military reports diverting
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US military reports diverting 35 ships amid Iran m…

ByJustpaste.in

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has reportedly stated that 35 commercial vessels were diverted as part of ongoing maritime operations involving Iran, according to media reports citing an official statement. The reported developments have drawn attention to maritime security in the strategically important Gulf region.

According to the statement shared by CENTCOM, the U.S. military continues to enforce maritime measures that were reportedly reintroduced last month. Officials claimed that 35 commercial ships had been redirected during the operation. The statement also alleged that two vessels were disabled, while two others were boarded for inspection or brought under operational control. These claims have not been independently verified.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, serving as a major transit route for global oil and gas exports. Any military activity or disruption in the area has the potential to affect international shipping, energy markets, and regional stability. As a result, developments involving the waterway are closely monitored by governments, businesses, and security analysts worldwide.

Separate reports indicated that Iranian officials denied speculation regarding any change in policy concerning the Strait of Hormuz. According to those reports, Iran maintained that there had been no new decision affecting the waterway and that its existing policy remained unchanged. Independent confirmation of these statements is limited, and official positions may evolve as the situation develops.

Tensions between the United States and Iran have periodically affected maritime security in the Gulf over the years. Military deployments, sanctions, and regional disputes have contributed to an environment where commercial shipping operators closely follow official advisories and security updates before entering the region.

As the situation continues to develop, additional information from official government statements, international maritime organizations, and independent reporting will be important in providing a clearer understanding of events. Given the strategic significance of the Strait of Hormuz, any confirmed changes in maritime operations could have broader implications for global trade, energy supplies, and regional security.

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    FBR demonstrates digital tax return features to Karachi tax bar

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    ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has demonstrated several features of its digital income tax return system to the Karachi Tax Bar Association (KTBA), including mechanisms for reporting investments in immovable property, declaring multiple business capital accounts, recording inheritance assets and calculating tax under relevant provisions of the law. The demonstration was held during an online consultation between the FBR Domain Team and representatives of the KTBA as part of the tax authority’s efforts to obtain feedback from taxpayers and tax practitioners on the design and functionality of the income tax return system. The meeting focused on improving the digital filing experience and identifying areas where the online return could be made simpler, more efficient and easier for taxpayers and professionals to use. KTBA President Mehmood Bikiya welcomed the FBR’s prompt response in arranging the session and appreciated the efforts made by the Domain Team to develop a responsive and user-friendly return system. According to the participants, the existing system is operating satisfactorily, with no major technical problems or significant glitches reported during the discussion. Instead, the meeting primarily focused on clarifications, suggestions for improvement and practical issues faced by tax practitioners while completing returns. The FBR officials addressed a number of queries through live demonstrations, allowing participants to better understand the available options and procedures within the digital system. During the session, the Domain Team demonstrated how taxpayers can report investments in immovable property, enter details of more than one business capital, declare tax under applicable sections and include inherited property in their tax records. Officials also clarified that certain information fields are optional. In particular, the chassis number required in the vehicle-related section does not have to be entered where it is not applicable or available. The consultation also covered several policy-related matters raised by the KTBA. These included the timing of refund applications, deemed assessment orders and procedures for revising income tax returns. The FBR Domain Team explained that such matters are governed by existing policy provisions, including the 15-day rule relating to deemed assessments. The concerns and proposals raised by the tax bar were also forwarded to the FBR’s Policy Wing for examination. Both sides agreed that continued consultations between tax officials and tax practitioners could help address implementation-related concerns and improve taxpayers’ understanding of the digital filing process. The KTBA also submitted several proposals for future versions of the income tax return system. One of the key suggestions was to introduce an option for uploading data through Excel files, which could reduce the time required to manually enter large volumes of information. Other proposals included reconsidering the requirement to enter certain financial information in subsequent years and introducing a system-generated PDF explaining the relevant legal provisions concerning residence status. The FBR Domain Team recorded the suggestions and indicated that they would be considered for possible incorporation into future versions of the return system. Most of the technical and operational questions raised during the meeting were resolved through on-screen demonstrations and explanations by the FBR team. The exercise also provided practitioners with a clearer understanding of the functions already available on the digital platform. KTBA Vice President Saud ul Hasan appreciated the FBR’s willingness to engage directly with representatives of the tax community. He said continued interaction between tax practitioners and the revenue authorities could promote greater understanding of taxpayers’ concerns and strengthen confidence in the digital filing mechanism. The FBR, meanwhile, reiterated its commitment to maintaining regular consultations with the business community, tax practitioners and their representative organisations. The tax authority said feedback received through such engagements would remain important in improving the income tax return system and making the filing process more transparent, straightforward and taxpayer-friendly.

