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Trump returns to White House correspondents’ din…

ByJustpaste.in

United States President Donald Trump will address the White House Correspondents’ Association at a rescheduled gala on Friday, nearly three months after a shooting outside the Washington Hilton forced the cancellation of the April event.

The black-tie dinner, now relocated to the Waldorf Astoria hotel, will take place under heightened security. Secret Service Director Sean Curran said an advance team had implemented a comprehensive plan, acknowledging the risk of hostile actors but stressing that the agency was treating the venue with the same rigor as any presidential site.

The April 25 incident occurred as Trump and his cabinet were arriving. A man armed with a shotgun attempted to breach a security checkpoint and opened fire. Secret Service officer Victor Gonzales, credited with stopping the attack, was shot but survived thanks to his protective vest. Gonzales will be honored at Friday’s dinner, along with Hilton staff who assisted guests during the chaos. The suspect, Cole Allen, has pleaded not guilty to charges including attempted assassination of the president.

Trump has argued the attack underscored the need for a $400 million ballroom under construction at the White House, saying future events held there would enhance presidential security.

The correspondents’ dinner, a century-old Washington tradition, raises funds for journalism scholarships and celebrates the First Amendment. Trump is scheduled to deliver remarks, with entertainment provided by mentalist Oz Pearlman.

This year’s event carries added weight. Trump has frequently clashed with the press, denouncing coverage as “fake news,” restricting access for outlets such as the Associated Press, and threatening to revoke broadcast licenses. Yet he has also given reporters more direct access than recent presidents, often taking questions in unscripted settings.

Several journalism organizations have urged the WHCA to use the dinner to condemn what they describe as Trump’s attacks on press freedom. WHCA President Weijia Jiang said the gala would send a clear message: “Violence has no place in American life and a free press will not be intimidated into silence.”

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    FBR collects record Rs44bn income tax from salarie…

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    ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) collected Rs44 billion in income tax from the salaried class during July, the first month of the current financial year. The collection was higher than the amount collected from salaried individuals during the same month in the previous two years. FBR had collected Rs42 billion from the salaried class in July 2025 and Rs30 billion in July 2024. According to sources, the higher collection from salaried individuals came despite an overall decline in income tax collection in some sectors. The figures indicate that the salaried class continued to contribute a significant share of income tax revenue at the beginning of the new financial year. Sources said property buying and selling transactions increased during July this year. However, tax collection from property transactions remained lower compared with the corresponding period last year. The development comes after the government introduced changes to income tax rates for several salaried income brackets in the federal budget for the current financial year. The government reduced tax rates on annual incomes above Rs2.2 million as part of its budget measures. Under the revised tax structure, the income tax rate for individuals earning between Rs2.2 million and Rs3.2 million annually was reduced from 23 per cent to 20 per cent. Similarly, the tax rate for the annual income bracket of Rs3.2 million to Rs4.1 million was reduced from 30 per cent to 25 per cent. For individuals earning between Rs4.1 million and Rs5.6 million annually, the income tax rate was reduced from 35 per cent to 29 per cent. The tax rate for people earning between Rs5.6 million and Rs7 million annually was also reduced from 35 per cent to 32 per cent. Despite these reductions in tax rates, FBR’s collection from salaried individuals increased in July compared with the previous two years. The figures show that the tax contribution from the salaried class remained strong despite changes in the tax slabs.

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    North Korea accuses NATO of expanding war preparations

    ByJustpaste.in

    PYONGYANG: North Korea has accused NATO of increasing preparations for future conflicts, claiming the alliance’s planned expansion of military fuel infrastructure reflects a shift toward a more aggressive military posture. In a statement carried by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Pyongyang criticised NATO’s reported plans to upgrade and expand its fuel supply network across Europe. The project reportedly includes new pipelines and fuel storage facilities aimed at improving military logistics between western Europe and newer eastern and northern member states. North Korea claimed the expansion of fuel infrastructure shows NATO is strengthening its ability to maintain strategic reserves and conduct large-scale military operations. It alleged that the alliance is preparing not only for conflicts in Europe but also for possible involvement in other regions, including the Asia-Pacific. The commentary accused NATO of increasing its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region and criticised the alliance’s cooperation with countries that Pyongyang considers hostile. North Korea claimed that NATO’s recent activities near the Korean Peninsula have contributed to rising regional tensions. Pyongyang also criticised NATO members’ participation in multinational military exercises, including the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) drills. It claimed such exercises demonstrate that the alliance views the Asia-Pacific as a possible area of future military confrontation. North Korea warned that NATO’s expansion of military capabilities and logistics networks could increase global instability. It said strengthening military infrastructure would encourage an arms buildup and create further tensions between major powers. The allegations come amid growing concerns over security developments in Europe and the Asia-Pacific. NATO, however, has repeatedly stated that its military posture is defensive and focused on protecting member countries and deterring potential threats.

