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Newsdesk

Global oil prices drop sharply amid hopes of US-Iran agreement

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Global oil prices

Global oil prices fell significantly after prospects of a possible agreement between the United States and Iran raised hopes for easing tensions in the Middle East.

According to international media reports, oil prices dropped by more than 5% during early trading in Asian markets on Monday.

The price of Brent crude declined 5.1% to $98.22 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 5.2% to $91.57 per barrel.

Market analysts said the decline came amid expectations of a potential agreement between United States and Iran aimed at ending conflict in the Middle East, although US President Donald Trump downplayed the chances of an immediate breakthrough.

In a statement posted on social media on Sunday, Trump said he had instructed his representatives not to rush into any agreement.

Pakistan’s mobile phone imports rise over 30% in first 10 months

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Pakistan’s mobile phone

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan recorded a further increase in dependence on imported mobile phones during the current fiscal year, according to official documents.

The documents showed that Pakistan imported mobile phones worth Rs455.73 billion during the first 10 months of the fiscal year, registering a 30.29% increase compared to the same period last year.

According to the data, mobile phone imports on a year-on-year basis surged 40.71% in April 2026, while imports also increased 18.70% on a monthly basis.

During the period from July 2025 to April 2026, total mobile phone imports stood at Rs455.73 billion, compared with Rs349.77 billion recorded during the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.

The documents further stated that Pakistan imported mobile phones worth Rs49.415 billion in April 2026, up from Rs41.63 billion in March 2026.

In April 2025, the country had imported mobile phones valued at Rs35.12 billion.

PSX surges over 4,000 points ahead of Eid holidays

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PSX surges

KARACHI: Pakistan Stock Exchange witnessed a strong bullish trend on Monday as investors accelerated buying activity ahead of the Eid holidays.

The benchmark KSE-100 Index recorded a massive gain of 4,013 points during trading, driven by renewed investor confidence and positive regional market sentiment.

Market analysts said optimism grew after reports emerged regarding a possible agreement between the United States and Iran, which supported investor sentiment across financial markets.

Following the sharp rally, the KSE-100 Index climbed to 171,857 points.

Meanwhile, Asian stock markets also traded in positive territory amid improving global investor confidence.

Actress Kangana Ranaut denies secret marriage rumors

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Actress Kangana

MUMBAI: Indian actress and politician Kangana Ranaut has denied rumors of a secret marriage after photos of her wearing traditional bridal symbols sparked speculation on social media.

The rumors began after Kangana was seen wearing green bangles and a mangalsutra, a necklace traditionally associated with married Hindu women.

Responding to the speculation on Instagram, the actress said she would never marry in secret and clarified that the look was part of a film character.

“I promise, I will not have a secret wedding,” Kangana wrote while sharing a video on her Instagram story in which she appeared in traditional attire.

She said someone had photographed her while she was in character makeup during a shoot, which led to numerous calls and online rumors.

Kangana also questioned why her married-woman look caused such a strong reaction, adding that actors regularly portray different characters on screen.

In another post, the actress spoke about working outdoors during a heatwave, saying actors filming under lights and in enclosed spaces also face difficult conditions.

According to Indian media reports, Kangana Ranaut is currently filming Queen 2, and the viral appearance was reportedly linked to her role in the movie.

Reports added that she had gone to a dentist appointment immediately after shooting and did not have time to change outfits before being photographed by paparazzi.

Sindh announces Eid-ul-Adha holidays From May 26 to 29

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Sindh announces

KARACHI: The Sindh government has announced public holidays for Eid-ul-Adha, issuing an official notification on Friday.

According to the notification approved by Chief Secretary Sindh Asif Hyder Shah, holidays will be observed across the province from May 26 to May 29, 2026.

The notification states that Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday will be public holidays for Eid-ul-Adha.

The holiday applies to all government, semi-government, and local government institutions. However, employees working in essential services and those involved in budget-related work will be exempt from the holiday.

The announcement formalizes the official break for Eid celebrations across the province.

Actress Mahira Khan defends Salman Khan, criticizes paparazzi

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Actress Mahira

KARACHI: Actress Mahira Khan has voiced support for Bollywood star Salman Khan after he expressed frustration over being followed by paparazzi outside a hospital in Mumbai.

The incident occurred when Salman Khan was leaving a hospital after visiting someone, and photographers began following him while repeatedly shouting the name of his upcoming film.

In a viral video, the actor appeared visibly upset and questioned why paparazzi continued filming him at a sensitive location such as a hospital. He described the behavior as insensitive.

Mahira Khan shared the video on her Instagram story and reacted with a brief comment saying, “Yaar Sallu.”

Later, Salman Khan also addressed the matter on Instagram, urging the media to respect personal privacy.

“Is a picture more important or a life?” the actor wrote, adding that not every social media post should be turned into sensational news.

He said people sometimes simply need time for themselves without public scrutiny.

