BREAKING NEWS
Iran, Oman reach understanding on shipping route through Strait of Hormuz • More than 100 killed in India floods, heavy rains since July • Brock Lesnar announces retirement from professional wrestling • Actor Ahsan Khan urges men to empower their wives • Bollywood star Aamir Khan pays tribute to Pradeep Rawat • Pakistan beat West Indies by 8 wickets to draw Test series 1-1 • Adiala Jail rejects solitary confinement claim in Imran Khan case • Pakistan government will complete five-year term, Naqvi says • Indian actor Pradeep Rawat dies at 74 after cancer battle • Mrunal Thakur warns of legal action over AI-generated deepfake content • Fazlur Rehman warns against politicizing debate over new provinces • Pakistan posts 387, secures first-innings lead over West Indies • Pakistan exempt from new US visa bond program • Trump voices concern over oil company profits amid Iran conflict • West Indies all out for 344 against Pakistan in first innings
Advertise with us >

Newsdesk

Iran warns against US intervention in Strait of Hormuz

by
Iran warns

TEHRAN: Iran’s military warned that it would not allow the United States to intervene in the Strait of Hormuz, responding to recent remarks by President Donald Trump about expanding the US role in securing the strategic waterway.

In a statement issued from Tehran, Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said U.S. involvement in the Strait of Hormuz had undermined the security of energy transportation through the region.

Zolfaqari said Iran would neither accept nor allow U.S. interference in the administration of the Strait of Hormuz, adding that cooperation by some regional countries with Washington had increased the risk of a broader conflict.

He warned that any country assisting the United States in actions affecting the Strait of Hormuz would be regarded by Iran as participating in a war against the country’s territorial integrity. He also cautioned that any escalation could draw other countries in the region into the conflict.

The comments came after Trump announced plans for the United States to play a greater security role in the Strait of Hormuz and proposed charging transit fees on commercial cargo passing through the vital maritime chokepoint.

Top four FIFA-ranked teams reach World Cup semifinals for first time

by
Top four

MIAMI: Spain, Argentina, France and England have made history by becoming the first top four teams in the FIFA world rankings to reach the FIFA World Cup semifinals in the same tournament.

The unprecedented achievement was aided by FIFA’s revised tournament draw system, which placed the four highest-ranked teams in separate sections of the bracket, ensuring they could not face each other before the semifinals if they topped their respective groups.

The format worked as intended, with all four teams finishing first in their groups and advancing through their respective knockout paths.

Under the new bracket structure, Spain and Argentina can only meet in the World Cup final, while France and England were also placed on separate knockout routes. The semifinal fixtures will see Spain face France, while Argentina will take on England.

The revised draw system was introduced alongside the expanded 48-team World Cup format, which increased the likelihood of heavyweight clashes in the early knockout rounds. FIFA redesigned the bracket to preserve marquee matchups for the latter stages of the tournament and maintain competitive balance—a strategy that has proven successful in this edition.

Trump announces new Strait of Hormuz security policy

by
Trump announces

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said that the United States would assume responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz and seek compensation by imposing a 20% transit fee on cargo passing through the strategic waterway, while reinstating restrictions targeting Iranian shipping.

In an interview with Fox News, Trump said the United States would become the “guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that countries benefiting from the route should help pay for its protection.

Trump accused Iran of violating a previous agreement and said Washington would restore what he described as an Iranian shipping blockade.

Under the proposed policy, he said, only Iranian vessels and their customers would be barred from using the strait, while ships from all other countries would continue to enjoy free passage.

In a subsequent post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the Strait of Hormuz would remain open “with or without Iran” and reiterated that the United States would protect the vital maritime corridor. He also said all cargo transiting the waterway would be subject to a 20% fee to help cover the costs of providing maritime security.

Trump further claimed that Iran’s naval, air and missile capabilities had been severely degraded in recent hostilities, warning that Tehran would face serious consequences for violating agreements.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, handling a significant share of global oil exports. Any changes to access or security arrangements could have major implications for international energy markets and global trade.

