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Newsdesk

Italy’s Meloni says she quit smoking ‘Last Month’ at G7 event

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Italy’s Meloni

PARIS: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has said she has quit smoking, revealing the update during informal conversations with world leaders on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France.

Meloni reportedly made the comment during a casual exchange among European leaders, where she said she now relies on coffee to stay alert. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz jokingly referenced smoking during the discussion, prompting Meloni to respond that she had stopped the habit last month.

The Italian leader has previously said in interviews that she had remained smoke-free for 13 years before later resuming smoking.

Following her remarks, Turkish media resurfaced footage from an October 2025 meeting in Egypt in which Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is seen advising Meloni to quit smoking.

Erdogan is known for his long-standing anti-smoking stance and has frequently encouraged public figures and citizens to give up the habit. His remarks have since drawn renewed attention on Turkish social media after Meloni’s announcement.

G7 Nations welcome US-Iran agreement, pledge support for implementation

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G7 Nations

PARIS: The Group of Seven nations welcomed the announcement of an agreement between the United States and Iran, expressing support for its implementation and broader efforts to promote regional stability.

In a joint statement issued following the G7 summit, member countries said they support the U.S.-Iran agreement and stand ready to play a constructive role in ensuring its effective implementation.

The statement emphasized that unrestricted access through international maritime routes remains a cornerstone of global trade and economic stability.

The G7 countries also voiced support for an immediate and durable ceasefire in Lebanon and backed efforts by the Lebanese leadership to disarm the militant group Hezbollah.

In addition, the group pledged to reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz and strengthen strategic energy reserves to enhance global energy security.

The statement underscored the importance of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region based on the rule of law and international norms.

The G7 comprises the United States, France, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Italy and Canada.

Nawaz urges dialogue, peace as PML-N reviews situation in Azad Kashmir

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Nawaz urges

ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif expressed concern over the political situation in Azad Kashmir and urged all stakeholders to pursue dialogue and peaceful solutions within the constitutional framework.

Sharif made the remarks while chairing a meeting to review the political and administrative situation in Azad Kashmir. The meeting was attended by PML-N leaders from Azad Kashmir and senior party officials.

Addressing participants, Sharif said the party maintains a clear position on the Kashmir issue and supports the right of the people of Indian-administered Kashmir to self-determination in accordance with United Nations resolutions.

He said PML-N has consistently prioritized constitutional rights, public welfare and development in Azad Kashmir, adding that the recent situation should not have escalated to its current level.

“This country belongs to all of us, and struggles for public rights should be carried out within the bounds of the Constitution,” Sharif said, adding that the party would continue to play its role alongside other democratic forces.

He urged the people of Kashmir to maintain their ideological and historical ties with Pakistan while remaining peaceful, calling for protest sit-ins to be ended and replaced with meaningful negotiations.

Sharif expressed hope that the people of Azad Kashmir, local authorities, the federal government and political parties would work together to help restore peace and stability in the region.

The PML-N president also emphasized the importance of promoting tolerance and political harmony, saying Kashmiris have made immense sacrifices for Pakistan and that Islamabad has consistently supported their cause.

Referring to the current national environment, Sharif said the government and Pakistan’s defense institutions had achieved significant successes and cautioned against actions that could serve the interests of hostile forces.

The meeting also expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in recent incidents in Azad Kashmir and offered prayers for the deceased.

Sharif additionally praised Ameer Muqam for his role in organizing election campaigns in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Sindh presents tax-free budget for 2026-27

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Sindh presents

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday presented the province’s budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, announcing a 7% increase in salaries and pensions for government employees, raising the minimum monthly wage to Rs43,000 and introducing a range of development and social welfare initiatives.

Presenting the budget in the Sindh Assembly, Shah said the government would merge the ad hoc relief allowances granted in 2022 and 2025 into employees’ pay scales. He also announced that the minimum wage would be increased from Rs40,000 to Rs43,000 per month.

The chief minister said no new taxes had been imposed in the budget, which aims to provide relief to citizens and the business community. The government also decided not to introduce any new development schemes in the upcoming fiscal year, while proposing Rs2.56 trillion for non-development expenditures.

