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Asim Azhar’s ‘Azaan’ video from Australia wins praise on social media

Asim Azhar

MELBOURNE: A video of Pakistani singer Asim Azhar delivering the Islamic call to prayer during a visit to Australia has gone viral, drawing widespread praise from fans on social media.

Azhar, one of Pakistan’s most popular young singers, is currently in Melbourne as part of a professional tour. In the widely shared video, he is seen wearing a black shalwar kameez while reciting the Azaan in a calm and melodious voice.

The video quickly gained traction across social media platforms, with many users praising the singer’s recitation and describing the moment as uplifting and spiritually moving.

Fans also commended Azhar for expressing his faith publicly, with many posting messages of appreciation and admiration for his performance.

Known for his successful music career in Pakistan and abroad, Asim Azhar has previously shared moments reflecting his personal and spiritual life with his followers on social media.

Mahnoor Baloch’s new photos spark social media buzz over fresh look

Mahnoor Baloch

KARACHI:  Veteran Pakistani actor Mahnoor Baloch has once again become the focus of social media after new photos showcasing her updated hairstyle and appearance drew widespread attention online.

The images, which also feature filmmaker Faheem Burney, quickly went viral, prompting fans to comment on Mahnoor Baloch’s latest look.

In the photos, the actor is seen wearing a black shalwar kameez and sporting a bob haircut, a style that many users said gave her a refreshed appearance.

The images generated mixed reactions on social media. Some users said her appearance looked different from previous public photos and speculated about possible cosmetic procedures, although no evidence was presented to support those claims.

Others praised Mahnoor Baloch for maintaining her elegance and youthful appearance, saying she continues to enjoy enduring popularity despite being away from the entertainment spotlight for much of recent years.

Mahnoor Baloch, one of Pakistan’s best-known television actors, has long been recognized for her work in television dramas and remains a popular figure among fans on social media.

Hania Aamir’s new hairstyle draws comparisons to Salman Khan

Hania Aamir

KARACHI:  Pakistani actor Hania Aamir has sparked a wave of reactions on social media after sharing a photo showcasing a new hairstyle that many fans compared to Salman Khan’s iconic look in the 2003 Bollywood film Tere Naam.

In the selfie, Hania debuted a center-parted hairstyle with shoulder-length hair and long face-framing strands, prompting users across social media platforms to draw parallels with Salman Khan’s character, Radhe Mohan, from the film.

The image quickly went viral, with many users posting humorous comments about the resemblance, while others praised the actress for experimenting with a fresh and distinctive style.

Released in 2003, Tere Naam became one of Salman Khan’s most recognizable films, with the character’s signature center-parted hairstyle emerging as a major fashion trend across South Asia.

Hania Aamir is one of Pakistan’s most popular actors, known for her roles in television dramas and films. She also enjoys a large social media following, where her fashion choices and personal updates frequently attract widespread attention.

Cristiano Ronaldo confirms 2026 World Cup will be his final tournament

Cristiano Ronaldo

HOUSTON:  Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed Sunday that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the final major international tournament of his career.

Speaking ahead of Portugal’s Round of 16 match against Spain, the 41-year-old said he intends to enjoy every moment of the tournament and hopes his team’s World Cup journey is not over yet.

“When the time comes to retire from international football, I will leave satisfied because I know I have given everything I could for my country and for the game,” Ronaldo said.

He added that he continues to play out of passion and no longer feels the need to prove himself.

Ronaldo has scored three goals at the 2026 World Cup, including two against Uzbekistan in the group stage to become the first player to score in six different World Cup editions. He also scored his first career World Cup knockout-stage goal with a penalty against Croatia.

The Portugal star described the 2026 tournament as the most emotional World Cup of his career.

Ronaldo also said criticism has helped shape him throughout his career, adding that every challenge has made him a better player and person.

Neymar retires from football after Brazil’s world cup exit

Neymar retires

EAST RUTHERFORD:  Brazil forward Neymar announced his retirement from international football after Brazil was eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-1 loss to Norway in the Round of 16.

