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Argentina commits most fouls but receives fewer yellow cards in World Cup

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Argentina commits

MIAMI: Argentina has committed more fouls than any other team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, yet disciplinary statistics show the defending champions have received fewer yellow cards than several other nations ahead of Sunday’s final against Spain.

Tournament data shows Argentina has committed 88 fouls, the highest total in the competition, but has been shown only nine yellow cards. By comparison, Egypt has received 12 yellow cards after committing 59 fouls, while Canada has collected 11 yellow cards despite recording 72 fouls.

Elsewhere, Switzerland committed 87 fouls and received eight yellow cards, Spain has been booked six times after 80 fouls, and England picked up eight yellow cards from 73 fouls.

Despite leading the tournament in fouls, Argentina has not received a single red card. Switzerland, Belgium, England and Paraguay have each had one player sent off during the competition.

The statistics suggest Argentina has relied on an aggressive and physical style of play throughout the tournament. However, disciplinary decisions vary depending on the nature, severity and context of each challenge, meaning the figures alone do not provide a definitive assessment of refereeing standards or consistency.

Gilgit-Baltistan assembly passes resolution seeking interim provincial status

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Gilgit-Baltistan

SKARDU: The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly passed a resolution calling on the federal government to grant the region interim provincial status while maintaining Pakistan’s longstanding position on the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The resolution states that granting Gilgit-Baltistan interim provincial status should not alter Pakistan’s official stance on the Kashmir dispute or affect any future United Nations-backed plebiscite on the region.

Lawmakers also called for Gilgit-Baltistan to be granted representation in Pakistan’s National Assembly and Senate, as well as in all constitutional institutions, placing the region on par with the country’s existing provinces.

The assembly urged the federal government to take all necessary constitutional, legal and administrative measures to implement the resolution and extend full constitutional and democratic rights to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.

The resolution further said that any interim provincial arrangement should remain consistent with Pakistan’s international obligations while safeguarding its position on the Kashmir issue.

Salman Khan predicted Sonakshi and Zaheer Iqbal’s romance, couple reveals

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Salman Khan

MUMBAI: Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha and her husband Zaheer Iqbal have revealed that actor Salman Khan was the first to sense their growing relationship, long before they acknowledged it themselves.

Speaking on a talk show hosted by Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi, Sonakshi said she first met Zaheer at one of Salman Khan’s parties.

She recalled that Salman repeatedly hinted he could see a connection between them, even though both insisted at the time that they were just friends.

According to Sonakshi, Salman once told her that one day the couple would break up and both would come to him separately to share their side of the story. She said the comment surprised them because they had not publicly admitted they were in a relationship.

Zaheer confirmed the story, saying he had never discussed his relationship with Salman but believed the veteran actor had figured it out on his own. He recalled Salman casually remarking during a trekking trip that “everything is visible,” without asking any questions or offering further explanation.

Despite Salman’s prediction that their relationship might not last, the couple said events unfolded differently.

Sonakshi and Zaheer dated privately for nearly seven years, appeared together in the 2022 film “Double XL,” and married in an intimate ceremony in Mumbai in June 2024. They remain happily married.

Shehnaaz Gill breaks silence on dating rumors with Raghav Juyal

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Shehnaaz Gill

MUMBAI: Indian actress Shehnaaz Gill has addressed speculation linking her romantically with actor and television host Raghav Juyal, describing him as a close friend and declining to comment further on her personal life.

Rumors intensified after the two attended a birthday celebration last week, where a viral video showed Juyal escorting Gill through a crowd to her car, prompting widespread speculation on social media about their relationship.

Responding to the rumors during a recent interview, Gill dismissed the dating speculation, saying Juyal is “a very good friend” and requesting that interviewers avoid asking personal questions.

She then shifted the conversation to promote Juyal’s upcoming film, urging fans to support the project. Gill praised her co-star’s hard work, noting that he had entered the film industry through his own efforts and was making his debut as a lead actor.

Gill and Juyal previously appeared together in Salman Khan’s 2023 film “Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan.” Neither actor has confirmed being in a romantic relationship.

 Actress Huma Saleem accuses unnamed cricketer of harassment

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 Actress Huma Saleem

KARACHI: Pakistani actress and model Huma Saleem has accused an unnamed national cricketer of harassment, fraud and defamation, saying she is preparing to pursue legal action over the allegations.

In a series of posts shared on Instagram, Saleem alleged that the cricketer had subjected her to mental harassment, character assassination and deceptive behavior. She did not identify the individual by name.

The actress claimed she has had no contact with the cricketer for the past two months but alleged that he continues to interfere with her life whenever she attempts to move on. She said no woman would willingly risk public scrutiny unless her limits had been crossed.

Saleem further alleged that the cricketer contacted her family members, friends and professional colleagues in an attempt to damage her reputation.

She also claimed the harassment continued during and after their alleged relationship.

The actress said her legal team would soon present evidence supporting her allegations and initiate legal proceedings.

The cricketer has not publicly responded to the claims, and the allegations have not been independently verified.

French lawmakers approve assisted dying bill for terminally Ill adults

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French lawmakers

PARIS: France’s parliament has approved a landmark bill allowing certain terminally ill adults to request medically assisted dying, marking a significant step toward legalizing the practice under strict eligibility criteria.

The legislation would allow eligible patients suffering from incurable, life-threatening illnesses in an advanced or terminal stage to obtain a lethal medication.

