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

Sohail Sameer raises concerns over changing family values in modern marriages

by
Sohail Sameer

KARACHI: Pakistani actor Sohail Sameer has spoken about evolving marriage dynamics and family structures, saying that some parents today encourage their daughters to influence their husbands to separate from joint families.

In a recent interview, Sameer said that in some cases, daughters are raised with the mindset that they should ensure independence from in-laws after marriage, in order to avoid pressure from mothers-in-law.

He added that some newly married women expect full authority within the household and believe the husband’s parents should take a secondary role after marriage.

Sameer emphasized that marriage is a major adjustment for women, noting that they leave their parents and familiar environment to join a new family, which he described as a significant sacrifice.

He said husbands should treat their wives with care, respect, and affection, while also stressing that it is the responsibility of the husband and his family to provide a supportive and respectful environment for new brides.

The actor also called for greater understanding between families, saying that mothers-in-law are also women who have gone through similar experiences in their own lives and should be viewed with empathy.

Sonam Kapoor’s ‘Auntie’ remark about Aishwarya Rai resurfaces

by
Sonam Kapoor

NEW DELHI: A 2009 comment by Bollywood actor Sonam Kapoor referring to fellow star Aishwarya Rai as “auntie” has resurfaced on social media, reigniting debate nearly two decades later.

According to Indian media reports, the controversy originally began when Sonam Kapoor replaced Aishwarya Rai as the brand ambassador for an international cosmetics company.

Around that time, a video clip and attributed remarks referring to Rai as “auntie” circulated widely online, triggering criticism and accusations of age-shaming.

At the time, Sonam Kapoor reportedly clarified in an interview that her comments were meant in a respectful, traditional sense, noting that Aishwarya Rai had worked with her father, actor Anil Kapoor, in several films, and therefore she referred to her respectfully.

However, as the controversy grew, Kapoor later distanced herself from the statement, denying she had intended any disrespect and saying she always held Rai in high regard.

The resurfaced clip has once again sparked discussion on social media, although it remains unclear why the issue has regained traction after so many years.

Bill Gates makes explosive claim of blackmail in Epstein investigation

by
Bill Gates

WASHINGTON: Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has testified before a U.S. House Oversight Committee regarding his past interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to details released following a closed-door hearing.

Gates said in his opening statement that he never saw any indication that Epstein was involved in ongoing criminal activity. He added that he never visited Epstein’s private island, residences, or his Florida home, and rejected suggestions of a close personal relationship.

According to Gates, his first meeting with Epstein took place in 2011 during discussions related to fundraising for philanthropic initiatives. He said Epstein portrayed himself as someone with access to wealthy networks capable of supporting global health projects, which led to a limited number of meetings.

Gates said he cut off all contact with Epstein in December 2014, adding that no philanthropic fund or project materialized from their interactions.

During the testimony, Gates also referenced emails included in investigative documents, alleging that Epstein attempted to pressure him using personal information related to his private life. Gates said these matters were unrelated to their meetings but acknowledged they caused distress to his family.

He said later-released documents suggest Epstein tried to regain contact by using misleading claims and personal details, but was unsuccessful. Gates described meeting Epstein as a “major mistake” and said he regrets any perception that the relationship gave Epstein legitimacy.

The testimony is part of a broader congressional investigation into Epstein’s connections with influential political, business, and social figures, and whether any individuals helped shield him from accountability.

Committee Chairman James Comer said Gates was questioned about Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, but clarified that Gates is not accused of any illegal activity.

Epstein was accused of running a long-standing sex trafficking network involving underage girls. He died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting federal trial; his death was ruled a suicide. The case continues to generate public scrutiny and political debate in the United States.

US imposes sanctions on 9 Iranian individuals and entities

by
US imposes

WASHINGTON: The United States has imposed sanctions on nine individuals and entities in Iran, the U.S. Treasury Department said.

According to the Treasury, the measures target Iran’s Ministry of Defense, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and Iranian armed forces over their alleged involvement in facilitating weapons procurement.

