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ATC awards life sentences to Mah Rang Baloch and Sibghatullah

ATC awards

QUETTA: An anti-terrorism court has sentenced Baloch Yakjehti Committee leader Mah Rang Baloch and fellow activist Sibghatullah to life imprisonment in connection with the killing of a security official in Gwadar.

The court handed down the sentences in the case related to the death of Shabbir Baloch, a security officer who was killed while on duty. The proceedings for Mah Rang Baloch and Sibghatullah were conducted online from District Jail Quetta.

Following the verdict, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti described the ruling as a reflection of the rule of law after what he said was a two-year legal struggle to secure justice in the case.

In a statement posted on social media, Bugti said Shabbir Baloch had sacrificed his life in the line of duty and that the state would continue to honor his service.

The chief minister said the court’s decision demonstrated that there would be no leniency for those who take the law into their own hands or promote violence. He added that individuals involved in attacks on state personnel under the guise of peaceful protest would be held accountable.

Bugti said the provincial government stood with the slain officer’s family and vowed that those responsible for violence and their supporters would continue to face action. He added that operations against militants and their facilitators would continue and that efforts to restore peace and uphold the writ of the state in Balochistan would persist.

US issues license allowing Iranian crude oil and petrochemical shipments

US issues

WASHINGTON: The United States has issued a general license authorizing Iran to produce, transport and sell crude oil and petrochemical products, temporarily easing longstanding sanctions following recent talks in Switzerland.

U.S. Treasury Secretary said in a social media post that Washington was providing temporary sanctions relief on Iranian oil and petrochemical exports after negotiations held in Switzerland.

According to the Treasury Department, the license allows Iran to continue producing, shipping and selling crude oil and petrochemical products through Aug. 21, 2026.

The department said the authorization also permits the import of Iranian crude oil, petroleum and petrochemical products into the United States under the terms of the license.

The United States had previously imposed restrictions on Iran’s oil exports as part of broader economic sanctions.

Earlier, Reuters, citing a senior Iranian official, reported that a proposed agreement between Washington and Tehran could include temporary easing of oil sanctions, allowing Iran to resume oil sales and access related revenues. The report also said the United States would refrain from imposing new economic sanctions on Iran while negotiations toward a final agreement continue.

Explosion at Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG complex kills 13

Explosion

DOHA: An explosion at Ras Laffan LNG Complex has killed 13 people and injured dozens more, Qatar’s Energy Ministry said, with victims including Pakistani and Indian nationals.

Officials said the blast occurred while facilities that had been shut down after a March Iranian attack were being brought back into operation.

In a statement, Qatar’s Energy Ministry confirmed 13 deaths and 66 injuries, adding that the incident did not affect export capacity and posed no environmental risk.

Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad Sherida Al Kaabi said the tragedy involved foreign workers and confirmed that the deceased included citizens of Pakistan and India.

“I am announcing something I had hoped would never happen,” Al Kaabi told reporters, expressing condolences for the victims.

State-owned QatarEnergy said the exact location and cause of the blast remain under investigation, adding that emergency teams have begun a detailed inquiry into the incident.

Authorities said the explosion was powerful enough to be felt in central Doha, with residents up to 70 kilometres away reporting shaking windows.

Officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the blast.

Fire in building in India’s Lucknow kills at least 15

Fire in building

LUCKNOW: At least 15 people were killed after a fire broke out in a three-story commercial building in the northern Indian city of Lucknow, local media reported.

The blaze reportedly started on the middle floor of the building before rapidly spreading to other levels.

Authorities said the ground floor housed a pet store and a veterinary clinic, while the upper floors contained a coaching center where students received training in software development related to gaming and animation.

Officials said the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, though preliminary findings suggest a short circuit may have triggered the blaze.

Emergency crews battled the fire for several hours before bringing it under control, according to local media reports. Authorities did not immediately provide details on the number of injured or identify the victims.

An investigation into the incident is underway.

Actress Hania Aamir donates new hospital ward

Actress Hania Aamir

LAHORE: Pakistani actress Hania Aamir has once again drawn public attention, this time for a charitable initiative that has been widely praised on social media.

According to reports, the popular actor donated a fully equipped hospital ward to a healthcare facility run under the Sahara Life Trust, a welfare organization led by singer and social activist Abrar-ul-Haq.

The newly established ward has been named “Faryal Nighat” and was formally announced by the trust, which appreciated Hania Aamir’s contribution and commitment to social responsibility.

The organization said such initiatives play an important role in bringing positive change to society and improving access to healthcare for patients in need.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZxAE32o0uD/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=Aw04UpdM-qrgdRTno_F4M6s

Following the announcement, social media users widely lauded the actor’s gesture, with many praising her generosity and describing her as a personality who balances fame with humanitarian work.

Fans also shared messages of appreciation and prayers for her continued success, calling the act a reflection of her compassionate nature.

