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Newsdesk

President Zardari invites President Trump to visit Islamabad

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President Zardari

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has invited US President Donald Trump to visit Pakistan, while extending congratulations to the American people on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

In a letter to Trump, Zardari said the United States continues to progress on the strength of its traditions of innovation, democracy and commitment to equality of opportunity.

He said the achievements of the American people over the past two and a half centuries have played an important role in promoting development and prosperity around the world.

Zardari added that Pakistan and the United States share long-standing relations based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to peace, security and prosperity.

The Pakistani president invited Trump to visit Islamabad at his earliest convenience, saying it would be an honor for the people of Pakistan to host him.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended congratulations to U.S. President Donald Trump and the American people on the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

In a statement, Sharif said Pakistan stands with the United States in celebrating enduring democratic values, noting that the two countries share a partnership spanning more than seven decades.

He said the Pakistani-American community has played an important role in further strengthening ties between the two nations.

Sharif added that Pakistan and the United States have consistently stood together in addressing global peace and security challenges.

The prime minister also acknowledged Trump’s role in efforts toward peace in South Asia, saying his actions helped prevent a potentially catastrophic conflict and saved millions of lives.

He said both countries are moving toward a brighter and more hopeful future and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the United States.

Iranian security agencies block leader’s attendance at father’s funeral

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Iranian security

TEHRAN: Iranian security and intelligence agencies denied clearance for Supreme Leader designate Mojtaba Khamenei to attend the funeral and burial of his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, due to security concerns, according to a report by The New York Times.

The report, citing four senior Iranian officials involved in funeral security arrangements, said authorities feared that his public appearance could expose him to potential targeting by Israel or reveal his location.

According to the report, Mojtaba Khamenei had expressed a wish to personally lead funeral prayers in Mashhad on July 9, but security officials refused permission.

The New York Times said its account was based on interviews with two members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and another source involved in funeral arrangements, all speaking on condition of anonymity.

The report also suggested that internal political divisions within Iran’s conservative establishment have deepened, with hardline factions opposing diplomatic engagement with the United States while some moderate voices continue to support negotiations due to economic pressures.

Iranian authorities have not officially confirmed or denied the claims, and the Khamenei office has not issued a public statement regarding the report.

Round of 16 begins at FIFA World Cup 2026

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Round of 16

NEW YORK: The FIFA World Cup 2026 enters its Round of 16 on Saturday, with the tournament’s remaining 16 teams beginning the race for a place in the quarterfinals after an expanded knockout stage narrowed the field.

Following the group stage and the newly introduced Round of 32, co-hosts the United States, Canada and Mexico advanced alongside Brazil, Paraguay, Morocco, Norway, France, England, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Egypt, Argentina and Colombia.

The Round of 16 opens Saturday with Canada facing Morocco in Houston, while Paraguay takes on France in Philadelphia.

On Sunday, Brazil will meet Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium before Mexico hosts England at Mexico City Stadium.

Monday’s schedule features an all-European clash between Portugal and Spain in Dallas, followed by the United States against Belgium in Seattle.

The final two Round of 16 matches will be played Tuesday, with Argentina facing Egypt in Atlanta and Switzerland taking on Colombia in Vancouver.

The winners of the eight matches will advance to the quarterfinals as the tournament moves closer to the July 19 final.

Erdogan, Sharif pledge enduring Pakistan-Türkiye partnership

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Erdogan

ISTANBUL: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Türkiye and Pakistan will “always stand by each other” during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Istanbul on Friday, as both leaders pledged deeper cooperation in trade, investment and regional affairs.

Welcoming Sharif and his delegation, Erdogan said the two sides discussed bilateral relations as well as regional and global issues, expressing satisfaction with the current pace of ties between Ankara and Islamabad.

“We always stand by each other,” Erdogan said, adding that discussions also focused on expanding trade, investment and broader economic cooperation, including coordination on special economic zones between relevant ministries.

He said Türkiye would continue supporting efforts aimed at peace and prosperity and described an “Islamabad memorandum” as important for global stability. Erdogan also praised Pakistan’s initiatives for peace, development and regional cooperation.

During the briefing, Erdogan also accused Israel of attempting to undermine a U.S.-Iran understanding, warning that such actions threaten regional security.

Sharif, in his remarks, thanked Erdogan for the warm welcome and said Pakistan and Türkiye share a deep emotional and historic bond.

He noted that Türkiye had consistently supported Pakistan during wars and natural disasters, including floods and earthquakes.

The Pakistani prime minister also expressed gratitude for Türkiye’s assistance in disaster-hit areas of Pakistan and said both countries are committed to expanding trade to a target of $5 billion.

Sharif said discussions also covered investment opportunities in special economic zones and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Türkiye’s position on Cyprus while acknowledging Ankara’s support on the Kashmir issue.

Social media buzz links Sabrina Carpenter and Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié

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Social media

NEW YORK: Rumors of a possible relationship between pop star Sabrina Carpenter and Ecuadorian footballer Piero Hincapié have spread rapidly on social media, fueled by online speculation following a recent World Cup qualifying match in New Jersey.

The speculation intensified after Carpenter was seen attending a match at MetLife Stadium last week and appeared to show support for Ecuador’s national team.

Social media users quickly linked her to Hincapié, a defender for Ecuador, prompting widespread discussion and unverified claims about a possible romance.

Neither Carpenter nor Hincapié has confirmed any romantic involvement. Both have previously indicated they are single, and no official statements have been issued addressing the rumors.