The department said the action is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt networks that assist Iran in acquiring military equipment, adding that such operations will continue.

Separately, U.S. President Donald Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social, claiming that Iran’s military had been “completely destroyed” and that key branches, including its navy and air force, were effectively non-functional.

He further said Iran had delayed negotiations on a deal that could have been favorable and warned that it would now “pay the price.”

Gold prices in Pakistan fall by over Rs9,700 per tola

by
Gold prices

KARACHI: Gold prices across Pakistan declined sharply on Thursday, with a drop of more than 9,700 rupees per tola, according to the All Pakistan Gems and Jewelers Association.

The price of one tola of gold fell by 9,720 rupees, bringing it down to 432,716 rupees. Similarly, the price of 10 grams of gold decreased by 8,748 rupees to 369,422 rupees.

In the international market, gold prices also weakened, falling by $97 per ounce to $4,102, market data showed.

Analysts attributed the decline to fluctuations in global bullion markets and changing investor sentiment.

Pakistan to present Rs17.5 Trillion federal budget for 2026-27

by
Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Federal government is set to present a federal budget exceeding 17.5 trillion rupees for the fiscal year 2026-27 on Friday, with proposals under consideration for salary and pension increases for government employees and tax relief measures worth up to 50 billion rupees.

According to official reports, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will chair a special federal cabinet meeting to approve the budget draft and related fiscal proposals before it is presented in parliament by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.

The budget aims to set tax revenue targets at around 15.267 trillion rupees, while also offering potential relief for salaried individuals through revisions in income tax slabs.

Officials said no major changes are expected in taxes on solar panels, stationery items, or the stock market. A previously proposed increase in sales tax on solar panels from 10% to 18% has been withdrawn.

However, the government is considering raising sales tax on imported electric vehicles up to 25%, while maintaining existing tax rates on hybrid vehicles. Incentives for locally manufactured electric vehicles are also under review, including reduced duties on motors, batteries, and other components.

A petroleum levy target of 1.727 trillion rupees has been proposed for the upcoming fiscal year. Debt servicing is expected to require 7.824 trillion rupees, while defence spending is projected at around 3 trillion rupees.

Economic projections suggest exports of $32.8 billion against imports of $70 billion, leaving a projected trade deficit of more than $37 billion.

Growth targets include 3.8% for agriculture, 4% for industry, 4.5% for large-scale manufacturing, and 4.2% for the services sector. The government also aims to create 2 million new jobs across agriculture, industry, and services.

Officials said the National Economic Council has already approved a national development plan worth 3.669 trillion rupees, including a federal Public Sector Development Programme of 1 trillion rupees.

The budget also includes proposals for new taxation measures, including bringing cryptocurrency transactions into the tax net and imposing capital gains tax on crypto trading profits. Officials are also considering removing tax exemptions for former tribal areas and expanding sales tax coverage on several food and consumer goods.

Authorities said up to 220 billion rupees in new taxes may be introduced, with overall revenue enhancement measures expected to generate up to 1 trillion rupees in additional income.

Finance Minister highlights 3.7% growth despite external pressures

by
Finance Minister

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s economy demonstrated resilience during the outgoing fiscal year despite domestic and international challenges, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said Thursday while presenting the National Economic Survey.

Speaking in Islamabad, Aurangzeb said the survey reflects the country’s economic performance over the entire fiscal year, which began amid uncertainty caused by monsoon-related disruptions and global economic volatility, including tariff measures imposed by the United States on several countries.

He said the government successfully navigated multiple crises and that the economy performed better than expected despite internal and external pressures. Pakistan recorded economic growth of 3.7%, slightly below the government’s target of more than 4%.

Aurangzeb said the growth rate would likely have exceeded 4% had it not been for the crisis in the Middle East. He added that Pakistan’s economy expanded to more than $452 billion, while per capita annual income increased from $1,751 to $1,901.

