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White House considers removing top DC prosecutor over dropped monument case

US President Donald Trump is contemplating the dismissal of Jeanine Pirro from her position as US Attorney for the District of Columbia following her department’s move to abandon the criminal prosecution related to damage at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

The decision by federal prosecutors to drop charges against former Olympian David Hearn came after evidence revealed the peeling liner stemmed from a rushed, substandard renovation rather than criminal intent.

Trump reportedly felt caught unawares by the court submission, publicly rebuking Pirro for backing down under judicial pressure and claiming she buckled during proceedings.

In defence of her office’s actions, Pirro explained that crucial documentation regarding the botched installation was withheld by the Department of the Interior until after the original indictment had been filed.

Conversely, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum disputed this account, continuing to insist that intentional destruction caused the damage. Formal dismissal of the charges against Hearn remains pending before the court.

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    Rain forecast for several parts of Pakistan as flood risk rises

    LAHORE: Rain is expected in several parts of Punjab, Balochistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir on Sunday, with authorities warning of possible flooding in urban centres and watercourses following increased rainfall. According to the latest weather forecast, scattered showers are likely to affect different areas of the country, while parts of Punjab may experience intermittent rain during the day. The weather in Lahore turned pleasant on Sunday morning after rainfall was reported in various parts of the provincial capital. The early-morning showers brought temporary relief from the prevailing heat and humidity, with residents experiencing relatively cooler conditions. Rain was reported in several localities, adding to the likelihood of water accumulation on roads and low-lying areas if the spell continues. Meanwhile, the National Emergency Operation Center has warned that rainfall could lead to a rise in water levels and flows in major rivers across the country. The situation has prompted authorities to remain vigilant and closely monitor river channels, drains and vulnerable urban areas. Officials have also highlighted the possibility of low to moderate-level urban flooding in several Punjab cities, including Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Okara and Lahore. Heavy or persistent rainfall in these areas could result in water accumulating on roads, underpasses and other low-lying locations, potentially disrupting traffic and routine activities. Relevant departments have been advised to remain prepared to respond to any emergency arising from the weather system. The risk is not limited to Punjab. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, low to moderate flooding has also been forecast in rivers, streams and rain-fed waterways in Chitral, Upper Dir, Abbottabad, Shangla, Khyber, Orakzai, Kohat, Tank and North and South Waziristan. Authorities have urged local administrations and disaster-management agencies in vulnerable districts to maintain close coordination and monitor developments, particularly in areas located near rivers, streams and seasonal rain drains. Residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas have been advised to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall and stay informed about weather and flood alerts issued by the relevant authorities. The latest warnings come as the country continues to monitor the impact of the ongoing monsoon activity, which can cause sudden increases in river flows and urban flooding in areas receiving intense or prolonged rainfall.

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    PML-N secures first wins in AJK refugee seats