Influencer Orry reveals massive earnings from a single social media reel

Influencer Orry

MUMBAI: Indian social media personality Orry (Orhan Awatramani) has revealed that he earned approximately 7.6 million Indian rupees from a single Instagram reel, sparking widespread discussion online about influencer earnings.

In a recent interview with Indian media, Orry said his income does not come from traditional employment but primarily through brand collaborations and appearances at exclusive events.

He explained that brands pay significant amounts for marketing campaigns, adding that he made around 76 lakh rupees last month from just one social media reel.

Orry further disclosed that he charges between 1.5 to 2.5 million rupees for attending private events such as dinners, weddings, and birthday celebrations.

He said his role at such gatherings typically involves interacting with guests, posing for photographs in his signature style, and creating moments that often go viral on social media.

The influencer’s remarks have triggered debate online about the scale of earnings in the digital content industry and the growing influence of social media personalities in entertainment and branding.

Amitabh Bachchan opens up about sleepless nights due to work pressure

Amitabh Bachchan

MUMBAI: Veteran Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan has revealed that intense work pressure continues to affect his sleep, even at the age of 83, often keeping him awake through the night.

According to Indian media reports, the actor, despite a career spanning over five decades, said he still feels work-related stress and frequently wakes up at night thinking about his performances and whether he could have done better.

In a recent blog post, Bachchan wrote that he sometimes feels he should have performed scenes more effectively and often revisits his work when given the chance. However, he said it remains uncertain whether the revisions actually improve the final outcome.

He added that at times he remains awake the entire night, despite doctors advising at least seven hours of sleep.

Bachchan also reflected on his demanding schedule, noting humorously that if possible, a 24-hour day should be extended to 36 or even 48 hours to accommodate his workload and continued learning.

The actor is currently working on multiple projects, including Kalki 2898 AD, where he is set to reprise his role as Ashwatthama in the upcoming sequel directed by Nag Ashwin. The film also stars Prabhas and Kamal Haasan in lead roles.

Lahore ATC sentences PTI leaders in May 9 violence case, acquits Qureshi

Lahore ATC

LAHORE: An anti-terrorism court in Lahore has announced its verdict in another case related to the May 9 incidents, sentencing several senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders to prison while acquitting former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

The verdict was announced by Judge Manzar Ali Gul of the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) inside Kot Lakhpat Jail, where the case regarding the burning of police vehicles on May 9 was heard.

The court sentenced PTI leaders Mahmood Ur Rashid, Umar Cheema, Ejaz Chaudhry, and Dr. Yasmin Rashid to 10 years in prison each.

All were found guilty in connection with the violence and arson case linked to the May 9 unrest.

Acquittal in the Case

In the same verdict, the court acquitted Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who was also named as an accused in the case.

The May 9 cases stem from nationwide protests and unrest following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan, leading to multiple trials across different cities.

PM Shehbaz likely to Join US–Iran technical talks in Switzerland

PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to travel to Zurich and may participate in upcoming US–Iran technical-level talks being held in Switzerland under a Memorandum of Understanding facilitated by Islamabad, according to diplomatic sources.

Sources said the prime minister could depart for Zurich tonight as preparations for the high-level diplomatic engagement continue.

Senior US envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are already present in Switzerland, while U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance is also expected to arrive.

On the Iranian side, a delegation led by senior officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and members of Iran’s national security and economic leadership, has already left for the talks.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the technical-level discussions will take place on June 21 in Burgenstock, Switzerland, under the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

The talks are part of follow-up implementation efforts after the agreement signed in Islamabad, with Pakistan, the United States, Iran, and Qatar all expected to participate.

The Foreign Office said Pakistan will continue to facilitate the dialogue process as a mediator, aiming to advance the commitments made under the agreement and support regional diplomatic stability.

PPP nominates Amjad Hussain Advocate as GP Chief Minister

PPP nominates

GILGIT: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has nominated Amjad Hussain Advocate as its candidate for Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, marking the first time the party has chosen a representative from the Gilgit region for the top post.

Party sources confirmed that Amjad Hussain, who also serves as the provincial president of the PPP in Gilgit-Baltistan, has been selected for the chief minister slot.

He recently won the GB Assembly seat from GBA-1 Gilgit in the latest elections.

According to the Election Commission of Gilgit-Baltistan, results from 21 out of 24 constituencies have been officially announced.

The preliminary breakdown shows the Pakistan Peoples Party securing 9 seats, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz 6, the IPP 4, Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen 1, and one seat going to an independent candidate.

Results from three constituencies—GBA-9 Skardu, GBA-17 Diamer, and GBA-15 Diamer—are yet to be officially declared.

The Election Commission further stated that out of six reserved women’s seats, PPP secured three, PML-N two, and IPP one. On technocrat seats, each of PPP, PML-N, and IPP received one seat.

PPP leader Neer Hussain Bukhari claimed the party holds a clear majority of 17 to 19 seats when reserved and technocrat seats are included, expressing confidence that PPP will form the next government in Gilgit-Baltistan.