Norway advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time after defeating five-time champion Brazil at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Erling Haaland scored both of Norway’s goals, finding the net in the 79th and 90th minutes. Neymar converted a stoppage-time penalty for Brazil’s lone goal, but the late strike was not enough to keep his team in the tournament.

Following the final whistle, an emotional Neymar broke down in tears before confirming that he was ending his international career.

According to foreign media reports, the 34-year-old told Brazilian reporters after the match, “I gave everything I had. It all started here in this stadium, and it ends here. Now it’s over.”

Neymar made his Brazil debut on Aug. 10, 2010, in a friendly against the United States at the same stadium in East Rutherford.

He retires as Brazil’s all-time leading men’s international scorer with 80 goals, surpassing Brazilian great Pelé by three goals.

UEFA criticizes FIFA decision to suspend Balogun ban after Trump appeal

UEFA criticizes

ZURICH: UEFA has sharply criticized FIFA over its reported decision to suspend US forward Folarin Balogun’s one-match suspension, after U.S. President Donald Trump said he asked FIFA to review the case.

UEFA said the automatic one-match suspension following a red card is a fundamental provision of the Laws of the Game and is not subject to discretionary approval.

The organization described the reported decision as “extraordinary,” “incomprehensible” and “unjustified,” warning that such an action could undermine confidence in the integrity of football’s disciplinary system.

The European governing body said altering an automatic suspension during a tournament would cross “a red line” and could create a precedent for future disciplinary cases.

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter also criticized the reported move in a post on X, saying football should never become a tool of political influence.

“Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls,” Blatter wrote, adding that disciplinary decisions should be based on rules, evidence and independent judicial bodies.

According to media reports, Balogun received a red card during the United States’ Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, triggering an automatic one-match suspension that would have ruled him out of the Americans’ Round of 16 match against Belgium.

Reports said FIFA later suspended enforcement of the ban for one year, making Balogun eligible for the knockout match.

Trump confirmed at the White House that he spoke with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and requested a review of the disciplinary decision because he believed the incident did not warrant a red card. Trump said he did not ask FIFA to lift the suspension but requested that the case be reconsidered.

The Royal Belgian Football Association said it was surprised by the reported decision and is considering its legal options. Belgium’s foreign minister also said that if the suspension was lifted solely because of a phone call, it would represent a violation of football’s governing principles.

FIFA had not publicly responded to UEFA’s criticism at the time of publication.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari vows to defend Indus waters

Bilawal Bhutto

GILGIT: Chairman Pakistan People’s Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday said Pakistan would defend the Indus River and would not compromise on its water rights under the Indus Waters Treaty.

Addressing the swearing-in ceremony of Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain Advocate, Bilawal said he was grateful to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for recognizing the Pakistan Peoples Party’s electoral mandate in Gilgit-Baltistan. He added that the PPP would work with all political parties and ensure opposition members were included in governance.

Bilawal reiterated the party’s commitment to securing constitutional rights for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and said the federal government should ensure the region has representation at the national level.

He also pledged to create an economic environment that generates employment opportunities, promote public-private partnerships in agriculture, and fulfill the PPP’s commitment on land ownership rights.

Commenting on regional security, Bilawal accused Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi of adopting what he described as an “Israel model” after India’s military conflict with Pakistan.

He further alleged that India was attempting to create instability in Pakistan through Afghanistan as well as in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. He did not provide evidence to support the claims.

Bilawal also referred to the recent conflict between Israel and Iran, claiming Israel had unsuccessfully sought to foment internal unrest in Iran after the fighting.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s position on water security, Bilawal said the country would defend the Indus River and would not compromise on the Indus Waters Treaty, adding that Pakistan would protect its water rights under all circumstances.

PM directs Pakistani embassies to expand overseas job opportunities for youth

PM directs

ISLAMABAD:  Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed Pakistani embassies to accelerate efforts to identify overseas employment opportunities for young Pakistanis as part of the government’s strategy to boost skilled workforce exports.

Chairing a meeting to review youth employment initiatives, the prime minister instructed overseas missions to intensify engagement with foreign employers and labor markets to help create more job opportunities for Pakistani workers.