Education remained a key priority, with Rs601 billion allocated to the sector. The government also reduced sales tax on educational support services to 5%.

Shah announced plans to establish the Sindh International Financial Center in Karachi, describing it as a platform for infrastructure financing, Islamic finance and climate finance.

He said Sindh had agreed to arrangements worth Rs260 billion under Article 160 of the Constitution in support of national stability while safeguarding the province’s constitutional rights and development priorities under the NFC Award.

The budget also introduced a subsidized solar financing program for middle-income households. Shah said Rs18 billion would be spent to distribute 275,000 free solar home systems, adding that free solar units had already been provided to low-income families.

Among other initiatives, the chief minister announced the launch of the Sindh Green Data Infrastructure Initiative and a waste-to-value program aimed at converting waste into fuel and commercial products.

The government also plans special legislation to support small farmers by improving access to machinery, financing, insurance and modern technology.

In the health sector, Shah said services at major institutions, including National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Sindh Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation and Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre would be expanded. He added that the 1123 telemedicine service and 1122 ambulance network would be further strengthened.

Shah highlighted the completion of the Rs60.7 billion Shahrah-e-Bhutto project, describing it as a major public convenience initiative.

He also reiterated plans to transform Keti Bandar into a global maritime, logistics, industrial and energy hub linked to the Dhabeji Special Economic Zone and Thar coal resources, with the goal of making it Pakistan’s next major economic gateway.

Balochistan unveils tax-free Rs1.089 trillion budget, announces 7% pay raise

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Balochistan unveils

QUETTA: The Balochistan government presented a Rs1.089 trillion tax-free budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, announcing a 7% increase in salaries and pensions for provincial employees while prioritizing education, health and law and order.

Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani presented the budget in the provincial assembly, saying no new taxes had been imposed. The budget includes a 7% raise in salaries and pensions and outlines significant allocations for public services, development projects and employment generation.

The minister said Rs270 billion has been earmarked for general public services, Rs157 billion for education, Rs74 billion for health and Rs108 billion for maintaining law and order. The government has also allocated Rs10 billion for the establishment of the Bank of Balochistan.

According to the budget documents, non-development expenditures are estimated at Rs798 billion, while the province expects to receive Rs30.61 billion in federal grants. An allocation of Rs5 billion has been made for Phase II of Safe City projects.

Nosherwani announced the creation of 5,000 new jobs for young people, including 3,000 positions in the school education sector, 500 in the health department, 1,000 for newly created districts and 500 in various government departments.

The budget also allocates Rs1 billion for the Kissan Card program aimed at supporting farmers. In addition, sales tax on public transport has been abolished, while new electric vehicles have been granted a 100% tax exemption.

The finance minister said the government had sought to reduce official privileges amid challenging economic conditions, adding that education, healthcare and security remain the administration’s top priorities.

“We are moving in the right direction for the development of the province, and government initiatives are not just on paper but are producing tangible results,” Nosherwani told the assembly.

FIFA approves Trump’s role in trophy presentation at World Cup final

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FIFA approves

WASHINGTON: The FIFA World Cup final will be held on July 19 in the United States, with FIFA reportedly granting special permission for US President Donald Trump to take part in the trophy presentation ceremony, according to international media.

The tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, is currently underway as the world’s most prestigious football competition.

According to reports, the final will take place in New Jersey, where Trump is expected to present the trophy to the winning team and join the on-field celebrations.

Sources said FIFA has no objection to deviating from traditional presentation protocols, including allowing the president to directly hand over the trophy to the winning captain.

Officials familiar with the arrangement said Trump has been informed that FIFA would prefer his presence during the trophy ceremony, including participation on the podium during post-match celebrations.

Uruguay hold Saudi Arabia to late 1-1 draw in World Cup clash

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Uruguay

DOHA: Saudi Arabia came within minutes of another major World Cup upset before Uruguay struck late to secure a 1-1 draw in a tense Group H encounter on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia took the lead in the first half through Abdullah Al-Amri, putting his side in control after a set-piece situation.