The finance minister noted that global uncertainty had affected economies worldwide but said Pakistan maintained positive economic momentum despite regional tensions.

He said the petroleum sector posted 5% growth, while the current account recorded a surplus of $72 million during the July-March period. The agricultural sector grew by 2.89%, with dairy and livestock accounting for about 60% of agricultural output.

Aurangzeb also highlighted gains in exports, saying sports goods exports have surpassed $3 billion and information technology exports are expected to reach $4.5 billion. He noted that footballs manufactured in Pakistan will be used at the FIFA World Cup.

The minister said reducing imports remains a government priority and added that foreign exchange reserves currently stand at $17.1 billion and are projected to reach $18 billion by the end of June.

Saibzada Farhan named captain of Pakistan T20 team for Asian Games

by
Saibzada Farhan

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 15-member squad for the Asian Games 2026, with Saibzada Farhan appointed as captain of the national T20 side.

According to the PCB, the men’s T20 International competition at the Asian Games will begin on September 24 in Aichi, Japan, with medal matches scheduled for October 3.

Abdul Samad has been named vice-captain of the squad.

Farhan, 30, has represented Pakistan in 46 T20 internationals, scoring 1,305 runs, including two centuries and 10 half-centuries.

Several players, including Aaqif Javed, Ali Raza, Mauaz Sadaqat, and Saad Masood, are set to make their T20 international debuts.

The squad includes Saibzada Farhan (captain), Abdul Samad (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Aaqif Javed, Ali Raza, Arafat Minhas, Haider Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Mauaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Salman Mirza, Saad Masood, Saim Ayub, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Usman Khan.

The PCB said 14 of the 15 players will also participate in a white-ball training camp starting June 15 in Lahore ahead of the tournament.

Minor skin grafting performed on acid attack victim Dr Mahnoor

by
Minor skin

KARACHI: Doctors have performed minor skin grafting on Dr Mahnoor, a woman doctor who suffered an acid attack in Quetta, hospital sources said on Wednesday.

According to hospital sources, no major reconstructive surgery has been conducted, and none is planned at this stage. Plastic and reconstructive surgeons will continue routine minor grafting procedures as part of her treatment plan.

A medical team conducted a detailed examination of Dr. Mahnoor for the third time on Tuesday, which included specialists in reconstructive surgery and ophthalmology, sources added.

Doctors said injuries are present on her face, including around the eyes, lips, and nose. Several diagnostic tests were also carried out during the evaluation.

Hospital sources further said that the patient’s family is satisfied with the treatment being provided. They added that the governments of Balochistan and Sindh remain in continuous contact with the patient and her family and are closely monitoring her recovery.

10 tourists killed as van catches fire after crash on Murree Expressway

by
10 tourists killed

MURREE: At least 10 tourists were killed and 13 others injured when a passenger van crashed and caught fire on the Murree Expressway at Khajut, officials said.

According to Murree Deputy Commissioner Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi, the van carrying 23 passengers from Multan met with an accident after reportedly hitting a roadside barrier. The impact led to a fire in the engine, while the sliding door of the vehicle became jammed, trapping passengers inside.

Rescue officials said the injured were shifted to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment.

Motorway Police confirmed that 13 people sustained injuries in the accident.

Authorities said the vehicle had departed from Multan around 2 a.m. and was en route to Murree. Over-speeding is believed to be a key factor behind the crash, though an investigation is underway.

Officials also confirmed that 10 children were among those traveling in the ill-fated vehicle.

National Assembly Speaker expresses grief over deadly Murree Expressway crash

National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq expressed deep sorrow over the tragic fire-related accident on the Murree Expressway that claimed multiple lives.

He conveyed heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the families of those killed in the incident, saying he shared the grief of the bereaved families.

The Speaker described the accident as “deeply unfortunate” and prayed for the forgiveness of those who lost their lives.

He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and directed the relevant authorities to ensure the provision of the best possible medical treatment to them.

Sadiq further extended his prayers for strength and patience for the families affected by the tragedy.