Shekhar Suman’s quip on Aamir Khan’s third marriage goes viral

by
Shekhar Suman

MUMBAI: Indian actor and television host Shekhar Suman has sparked widespread reactions after making a humorous remark about Bollywood star Aamir Khan and his reported third marriage, with clips of the comments circulating widely on social media.

According to Indian media reports, Aamir Khan married his longtime partner Gauri Spratt in a private ceremony on July 5, following his previous marriages to Reena Dutta and Kiran Rao.

During his YouTube talk show, Shekhar Suman jokingly said Aamir had taught the younger generation an important lesson: “Never stop trying until you reach your goal.” The remark drew laughter from the audience and quickly gained traction online.

Continuing in a satirical tone, Suman said politicians could also learn from Aamir Khan. Referring to political alliances, he joked that while governments often struggle to keep coalitions together, Aamir appeared to be successfully managing a “triple-engine” arrangement — a comment that prompted further laughter from the audience.

Separately, Indian media have reported that Aamir Khan is considering building a shared family home where Kiran Rao and their son, Azad, could also live, with the aim of maintaining close family ties despite their separation. The reports have not been independently confirmed by the actor.

Four children from same family contract HIV in Karachi

by
Four children

KARACHI: The number of children infected in the HIV outbreak linked to Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital has risen to 81 after a 10-year-old boy tested positive, making all four children of the same family infected with the virus.

The boy’s father, Aftab Khan, said his family from Karachi’s Zia Colony has been devastated after each of his four children was diagnosed with HIV.

Two days earlier, his 9-year-old daughter tested positive, while his 12-year-old and 3-year-old sons had been diagnosed several months ago. The latest result confirmed that all four siblings are now living with the virus.

Khan alleged that his children had visited Valika Hospital only for routine medical treatment and blamed suspected medical negligence for the infections. He said the family has been left traumatized by the diagnoses and called for those responsible to be held accountable.

The father also alleged that hospital officials suspended during the investigation continue to enjoy official facilities, including accommodation, questioning the effectiveness of the disciplinary action.

He further claimed that affected families continue to face difficulties obtaining timely information about test results, treatment schedules and medications, with hospital staff and the relevant health authorities referring them back and forth without clear guidance.

The affected families have urged the Sindh government to appoint a new focal person to coordinate with victims, saying they need a responsible official who can provide accurate information, address their concerns and ensure access to treatment and support. Authorities are continuing to investigate the HIV outbreak at Valika Hospital. Families of the affected children have renewed calls for a transparent investigation, strict action against those found

‘Michael’ becomes first biopic to surpass $1b at global box office

by
‘Michael’ becomes

LOS ANGELES: Michael, the biographical film chronicling the life of the late “King of Pop” Michael Jackson, has become the first biographical film in history to surpass $1 billion at the global box office, setting a new benchmark for the genre.

Released in April, the film crossed the milestone in just 12 weeks, earning $1.001 billion worldwide, including $371.8 million in North America and $629.8 million from international markets.

The film has now overtaken Oppenheimer as the highest-grossing biopic of all time and surpassed Bohemian Rhapsody to become the highest-grossing musical biopic ever.

Starring Jaafar Jackson, the late singer’s nephew, the film traces Michael Jackson’s childhood, rise to global superstardom and transformation into one of the world’s most influential entertainers.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the movie opened with $97 million in North America and $217 million globally, setting a record for the biggest opening weekend for a musical biopic.

The milestone also marks a historic achievement for Lionsgate, with Michael becoming the studio’s first film to exceed $1 billion in worldwide ticket sales.

 Industry reports say the film’s success has prompted discussions about developing a follow-up project exploring additional chapters of Michael Jackson’s life.

Young doctor shot dead in Karachi bank robbery

by
Young doctor

KARACHI: A 28-year-old doctor was killed in a shooting during a daylight bank robbery outside a private bank in Karachi’s Clifton area, where armed robbers escaped with Rs2.5 million in cash, police said Monday.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) South Mahzoor Ali said the victim, identified as Dr. Akash, had withdrawn Rs5 million with his father and an associate from a private bank near Teen Talwar. The group was on its way to deposit the money at another bank in the Boat Basin area when armed assailants intercepted their vehicle outside the bank.