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    Trees today, healthier Pakistan tomorrow: Presiden…

    ByJustpaste.in

    President Asif Ali Zardari has stressed the need to protect trees and promote plantation across Pakistan. He said tree plantation is not only an environmental priority but also a national responsibility. In a message issued at the launch of the Monsoon Tree Plantation Campaign 2026, the president said the campaign aims to plant 20 million saplings across the country. He urged people and relevant institutions to actively participate in the plantation drive. He said increasing the country’s tree cover is essential for protecting the environment and improving the quality of life. President Zardari said forests play an important role in preserving biodiversity, water resources and the natural environment. Forests also help reduce the harmful effects of climate change. He stressed that Pakistan needs greater efforts to protect existing forests and increase the number of trees across the country. According to him, a stronger and healthier forest cover can help the country deal with rising environmental challenges. The president called for collective efforts to build a green, clean and climate-resilient Pakistan. He said government institutions, communities and citizens all have a role to play in protecting the environment. He also highlighted the importance of planting trees for future generations. He said the trees planted today will help provide a healthier and better environment for coming generations. The president’s message comes as Pakistan continues to face environmental challenges linked to climate change, changing weather patterns and pressure on natural resources. He said tree plantation should not be limited to seasonal campaigns. Continuous efforts are needed to protect trees, expand forests and ensure the survival of newly planted saplings. President Zardari said protecting the environment is a shared responsibility. He called for greater public awareness and participation in plantation activities to make Pakistan greener and more sustainable.

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    Syria rejects Israel’s claim over airbase strike

    ByJustpaste.in

    Syria has rejected Israel’s explanation for an airstrike on a military airbase in northern Syria, saying there were no plans to establish a Turkish military base or permanent Turkish presence at the facility. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said Damascus had informed Israeli officials about the nature of the work being carried out at Abu al-Duhur airbase before the attack. According to Syrian officials, the facility was being repaired and prepared for use by the Syrian Air Force. The work was focused on restoring runways and infrastructure damaged during Syria’s civil war. Israel carried out at least eight strikes on the airbase early Tuesday, hitting runways and hangars. The attacks reportedly damaged recently repaired sections of the facility. No casualties were reported. Israeli officials said the operation was aimed at preventing what they described as a Turkish military buildup at the site. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said Syria had previously been warned against allowing a Turkish military presence at the base. Al-Shaibani strongly disputed that account. He said the airbase was largely empty and had not yet become fully operational. “There was no Turkish military buildup at the base,” the Syrian foreign minister said, arguing that the situation on the ground did not support Israel’s justification for the strike. He acknowledged that Turkish military officers had visited the facility shortly before the attack. However, he described the visit as part of broader military cooperation between Syria and Türkiye, including training and the exchange of expertise. Al-Shaibani said Syria had also developed military cooperation with countries including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar and Russia as it works to rebuild its institutions. He stressed that Syria is a sovereign country and has the right to establish partnerships with other states. The Syrian minister also said Syrian and Israeli officials had remained in contact before the airstrike. Damascus had reportedly explained that the facility would remain under Syrian control and that no permanent Turkish deployment was planned. Following the attack, Syria contacted the United States and other countries to protest the strike and seek measures to prevent similar incidents. Al-Shaibani said Damascus had warned Washington about what it described as Israel’s increasingly aggressive policies toward Syria. He also called for respect for Syrian sovereignty and warned against turning Syrian territory into a battleground for wider regional disputes. Despite the latest escalation, Damascus said it remained open to negotiations with Israel aimed at reducing tensions along their border. Al-Shaibani said Syria and Israel had previously spent months negotiating a security arrangement through US mediation. According to him, the two sides had made substantial progress and reached an understanding on paper, but Israel later failed to implement the agreed framework. The Syrian foreign minister said future negotiations could resume if there was genuine political will. He maintained that any security arrangement must address the concerns of both sides while respecting Syria’s sovereignty. Meanwhile, Türkiye has strongly backed Syria following the Israeli strike. Turkish Communications Director Burhanettin Duran criticised Netanyahu’s statements about Türkiye and accused the Israeli leadership of using threats against regional countries to divert attention from its own policies. Duran said Türkiye would continue supporting Syria and other countries seeking peaceful solutions to regional conflicts. He argued that Israel’s military actions in Gaza, Syria and Lebanon had contributed to growing instability across the region. He also said Ankara opposed policies that could widen the conflict. Duran stressed that Türkiye’s objective was to reduce bloodshed and promote peace, with the Palestinian issue and the situation in Gaza remaining among its key concerns.

