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Newsdesk

World Cup trophy’s true worth revealed ahead of 2026 tournament

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World Cup

With only six days remaining before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, attention is not only focused on the teams competing for football’s biggest prize but also on the iconic trophy that carries a value running into millions of dollars.

The tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will kick off on June 11 and will be the largest World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams and a total of 104 matches.

While the identity of the eventual champion will be decided on the final day of the competition, the FIFA World Cup Trophy itself remains one of the most valuable and recognizable prizes in global sports.

Standing 37 centimeters tall and weighing nearly six kilograms, the trophy is made from 18-carat gold. Based on current global gold prices, experts estimate its material value at around $250,000, equivalent to roughly Rs70 million.

The trophy’s design features two human figures holding up the Earth and was created in 1970 by renowned Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga. Its base also includes two layers of malachite, a distinctive green mineral stone that adds to its unique appearance.

Sports memorabilia experts say that if the trophy were ever offered at auction, its historical significance, rarity and craftsmanship could push its value beyond $20 million.

Despite its immense worth, the original trophy is never permanently awarded to the winning nation.

Under FIFA regulations, the world champions receive a gold-plated bronze replica, while the original trophy remains in FIFA’s possession and is kept under strict security.

As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, the famous golden trophy remains the ultimate symbol of football excellence and the dream prize for every team competing on the world stage.

Shark predicts winner of World Cup 2026 opening match

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Shark predicts

 With just six days remaining until the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a shark in Brazil has made an early prediction for the tournament’s opening match.

The World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, is set to kick off on June 11, featuring 48 teams competing for football’s biggest prize.

According to international media reports, a female shark named “Retenia,” housed at the Aquario aquarium in Rio de Janeiro, predicted a victory for Brazil in the tournament’s opening match against Morocco.

As part of a promotional event held on Wednesday, divers placed two boxes bearing the names of Brazil and Morocco on the floor of the aquarium. Retenia swam toward and selected the box marked with Brazil, signaling her prediction for the outcome of the match.

Reuters reported that the aquarium organized the activity as an interactive attraction designed to engage visitors and raise awareness about sharks.

Aquarium Chief Executive Marcelo Szpilman said the initiative aims to help change public perceptions about sharks and encourage greater understanding of the species.

He described the prediction event as a fun and highly interactive way to attract public interest while promoting marine conservation awareness.

While the prediction carries no scientific weight, it has added a lighthearted touch to the growing excitement surrounding the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

World Cup 2026 could mark final global stage for football’s greatest stars

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World Cup 2026

MIAMI: The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to showcase the world’s top football talent, but it could also serve as a farewell tournament for some of the sport’s most celebrated stars.

Football legends including Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luka Modric, Mohamed Salah and several other veteran players are expected to make what could be their final appearances on the sport’s biggest stage when the tournament kicks off next year in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The prospect of seeing some of football’s most iconic figures play their last World Cup has added another layer of excitement for fans around the world.

At 41, Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for a record sixth World Cup appearance. The veteran forward scored 30 goals in 37 matches for Al Nassr this season and has netted 143 goals for Portugal. Despite his remarkable achievements, Ronaldo has yet to win a World Cup title and could become the first player to reach 150 international goals during the tournament.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi, 38, is also expected to compete in his sixth World Cup and lead the defending champions. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history, Messi has faced injury concerns in recent months, but remains Argentina’s most influential player heading into the competition.

Croatia captain Luka Modric, who turns 40, is set for his fifth World Cup appearance. The midfield maestro guided Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final and helped the team secure third place in 2022. The upcoming tournament is widely expected to be his final World Cup campaign.

Brazilian star Neymar, now 34, recently returned to the national team after a lengthy absence and continues to recover from multiple injuries that have disrupted his career. While still one of Brazil’s most recognizable players, many observers believe 2026 could be his last World Cup appearance.

Germany’s Manuel Neuer is also expected to feature in what could be his final World Cup. The veteran goalkeeper, who helped Germany lift the trophy in 2014, has returned to international football and remains a key figure despite approaching his 40th birthday.

Egypt captain Mohamed Salah, one of Africa’s greatest footballers, is likely to make only his second World Cup appearance. The 33-year-old Liverpool star remains a central figure for his national team, though 2026 may represent his final opportunity to compete on football’s biggest stage.

Belgium playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, a cornerstone of the country’s “golden generation,” is expected to feature in his fourth World Cup. The midfielder, who turns 35 this year, continues to play a vital role for both club and country.

Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk could also be making his final World Cup appearance. The experienced defender, who turns 35 next month, remains one of the Dutch team’s most important players despite entering the latter stages of his career.

Senegal star Sadio Mane, who missed the 2022 World Cup because of injury, is expected to return for what could be his final tournament. The 34-year-old winger has already hinted that recent international competitions may be among the last of his career.

Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa is preparing for a record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance. The 41-year-old veteran has announced he intends to retire from international football after the tournament concludes.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is scheduled to begin on June 11 and promises not only a battle for football’s biggest prize but also a memorable farewell for some of the game’s greatest players.