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    Sharmila Faruqui warns of growing PPP-PML-N tensio…

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    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) lawmaker Sharmila Faruqui has warned that relations between the PPP and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have become increasingly tense following the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections. Speaking to journalists outside Parliament, Faruqui said the situation between the two coalition partners was currently strained. She added that it was difficult to predict how the political situation would develop in the coming days. Her remarks came amid discussions over the political relationship between the PPP and PML-N and growing differences on several issues. Faruqui said the issue of creating new administrative units should be handled through Parliament. She opposed turning the matter into a debate primarily conducted through television channels. She said any proposal to create new administrative units should be formally brought before the National Assembly and the Senate. According to her, Parliament is the appropriate forum for discussing matters that could have major constitutional and administrative implications. The PPP leader stressed that such issues require detailed debate and consultation. She said lawmakers should have the opportunity to examine the proposals and discuss their possible political, administrative and constitutional consequences. Faruqui also highlighted the impact of the AJK elections on relations between the PPP and PML-N. She said the situation between the two parties had become “very tense” after the elections. She warned that the political developments could take different turns. Her comments indicate that differences between the coalition partners may become more prominent if the issues are not addressed through dialogue. The PPP and PML-N have remained key political partners at the federal level. However, differences between the two parties have surfaced on various political and administrative matters. Faruqui’s comments come at a time when the question of new administrative units has also generated political debate. The proposal has attracted attention because any major change in the administrative structure could have wider political and constitutional implications. The PPP lawmaker maintained that such a sensitive issue should not be settled through media discussions. She called for the matter to be brought before both houses of Parliament for a proper debate. Her statement also reflects the growing political uncertainty following the AJK elections, with questions emerging over the future course of relations between the PPP and PML-N.

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    US strikes IRGC bases after Iran missile attack

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    The Middle East moved a step closer to a broader regional conflict after the United States launched large-scale airstrikes against dozens of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) facilities across Iran in retaliation for Tehran’s ballistic missile attack targeting American forces stationed in the region. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation targeted military command centers, drone infrastructure, weapons depots and other strategic IRGC installations during a coordinated two-hour campaign. US officials said the strikes were intended to weaken Iran’s ability to threaten American troops, commercial shipping lanes and allied Gulf nations. Iranian state media reported that at least three people were killed during strikes on Qeshm Island, while authorities vowed that the country would continue defending its territory against what it described as “American aggression.” The crisis quickly spread beyond Iran’s borders. Jordan announced that its air defence systems intercepted five missiles following Iran’s confirmed launch toward US military installations in the kingdom. Washington maintained that all missiles directed at American bases were successfully intercepted, preventing casualties among US personnel. In another major development, US and Saudi forces carried out coordinated strikes against Iran-backed armed groups operating in eastern Iraq after drone attacks launched from Iraqi territory targeted Saudi oil facilities. The joint operation marked the first publicly acknowledged military action conducted together by Washington and Riyadh against Iran-aligned militias. Regional instability deepened further after a fire broke out aboard a US-owned gas storage tanker at Egypt’s Mediterranean port of Damietta. Although maritime security experts suggested the blaze may have resulted from a drone strike, Egyptian officials confirmed only the fire and said investigations into its cause were continuing. The latest escalation comes against the backdrop of months of confrontation between Iran, the United States and Israel. Fighting resumed after disputes over the strategically important Strait of Hormuz ended a short-lived ceasefire reached in June. US President Donald Trump reiterated that America would respond decisively to attacks on its forces while insisting diplomatic efforts remained active. However, continued military exchanges around the Strait of Hormuz have complicated negotiations and increased concerns over global energy supplies. Iran has claimed it targeted three tankers attempting to pass through what it called an unauthorized route in the strait, while rejecting an Omani-backed proposal supported by Gulf states for joint management of the crucial waterway. The conflict has also rattled global energy markets, with Brent crude prices climbing above $90 per barrel before easing later in trading. Meanwhile, Iraq’s Iran-backed Popular Mobilisation Forces said at least 20 of their fighters were killed in the US-Saudi strikes, prompting Baghdad to condemn the attacks as a violation of its sovereignty while urging all armed groups to halt cross-border military operations. Saudi Arabia has also intensified diplomatic efforts, with Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman meeting US Vice President JD Vance in Washington to urge restraint. Saudi officials reportedly warned that expanding military operations against Yemen’s Houthis and Iran-backed militias in Iraq could trigger unpredictable consequences across the Middle East, highlighting growing fears that the conflict could widen even further.