Patients capable of administering the medication themselves would do so, while a doctor or nurse could administer it if the patient is physically unable.

Under the bill, the measure would apply only to adults who are French citizens or legal residents and who meet stringent medical conditions outlined in the legislation.

Lawmakers approved the bill by 291 votes to 241, following months of debate over end-of-life care and patient autonomy. However, the legislation must still be reviewed and approved by France’s Constitutional Council before it can become law.

If enacted, France would join countries including the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada that have legalized some form of medically assisted dying for eligible patients.

UN fears over 500 dead after two boats sink off Myanmar

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UN fears

GENEVA: More than 500 people are feared dead after two boats carrying mostly Rohingya refugees reportedly sank off Myanmar’s coast, the United Nations said, warning that the tragedy could rank among the deadliest maritime disasters involving the persecuted minority.

In a joint statement, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said the two vessels, carrying more than 500 people, are believed to have capsized in recent days after departing from Myanmar’s conflict-ravaged Rakhine State in late June. Most of those on board were members of the Rohingya Muslim minority.

The agencies said some passengers had also departed from refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, where more than one million Rohingya refugees continue to live in overcrowded and difficult conditions after fleeing violence in Myanmar.

According to preliminary information, one boat carrying about 250 people disappeared shortly after setting sail, while another vessel with around 280 passengers is believed to have sunk near Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady coast on July 8.

The U.N. agencies cautioned that the incidents and the reported death toll have not yet been officially confirmed.

They added that the journeys took place during a particularly dangerous period for sea travel, with seasonal storms, heavy rainfall and flooding significantly increasing the risks faced by migrants attempting the crossing.

Pakistan emerges as top beneficiary of EU GSP+ trade scheme

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Pakistan emerges

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan was the largest beneficiary of the European Union’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) in 2024, with exports worth €7.1 billion qualifying under the preferential trade program, according to the European Commission’s latest GSP report.

The report said Pakistan utilized 95.1% of the available GSP+ preferences, the highest rate among all participating countries, making it the leading exporter under the scheme.

The European Union acknowledged Pakistan’s progress in several areas of governance and human rights, including the adoption of implementing rules for anti-torture legislation, new laws to curb child marriage in Balochistan and Islamabad, and measures to reduce the scope of the death penalty.

 The report also recognized Pakistan’s ratification of the International Labour Organization’s protocol on forced labor and efforts to formalize workers in the informal economy.

The report further highlighted Pakistan’s policy measures to combat corruption but noted that challenges remain regarding judicial independence, freedom of expression and media freedom. It also called for additional efforts to eliminate violence against women, child labor and forced labor.

Under the EU’s revised GSP framework, Pakistan and other current GSP+ beneficiaries will be required to reapply for the scheme in 2027.

Existing beneficiaries will continue receiving transitional access until the end of 2028, while the report noted that natural disasters had slowed the implementation of some GSP+ reforms in Pakistan.

Pakistan rejects claims of abandoning Iran-US mediation efforts

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Pakistan rejects

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan rejected suggestions that it has stepped back from efforts to mediate between Iran and the United States, saying its diplomatic engagement remains active despite renewed hostilities between the two countries.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi, speaking at a weekly news briefing, said Pakistan continues to believe that dialogue and diplomacy are the only sustainable path to resolving disputes.

He stressed that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) remains a valid and effective framework for restoring peace once tensions subside.

Andrabi said Pakistan’s position has remained consistent throughout the crisis, emphasizing respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states while condemning armed attacks.

He urged all parties to exercise restraint and return to negotiations, adding that the Islamabad MoU, together with the Pakistan-Qatar joint communiqué issued on June 22, provides a practical roadmap for resuming technical-level talks.

The spokesperson also voiced concern over the impact of renewed regional tensions on global energy markets, trade and food security. He called for the early restoration of normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, stressing the importance of ensuring freedom, safety and security of maritime navigation for uninterrupted trade and energy supplies.

Andrabi said Pakistan remains in close diplomatic contact with key regional countries to help reduce tensions.

He noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed the regional situation with the Emir of Qatar and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on July 10, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for de-escalation and peaceful dialogue.

The spokesperson also confirmed that trade negotiations between Pakistan and the United States are continuing, describing recent discussions as constructive.

He said both sides had made progress on several issues aimed at expanding bilateral trade, diversifying Pakistani exports and strengthening economic cooperation, adding that communication channels between the two countries remain open.

PM Shehbaz orders crackdown on artificial fuel shortages

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PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to take strict action against those creating artificial shortages of petroleum products, as the government reviewed the potential economic impact of escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Chairing a high-level meeting, Sharif warned that continued instability in the region could adversely affect Pakistan’s economic outlook and instructed all relevant institutions to remain fully prepared for any emerging challenges. He called for a comprehensive contingency plan to enable timely government action if needed.

The prime minister said the government had effectively managed the country’s fuel supply, adding that subsidies had helped protect consumers, including motorcyclists, rickshaw drivers and transport operators, from the impact of higher fuel prices. He urged the public to continue supporting nationwide austerity and energy conservation efforts.

Sharif also ordered federal and provincial authorities to jointly launch a strict crackdown on individuals or businesses responsible for creating artificial shortages of petroleum products in the market.

During the meeting, officials informed the prime minister that Pakistan currently has sufficient petroleum reserves to meet domestic demand and that measures are in place to ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies in the coming months. The meeting was attended by senior federal ministers, State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad and other top government officials.