Police said a security guard opened fire on the robbers, who returned fire during the exchange. Dr. Akash was fatally struck in the crossfire, while the suspects escaped with one of the two cash bags containing Rs2.5 million. The security guard has been taken into custody as part of the investigation.

The administration of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre mourned the death of Dr. Akash, describing him as a dedicated, hardworking and highly committed house officer. A hospital spokesperson said he had recently been selected as a Medical Officer through the latest commission examination and was awaiting a posting at JPMC.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah took notice of the killing and ordered the immediate arrest of those responsible. He directed Karachi’s additional inspector general of police to submit a detailed investigation report and ensure the swift apprehension of the suspects.

“There will be no compromise on law and order,” Murad Ali Shah said, instructing police to intensify efforts against street crime and armed robberies while expressing condolences to the victim’s family.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Medical Association condemned the killing, calling it evidence of the deteriorating law and order situation in Karachi. The association said the loss of the young doctor was not only a tragedy for his family but also a significant loss for Pakistan’s medical community.

South Africa World Cup midfielder Jayden Adams dies at 25

by
South Africa

JOHANNESBURG: South African midfielder Jayden Adams, who represented Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has died at the age of 25, South African officials confirmed on Saturday.

Adams featured for South Africa during the FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the country’s football community.

South Africa’s Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie expressed deep sorrow over Adams’ death, describing him as one of the country’s brightest young football talents.

“South African football has lost one of its finest young talents,” McKenzie said, extending condolences to Adams’ family, teammates and supporters who had watched him rise from academy football to the national team.

Police said Adams’ body was found at his home. Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, and the cause of death has not yet been determined. No further official details have been released.

Indian TV actor Rohit Chandel arrested over alleged harassment of minor

by
Indian TV actor

MUMBAI: Indian television actor Rohit Chandel has been arrested on allegations of stalking and harassing a 16-year-old girl, Mumbai police said.

According to Indian media reports, police registered a case against Chandel under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to stalking and voluntarily causing hurt.

Police said the actor and the teenage girl were known to each other. The complaint alleges that Chandel repeatedly called the girl and, after she stopped responding, began contacting her using different phone numbers.

The first information report (FIR) alleges that an altercation took place between the two on July 5, during which Chandel allegedly shouted at the girl, followed her and physically assaulted her. The girl subsequently approached a local police station, where a case was registered.

Investigators said they will examine CCTV footage from the area where the alleged incident occurred and record the girl’s detailed statement as part of the ongoing investigation. The allegations have been filed in court records, and the case remains under investigation.

FIA offloaded nearly 40,000 passengers over three years

by
FIA offloaded

ISLAMABAD: Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) offloaded 39,786 passengers from international flights over the past three years following stricter immigration screening introduced after the 2023 Libya boat tragedy, according to official documents.

The documents state that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered enhanced scrutiny at airports after the deadly migrant boat disaster, prompting the FIA to intensify checks on outbound passengers nationwide.

According to the records, 20,408 passengers were stopped from traveling due to incomplete or missing travel documents. Another 12,673 were offloaded because of low-profile or suspicious travel plans that raised concerns during immigration screening.

FIA sources said many of those passengers appeared financially unable to undertake international travel or had no prior travel history, despite plans to visit destinations such as Saudi Arabia for Umrah, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates or Thailand. Officials said such travel patterns raised suspicions of potential human smuggling or irregular migration.

The documents further showed that 3,450 passengers were prevented from traveling because their names appeared on stop lists or were subject to Interpol restrictions.

Another 505 were offloaded due to questionable travel routes, while 281 were stopped for allegedly carrying forged or fraudulent documents, including fake visas or counterfeit employment-related paperwork.

In addition, the FIA offloaded 176 passengers over irregular travel histories, 145 for document verification, 258 because they were underage, and 24 who were suspected of seeking overseas employment while traveling on visit visas.