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    Pakistani American Dr Asif Mahmood elected chair of US religious freedom commission

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    Pakistani American physician and human rights advocate Dr Asif Mahmood has been unanimously elected as chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, becoming the first South Asian to lead the independent bipartisan body. Dr Mahmood, who previously served as the commission’s vice chair, described his election as a great honour and reflected on his journey from a small village in Pakistan to leading one of the world’s leading organisations focused on protecting freedom of religion and belief. In his acceptance remarks, he said he remains committed to defending the rights of people from all religious backgrounds as well as those who do not follow any faith. He expressed hope for a world where religious freedom, human dignity and peaceful coexistence are respected and protected. His appointment follows his reappointment to the commission for a second term in May 2026, extending his service until 2028. Earlier this year, he noted that he was the first Pakistani, the first Muslim and the first Asian American to serve consecutive terms on the commission. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom was established in 1998 under legislation signed by former President Bill Clinton. It serves as an independent advisory body that monitors religious freedom around the world and provides policy recommendations to the White House, the US State Department and Congress. The commission is made up of nine members appointed by the US president and congressional leaders from both major political parties. Dr Mahmood was reappointed by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and now succeeds former congresswoman Vicky Hartzler as chair. Political observers have described his election as significant because of his Democratic Party affiliation despite receiving his latest appointment during the Trump administration. His leadership is expected to draw international attention, particularly because of his work on religious freedom issues in South Asia. Dr Mahmood has played a leading role in preparing reports examining allegations of religious freedom violations in India. He has publicly called for greater international scrutiny of the treatment of religious minorities and urged the United States to consider stronger measures in response to concerns raised by the commission. The commission has also recommended that US officials seek independent assessments of religious freedom conditions in India and consider targeted measures against individuals or organisations found responsible for serious violations. Those recommendations have generated considerable debate and have been strongly rejected by Indian authorities in the past. Beyond his work on religious freedom, Dr Mahmood has remained active in public service and politics. In 2022, he contested California’s 40th Congressional District as the Democratic candidate but was defeated by Republican incumbent Young Kim. Earlier, he also ran for California Insurance Commissioner and received hundreds of thousands of votes. A native of Kharian in Pakistan’s Punjab province, Dr Mahmood completed his medical education at Sindh Medical College before moving to the United States. He later completed his medical training at the University of Kentucky Medical Center and pursued a fellowship in pulmonary medicine at Harlem Hospital, which is affiliated with Columbia University. He currently serves on the Medical Board of California after being appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2023. Over the years, he has also worked with several humanitarian and community organisations and has received recognition for providing free medical care to patients who could not afford treatment. His election as chair marks another milestone in a career that combines medicine, public service and advocacy for human rights.

