social media users. Some followers questioned whether Serena was too young to begin school, particularly because she is reportedly around one and a half years old. One social media user expressed surprise over the decision, writing that Serena is “just 1.5 years old.” Another commenter described the decision as “wrong,” while someone else suggested that a mother should be a child’s first teacher and encouraged Saboor to educate her daughter at home. The reactions highlight the different opinions surrounding early childhood education. While some parents prefer introducing children to structured learning environments at a young age, others believe toddlers should spend more time at home before starting any form of schooling. It is also possible that Serena’s school experience may be more focused on early childhood activities, social interaction and development rather than conventional academic education. Many early-learning programmes are designed specifically for toddlers and emphasize play, communication and basic developmental skills. Despite the mixed reactions, Saboor has not indicated that the criticism will change her approach to parenting. She has consistently maintained a protective attitude toward her daughter and continues to keep details of Serena’s personal life private. For now, the actress appears to be embracing this new chapter while allowing her daughter to experience an important milestone away from excessive public attention. Saboor and Ali’s fans will undoubtedly continue to follow Serena’s journey, even if the couple choose to reveal only limited glimpses of her childhood.

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    JSMU issues separate notifications on Dr Nighat Sh…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) has issued two separate notifications regarding the retirement and subsequent contractual appointment of Professor Dr Nighat Shah, daughter of former Sindh chief minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah. According to the university’s notifications, Dr Nighat Shah retired from government service on August 12, 2026, but was allowed to continue working at the university as a Professor of Gynaecology (BPS-21) for another three years on a contractual basis. The two notifications were issued separately. One formally announced her retirement, while the other approved her immediate appointment on a three-year contract following her retirement. According to the retirement notification issued by JSMU Registrar Dr Azam Khan, Dr Nighat Shah, who was serving as Professor of Gynaecology and Obstetrics in BPS-21 as well as Pro-Vice Chancellor, retired from government service with effect from the afternoon of August 12. The notification also referred to an earlier order dated October 6, 2025, under which she had been appointed Pro-Vice Chancellor of the university. Her tenure as Pro-Vice Chancellor was linked to her period of government service and was therefore due to end upon her retirement. However, a separate notification issued by the university states that, following a decision by the Sindh government and approval from the competent authority, the Syndicate, Dr Nighat Shah was permitted to continue her services at JSMU as Professor of Gynaecology for three years on a contractual basis. The new contract will take effect from August 13, 2026, just one day after her retirement from government service. The arrangement means that, according to the university’s own notifications, Dr Nighat Shah formally retired from government employment on August 12 but resumed her professional duties at the same institution without any break from August 13 under a three-year contractual appointment. The development has drawn attention because of the timing of the two notifications, with the retirement order followed immediately by the contractual appointment. Dr Nighat Shah was appointed Pro-Vice Chancellor of JSMU in October 2025. Her new contractual role, however, is specifically as Professor of Gynaecology rather than as Pro-Vice Chancellor. The three-year contract will allow her to continue teaching and providing academic and professional services at the university until the completion of the approved contractual period, subject to the terms and conditions of her appointment.

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    Iran says every threat will strengthen its militar…

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    Mystery deepens over 2 girls’ deaths in Lahore p…

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    Blake Lively shares rare new moments with Ryan Reynolds

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    Blake Lively has given fans a glimpse into a special outing with husband Ryan Reynolds, sharing a fresh collection of photographs from their recent appearance at a football match. The actress took to Instagram on Friday, August 7, to post several pictures from their July 30 visit to Yankee Stadium, where they watched Wrexham AFC take on Liverpool. The new images feature the couple enjoying the event together, with Blake and Ryan seen smiling and posing alongside each other. One photograph shows them holding hands while standing together inside the stadium, while another captures Ryan enjoying the match from the crowd. Blake also included pictures featuring friends who joined them for the occasion, giving followers a look at the group’s memorable evening. Alongside the photographs, the actress reflected on the experience and described watching Wrexham play at the iconic stadium as one of the most unforgettable moments of their journey with the football club. She also expressed gratitude to their friends, family and members of the Wrexham community who attended the match and supported the team. Blake gave special recognition to longtime friend and photographer Guy Aroch, who accompanied the group and captured the moments featured in her Instagram post. Aroch responded warmly to the post, expressing his affection for Blake and Ryan and recalling the experience as a memorable occasion spent with family and close friends. The new photographs have attracted attention from fans, particularly because they offer a rare recent glimpse of Blake and Ryan together. The couple, who married in September 2012, have remained one of Hollywood’s most recognisable celebrity pairs. Their appearance at the Wrexham-Liverpool match also highlights their continued connection with Wrexham AFC. Ryan Reynolds is a co-owner of the Welsh football club, which has gained significant international attention in recent years. Blake’s latest post comes weeks after she shared a Father’s Day tribute for Ryan, making the new collection of photographs another affectionate public glimpse into their family life.

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