Proposed 18% sales tax may slow Pakistan’s auto market recovery

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Proposed 18% sales

KARACHI: Pakistan’s automobile industry is facing the prospect of slower sales growth as the government considers imposing an 18% sales tax on all vehicle categories, a move industry officials say could significantly raise prices and dampen consumer demand.

According to industry sources, the proposed tax would apply across the board to electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs), hybrid vehicles and conventional petrol-powered cars.

The measure would effectively reduce the tax incentives that have supported the adoption of electric and hybrid technologies, resulting in notable increases in retail prices.

Market estimates indicate that prices of EVs, PHEVs and REEVs could increase by approximately 17%, while hybrid vehicles may become around 10% more expensive.

Industry officials said the additional tax burden is expected to be passed on directly to consumers, leading to higher showroom prices once the policy is implemented.

Analysts warned that rising vehicle prices could weaken demand in a market already constrained by limited purchasing power and relatively high financing costs.

“Pakistan’s automobile market remains highly price-sensitive, and double-digit price increases have historically resulted in lower sales volumes,” an industry analyst said.

The analyst noted that electrified vehicle segments may face the greatest impact, as buyers often offset higher purchase costs through tax incentives and lower operating expenses.

The proposal comes as Pakistan’s auto sector continues to recover from a prolonged downturn triggered by high interest rates, import restrictions and subdued consumer confidence.

Industry experts cautioned that while the measure could help the government increase tax revenues, it may also slow the pace of growth in vehicle sales and hinder efforts to encourage cleaner transportation technologies.

“The policy may generate additional revenue in the short term, but it risks reducing overall demand and slowing the transition toward electric mobility,” the analyst said.

Automakers, dealers and investors are awaiting details in the upcoming federal budget and finance bill, which are expected to clarify the proposed tax structure and implementation mechanism.

Market participants believe the final decision will have a direct impact on vehicle pricing, sales forecasts and the outlook for Pakistan’s automobile industry in fiscal year 2027.

Despite these concerns, the sector has shown signs of strong recovery. According to Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA) data, sales of cars, light commercial vehicles, vans, jeeps and electric vehicles reached 22,000 units in April 2026, marking a 108% increase compared with the same month a year earlier.

For the first 10 months of fiscal year 2026, total vehicle sales rose 49% to 166,100 units, driven by improved consumer demand, continued auto financing activity and stronger sales across key vehicle segments.

Lahore, Faisalabad could rank among world’s hottest cities by 2050

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Lahore

LAHORE: A recent study has identified Pakistan among the countries most vulnerable to the effects of El Niño-driven climate change, warning that Lahore and Faisalabad could rank among the world’s hottest cities by 2050.

The research suggests that rising temperatures linked to El Niño could significantly increase heat-related deaths in the two major cities over the coming decades.

The warning comes as Pakistan’s Meteorological Department has also raised concerns about the growing risk of heatwaves. Lahore Chief Meteorologist Dr. Zaheer Babar said temperatures are rising under the influence of El Niño, while rapid urbanization is worsening the problem.

According to Babar, high-rise buildings, vehicle emissions, shrinking green spaces and the expansion of housing societies in urban centers such as Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan are contributing to the formation of intense heatwaves.

Environmental expert Dr. Zulfiqar Ahmed cited research indicating that while global temperatures have increased by around 1.5%, the rise has been significantly higher in some Pakistani cities, reaching 4.5% in Karachi and 4.1% in Lahore.

Meanwhile, officials at the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) in Lahore said tree-planting initiatives are underway to help mitigate rising temperatures. The authority noted that housing societies are required to dedicate at least 7% of their area to tree plantation before receiving a no-objection certificate.

Climate experts have urged authorities to adopt immediate and effective measures to address the growing threat of extreme heat, warning that failure to act could place future generations at greater risk from increasingly severe heatwaves.

ECP announces schedule for AJK general elections on July 27

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ECP announces

MUZAFFARABAD: The Election Commission has announced the schedule for general elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), issuing a formal notification confirming that polling will be held on July 27, 2026.

According to the notification, voting for all constituencies of the AJK Legislative Assembly will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The election timetable outlines that candidates will submit nomination papers between June 9 and June 19, 2026. Scrutiny of nominations will be conducted on June 20, followed by the publication of a preliminary list of approved candidates on the same day.

Appeals against acceptance or rejection of nominations may be filed with the Election Commission from June 21 to June 24, with hearings scheduled for June 26 and 27. Final decisions on appeals will be announced between June 28 and June 29.

Candidates will be allowed to withdraw their nomination papers until June 30. The final list of contesting candidates will be published on July 1, while electoral symbols will be allotted on July 2, along with the final list of candidates.

The Election Commission said the notification is immediately enforceable and all arrangements for the elections will be completed according to the announced schedule.

Separately, the AJK Legislative Assembly recently passed a resolution maintaining 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees, describing their representation as a historical and constitutional reality.

The resolution emphasized the need for electoral reforms through the assembly, consultation with political parties, bar associations, civil society, and constitutional experts, and stated that such reforms fall under the mandate of elected representatives.