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    Harshad Chopda becomes first finalist as Shivangi Joshi exits

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    Harshad Chopda has secured the first finalist position in Lock Upp 2, while Shivangi Joshi’s journey on the reality show came to an unexpected end after a dramatic elimination that left contestants and viewers stunned. The latest episode featured an emotional task to determine the season’s first finalist. Several contestants, including Varun Yadav, Shilpa Shinde, Ram Kapoor and Akanksha Chamola, stepped aside, leaving Harshad Chopda and Shivangi Joshi as the final two contenders for the coveted spot. As part of the challenge, the two actors were locked inside the final cell and asked to decide between themselves who deserved to move directly into the finale. However, the decision proved difficult as both contestants hesitated to choose themselves over the other, resulting in an emotional conversation that revealed the strong bond they had formed during the competition. During the discussion, Chopda surprised Joshi by admitting that he had intentionally lost one of the earlier tasks to help her. The revelation caught the actress off guard, especially after he had previously denied making such a sacrifice. “I did lose the game,” Chopda confessed, leaving Joshi visibly confused and emotional. Questioning his decision, Joshi asked why he had given up an opportunity that could have benefited him. Chopda explained that throughout the season he had often put others before himself. This time, however, he felt it was important to focus on his own journey and fight for a place in the finale. Despite his explanation, neither contestant was willing to make the final decision. Their reluctance prompted hosts Farah Khan and Riteish Deshmukh to intervene and encourage them to settle the matter. Chopda remained firm, saying that for the first time in the competition he wanted to prioritise himself. Realising his determination, Joshi eventually stepped out of the final cell, allowing Chopda to claim the title of the season’s first finalist. The emotional moment was followed by another dramatic twist that changed the course of the game. Earlier in the episode, Shreya Kalra had earned a special advantage after winning a crucial task. The reward gave her the authority to eliminate one contestant from the competition. Most contestants believed Kalra would use her power against either Yogesh Rawat or Akanksha Chamola, making her eventual decision all the more surprising. Instead, Kalra chose to evict Shivangi Joshi, bringing the actress’s journey on Lock Upp 2 to an abrupt end. The unexpected elimination shocked fellow contestants, many of whom had not anticipated Joshi’s exit at this stage of the competition. Viewers also reacted with surprise, as the actress had been widely considered one of the strongest contenders for the title. With Chopda becoming the first confirmed finalist and Joshi leaving the show in a dramatic fashion, the race for the Lock Upp 2 trophy has become even more intense. As the finale draws closer, the remaining contestants will continue battling for the remaining spots in the final, promising more emotional moments, strategic gameplay and unexpected twists before the winner is crowned.

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    PSX extends decline as KSE-100 drops over 1,260 po…

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    The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) remained under pressure on Friday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index extending its recent losing streak during the morning trading session as investor sentiment stayed weak. By the time trading was suspended for the routine Friday prayer break, the KSE-100 Index had fallen 1,264.14 points, or 0.74%, to 170,475.30. The market opened in negative territory and continued to fluctuate throughout the session. The index reached an intraday high of 171,208.55 before declining to a low of 169,512.88, reflecting persistent selling pressure across the market. Trading activity remained moderate, with more than 114 million shares changing hands during the morning session. The total value of traded shares stood at approximately Rs7.83 billion before the temporary suspension. Market participants said investors remained cautious as profit-taking continued in several heavyweight stocks. The absence of strong buying interest also contributed to the downward trend, keeping the benchmark index below its previous closing level. The market moved within a wide range of nearly 1,700 points during the session, highlighting continued volatility as investors assessed economic conditions and overall market sentiment. Analysts said investors are closely monitoring developments that could influence market direction, including corporate earnings, economic indicators and broader financial conditions. They added that confidence has remained subdued in recent sessions, resulting in increased selling activity. Trading is expected to resume after the Friday prayer break, with investors watching for signs of a recovery. Market experts believe the direction of the afternoon session will determine whether the benchmark index can recover some of its losses or end the week on another negative note.

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