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    Man arrested for allegedly behaving inappropriatel…

    ByJustpaste.in

    A 33-year-old man has been arrested in North Carolina after allegedly urinating on a family of four during a Morgan Wallen concert in Maryland last month. According to a statement shared by Maryland Transportation Authority Police on Wednesday, August 12, Jason Reed was taken into custody in North Carolina. Authorities said the incident happened during Wallen’s concert at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore in July. Reed is facing a second-degree assault charge in connection with the alleged incident. The arrest follows  tuan investigation by Maryland authorities after the family reportedly became victims of inappropriate behavior during the country singer’s performance. Police said the incident involved Reed allegedly urinating on all four members of the family. The disturbing act reportedly occurred while the concert was underway, turning what should have been an enjoyable family outing into an upsetting experience. Authorities continued their investigation after the incident and eventually identified Reed as the person allegedly responsible. His arrest in North Carolina demonstrates that investigators continued pursuing the case even after the suspect had left Maryland. The Maryland Transportation Authority Police shared details of the arrest on social media, bringing attention to the case. Officials did not indicate that the incident was connected to Wallen or his performance itself. Large concerts often attract thousands of fans, making crowd behavior and public safety an important concern for law enforcement. While most concertgoers attend to enjoy the music, incidents involving disruptive or inappropriate behavior can quickly affect other members of the audience. The alleged incident also highlights the challenges families can face at crowded events. Parents attending concerts with children generally expect to enjoy the experience in a safe and respectful environment. Reed’s arrest does not mean he has been found guilty. The allegations remain accusations, and the case will proceed through the legal system. A second-degree assault charge can carry significant legal consequences if a defendant is ultimately convicted. Meanwhile, Morgan Wallen continues his highly successful country music career, with his concerts drawing large crowds across the United States. For the family involved, however, the Maryland concert is likely to be remembered for an entirely different reason. What began as a night of live music and family entertainment allegedly ended with an uncomfortable encounter and a police investigation. As the legal process moves forward, authorities will determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and the appropriate outcome of the charges against Reed. 

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    Pakistan reports major gas discovery in Sarani block

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has recorded a significant milestone in its hydrocarbon exploration sector with the discovery of high-quality gas from an exploration well in Sindh, marking the country’s first reported hydrocarbon find from the Jurassic-era Chiltan Formation of the Lower Indus Basin. Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) announced that its exploration well Dolphin, drilled in the company-operated Sarani Block in District Sujawal, Sindh, has encountered a potentially commercially important gas accumulation. The company described the discovery as unique and strategically significant for Pakistan’s future exploration activities. According to PPL, the discovery confirms the existence of an active petroleum system in an area that had previously presented considerable exploration challenges. The find is particularly important because it demonstrates the hydrocarbon potential of the Jurassic-age Chiltan Formation, opening up new possibilities for further exploration in the region. The company said the Dolphin well has provided valuable geological evidence that could help redefine exploration prospects in the onshore swampy areas of the Lower Indus Basin, as well as their possible extensions into shallow marine zones. The discovery is being viewed as an important development for Pakistan, which continues to face a growing gap between domestic energy demand and local oil and gas production. New indigenous gas reserves could help reduce reliance on imported energy resources, although the commercial scale and recoverable reserves associated with the discovery would depend on further evaluation and development work. PPL’s latest find also highlights the potential of relatively underexplored geological formations in the country. The identification of hydrocarbons in the Chiltan Formation could encourage exploration companies to reassess nearby acreage and investigate similar geological structures. The Dolphin discovery is therefore significant not only because of the gas encountered but also because it may establish a new exploration play in the Lower Indus Basin. Further appraisal and technical studies will be required to determine the size, quality, production potential and commercial viability of the discovery. Industry experts have long emphasized the need for increased domestic exploration to strengthen Pakistan’s energy security. Successful discoveries such as Dolphin could support that objective by expanding the country’s indigenous resource base and creating opportunities for additional exploration and investment. PPL said the discovery has effectively opened a new exploration frontier, particularly in the swampy onshore terrain and potentially adjoining shallow marine areas. The company is expected to undertake further technical assessment to establish the full potential of the newly identified gas-bearing formation.

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