The goal came after a corner kick caused confusion in the Uruguay defence, with goalkeeper Fernando Muslera unable to fully clear the danger, allowing the rebound to be converted.

The Saudi side once again impressed with their disciplined defensive structure, echoing their surprise win over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, as they frustrated Uruguay for long spells.

Uruguay, coached by Marcelo Bielsa, made tactical adjustments in the second half, introducing key changes in an effort to increase attacking intensity.

Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais played a crucial role in maintaining the lead, producing several important saves as Uruguay pushed forward in search of an equaliser.

The breakthrough came in the 80th minute when Maxi Araujo capitalised on a rebound to level the match.

Uruguay continued to press in the closing stages, with Federico Valverde coming close, but Al-Owais made a decisive stop to keep the score level.

Both teams ultimately shared the points, leaving Group H finely balanced as the race for qualification intensifies.

Cape Verde hold Spain to shock 0-0 draw in World Cup upset

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Cape Verde

ATLANTA: European champions Spain were held to a surprise goalless draw by World Cup newcomers Cape Verde in a Group H match on Tuesday, marking one of the tournament’s early upsets.

Spain, widely regarded as strong favourites, dominated possession with 74 percent of the ball and created several attacking opportunities. However, they were repeatedly denied by a disciplined and well-organised Cape Verde defence.

Despite sustained pressure, Spain failed to break the deadlock in Atlanta, leaving them frustrated after a match they were expected to win comfortably.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente introduced Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal in the second half in search of a breakthrough, but the substitution did not change the outcome.

Cape Verde players and fans celebrated the result as a historic achievement, treating the draw as a victory against one of football’s elite teams.

The result gained further attention due to Cape Verde’s debut appearance at the expanded FIFA World Cup, made possible after the tournament’s expansion to 48 teams. The island nation, with a population of around 525,000, is competing at the finals for the first time.

Iran hold New Zealand 2-2 in dramatic World Cup opener

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Iran

DOHA: Iran marked a resilient start to their FIFA World Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in a closely contested opening match, played under unusual geopolitical and logistical pressures ahead of the tournament, according to reports.

The tournament reportedly began under unprecedented circumstances, with Iran facing concerns over participation following regional tensions and military developments earlier in the year.

Iran’s preparations were also affected by visa-related issues, forcing the team to shift their training base from the United States to Mexico. Officials said 11 members of the support staff were denied entry into the United States, complicating pre-tournament arrangements.

Despite the challenges, Iran delivered a strong performance in their opening fixture, earning a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in front of a vocal fan presence.

New Zealand took an early lead in the seventh minute through a combined effort involving Chris Wood and Elijah Just. Iran responded in the 32nd minute with a goal from Reza Rezaeian to level the score.

In the second half, just restored New Zealand’s advantage, but Mohammad Mohebi’s headed equaliser brought Iran back into the contest.

Both sides pushed for a winning goal, but the match ended in a draw after a competitive and evenly balanced second half.

Actress Hina Tariq says she chooses roles carefully

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Actress Hina Tariq

KARACHI: Actress Hina Tariq has said that she makes all her professional decisions thoughtfully and prefers to work in scenes that can be comfortably watched by her parents.

Speaking during a recent appearance on a private TV show, the actress discussed various aspects of her career and personal life.

Hina Tariq said that an actor’s life is not limited to the entertainment industry alone, adding that everyone eventually settles down in life. She said she keeps this perspective in mind while selecting roles.

“The same is why I think carefully before doing any work. A woman runs an entire household, and three generations depend on her, so I try to act responsibly,” she said.

Discussing her wardrobe and on-screen choices, she said she is very mindful of what she wears and ensures that her work remains family-friendly.

“I choose my outfits very carefully, and I also prefer scenes during shooting that my parents can watch comfortably,” she said.

The actress added that although the local entertainment industry generally does not include overly bold content, she still remains cautious and does not hesitate to refuse scenes or concepts she does not fully understand, saying she clearly communicates her concerns to directors.