    Unofficial and provisional results have started coming in following the completion of polling for the second phase of the 2026 Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections. Early results indicate that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has secured victory on two refugee constituencies, while vote counting continues across the remaining seats. Polling was held for eight constituencies in the Muzaffarabad Division and 12 refugee seats reserved for Kashmiri migrants living in different cities across Pakistan. Voting in the Muzaffarabad Division began at 8:00 a.m. and, due to high voter turnout, the Election Commission extended polling by one hour until 6:00 p.m. Polling for the refugee constituencies concluded at 5:00 p.m. Early Results from Muzaffarabad Division In LA-25 Neelum Valley-I, with results from 10 of 143 polling stations, PML-N candidate Shah Ghulam Qadir was leading with 1,364 votes, followed by Abid Afzal of the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference with 951 votes. In LA-26 Neelum Valley-II, after results from 8 of 135 polling stations, PPP candidate Mian Abdul Waheed led with 1,157 votes, while PML-N’s Shah Ghulam Qadir had 940 votes. In LA-29 Muzaffarabad-III, results from 2 of 138 polling stations showed Barrister Iftikhar Ali Gilani of PML-N leading with 379 votes, ahead of PPP’s Sardar Mukhtar Khan, who secured 353 votes. In LA-30 Muzaffarabad-IV, PML-N’s Mustafa Bashir Abbasi was ahead with 247 votes, while PPP’s Mubashir Munir Awan had 206 votes, according to results from 2 of 129 polling stations. In LA-31 Muzaffarabad-V, PML-N candidate Saqib Majeed Raja led with 2,934 votes, while PPP’s Chaudhry Latif Akbar received 1,660 votes, based on results from 14 of 249 polling stations. In LA-32 Muzaffarabad-VI, former AJK Prime Minister Raja Muhammad Farooq Haider of PML-N was narrowly ahead with 892 votes, while PPP candidate Sahibzada Muhammad Ashfaq Zafar had 871 votes, according to results from 5 of 163 polling stations. In LA-33 Muzaffarabad-VII, PPP candidate Diwan Ali Khan Qamar Chughtai was leading with 1,349 votes, followed by PML-N’s Mian Muhammad Rashid, who secured 1,029 votes after counting at 7 of 155 polling stations. Refugee Seats The first complete unofficial results declared PML-N victorious in two refugee constituencies. In LA-43 Kashmir Valley-IV, PML-N’s Muhammad Yasin Lone won the seat with 1,276 votes, defeating PPP candidate Javed Butt, who received 563 votes. In LA-44 Kashmir Valley-V, PML-N’s Muhammad Ahmad Raza Qadri was declared the winner with 1,700 votes, while Mehr-un-Nisa of the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference secured 650 votes. Vote Counting Continues In LA-34 Jammu-I, PML-N’s Nasir Hussain Dar was leading with 1,690 votes after results from 51 of 131 polling stations, while independent candidate Raja Riaz Ahmad had 741 votes. In LA-35 Jammu-II, PML-N’s Chaudhry Muhammad Ismail maintained a commanding lead with 18,788 votes, followed by independent candidate Sardar Muhammad Ghayas with 5,041 votes, based on results from 100 of 142 polling stations. In LA-36 Jammu-III, PML-N’s Muhammad Ahsan Raza led with 10,002 votes, while PPP’s Ahsan Ismail had 4,756 votes after counting at 50 of 140 polling stations. In LA-37 Jammu-IV, PML-N candidate Maryam Javed was ahead with 19,014 votes, while independent candidate Usman Aleem had 14,734 votes, according to results from 121 of 185 polling stations. In LA-38 Jammu-V, PML-N’s Zeeshan Ali was leading with 5,524 votes, narrowly ahead of Muhammad Akbar Chaudhry of the Muslim League AJK, who had 4,988 votes, based on results from 49 of 115 polling stations. In LA-39 Jammu-VI, PML-N’s Raja Muhammad Siddique secured 3,176 votes, while PPP’s Chaudhry Fakhar Zaman followed with 945 votes after counting at 41 of 157 polling stations. In LA-40 Kashmir Valley-I, PPP candidate Aamir Abdul Ghaffar led with 1,178 votes, while PML-N’s Muhammad Naeem Khan had 65 votes, according to results from 23 of 47 polling stations. In LA-41 Kashmir Valley-II, PML-N’s Muhammad Aamir Shah was ahead with 922 votes, while independent candidate Saba Diwan received 556 votes after counting at 13 of 19 polling stations. In LA-42 Kashmir Valley-III, PML-N candidate Syed Shaukat Ali Shah led with 1,326 votes, followed by PPP’s Muhammad Asim Sharif with 682 votes after results from 13 of 43 polling stations. In LA-45 Kashmir Valley-VI, PPP’s Abdul Majid Khan was leading with 2,444 votes, while Khawaja Muhammad Dilawar of the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference had 562 votes, according to results from 15 of 41 polling stations. The Election Commission had established 1,483 polling stations across the Muzaffarabad Division. Polling in LA-27 Muzaffarabad-II was postponed because of severe weather and landslides. Voting for the refugee constituencies was held in several cities across Pakistan. Polling for Jammu-I and Kashmir Valley-I took place in Karachi, while Rawalpindi and Islamabad hosted polling for LA-43 Kashmir Valley-IV, LA-44 Kashmir Valley-V, and LA-39 Jammu-VI. Vote counting is continuing, and official results are expected after the completion of the counting process.

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    Karachi colleges ban tobacco, vapes and drug use u…

    Karachi: The Directorate of College Education Karachi has imposed a ban on the use of tobacco products and drugs in colleges across the city, aiming to create a healthier and drug-free educational environment. According to an official notification issued by the Directorate, the use of cigarettes, vapes, nicotine pouches, paan, and gutka has been strictly prohibited within college premises. The ban will come into effect immediately, with college principals instructed to ensure compliance and maintain a tobacco-free environment inside their institutions. Authorities have directed college administrations to take necessary steps to prevent students and staff from using prohibited substances on campus. The Directorate of College Education has also contacted deputy commissioners to help control the sale and use of tobacco products and drugs around college areas. The move aims to extend monitoring beyond campuses and reduce access to such substances near educational institutions. Officials said the decision is part of efforts to promote student health and prevent the growing use of harmful substances among young people. College administrations will be responsible for implementing the new restrictions and taking action against violations. The notification comes as health experts continue to highlight the harmful effects of tobacco, nicotine products, and drug use, particularly among youth.