Hincapié also drew attention recently for an unrelated on-field incident during a World Cup qualifier against Mexico, where he briefly covered his mouth while speaking to an opposing player.

The incident led to VAR intervention and a red card decision, further increasing his visibility in recent days.

Carpenter has previously been the subject of dating speculation involving several public figures, though none of those relationships have been officially confirmed.

The latest wave of rumors remains unverified, with both celebrities staying silent as online debate continues.

Aamir Khan, Gauri Spratt wedding details emerge as guest list finalized

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Aamir Khan

MUMBAI: Details have emerged about the intimate wedding ceremony of Bollywood actor Aamir Khan and Gauri Spratt, including the guest list and menu for the private event set to take place at his Mumbai residence.

According to Indian media reports, the wedding will be held on Sunday in a simple, close-knit ceremony attended by family members and a small circle of friends.

Khan had earlier confirmed in an interview that the wedding would take place on July 5, describing it as a modest home ceremony.

Reports say the actor personally finalized the guest list and catering menu for the event, which is expected to include around 100 to 150 attendees, combining both families and close friends.

Among those reportedly invited are longtime friends and filmmakers Ashutosh Gowariker and Rajkumar Santoshi, both of whom have worked with Khan on major film projects.

Sources said the couple chose a selection of their favorite dishes for the wedding menu, reflecting the private and personal nature of the celebration.

Khan first introduced Spratt publicly during his 60th birthday celebrations, later confirming their relationship.

The actor was previously married to Reena Dutta, with whom he divorced in 2002, and later to filmmaker Kiran Rao, with whom he separated in 2021.

Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce tie the knot in star-studded New York ceremony

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Taylor Swift

NEW YORK:  After months of online speculation and viral countdowns, singer Taylor Swift and NFL star Travis Kelce have reportedly married in a lavish ceremony in New York City, drawing widespread attention from fans and media outlets.

The couple exchanged vows on July 3 at Madison Square Garden, according to reports, in a high-profile event attended by more than a thousand guests and numerous celebrities.

The Empire State Building was illuminated specially for the occasion, while digital billboards outside the venue displayed the message “JUST MARRIED T & T.”

The guest list reportedly included high-profile figures such as Gigi Hadid, Bradley Cooper, Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding, Brad Pitt and Jennifer Lopez, among others.

Media reports said the extravagant ceremony cost an estimated $20 million and was staged with production elements resembling a music video-style announcement.

Separately, British media reports claimed the couple had also pledged $26 million in charitable donations to various organizations ahead of the wedding.

Swift had previously said in a public appearance last year that she envisioned a large and elaborate wedding, a prediction that appears to have materialized in the star-studded event now circulating widely on social media.

Nida Yasir urges tourists to protect Northern areas from litter

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Nida Yasir

KARACHI: Pakistani actor and television host Nida Yasir has called on tourists to help protect Pakistan’s northern tourist destinations after witnessing plastic waste during a recent visit.

Speaking on her morning television program, Yasir said she recently completed her first hiking trip in the country’s northern regions, describing the experience as physically demanding but rewarding.

She said the four-and-a-half-hour trek involved both steep climbs and descents and praised the area’s natural beauty, calling it “a piece of paradise.”

However, Yasir expressed disappointment over the amount of litter she encountered, particularly plastic waste.

“I would ask everyone to keep these places clean,” she said. “It was painful to see so much plastic trash in such a beautiful location.”

She added that she also noticed plastic litter in Murree, urging visitors to take greater responsibility for preserving the country’s scenic destinations.

Yasir said protecting natural attractions is essential for promoting tourism and supporting Pakistan’s economy, stressing that visitors should value and help conserve the country’s environment.

Aamir Khan to marry Gauri Spratt in private ceremony on July 5

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Aamir Khan

MUMBAI: Bollywood actor Aamir Khan said he will marry Gauri Spratt in a private ceremony at his Mumbai home on July 5.

Speaking to the media, Khan said the wedding would be a small family gathering attended by close relatives and a few friends.

“July 5 is a special day. We are getting married on the 5th,” Khan said. “We have arranged a small ceremony at home with both families and a few friends.”

The actor said he hopes the couple will receive the blessings and good wishes of fans as they begin their new life together.

Khan publicly introduced Spratt and confirmed their relationship earlier this year during celebrations marking his 60th birthday.

The marriage will be Khan’s third. He was previously married to Reena Dutta, whom he wed in 1986 before the couple divorced, and later to filmmaker Kiran Rao, whom he married in 2005. The two announced their separation in 2021.

Akshay Kumar sells four apartments worth nearly $20 million

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Akshay Kumar

MUMBAI: Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has sold four residential apartments in Mumbai for nearly 195 million rupees ($19.5 crore) over the past month, according to Indian media reports citing property registration records.

The latest transactions, registered on June 30, involved two luxury apartments on the 18th floor of the Oberoi Enigma residential complex in Mumbai’s Mulund West neighborhood.

The two apartments, each measuring 1,886 square feet and including three parking spaces, were reportedly sold for a combined 123.8 million rupees ($12.38 crore).

Property records show Kumar purchased the apartments in 2017 for a total of 90 million rupees ($9 crore), earning an estimated profit of 33 million rupees ($3.3 crore) from the sale.

Earlier in June, the actor also sold two apartments in the Oberoi Sky City development in Borivali East for a combined 71 million rupees ($7.1 crore).

According to the reports, the four transactions brought the total value of Kumar’s property sales in June to approximately 195 million rupees ($19.5 crore).

The actor has not publicly commented on the reported sales.