Bilawal Bhutto vows electoral safeguards, constitutional rights for GB

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Bilawal Bhutto

GILGIT: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the party will ensure protection of votes and push for constitutional and political rights for Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), speaking at an election rally in the region.

Addressing supporters as part of the party’s election campaign, Bilawal Bhutto expressed gratitude to GB voters for supporting the PPP in the previous elections, saying he had personally visited all areas of the region and presented the party’s manifesto.

He alleged that results from the last election were manipulated and claimed that seats were “taken away” despite what he said were favorable Form 45 results. He urged supporters to safeguard ballots in the upcoming polls.

The PPP chairman said the region has been facing political injustice and vowed that such situations would not be allowed again.

Referring to regional and global developments, he mentioned ongoing conflicts in Palestine, Lebanon and Iran, saying the Muslim world is facing serious challenges and GB voters must decide their future leadership carefully.

Bilawal Bhutto said the PPP has a long-standing relationship with the people of Gilgit-Baltistan spanning three generations and reiterated that the party aims to strengthen the region’s representation at national and international levels.

He also praised former president Asif Ali Zardari’s role in granting administrative recognition to GB and said the party seeks to further expand constitutional rights and self-governance for the region.

Highlighting economic and development plans, he said the PPP believes in inclusive growth focused on farmers, labourers and youth, adding that development is only meaningful when benefits reach lower-income groups.

He announced plans for job creation through merit-based recruitment, public-private partnerships, improved healthcare systems and digital connectivity across all districts of GB.

Bilawal Bhutto urged voters to give the PPP a strong mandate in the upcoming elections, saying it would help ensure governance reforms, economic development and protection of rights in the region.

Angelina Jolie’s son Maddox legally drops ‘Pitt’ from name

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Angelina Jolie

LOS ANGELES: Maddox, the eldest son of Hollywood stars Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, has legally removed “Pitt” from his surname and will now be officially known as Maddox Jolie, according to media reports.

Reports say Maddox filed legal documents in May 2026 to formalize the name change. Although the process has now been completed, he had already been using the name “Jolie” in several professional projects prior to the legal update.

In the 2024 film Maria, he was credited as Maddox Jolie Pitt, while in the 2025 film Couture, where he worked as a third assistant director, he was listed simply as Maddox Jolie.

This is not the first instance of the couple’s children distancing themselves from their father’s surname. Reports indicate that several of the former couple’s children have either dropped or avoided using “Pitt” in public and professional settings.

Out of the six children of Pitt and Jolie, at least four have reportedly chosen not to use their father’s surname publicly, reflecting a broader trend within the family.

Pitt and Jolie first met on the set of the 2003 film Mr. & Mrs. Smith and married in 2014. Jolie filed for divorce in 2016, leading to a prolonged legal and custody dispute.

During the separation proceedings, Jolie made allegations regarding family tensions and alleged incidents, which Pitt has denied. He has also acknowledged participating in rehabilitation programs to address alcohol use.

The name changes highlight an ongoing shift in how some of the couple’s children identify publicly, increasingly aligning themselves with their mother’s surname. However, full details of individual decisions have not been publicly disclosed.

Badshah’s Chandigarh restaurant ‘Club Sago’ sealed over regulatory violations

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Badshah’s Chandigarh

CHANDIGARH:  A restaurant owned by Indian singer and rapper Badshah has been sealed by Chandigarh authorities following multiple alleged violations, officials said.

According to Indian media reports, the administration took action against the restaurant Club Sago during an ongoing crackdown on commercial establishments failing to comply with regulatory requirements.

Authorities said inspections revealed several violations, including unauthorized construction of partitions, cabins, washrooms, kitchen areas and cold storage facilities.

Officials further noted that courtyards had been illegally covered using light steel structures and sheets, in breach of approved building norms.

Despite repeated warnings and opportunities to comply with regulations, the establishment failed to meet required standards, prompting authorities to seal the restaurant, officials added.

Punjab MPA booked under PECA Act in harassment case of actress

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Punjab MPA

LAHORE: National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has registered a case against Punjab Assembly member Saqib Chadher in connection with allegations of harassment and blackmail of actress Momina Iqbal, officials said.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), the case has been filed under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). The complainant alleged that Chadher and his associates engaged in blackmail and issued threats.

The FIR states that the suspect allegedly threatened to leak personal data if the actress did not agree to a marriage proposal. It also mentions that Momina Iqbal’s sister provided a video containing threats to the cybercrime agency.

Officials said the video and mobile phone have been taken into custody as digital evidence for forensic examination. The FIR also alleges that threatening messages were sent from the suspect’s number.

According to the complaint, Momina Iqbal initially refused the marriage proposal after learning about Chadher’s previous marriage, following which she was allegedly subjected to harassment and blackmail through private videos and false accusations.

The FIR further claims that the accused, along with his wife and associates, engaged in cyber harassment and illegal surveillance, repeatedly threatening the actress and her family.

It also alleges that the lawmaker deleted data and applications from his mobile phone before submitting it to investigators.

Momina Iqbal had recently filed a complaint with the NCCIA against the provincial lawmaker, prompting the registration of the case, officials added.