Sharif also ordered the complete digitization of the Protectorate of Emigration system and directed the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission and the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme to ensure the provision of internationally recognized vocational skills and language training programs with certification.

The prime minister said Pakistan’s workforce is highly capable and emphasized that the government is working to improve access to internationally recognized education, training and employment opportunities.

He instructed Pakistani embassies to strengthen mechanisms for sharing information on overseas job openings and labor market requirements, while urging relevant institutions to enhance cooperation with foreign countries to align Pakistani certifications with international standards.

Officials told the meeting that more than 800,000 young people have registered on the government’s Digital Youth Hub platform. They said training programs are underway to prepare Pakistanis for overseas employment and that embassies will upload information on available jobs and required qualifications to the portal.

Oil prices fluctuate as Brent trades at $71 a barrel

Oil prices

LONDON: Global oil prices fluctuated Monday, with Brent crude trading at about $71 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude hovering near $68 per barrel, according to market data.

UAE Murban crude was trading at approximately $66 per barrel.

Asian stock markets posted mixed results during the trading session, with gains in some markets offset by losses in others as investors assessed global economic and market conditions.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s stock market rallied sharply on strong investor sentiment. The benchmark KSE-100 gained 2,082 points to close at 187,454, extending recent gains in the market.

Pakistan Army pledges continued cross-border counterterrorism operations

Pakistan Army

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir presided over the 276th Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi.

The forum offered fateha for the Shuhada of the Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Agencies, and innocent civilians, reaffirming that their sacrifices remain the foundation of Pakistan’s security, unity and resilience.

The Forum reviewed prevailing security environment, expressing satisfaction over the operational preparedness, professionalism, and combat readiness of the Pakistan Armed Forces.

The forum expressed serious concerns over the continued use of territory under control of Afghan Taliban regime by Indian sponsored terrorist groups including Fitna al Khawarij (FAK) and Fitna al Hindustan (FAH) to orchestrate attacks inside Pakistan.

 The forum affirmed that lasting peace and stability in the region is contingent upon preventing use of Afghan Taliban controlled territory by Indian terrorist proxies for which Afghan Taliban regime is directly responsible.

Pakistan has unequivocal right to defend its people from terrorism and the Armed Forces shall continue Intelligence Based Operations against terrorism emanating from Afghan Taliban controlled territory under the ambit of Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq.

In addition to the kinetic actions, Forum underscored immediate need for putting in place robust governance structures in restive areas which are directed towards public service and welfare as well as to break the nefarious terror-crime nexus thriving under vested political patronage.

The forum noted that post comprehensive defeat inflicted in Mark-e-Haq, there is increased reliance on an evolving pattern of externally supported hybrid warfare and disinformation campaigns to cause unrest.

The forum condemned all such forms of state supported financing, facilitation or sponsorship of proxies and underscored that any attempts to use hybrid means to destabilize Pakistan would continue to be countered with strategic clarity and firm resolve.

Reviewing the evolving regional landscape, the Forum appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting dialogue, de-escalation and regional stability.

It reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution, respect for international law and enhanced regional cooperation to address shared security challenges.

The forum, taking note of Indian rhetoric surrounding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), reaffirmed the guidance given in National Security Committee (NSC) directive of 24 April 2025.

The forum expressed resolute commitment to undertake all measures necessary to ensure availability of Pakistan’s rightful share of water as per the directives of the Government and inspirations of the people of Pakistan.

The forum rejected and strongly condemned the ongoing human rights violations and unilateral demographic engineering in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), declaring that Kashmir remains the jugular vein of Pakistan.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s unyielding diplomatic, political and moral support to Kashmir cause, the Forum emphasized that true regional stability hinges entirely on granting the Kashmiri people their inalienable right to self-determination in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions.

In his concluding remarks, the COAS & CDF directed commanders to follow up expeditiously on the multi-domain transformation plan in line with evolving character of war.

He also called upon the commanders to maintain highest standards of vigilance, operational readiness and professional excellence emphasizing integrated responses to conventional, sub-conventional and hybrid threats while safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty and national interests at all cost.