The response came days after a photo of Salman Khan sitting alone went viral on social media, sparking speculation about his mental state. The actor later clarified that he never feels lonely because of the support of his family, friends and fans.

Asim Munir arrives in Tehran as Pakistan continues mediation role

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Asim Munir arrives

RAWALPINDI: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Staff (CDF), arrived in Tehran as part of ongoing mediation efforts.

On arrival, he was received and warmly welcomed by Iranian Minister for Interior Eskandar Momeni. Federal Minister for Interior, Mr Mohsin Naqvi was also present at the reception.

Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who is currently on an official visit to Iran, has met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss regional tensions and efforts to reduce escalation, according to official sources.

During the meeting, both sides held detailed discussions on issues related to reducing tensions in the region and the possible end of conflict involving the United States and Iran.

More read, Naqvi visits Tehran again in effort to advance US-Iran dialogue

News agencies reported that the two officials also reviewed draft proposals aimed at supporting a potential framework for ending hostilities and promoting stability.

Iranian state media said the discussions also focused on possible mechanisms for achieving peace and improving diplomatic engagement in the region.

Diplomatic sources said Naqvi is expected to remain in Tehran for further engagements, with meetings on Iran–U.S. diplomatic developments continuing during his stay.

FIFA World Cup 2026 to introduce major rule changes

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FIFA World Cup

NEW YORK: FIFA is set to introduce several major rule changes at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America, including mandatory hydration breaks, expanded VAR reviews and stricter measures against time-wasting and player misconduct.

The new regulations continue FIFA’s trend of modernizing football rules after the introduction of yellow and red cards in 1970, VAR at the 2018 World Cup and extended stoppage time during the 2022 Qatar tournament.

Under the updated rules, every match will include mandatory three-minute hydration breaks midway through each half, regardless of weather conditions or whether stadium roofs are closed.

FIFA said the decision was made to support player welfare and ensure equal playing conditions across all matches.

The tournament will also see the expansion of the Video Assistant Referee system. VAR will now be allowed to review second yellow-card dismissals and incorrectly awarded corner kicks, provided reviews can be completed quickly without delaying play.

The International Football Association Board said the changes are intended to improve decision-making accuracy during matches.

Countdown timers will also be introduced for goal-kicks, throw-ins and substitutions in an effort to reduce time-wasting. Teams could lose possession if restarts are delayed beyond the allowed time.

Goalkeepers already face an eight-second limit for holding the ball, with violations resulting in a corner kick for the opposing team.

Under another new rule, substituted players will have 10 seconds to leave the field after their number is displayed. If they fail to exit in time, their replacement will not be allowed to enter until the next stoppage in play.

FIFA has also announced stricter disciplinary measures for player conduct. Players who cover their mouths during confrontational situations with opponents may face red cards, while teams whose players walk off the field in protest risk forfeiting matches.

The changes come ahead of what is expected to be the largest FIFA World Cup in history, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Karachi police seek FIA assistance in ‘Pinky’ case investigation

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Karachi police

KARACHI: Karachi police have sought assistance from the Federal Investigation Agency for investigations into alleged money laundering and cybercrime links in the case involving arrested suspect Anmol alias Pinky.

According to officials, DIG South Karachi Asad Raza sent a formal letter to the FIA requesting technical support in the investigation.

Police said initial findings revealed that associates of the suspect allegedly conducted financial transactions through multiple bank accounts and received funds via various channels.

The letter stated that the suspects are believed to be involved in narcotics trafficking and suspicious financial transactions, adding that FIA assistance is required due to the cybercrime and banking transaction aspects of the case.

The DIG South also requested the deployment of FIA officers to assist in tracing banking transactions.

According to the letter, three cases have been registered against the suspect at Garden and Baghdadi police stations in Karachi, including investigations related to narcotics, illegal weapons and murder charges.

Anxiety, depression push global mental health cases to 1.2b, study finds

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Anxiety

A new study published in The Lancet has revealed that anxiety and depression have pushed the number of people living with mental health disorders worldwide to an estimated 1.2 billion.

According to the research, the number of people affected by mental illnesses has nearly doubled over the past three decades, largely driven by a sharp rise in anxiety and depression cases globally.

The study estimated that around 1.2 billion people worldwide were suffering from at least one mental health disorder in 2023.

Researchers found that mental health disorders increased by 95% between 1990 and 2023, with depression and anxiety cases rising by 131% and 158%, respectively. The two conditions have now become the most common mental health disorders worldwide.

The researchers stressed the need for stronger global action to address mental health challenges, particularly among vulnerable groups.

The study also showed that women are more affected by mental health disorders than men. Globally, around 620 million cases were recorded among women, compared to 552 million among men.

According to researchers, factors such as low self-esteem, concerns over body image and domestic violence may contribute to the higher prevalence of mental illness among women.

Depression, anxiety, persistent depressive symptoms and bipolar disorder were found to be more common among women, while behavioral conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism were more prevalent among men.

The study further found that mental health problems were most common among individuals aged 15 to 19.