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Trump link to Balogun decision triggers FIFA backlash

ByJustpaste.in

ZURICH: A fresh controversy has erupted around the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Norway’s Football Federation announced it is considering filing a formal complaint with FIFA’s Ethics Committee over the governing body’s decision to reverse the automatic suspension of United States forward Folarin Balogun.

The dispute centers on FIFA’s decision to suspend Balogun’s one-match ban for 12 months, allowing him to feature in the United States’ Round of 16 clash against Belgium despite receiving a straight red card in an earlier match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Under FIFA regulations, the dismissal would normally have ruled the striker out of the knockout fixture. However, the suspension was put on hold, a move that has drawn criticism from several football associations and intensified debate over the integrity of disciplinary procedures.

According to international media reports, the decision followed reported intervention by US President Donald Trump, a claim that has fueled accusations of political influence in football governance.

Although Balogun was cleared to play, the decision ultimately had little impact on the result, with Belgium defeating the United States 4-1 to advance to the quarter-finals.

Norwegian Football Federation President Lise Klaveness said the organization is now examining whether to expand an existing ethics complaint against FIFA by including the Balogun case.

Klaveness indicated that the issue could be linked with an earlier complaint concerning FIFA’s decision to award Trump a symbolic “Peace Prize,” arguing that both matters raise broader questions about governance, transparency and independence within world football.

The controversy has also attracted criticism from Belgium’s Football Federation and European football governing body UEFA, both of which reportedly expressed serious reservations over FIFA’s handling of the disciplinary process.

Belgium had sought clarification regarding the decision to allow Balogun to participate, but FIFA reportedly dismissed the request as inadmissible, further adding to frustration among European football officials.

The latest dispute has reignited debate over whether external political influence should have any role in decisions affecting international competitions.

While FIFA has not publicly addressed the allegations of political pressure, the governing body maintains that its disciplinary and appeals processes operate under established legal frameworks.

The controversy comes at a sensitive time for FIFA following the conclusion of the expanded 2026 World Cup, with calls growing for greater transparency in disciplinary decisions involving players and national teams.

If Norway proceeds with its complaint, FIFA’s Ethics Committee could face renewed scrutiny over its governance standards and decision-making process, potentially prolonging one of the tournament’s most talked-about off-field controversies.

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    Gold Prices surge by Rs10,000 per tola in Pakistan

    ByJustpaste.in

      Gold prices in Pakistan witnessed a dramatic increase on Wednesday, with the price of 24-karat gold rising by Rs10,000 per tola, marking one of the biggest single-day jumps in recent months. The sharp increase has pushed the domestic gold market to a new record level, adding to concerns among consumers, investors, and jewellery traders about the continued rise in precious metal prices. According to the All Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Association (APGJA) the price of one tola of gold has climbed to Rs437,936 following the latest increase. The association also reported that the price of 10 grams of 24-karat gold rose by Rs8,573 reaching Rs375,459 The latest surge reflects the ongoing volatility in both domestic and international bullion markets. Gold prices have remained under the spotlight in recent weeks due to global economic uncertainty, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, and increased investor demand for safe-haven assets. Although the association did not specify the exact reason behind the latest increase, analysts believe that a combination of rising international gold prices and the depreciation of the Pakistani rupee has contributed significantly to the record-high rates. The steep rise in gold prices is expected to have a major impact on Pakistan’s jewellery market. Many consumers traditionally purchase gold for weddings, gifts, and investment purposes. However, with prices reaching unprecedented levels, experts believe that demand for gold jewellery may decline as buyers postpone purchases or opt for lighter and more affordable designs. Jewellers have also expressed concerns that the continued rise in prices could slow business activity, particularly during the ongoing wedding season. Higher costs may discourage customers from making large purchases, affecting retailers and manufacturers across the country. At the same time, investors who view gold as a secure store of value may continue to buy the precious metal despite the rising prices. Financial experts note that gold often performs well during periods of economic uncertainty, inflation, and geopolitical tensions. As investors seek safer assets, demand for gold increases, driving prices higher in international markets. Since Pakistan imports gold and its domestic prices are closely linked to global trends and exchange rate movements, local prices often rise in response to international developments. The record increase also highlights the broader economic challenges facing Pakistan, where inflation and currency fluctuations continue to influence the prices of imported goods and commodities. Consumers are already coping with higher living costs, and the latest jump in gold prices adds another burden for those planning to invest in or purchase the precious metal. Market observers will closely monitor future movements in international bullion prices and the value of the Pakistani rupee to assess whether gold prices continue their upward trend or stabilize in the coming days. Until then, buyers and traders are expected to remain cautious as the market adjusts to the latest record-breaking increase.