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    Pakistan clinch Hockey5s silver, qualify for World Cup

    MUSCAT: Pakistan secured the silver medal at the Men’s Asian Hockey5s Championship 2026 and booked a place in the FIH Hockey5s World Cup. The national team finished runners-up after losing 3-1 to arch-rivals India in the final in Muscat, Oman. Despite missing out on the title, Pakistan’s overall campaign was a major success. The team produced several strong performances during the tournament and reached the final after competing against some of Asia’s top sides. The silver medal was enough to secure Pakistan’s qualification for the 2026 Hockey5s World Cup. The achievement gives the national side another opportunity to compete on the global stage. Pakistan’s campaign was also highlighted by an individual award for forward Adeel. He was named the Player of the Tournament for his impressive performances. Adeel played an important role in Pakistan’s run to the final. His attacking contributions and consistent performances made him one of the standout players of the competition. The final, however, belonged to India. The arch-rivals scored three goals while Pakistan managed only one. Pakistan fought to stay in the contest but could not overturn the deficit. India eventually secured the championship title with a 3-1 victory. The result did not overshadow Pakistan’s successful tournament campaign. Reaching the final and qualifying for the World Cup are important milestones for a team seeking to rebuild its position in international hockey. The Pakistan Hockey Federation praised the players and coaching staff for their efforts throughout the championship. PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani congratulated the national squad on winning the silver medal and securing World Cup qualification. He also praised Adeel for earning the tournament’s top individual award. The federation said the achievement reflected the hard work of the players, coaches, management and support staff. Pakistan’s progress in Hockey5s is being viewed as a positive development for the country’s hockey programme. The shorter format requires speed, quick decision-making and strong attacking play. The team will now shift its focus towards the FIH Hockey5s World Cup. The qualification provides Pakistan with an opportunity to test itself against the best teams from around the world.

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    Pogacar on verge of Fifth Tour de France title aft…

    Defending champion Tadej Pogacar is on the verge of winning a record-equalling fifth Tour de France after taking a storming victory on stage 19 to Alpe d’Huez. The UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider pulled more than three minutes back on a breakaway group on the hors category final climb up to the famous ski resort, which was flanked by thousands of spectators from around the world. Pogacar, 27, is aiming to become the joint-most successful rider in the Tour’s history with five wins, alongside legends Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Indurain. He holds a dominant lead over Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel of seven minutes 11 seconds, despite the Belgian’s improved climbing form this year. Pogacar’s Mexican teammate Isaac del Toro remains third and in the white young riders’ classification leader’s jersey, nine minutes 42 seconds down. The peloton will take on Alpe d’Huez once again on Saturday for the three-week race’s mountainous ‘queen’ stage, which includes an extra 2,000 metres of climbing. “It was very cool to win up here – it was a crazy atmosphere all climb and I’m thankful for the team that I could pull it off,” said Pogacar. “When I heard some of the guys [were] dropped when [teammate] Felix [Grosschartner] set a super good pace at the beginning of the climb, I was already going full gas, as the breakaway was so strong. Every kilometre of Alpe d’Huez I had good legs and not many could follow [me].” Pogacar crossed the line six seconds ahead of France’s Lenny Martinez of Bahrain-Victorious, who thumped his handlebars several times in frustration as he crossed the line. Ecuador’s in-form rider Richard Carapaz of EF Education-Easypost, who won Thursday’s stage to Ocieres Merlette, finished a further three seconds behind in third. A 40-plus strong breakaway had established a lead over the peloton and yellow-jersey wearer Pogacar by several minutes mid-stage, but the main pack began to slowly reel them in. It was Martinez, the USA’s Sepp Kuss of Visma-Lease a Bike, and a typically animated Carapaz who eventually emerged as the three seemingly set to battle for victory as they began Alpe d’Huez’s legendary twisting ribbons of tarmac. But Pogacar had other ideas and set a record time on the final climb of 35 minutes 27 seconds, beating the time set by Italy’s legendary Marco Pantani in 1997. The victory puts Pogacar in a commanding position heading into the final stages of the Tour. With a lead of over seven minutes, he is all but assured of his fifth title, provided he avoids any mishaps in the remaining stages. The Slovenian rider has been in dominant form throughout the race, winning multiple stages and showcasing his incredible climbing ability. As the Tour enters its final days, fans will be eagerly watching to see if Pogacar can cement his place among the legends of the sport. His performance on Alpe d’Huez has already etched his name into Tour history, and a fifth victory would confirm his status as one of the greatest riders of all time. The final stages promise more excitement as the peloton battles for stage wins and final classification positions, but the spotlight remains firmly on Pogacar as he closes in on another historic achievement.

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