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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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    Tarar proposes mentors for young actors

    ByJustpaste.in

    Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has proposed launching a mentorship programme for young actors following the controversy surrounding the alleged disrespectful treatment of veteran actor Mohammed Ahmed by fellow actor Fahad Sheikh. In a statement shared on X, Tarar described the reported incident as “highly deplorable” and said respect for senior artists must remain a core value of Pakistan’s entertainment industry. The minister said the proposed initiative would allow emerging actors to learn professional ethics, discipline and acting skills from experienced performers. He suggested that Mohammed Ahmed, given his decades-long contribution to television, would be well suited to lead the programme, or that a council of senior actors could oversee the initiative. Tarar also announced that he would soon convene a meeting of television artists and industry stakeholders to seek recommendations on establishing the mentorship programme. The controversy began after Mohammed Ahmed, during a recent podcast interview, recalled being mocked and humiliated by a younger lead actor while working on a television production. He described incidents in which the actor allegedly ridiculed him in front of colleagues and behaved disrespectfully during filming. Although Ahmed did not initially identify the individual, videos circulating on social media later linked actor Fahad Sheikh to the allegations. Responding to the criticism, Sheikh issued a public apology, saying that incomplete accounts of the incident had created a misleading narrative. He maintained that he had already apologised to Mohammed Ahmed privately before the issue gained widespread attention online. Sheikh also offered another public apology, acknowledging Mohammed Ahmed’s seniority and expressing hope that the veteran actor would accept his apology. He insisted that he had never intended to insult a senior colleague.

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    Gold prices rise for third consecutive session amid softer US economic data

    ByJustpaste.in

    Gold prices advanced for a third consecutive session on Tuesday as expectations of a US interest rate hike in the coming months weakened, while investors turned their attention to the minutes of the Federal Reserve’s latest policy meeting for indications about the future direction of monetary policy. Spot gold gained 0.2% to $4,424.28 per ounce by 0130 GMT. US gold futures for December delivery also increased 0.2%, reaching $4,480.90 per ounce. The precious metal has received support from growing expectations that the US Federal Reserve may maintain its current interest-rate stance following a series of weaker-than-expected economic indicators. The US dollar remained close to multi-month lows against a basket of major currencies, providing additional support to gold and other dollar-denominated commodities. A weaker greenback generally makes gold more affordable for buyers holding other currencies, potentially boosting demand in international markets. IG market analyst Tony Sycamore said gold’s recent advance was being supported by softer US economic data released last week. The data has strengthened expectations that the Federal Reserve could leave borrowing costs unchanged rather than move towards another rate increase. Gold typically benefits from lower interest rates because the metal does not generate interest or dividends. When yields on interest-bearing assets decline, the opportunity cost of holding bullion becomes comparatively lower, making gold more attractive to investors. According to a recent Reuters poll of economists, most analysts expect the US central bank to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged at its next meeting and maintain the rate through the end of the year. Market expectations have also shifted significantly. The probability of a quarter-point rate increase in September has fallen sharply, with traders now assigning nearly a 65% probability that the Federal Reserve will keep rates unchanged. The change followed unexpected job losses in July, softer-than-anticipated consumer price inflation and weaker retail sales data. Investors are now closely watching the release of the Federal Reserve’s meeting minutes, scheduled for Wednesday. The minutes could provide further insight into policymakers’ views on inflation, employment and the timing of any potential future rate adjustments. Geopolitical developments are also contributing to demand for gold as a traditional safe-haven asset. Sycamore said bullion appeared to be regaining some of its safe-haven appeal despite higher bond yields, particularly amid renewed tensions surrounding Iran and the United States. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran would move towards a “fully offensive” military posture after efforts to negotiate a permanent end to the conflict with Washington stalled. The development came as the United States ruled out extending a temporary ceasefire arrangement, adding to uncertainty in financial markets. Higher geopolitical risks can encourage investors to increase exposure to traditionally defensive assets such as gold, particularly when uncertainty surrounding economic and monetary policy is already elevated. Other precious metals also recorded mixed movements during Tuesday’s session. Spot silver climbed 0.9% to $66.40 per ounce, extending gains in the broader precious-metals market. Platinum edged 0.2% higher to $1,772.75 per ounce, while palladium moved in the opposite direction, declining 0.3% to $1,330.05 per ounce.

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    Pattaya Hosts Charity Futsal Tournament and Youth Camp Drawing Over 10,000 Participants

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    PATTAYA, Chonburi On July 28th, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., Damrongkiat Phinijkarn, Deputy Mayor of Pattaya City, led the closing ceremony and trophy presentation for the Charity Futsal Competition and the Youth and Family Camp Project 2026. Joining him were Peerawat Mongkolsin, Director of the Sports Authority of Thailand Chonburi Provincial Office; Ajarn Pornprapa Laothaweekit, representing […]

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    Sher Afzal Marwat backs new provinces

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmaker Sher Afzal Marwat has expressed support for the creation of new provinces in the country. Speaking to the media in Multan, Marwat said smaller administrative units were necessary for a fairer distribution of resources. He argued that the existing administrative structure should be reviewed to ensure that people in different regions receive their due share of development resources. According to Marwat, creating additional provinces could also bring governance closer to local communities. He said people living in smaller administrative units would have greater opportunities to participate in decision-making and manage their own affairs. The lawmaker stressed that local representation was important for effective governance. He maintained that smaller provinces could help authorities understand and address the specific needs of different regions. Marwat also called for support for the movement seeking the creation of smaller administrative provinces. He said the proposal should be considered as part of efforts to improve governance and ensure a more balanced distribution of resources. The debate over creating new provinces has remained a longstanding political and administrative issue in Pakistan. Supporters argue that smaller provinces could improve administration, strengthen local representation and reduce regional disparities. Opponents, however, have raised concerns about the political, constitutional and financial implications of creating new administrative units.

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